Little black book of Rome

Seeking for the best places to eat in Rome? We ask in-the-know locals to share their favourite culinary gems in one of the world's finest food cities.

- KISSA CASTANEDA

From Gladiator II to the Catholic Jubilee, the last few months have put Rome in the centre of cultural conversation. Truth be told, the Italian capital is perpetually in the spotlight-evident from the 35 million tourists that visit the city each year.

It's hardly surprising: who wouldn't dream of travelling to Rome at least once in their life? Whether you want to retrace history at the Colosseum, take in the spectacular architecture of the Pantheon or Zaha Hadid's MAXXI museum, stroll down the Spanish Steps and along Via Condotti for some serious shopping, or do the customary coin toss at the Trevi Fountain, Rome has to be experienced first-hand.

While there are seven hills to contend with, Rome's beauty unfolds when you explore its patina-laden streets on foot. All that walking is sure to make you hungry, and luckily this is a city made for eating well. As the birthplace of cacio e pepe, pasta alla carbonara, carciofi alla romana, it's a sin not to bring your appetite when you travel to Rome.

The main challenge is how to sift through the hundreds of restaurants to avoid the tourist traps and pick places that matter. Well, you know what they say: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do". So, we've asked the clued-in locals to share their blackbook on eating and drinking in the Eternal City.

Massimo Mazzola

Head Concierge, Hotel d'Inghilterra

With the best restaurants on speed dial, Massimo Mazzola has been guiding the well-heeled guests of the iconic Hotel d'Inghilterra since 2012. With decades of experience working in luxury hotels - he was previously with Belmond's Splendido in Portofino Mazzola instinctively knows when a place is special and what to recommend for a truly memorable holiday.

Ristorante Angelina a Testaccio