Top 5 Monti Food & Drink Spots: A Local’s Honest Review

Alright, listen up, because you might just be planning a trip, maybe, or you’re day-dreaming about one, and you are thinking about the unbelievable Monti area of Rome, right? Well, as a local who, basically, lives and breathes (and eats!) here, I’m ready to give you, like, the inside scoop on the food and drink scene, more or less, I think. That area? So, too, it’s home to places that seem to be overflowing with atmosphere, very many hidden gems and plenty of spots where you can just, well, kick back and watch the world go by, apparently. Get your appetite ready – because we’re hitting my five favorite places that I actually think you have to check out, very.

1. Ai Tre Scalini: A Monti Institution

Ai Tre Scalini is practically a landmark in Monti, so, for sure, if you only pick one place off this list, this may be it, virtually. Seriously, located in a sweet little spot on Via Panisperna, it might be the kind of spot where you always see people gathered outside, that is that. First of all, there’s history, too: Ai Tre Scalini has really been around since 1895, I think, very. The building itself practically looks like it has tales to tell, but anyway it feels like a step back in time, yet it’s totally alive, that’s something that is for certain. We’re talking traditional Roman cuisine with a modern spin, very, very. And it’s not just me saying this, you know?

Then there’s the ambiance, rather like the outdoor seating is wonderful for soaking up the atmosphere, a bit. In some respects, it could be seen to get a little crowded (especially in the evenings), so if that kind of atmosphere actually is right for you, I’m recommending this. Also, they have a cellar, with bottles everywhere – basically, for you to have something, it is all there! But when it comes to food? So many amazing reviews! So if you like pasta? Maybe go and get some Cacio e Pepe there. Or, it’s always good for the classics too – like Amatriciana!

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2. Urbana 47: Creative Bites and Vintage Vibes

Okay, you know how places have a vibe? Like, some places really do it well? That could be Urbana 47, very. I believe this might be the kind of place that’s almost hard to define in a few words, right? Urbana 47, which, to be fair, is on Via Urbana (easy to recall), really feels, almost, like it wants you to chill out as soon as you walk in, usually. Inside it really feels vintage: wooden furniture, soft lighting and just, well, I can’t help but feel that there’s a creative buzz in the air that feels different from many other places, right?

I feel their big plus? They are doing their best to use only locally sourced and pretty sustainable ingredients, apparently. Everything seems quite farm-to-table, just a little. The menu actually changes with the seasons, which I love, just a little: so that, you will find something actually exciting and new almost every time, virtually. It feels like it may well be rustic and yet innovative – just go and try it! The carbonara with zucchini flowers that I had a little while ago might have been wonderful and it makes the experience of Urbana something truly unique!

Their prices? Usually they seem more on the average to expensive side of things. They really do aim to deliver on flavour and ambiance, rather. Is this just an experience that many are talking about? Or will you be one too?

Read our full review: Urbana 47 Full Review and Details

3. La Casetta a Monti: Picture-Perfect Charm

Alright, listen up, you have to get that shot, don’t you? Like, that absolutely super picture postcard snap that makes, basically, all your Instagram friends (or whatever social platform) green with, very, very, jealousy? This may well be your opportunity here: La Casetta a Monti, on Via Madonna dei Monti. Is this the picture of, perhaps, Italian charm itself, alright?

Seriously, it feels like a tiny vine-covered house, basically, overflowing with plants and flowers. Many of them actually come out and spill onto the little stepped area in front of the building – the building itself may just be a super photo opportunity to go and soak in for an hour, and feel Italian life unfolding in front of your very eyes, or, maybe a place for an Instagram snap to capture. Arguably, I do not blame them though!

Drinks tend to be your general cocktails, that you may see everywhere else, such as spritzes, or negronis, that, but what you’re getting isn’t just something to quench your thirst. Just go with the whole ‘look’. People very much like this – it’s nearly packed a lot! The perfect time? Arguably, try to hit this place during a quieter time of the day – more or less, think before lunchtime and watch everyone setting up for the big party that’s almost there – or, late in the day just as things may be winding down, but the party is, almost, continuing, very, very. As I was saying, watch and photograph at will!

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4. Analemma Monti: Rooftop Views and Elegant Cocktails

Time for you to get higher? I mean, seriously. That isn’t just a reference to trying the awesome Italian spirits, alright? It almost feels that Monti comes with the kind of advantage with some unbelievable panoramic vistas right across the city and I might be leading you to Analemma Monti, potentially, anyway, as a matter of fact. As a rooftop bar which really sits on top of the Hotel Nerva, Analemma offers seriously beautiful sights over the Roman Forum and other great landmarks. Are you enjoying a sundowner here at dusk? You may just fall in love with this area, potentially.

Cocktails feel just a little on the special side here – actually you’re definitely getting well-crafted drinks prepared by folks who know their trade, so, it’s usually pretty good, isn’t it? So there’s things from the kind of classic drinks (you know, for safety?) but don’t you want to try something new, or are you not curious? Are you sure that trying the bar’s specials and recommendations might not give you the rush you are seeking? Maybe I am just too ‘out there’, that.

Actually there are appetizers there, naturally, yet I still think many of you are visiting for a bit more – especially to experience Analemma. As I was saying – the killer sights! Don’t you agree that there might be an unsaid elegance about the place too, anyway? This can be good or it can be very snobby… Well – I believe it works well for them! And their reviews do tend to demonstrate that!

Read our full review: Analemma Monti Full Review and Details

5. Bottega Monti: A Hidden Gem for Aperitivo

Time to complete my best list here? Like, I really should probably be keeping Bottega Monti a secret as it’s, obviously, on my favorite places that maybe you shouldn’t go to! Basically, at the end of the day that’s really not the kind of person that I am though! Bottega Monti can be that sort of spot in Monti which isn’t too ‘much’ and very comfortable for folks, that.

Located a bit off the more traveled areas around the area, it may be quite relaxing just to kick back and feel ‘at home’. Very popular with locals (usually – as they love to keep it to themselves!), there are those awesome selections of drinks as well as, also, that famous buffet selection to try at aperitivo time, virtually. So yes – the aperitivo may be wonderful and you may get, usually, some wonderful morsels along with some interesting drink concoctions and flavours. Aperol Spritz may not cut it once you taste that drink menu…

Maybe you may actually not realize about the ambiance and Bottega’s whole feeling of effortlessness with you – in that respect, I want to recommend the food! The ingredients are fresh and taste great! Also – it’s pretty well priced, I do believe – particularly in a city that actually sees rip-off joints coming in with prices constantly increasing, that. Can Bottega Monti just become your local? Possibly so!

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