On the ground floor of the elegant, centrally located The First Arte, Rome hotel, with its beautiful atmosphere enhanced by original works of art, painting and sculptures, Acquolina restaurant serves fish-based recipes inspired by Italian cuisine with an added creative twist. Chef Lippi creates these beautiful dishes for guests, but once he’s hung up his chef’s apron, where are some of his favorite places in Rome?
Below, he shares some of his top spots in the city.
Delicious bread at Panificio Marè
Via Anna Maria Taigi 6This bakery, which opened in 1979 in the Garbatella district, is open all day from Monday to Saturday, from breakfast to later in the day. Don’t miss the warm sourdough bread baked every afternoon and the pan-baked Roman pizza, especially with broccoletti and sausage.
Fish and seafood at Meglio Fresco
Via di Boccea 350Situated outside the center and 5km west of Vatican City, Meglio Fresco is a fishmonger that sells top-quality fish and seafood by day but transforms into a restaurant at night. The food is excellent, and the service, overseen by owner Arturo, is friendly and attentive. I feel really at home here.
Coltelleria De Paola, an artisan knife-maker
Via Orazio 11This knife shop in the Prati district not far from Castel Sant'Angelo was founded in the 1950s by master craftsman Ruberto Antonio. The products made here are of the highest quality, with careful attention paid to the sharpening of the knives. Their motto is “Working well is a craft, working better an art.”
My favorite fashion at Holypopstore
Via Del Vantaggio 46Just 100m from my restaurant, this modern boutique boasts a huge selection of limited-edition sneakers and casual clothes from famous brands. I pass their shop every day and I’ve bought quite a few pairs of shoes here. They’re always friendly and attentive, and it’s one of my favorite stores in Rome.
Barbiere Francesco dal 1968 – time to relax!
Via Marcantonio Colonna 31This historic barber in the Prati district is one of the few to have retained its simple, understated style. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing haircut and I can highly recommend the extremely comfortable armchairs!
Notes
Panificio Marè − Via Anna Maria Taigi 6
Meglio Fresco − Via di Boccea 350
Coltelleria De Paola − Via Orazio 11
Holypopstore − Via Del Vantaggio 46
Barbiere Francesco dal 1968 − Via Marcantonio Colonna 31
Cover page: Lo chef Daniele Lippi
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