Roma - Piazza delle Coppelle

Piazza delle Coppelle is in the heart of Rome only a stones throw away from the beautiful Pantheon.  Leaving the Pantheon head straight down via della Maddalena, take a left into via delle Coppelle and a right up into the piazza, many a day and evening I have enjoyed in the bars and restaurants surrounding this tiny piazza.  Lunch or dinner at Coco Restaurant is a treat, I recommend stopping off for their lunch time special of antipasto plate and a glass of vino bianco. On a summers day you can sit in the piazza amongst the buzzing atmosphere.  Surprisingly so this little piazza is quieter than most during the week, unless you go on a Saturday morning when they have my choice of the best fresh fruit and vegetables being sold at the mini market under shady cream umbrellas.  Set back from the tourist crowds in the surrounds of wonderful architecture this pint sized cobble stone piazza is classically Roman.

The best way to kick start your evening in Piazza delle Coppelle is with an aperitivo at Vinoteca Wine Bar Novecento, their wine list is extensive and more than desirable, the atmosphere is intimate yet fun, order your favorite glass of Italian wine and sit outside in summer at the tall wine barrels, this is a favorite for locals.  Following some fine wine head next door to the iconic Maccheroni restaurant for a bowl of delicious local inspired pasta, gnocchi or a good staple pizza, yet don't be bold and expect to just be seated at a table, book ahead, Maccheroni is an institution and is always fully booked.  Post dinner meander back into the centre of the Piazza for a majito at Le Coppelle 52, a bar most sort after by expatriates and fashionable locals, the interiors are decked out in red leather, DJ sets a scene yet I found the inside of the bar a bit cold which I think has something to do with the red leather seating, its best on a warm summers night to try to secure yourself one of the leopard skin lounges in the bars sectioned off area right in the centre of the piazza under the stars, you will most probably be there until the early hours of the morning, you won't want to leave yet it does close at 2am.

Summer and Piazza delle Coppelle go hand in hand when in Rome for a great night out.

Gelateria Giolitti

After leaving the piazza on your way home stroll down to Giolitti, another Roman institution, definitely the most famous bar to indulge in a piled up tub of gelato to down on the way back to your hotel. There are so many wonderful flavors and if you can go with an Italian friend like I did it really makes it all the more special.  xmm