A stone’s throw from the Trevi Fountain is the Trattoria al Moro, the ideal place for those who want a dinner based on true Roman cuisine, surrounded by Rome’s historic beauties. The restaurant is characteristic, with outdoor tables, where you can savor dishes made with fresh and local ingredients’ genuineness and eat local cheeses and meats, first courses of fresh pasta and artisan desserts. The recipes proposed are inspired by the regional gastronomic tradition, sometimes revisited in a modern key.

The other Roman restaurant in which I have dined with Valentino is Al Moro (Vicolo delle Bollette, near the Trevi Fountain; 39-06- 6783495), which was also a haunt of Fellini‘s. This is virtually a private dining club in some respects, once the refectory of the intellectuals, artists and powerful businessmen, now a hybrid Star Chamber and tourist haunt. Those from the dwindling old guard who still go to Al Moro are seated in the front room.

Trattoria Al Moro – This historic trattoria, around since the 1920s, serves superbly-executed plates in a wood-paneled space just around the corner from the Trevi Fountain. The atmosphere leans towards the high-end, as do the prices, though the restaurant remains surprisingly unfussy. Come lunchtime, you’ll be dining on springtime vignarola and superlative zabaione side by side with politicians and lobbiers on their lunch breaks.

My cousin Luigi introduced me to this spot (shown below). There’s a beautiful outside seating area beneath a canopy, so, go when the weather is nice… And don’t miss their super delicious toasted bread with olive oil, salt, and a side of ganache or their to die for pasta al'amatriciana. You can also buy their fresh pastas and sauces to take home.

Fall in love with Al Moro for every facet of its menu: seasonal dishes like fried artichokes, puntarelle, and staples like spaghetti al Moro (a piccante reinterpretation of carbonara) and grilled meat and fish. The smallish dining rooms, all three, are like home, with chic flatware and walls covered with framed newspaper clippings and photos.

Trattoria al Moro is one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in Rome; a favorite with locals and tourists. It’s third generation operating since the late 1920’s, approaching close to one hundred years in service. The menu is extensive offering something for everyone, including Roman classics such as oxtail and cacio e pepe.

Trattoria al Moro is an old-school spot near the Trevi Fountain that has been serving Roman cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere for generations. Its long family tradition shines through with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a thoughtfully curated wine list that makes each meal feel special without being fussy.

Trattoria al Moro is one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in Rome; a favorite with locals and tourists. It’s third generation open since the late 1920’s, approaching close to one hundred years in service. The menu offers something for everyone, including Roman classics such as oxtail and cacio e pepe.

The Trevi Fountain is just a few steps away from this family Trattoria with over 100 years of tradition. Despite its location, Al Moro is beloved by locals and not a very touristy spot. Typical dishes of the Roman cuisine, with a modern twist, served in a formal dining room and on a handful of outdoor tables.

End your trip with dinner at the Al Moro to indulge in an intimate, traditional meal. This is where the city’s smart set likes to dine. Lawyers, bankers, mayors and gallerists can all be spotted sharing gossip over sangiovese, house special white truffle pasta, artichoke and mashed broccoli.

Whether it's the vibrant Piazza Navona or the charming Piazza di Santa Maria, establishments like Ristorante Al Moro and Roscioli provide a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Enjoy a meal surrounded by the architectural and cultural wonders that define Rome's iconic squares.

Slightly more upscale with a ton of outdoor seating, definitely make a reservation at this Roman classic. It was founded in the 1920s and is approaching a hundred years in service. This is a little on the fancy side, so you’ll get excellent service and fantastic food.

For our money, Al Moro does the best artichokes alla romana in town. We’d also order the carbonara-like spaghetti alla Moro that gets finished table side. Or you could just put yourself in the hands of your waiter – he’ll know what’s best for you.

This is the one old-school institution that most people know. Located a coin's throw from the Trevi Fountain, Al Moro is a likely spot for bumping into politicians or captains of industry taking very long lunches. What are they lounging over?