Rome Villa Borghese, Parioli, And Flaminio

Food in this area is best eaten away from the dinner table. In other words, because it is primarily a residential area surrounded by park, eating out tends to be pricey. Your best bet is to pack a picnic beforehand and eat it in one of the lovely gardens.

Starocia Lunch Bar, V. Sicilia 121 (☎06 48 84 986), Pop into this bustling, modern cafe after a stroll in the Villa Borghese. Chic white decor and a small patio out front distinguish it from other food bars offering the same, standard fare. Fresh (and huge) panini, pasta, cocktails, and coffee are surprisingly well-priced given Starocia's hip vibe. Especially popular with the lunch crowd, though its evening happy hour buffet for only €4 (€6 with wine) means you'll probably make it your dinner spot. Walking south on V. Po (away from the Villa Borghese), make a right onto V. Sicilia. Happy hour buffet €4, with wine €6. Pasta and Open M-Sa 5:15am-9:30pm. Happy hour M-Sa 6pm. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Bubi's, V. G.V. Gravina 7-9 (☎06 32 60 05 10; www.bubis.it), The small menu and serene pistachio walls of this elegant restaurant cater to diners with refined taste. Terrace seating behind a wall of leaves is great for a more intimate meal and makes you feel far removed from the busy V. Flaminia. Though specializing in classic Roman cuisine, the restaurant serves entrees like straccetti di pollo with curry and Canadian rice as well as a range of gourmet hamburgers that add a little bit of international flare. A: Flaminio or tram #19 to Belle Arti. Walk up V. Flaminio from the Metro for about 5min. and turn left onto V. Giovanni Vincenzo Gravina. Open M-Sa 12:30-3pm and 8-11pm. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Tree Bar, V. Flaminia 226 (☎06 32 65 27 54), If you're in the park and want to feast somewhere besides a picnic bench, this classy lunch bar does the trick. The white pebbles, glass “walls,” and wooden decor (even the lanterns are made of wood, but try to banish those thoughts of potential fire hazard from your mind) make you feel like you're at a vacation house and should be sunbathing by the pool. But save that for outside—the art magazines, chic bar, and plush green couches inside create an upscale vibe. Healthy entrees and finger foods are listed on the chalkboard menu, which is posted on a column in the center of the room. B: Flaminio. Walk about 25min. up V. Flaminia. Or tram #2 to Belle Arti. Open M 6pm-2am, Tu-Su 10:30am-2am. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has outdoor seating.
Ristorante al Borghetto, V. Flaminia 77 (☎06 32 02 397), A quality alternative to some fancier spots nearby, this modest restaurant serves delicious and more original takes on Roman classics. A great variety of vegetarian plates includes the orecchiette with eggplant, mint, ricotta, and walnuts. Fish lovers will appreciate the pesto taglioni with octopus for a little variation on standard primi. The small, yellow- and scarlet-accented interior creates a welcoming atmosphere. A: Flaminio. Walk 5min. up V. Flaminia. Primi €8.50-13; secondi €14-18.50. Open M-Sa 12:30-3pm and 7:30pm-midnight. Takes credit cards. Wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning. Has outdoor seating.
Il Margutta Ristorante, V. Margutta (☎06 32 65 05 77; www.ilmargutta.it), Vegetarians, rejoice! (Even vegans can let out a shout of joy.) The expansive interior of this meatless restaurant, accented by tall potted plants to match the green cuisine, creates a surprisingly sophisticated feel. Black circular booths mixed with small, orange tables welcome both bigger parties and couples. Those tired of traditional pasta can feast on refreshing plates like buckwheat noodles topped with strawberries, asparagus, and gorgonzola. For a protein kick, try the seitan escalope with lemon and Cartizze sauce. Though a single entree will probably fill you up, full tasting menus are offered for those who can't get enough. The Sunday festivity brunch features a huge buffet with live music (€25). A: Flaminio. From Piazzale Flaminia, walk into P. del Popolo and veer left onto V. del Babuino. Proceed 5min. and turn left onto the small alley street, V. Margutta. Open daily 12:30-3:30pm and 7:30-11:30pm. Takes credit cards. No wheelchair access. Serves alcohol. Has air conditioning.