Located just east of the Termini area, this is the university (“La Sapienza”) district of Rome. The atmosphere is full of charm and there are plenty of restaurants, pubs, and music clubs for people of every genere.

Under the sign "Vini e Olii" you'll discover one the best kept secrets in Rome San Lorenzo. It's hard to guess that behind what appears to be a closed entrance to a shop, a tiny restaurant is hidden. The best traditional Roman dishes are served here, along with a touch of nouvelle cuisine, all prepared with especially selected organic ingredients.

A quick look at the menu and you'll realize you've found an extraordinary place. Under the sign "Vini e Olii" you'll discover one the best kept secrets in Rome San Lorenzo. It's hard to guess that behind what appears to be a closed entrance to a shop, a tiny is hidden. The best traditional Roman dishes are served here, along with a touch of nouvelle cuisine, all prepared with especially selected organic ingredients. A quick look at the menu and you'll realize you've found an extraordinary place.

To taste, without any doubt:  Main courses include a special "variazioni di piccione" (variations on pigeon), and among desserts you cannot help but be amazed at the idea of a tobacco mousse on a rum-flavoured jelly with a coffee-based sauce and chocolate flakes, or a yogurt foam in a sablé basket on a citrus jelly and licorice toffee. And don't forget the rich cheese tray. The wine list offers about two hundred bottles, including several independent and rare Italian labels, with an exceptional quality/price ratio The tables seat only 34, so reservations are recommended.

Formula Uno Via degli Equi, 13. Tel: 064453866  Price 15-20€

This amazing crowded place is characterized by a surprising combination of superlatives: it is probably the scruffiest, the most popular, and the cheapest pizzeria in central Rome. And at the same time it is surely one of the tastiest. Located at the bottom of lively via degli Equi, in front of holiday apartments San Lorenzo, San Lorenzo 2 and San Lorenzo 3.

Formula Uno is always full of people, so whatever the day, prepare to queue outside: give your name and the size of your party, and they'll call you as soon as a table is free (typically within fifteen minutes). Do not be put off by the simple interior walls decorated with pictures of Niki Lauda and colleagues, hanging on mildew-covered walls. The rough and local atmosphere and quality of the pizza are worth it all.

To taste, without any doubt: The menu is printed on paper place mats, and comprises fried starters such as "fiori" and "supplì", pizzas, and sweets. It's common practice to order 66cl bottle of beer to share across the table, and if you feel like an "amaro" at the end of your meal, they might just bring you the whole bottle.