MORNING COFFEE
La Casetta, a 15th century, ivy-covered building in the middle of Monti, has to be one of the prettiest places in Rome to drink coffee. It's a landmark in the inner-city neighbourhood of Monti, surrounded by cobbled alleyways, Roman graffiti and Vespas parked up by local residents. Order a tiny espresso or a cappuccino, and a ricotta crostata if you're hungry, and watch the city's inhabitants go on their way to work.
PASTA, PASTA, PASTA
After a morning spent wandering the nearby Colosseum and Roman Forum, refuel at La Carbonara, an old-school osteria in the middle of this hip neighbourhood. Hundreds of hand-drawn messages and signatures cover the walls of the century-old restaurant and the menu is filled with traditional Roman dishes like cacio e pepe pasta and local artichokes (when in season). Of course you should order the eponymous Spaghetti alla Carbonara — the Roman take on Mac n Cheese — and pair it with a light, dry prosecco and a salad.
