I usually avoid restaurants beside tourist attractions, because the food often takes second place to the view, but one night in Rome when a recommended restaurant was closed I decided to try Baccano near the Trevi Fountain.
The photo was taken not long before Christmas, which explains the lighting.
The restaurant looks a lot like one of my favourite spots in New York, Balthazar, which looks a lot like a French Bistrot from the early 1900s.
While the decor is French, the food is definitely Italian and mine was very good. The lighting was subdued, so my photos are not the best, but my first course of sardines was excellent.
Pasta is made on the premises and was also very good.
I ordered dessert in the name of research and I can report that the cheesecake was delicious.
There is a bar where you can enjoy an aperitivo and bar snacks and delicious oysters.
It is also possible to sit outside and take in the view.
Baccano is open 7 days a week from early in the morning until late. The kitchen closes at midnight and the deli counter at 1.30.
Baccano,
Via delle Muratte 23.
The ‘research’ looks so good. I would enjoy diving into that desert.
By: Just Add Attitude on January 15, 2015
at 8:44 pm
I certainly dived in. I love a good cheesecake.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 15, 2015
at 8:59 pm
Have put that one on my wish list for next time in Roma. Looks sensational.
By: Dianne. CANT on January 15, 2015
at 8:49 pm
I have walked past it many times. I am pleased I finally went in.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 15, 2015
at 9:00 pm
It looks and sounds terrific! Thank you for the tip, Debra!
By: Mulino Dominillo on January 15, 2015
at 8:50 pm
The service was excellent and it was reasonably priced…I will be back.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 15, 2015
at 9:01 pm
Thank goodness for the sacrifices you make in the name of research- looks great
By: Liz Litzow on January 15, 2015
at 9:48 pm
I do my best.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 15, 2015
at 9:58 pm
I’m now craving authentic Italian food.
By: aFrankAngle on January 16, 2015
at 12:59 am
Those sardines were very good. I wish I could cook them as well as that.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 16, 2015
at 9:48 am
Love the look of this restaurant. I thought the Trevi Fountain was undergoing restoration and is currently closed. I will be there in July and was hoping to see it. Do you know anything about this?
By: sgriccia on January 16, 2015
at 1:11 am
When I was in Rome just before Christmas the Trevi Fountain was still under scaffolding. My photo was taken before the work started. I am not sure of the finish date. It is such a pity for first time visitors to find these beautiful places covered, but, of course, they need to be maintained. The Colosseum also has scaffolding right now.
July is still 6 months away and the work has been going on for quite some time so you might be lucky.
PS I have just found a site called romecabs.com which has an article about the restoration, which is sponsored by Fendi. It says the works will continue until autumn 2015.
There is some compensation as you are now able to walk across the fountain and see the sculptures up close.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 16, 2015
at 1:58 am
That’s great that you found somewhere near a touristy spot that is good. We felt the same way so we avoided most of them in those areas.
By: Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella on January 16, 2015
at 3:34 am
I have actually had done very ordinary meals in Rome. It was good to find one that is really close to where I stay that I like.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 16, 2015
at 9:50 am
I love your research work Deb. I guess someone had to do it. It looks like a very nice place
By: Lyn on January 16, 2015
at 5:21 am
The setting is great and I was very happy with the food and service.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 16, 2015
at 9:51 am
Looks absolutely gorgeous. I usually stay with a friend who lives near there so must check it out!
By: Catherine on January 16, 2015
at 6:02 am
I’m sure you will like it.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 16, 2015
at 9:51 am
Hehe… dolce in the name of research always. I always love your restaurant tips. When you think about it, it’s not right to dismiss places just because they’re nearby the great attractions. Certainly some of the best bars in Italy are in the best known piazze so why not places to eat???
By: janinevasta on January 16, 2015
at 10:00 am
This place is very good, I will be going back for sure. I can’t tell you how many times I have walked past it without going in.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 16, 2015
at 10:01 am
Yum! And so sweet, visually. I love that place! (Not personally, as I’ve never been, but I feel that I need to go). Eating in the name of research is a must every now and then, isn’t it?
By: The Daily Cure on January 16, 2015
at 1:11 pm
It reminds me a lot of Balthazar in New York, which I love, so it had a head start with me.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 16, 2015
at 9:14 pm
I love Balthazar too, though I don’t love their prices!
By: The Daily Cure on January 17, 2015
at 7:59 am
It can be a. It expensive. I usually go there for breakfast, probably the cheapest meal of the day.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 17, 2015
at 8:54 pm
Those sardines look crunchy and inviting! I’ve tried to make my sardines look like the ones in your picture…..wonder if the chef mixes some spices with the flour before frying them….? Wonderful pictures of Baccano – well done, Debra!
By: Sandra Hoopmann on January 17, 2015
at 10:41 am
I haven’t tackled sardines…much easier to have someone else do it.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 17, 2015
at 8:55 pm
That looks like a great place – I also liked your research on desserts!
By: megtraveling on January 17, 2015
at 10:39 pm
It is better when I am dining with a friend, as I get to try more things.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2015
at 9:00 pm
That food looks fabulous….and the view pretty good as well.!
By: Jim & Kerry on January 18, 2015
at 5:02 am
I am glad I tried Baccano. I have had some quite ordinary meals in Rome and it is good to know there is something I like close to the Julia where I always stay.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2015
at 9:01 pm
I walked by this restaurant when I was in Rome this fall and peaked in the window and thought the same thing about it looking like Balthazar!
By: paninigirl on January 18, 2015
at 3:18 pm
We have a restaurant in Brusbane that was heavily influenced by Balthazar too. It now served very good Italian food.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 18, 2015
at 9:02 pm
Making me feel very hungry….i’ll definitely visit Baccano when I am in Rome in May….thanks for the tip Debra
By: Sonia Hudson on January 21, 2015
at 1:55 am
I hope you like it. I was impressed.
By: Debra Kolkka on January 21, 2015
at 9:51 am
Beautiful restaurant. The sardines look incredible, and so does that cheesecake!
By: Rachel Marie on January 21, 2015
at 4:39 pm