UNIQLO is part of the community. This time around, we’re focusing on Rome, home to the second UNIQLO in Italy to open after the first store in Milan. Here’s a glimpse at recent trends in this city of historic landmarks.
SWIPE
It’s a testament to this town’s enduring appeal that the settings of Roman Holiday, filmed over seven decades ago, remain largely unchanged. Directly across from the UNIQLO Rome Via del Corso store is the storied Piazza Colonna. From there, it’s only a bit further to the Pantheon, a former Roman temple and a symbol of the city, or to the popular sightseeing spot Trevi Fountain.
Walking is a great way to experience Rome’s history, but inside these classic buildings, a new culinary movement is afoot. Across the River Tiber flowing through the city center, there’s an old-fashioned downtown area, perfect for walking off a meal.
UNIQLO Rome
Opened in April 2024 in a corner of the Galleria Alberto Sordi shopping arcade built in 1922 in the Art Nouveau style. Spiraling steps connect the basement level with two floors above ground, in a retail space spanning 1,300 m2 including a piazza-style open area where Vespas and other Roman symbols are displayed. In the library downstairs, you’ll find a corner with some mangas from Star Shop, a Roman bookshop specializing in Japanese culture. Repairs and embroidery services at the RE.UNIQLO STUDIO are overseen by local Roman tailoring studio Le Tre Sarte.
Via del Corso, 197, 00187 Roma
column 1The River Tiber and Isola Tiberina
The River Tiber and Tiber Island
Isola Tiberina, Roma
A hallmark of a good town is a good river. But not every river town has river islands. Along the River Tiber, which meanders north to south through Rome, is Isola Tiberina, or Tiber Island. Far from isolated, Isola Tiberina is connected by a gorgeous pair of bridges which afford equally gorgeous views. Food stalls appear in summer, creating an oasis that gives Romans a way to vacation without leaving the city. The city has taken pains to make itself a place where its citizens can work as well as play, a concept that’s a boon for visitors too. Once autumn rolls around, the roads along the riverside, where cars are not allowed, fill with the sight of bicycles and runners. You can almost feel the breeze just thinking about it. By the way, the grand building at the center of the island is a hospital built in the sixteenth century that’s still in use.
Forno Conti & Co.Bakery, Cafe
With a line out the door from the time they open at 8:30, this Roman bakery is run by the Contis, fourth-generation bakers in business for over a century. Choose from mainstays like pain au chocolat, baguette, and rye as well as mini pizzas and baked goods inspired by Italian, French and Nordic traditions, many of which, like this meringue (5 euros), go perfect with espresso. At lunch, there are sandwiches and bruschetta made with seasonal vegetables that can be savored in the modern interior or outside at the tables on the terrace.
Via Giusti, 18, 00185 Roma
OtalegGelateria
Over thirty flavors! Along with gelato classics like chocolate and seasonal fruits like mango and raspberry (3 euros for two flavors), there are always new gourmet options featuring ingredients like cheese or spicy pepper. The shop collaborates with farmers and cheesemakers to create new offerings. Indeed, we have Otaleg to thank for gelato becoming available all year round in Rome. Locals enjoying a tasty treat are a constant site outside this little shop in Trastevere.
Via di San Cosimato 14, 00153 Roma
L’elementare TrasteverePizzeria
This pizzeria is taking thin-crust Roman pizza to another level. The classic Italian pasta dish Spaghetti alla puttanesca, featuring salt-cured olives, anchovies, and tomato sauce, has taken on new life here as “Puttanesca Pizza” (13 euros). Similarly, their new take on suppli rice croquettes uses pasta instead, in a popular dish called “Suppli Ajo e Ojo” (4 euros) that can be eaten with the hands. Pair with one of sixteen curated craft brews to enjoy the taste of Rome today.
Via Benedetta 23, 00153 Roma
Spazio SetteBook Shop
Situated near Rome’s iconic Pantheon, this modern bookshop, housed in a renovated mansion built in the 1600s, is stocked with everything from art books and city guides to novels. The space also has a fresco on the ceiling and is used to host author events. Take a break from exploring the city in the cafe corner. The shop is said to have a friendly cat, who we were sad to miss on our visit.
Via dei Barbieri 7, Sant’eustachio, Largo Argentina, 00186 Roma
VuotopienoGuest House
This cluster of apartments is located within walking distance of sightseeing hotspots like Piazza di Spagna and Vatican City. These spaces, which are also used as galleries, have been decorated by in-house architects with antique Tuscan furniture like something out of an interiors magazine. One has a bedroom with a gorgeous ceiling painting. Each apartment has a kitchen. Guests can stay from 3 to 10 nights. Starting from 230-250 euros per night, though rates can vary by the season, so be sure to check ahead.
Via Pietro Cossa, 28, 00193 Roma
RetrobottegaRistorante
At the forefront of Rome’s contemporary restaurant scene, Retrobottega uses only fresh ingredients, so the set menu (5 plates, 70 euros) changes almost daily. A la carte also available. As shown in dishes like the nettle and spinach cream with raw beans and smoked cherries (pictured), the chefs make ample use of herbs and vegetables foraged in the mountains on the outskirts of the city. The restaurant has big shared tables to facilitate communication among guests. Featuring a vast selection of natural wine.
Via d'Ascanio, 26A, 00186 Roma
Ruma Bottega & Cucina AgricolaRistorante
This buffalo cheese restaurant was opened two years ago by a family that has raised buffalo and made cheese in the Tuscan region for generations. Everything from the mozzarella and aged cheeses to the yogurt and gelato is made from water buffalo milk, which can be purchased retail or enjoyed as part of lunch or dinner. The modern interior features buffalo hide chairs and wooden tables designed by the owner, who is also an architect. Pictured are three types of crostini with cheese and seasonal vegetables (9 euros).
Via Di Parione 13, 00186 Roma
column 2Taking Rome Home!
Taking Italy Home!
1. Marble plate
Made by La Bottega del Marmoraro, a marble artisan near Piazza di Spagna. Choose from Rome-related sayings or opt for a custom phrase, allowing for a 2-3 day turnaround. Either costs 15 euros. Address: Via Margutta, 53B
15 eurosVia Margutta, 53B
2. Chocolate cream
At century-old chocolatier Said dal 1923, they make their own version of the sweet hazelnut cocoa spread so beloved by the people of Rome as a bread topping (5.7 euros). Address: Via Tiburtina, 135
5.7 eurosVia Tiburtina, 135
3. Snow globe
Hold Rome’s iconic destinations in your hand. Snow globes enclose the Colosseum or Trevi Fountain in a dome of glass. Sold at kiosks in the historic center.
5 euros
*All prices and information current as of June 2024.
