Located close to the Vatican, Rome’s Prati district is one of the capital’s most elegant and charming. Officially designated as Rione XXII Prati (and since 2013 included in Rome’s I municipality ), it was designed in the early twentieth century with an orderly and rational urban layout that still stands out from the rest of the city for its wide tree-lined streets and the almost total absence of medieval buildings.
Created to house the new white-collar bourgeoisie of post-unification Italy, Prati has witnessed important moments, especially related to the history of the Church and its proximity to the Vatican. There is no shortage of modern and institutional buildings, such as the Palace of Justice, known as “il Palazzaccio,” overlooking the Tiber.
Among the main streets are Via Cola di Rienzo, famous for shopping, and Piazza Cavour, the beating heart of the area, where law firms, independent bookstores and stylish cafes coexist.
Rome’s Prati district today is a mix of bourgeois residency, relaxed atmosphere and an ever-evolving food scene: the perfect place for those looking for a signature breakfast or an aperitif in style.
So here are our favorite locales.
Where to have breakfast in the Prati neighborhood?
Signature croissants, historic cafes and places with breathtaking views. Those looking for a good morning with flair will find the right place here:
- Love – Specialty Croissants is a reference point for artisanal breakfast lovers in Rome Prati. Here the croissant is an art form: fragrant doughs, original fillings and a menu that changes every week. A few examples: “Thiago,” a leavened with laminated croissant dough, dark chocolate, passion fruit and hazelnut praline; or “Barry,” with vanilla custard, wild strawberries and yarrow petals. It is located at 51 Tunis Street.
- Dolce Maniera is a historic pastry shop on Viale Giulio Cesare (Ottaviano area), open 24 hours a day. Smells of warm croissants, homemade cakes and well-assembled cappuccinos: breakfast here is hearty, cheap (plain croissants still cost 80 cents!) and always satisfying.
- Biblio Bar Roma is a small cultural corner on the Lungotevere, with tables overlooking Castel Sant’Angelo. Ideal for those who want to slow down and read a book with a slice of homemade cake or hot chocolate. Also great for aperitifs.
- Bar Palomba is the classic Roman bar that never disappoints. Great coffee, fresh croissants and handmade pastries-all served with warmth and simplicity. The outdoor patio is perfect for a quiet morning, perhaps accompanied by a take-out sandwich or piadina, if you are in a hurry. It is at 52 Vespasian Street.
- Sciascia Caffè 1919, open for more than a century on Via Fabio Massimo, No. 80/a, has become famous for its specialty coffees: chocolate or zabaglione, they are a delight to try. The pastries are artisanal and the prices are honest.
- Bakery House. In the mood for brunch? Try their red berry pancakes or egg and avocado toast, paired with a creamy matcha latte. Kick-ass! For lovers of the genre, the American coffee is among the best in Rome. You can find it at 86 Crescenzio Street.
Where to have an aperitif in the Prati neighborhood?
After a day of work or a walk around the Vatican, aperitivo in Rome Prati is almost a ritual. The area offers alternatives for all tastes:
- At Tagliere Toscano serves scenic cutting boards up to three feet long, ideal for a dinner with friends or a hearty aperitif. There is no shortage of Tuscan specialties, from cold cuts and cheeses to well-seasoned pintas and rich pasta dishes. Their wine selection is extensive and well curated. In the Prati area they are at 75 Via Fabio Massimo.
- The Baretto di 40°. Far from the tourist traps, this place is a real treat for those looking for an authentic aperitivo in Rome Prati. A bee-ritivo parked outside, vinyl music and a relaxed atmosphere-it’s the kind of place that welcomes you and never lets you leave. It’s on Via Duilio 1.
- Vita Cocktail Bar, at 96 Boethius St., is a cozy place with thoughtful design and creative cocktails. Original mixes, quality spirits and craft beers-does anything else need to be added to convince you it’s a great place to have an aperitif?
- Passaguai is a small venue with big personality. Carefully chosen wines, tasty dishes and a menu that changes often. Perfect for an aperitif that flows into dinner, thanks to offerings such as the tartare of the day or the tagliere with selected cold cuts and cheeses. It is located at 1 Via Pomponio Leto.
- Enofficina is a wine bar with a kitchen that mixes local flavors with international suggestions. The menu ranges from amatriciana to pastrami, with well-made dishes and excellent wines to match. Perfect place for a convivial aperitif or a longer evening. They are at 50 Via Trionfale.