Some lunches deserve a journey of their own. In Grottaferrata, La Taverna dello Spuntino offers a reason to leave Rome behind for a few hours and give the table your full attention. Arrive with an appetite and a little space in the afternoon.

Brick arches, copper pans and dark wood give the rooms their character. Orange tablecloths bring warmth to the setting, while a gramophone and decorative plates invite a closer look. There is plenty to notice before the first course arrives, and no particular reason to rush past it.

The kitchen looks to the Castelli Romani, bringing a contemporary touch to local traditions. Homemade pasta, roasts and garden vegetables are among its references, with mushrooms appearing in their season. Ask what the kitchen is preparing that day, then let the meal take shape around the answer.

Come with friends who enjoy ordering together, or make it a lunch for two with the afternoon left open. The pleasure is in settling into the room and allowing one course to lead to another. By dessert, the trip out of Rome may feel like the easiest decision of the day.

La Taverna dello Spuntino
Via Cicerone 20, 00046 Grottaferrata (RM)
Telephone: +39 06 9431 5985
Official website & reservations

Reservations: taverna@tavernadellospuntino.com