Rome Off the Beaten Path

There’s something irresistible about Rome — the layers of history, the sun-kissed ruins, the smell of espresso in the morning, and the way the city invites you to slow down and savor. With just a short time to explore, we focused on the hidden corners and local favorites, guided by some very chic and trusted friends.

I was lucky to receive recommendations from the ever-stylish Martina Mondadori, founder of Cabana Magazine and Cabana Guide to Europe, and the brilliant decorator Alessandra Branca, who knows Rome like a local (because she is one). Their suggestions led us to the kind of places you dream about — full of heart, history, and beauty.

Where We Ate

• Ristorante al Moro and Da Nino were both old-school, classic Roman spots — delicious and full of character.
• Pierluigi is a must for dinner. Elegant, lively, and perfect for people-watching.
• The concierge at JK Place recommended Vico’s Pizza for a casual bite, which was wrapped in frescoes, packed with local families, and serving up irresistible Neapolitan Pizza.
• But the place that truly stole my heart? Ristorante Archimede, just steps from Gammarelli (yes, The Pope’s tailor!). We popped in thanks to a tip from the red sock salesman (a character!) and were greeted by a room full of Romans and some of the best artichokes and pasta of the trip.
• When we needed a little rest and refreshment, Ciampini was the perfect stop—classic Roman gelato enjoyed under the shade of an umbrella, with just the right amount of people-watching.

Where We Shopped

• Schostal was a hidden gem for classic pajamas for the ladies and gents and beautiful knit polos that Justin loved. Schostal’s pajamas have taken over the social media feeds of the world’s most glamorous influencers and I just had to experience it for myself!
• Gammarelli, naturally, for a bit of papal flair — red socks included. Gammarelli has been the the official clothier of the pope since it opened in 1798 and we just loved the visit. While we were there, a member of the clergy came in to get his new biretta. Watching them take his measurements and open and close the old wooden drawers to help him with his selection truly gave us an intimate glimpse of the life of the clergy.
• A stroll along Via Giulia and Via Monserrato revealed elegant, small shops that felt like treasure chests.
• At L’Archivio di Monserrato, designer Soledad Twombly creates clothing from vintage textiles — each piece a work of art.
• And just down the street, we discovered Carmelo Morello Studio, where the designer himself welcomed us in. His pieces felt personal, special, and unforgettable.

A Cultural Detour

We have done the major attractions on previous visits so we skipped the Colosseum and Pantheon and enjoyed some lesser-known museums. If it is your first visit, don’t miss these remarkable treasures. I recommend reserving a golf cart tour with a guide.

• Thanks to Alessandra, we visited Palazzo Altemps, a beautifully preserved villa filled with sculpture, frescoes, and archaeological finds — peaceful and transporting.
• We didn’t make it to Scuderie del Quirinale, but it came highly recommended and is on the list for next time.

It’s impossible to do Rome justice in a short visit, but this little itinerary left us full — of pasta, art, beauty, and inspiration. Rome in the summer calls for breezy clothing and shoes made for wandering. The cobblestone streets are beautiful—but they demand shoes that are comfortable but cool! Speaking of cobblestones, I hope you’ll follow in our footsteps if you find yourself with a Roman afternoon to spare.

Please leave a comment and us know what you like to see, shop and eat in Rome.

💙 Kimberly