I’m just back from a month of eating great food and learning new cooking tips and techniques in Italy.     When in Rome, check out my recommendations, all in the heart of Trastevere.

Chef Andrea will treat you to a special cooking class with his Cooking Classes in Rome.  Admittedly I know a bit about Italian cooking but I learned a few tips and tricks during the class including the difference between Northern Italian Eggplant Parmesan and Sicilian.    The latter being the one I’m well versed in with a breaded crust.   This class is even fun for novice cooks.   I dragged my husband and children to the class and it was undoubtedly their favorite activity in Rome.

Grazia & Graziella was our favorite find in the neighborhood.   Our opinion may have been skewed by our long day of sightseeing at the Vatican Museum but if you’re looking for a fun, hip spot, head on here.    I highly recommend the Lasagna Bolognese.  It had such a bright, fresh taste!

Head on over to Trattoria Da Enza for a bit of a funky experience.   It’s a tiny restaurant so pray you get seated next to a skinny person or you’ll be wedged in for the evening.    Reservations are a must for the seating of only about 20 then there’s a long line after that for first come first served tables.    We most enjoyed the scrumptious meatballs and fried artichokes.  Their bread was the best we tasted during our month long Italian adventure.

If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet, try Hotel Santa Maria.   I loaded up every morning with their tasty breakfast.    Their bread was top notch, only a tad below Da Enza’s quality mark and their fruit tarts were to die for.