Roma's Best GF Pasta
Every so often you come across a city so grand that it makes you reconsider WTF you’re doing with yourself and your life. That, my friends, is ROMA. The most magical, sparkliest city in the world with deeper and darker history than your worst ex and that girl who sits in the corner in the back row in The Breakfast Club.
ROMA has spark.
This brings me to it, in cities like Rome, we don’t eat to live, we live to eat. True story: I lost 4 pounds in Rome and ate pasta for EVERY MEAL including breakfast.
If you’re like me and want only the best of the best, here it is, the top 5 gluten free pastas in Rome:
Dal Bolognese
Piazza del Popolo, 1, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
The Spark: Tagliatelle Bolognese
Dal Bolognese is a place where old Italian ladies, their chihuahua’s and their fur coats lunch — like Freds in NYC except the food has taste and the people have depth. Directly across from the renowned hotel that your parents who live in Bergen County and your friends that work for Google can afford to stay at located in Piazza Del Popolo (I’m talking the infamous Hotel De Russie).
As advertised, Dal Bolognese has one of the best bolognese’s we have ever had. Every pasta on the menu consistently comes out al dente to the max, with more flavor than your grandma’s challah but not so much flavor that it makes it unapproachable for even the most timid of traveler. Dal Bolognese is both for you and Rome’s richest, so be aware before diving into one of the best but most expensive pasta’s Roma has to offer.
Al Moro
Vicolo delle Bollette, 13, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
The Spark: Artichoke, Spaghetti Al Moro
This place is 100 feet from the crowded, tourist heavy Trevi Fountain but transports you to a world away. First of all, it’s tough to get in, so make a reservation far in advance unless you work at an agency and feel like waking up your assistant at 3am PST who is prepared to call in and say “my boss, an important producer who’s in from LA, is in Rome for the night — yes, he’s looking to eat dinner in 15 minutes”.
More importantly, the food at Al Moro is next to none. The artichokes are a must order, so so is the Spaghetti Al Moro and all the Tortelini’s (not GF). Al Moro gets many things right but the rightest of them all — they know how to do al dente perfectly. When I say that, I mean every time I go to a restaurant now, I test the chewiness of the pasta against the oh-so-vivid and pleasant memory of the pasta at Al Moro. Don’t walk, run!
Place with the truffles, Osteria Barberini
Via della Purificazione, 21, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
The Spark: White Truffle Lasagna
Oh yes, this place. First off, this place is great. They always say they are busy but they’re not — just go and convince them to seat you. We had just landed and wanted our fix of pasta. Order the lasagna, you will feel true euphoria, and don’t forget the truffles. Its not a tourist trap, because its small and hidden and there are many locals lunching. Though we may sound iffy about this place, it’s a must go for a super yummy and comforting lunch or dinner in the eternal city. The chef welcomes gluten allergies as a challenge, so its a fun place to go as one of your first stops in Roma (where everyone else will judge you for being GF)
Salumeria Roscioli
Via dei Giubbonari, 21/22, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
The Spark: Carbonara, Salumi
This is the trendy place that all your friends in fashion will tell you to go. Its fab. The drinks, the pasta and the vibes are amazing. Be sure to order the carbonara and pay attention to the groups of chic Americans and Romans that flock. You may meet your +1 here to your cousin’s wedding next summer. If you don’t, go to the attached supermarket to buy the best bottle of wine you’ve ever bought for 30 euros (and if you’re really sad your still alone afterparty at GF pizza spot Voglia Di Pizza or La Soffita Renovatio)
Ad Hoc
Via di Ripetta, 43, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
The Spark: Truffle Tasting Menu
Ad Hoc is a really cute fancy spot in a cute fancy area with cute fancy food. Go there - eat GF past and drink wine, you wont regret it, but just make sure you go to Dal Bolognese and Al Moro first. Oh, also, order truffles.
BONUS POINTS: Da Enzo al 29 is fabulous but does not have GF pasta. Still go for an incredible meal of proteins and veggies - since we all know Akin is watching your back as soon as you step off the plane at JFK.
