January always brings high hopes and plenty of resolutions for the new year – from health goals and travel plans to personal projects and career aspirations. Although we believe each day is a new opportunity to make your life as fulfilling as possible, there is something exciting about a fresh start so we wanted to put together a list of some of our favorite restaurants in Rome to help you meet your health goals.
The Mediterranean diet continues to be considered one of the best diets in the world and we feel very fortunate to have many wonderful options in the Italian capital. But sometimes you want some more fruits, vegetables, and salads to offset the pasta and pizza that abounds. Here are places we recommend to our guests when they ask us where to find a flavorful, healthy meal.
With two locations in the heart of Rome, Ginger Sapori e Saluti is a beautiful restaurant with an ample menu full of delicious dishes and fresh fare. Open daily from morning to evening, it’s a great place to stop by for an açaí bowl at breakfast, fresh garden salads at lunch, and artisanal pasta for dinner. With dozens of options on the menu ranging from quick bites to more elaborate entrees, Ginger is a chic place to get your vitamins and is sure to please vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. We love the Palomba salad with mixed greens, pears, goat cheese, walnuts, and fresh mint paired with a fresh smoothie (and lots of ginger). On a sunny day, grab a seat outside and watch the well-heeled locals stroll by along the cobblestone streets.
Address: Via Borgognona 43-46 and Piazza Sant’Eustachio 54-55
Stay: Our Spanish Steps Dream Penthouse is just a short walk from Ginger.
Vivi Bistrot is another great all-day dining option with several locations in central Rome, from a lovely outdoor patio inside Villa Doria Pamphili park and a secret cafe in Piazza Navona to a new presence inside the Rinascente department store on Via del Tritone. It has a beautiful feminine flair, with freshly baked cakes and gluten-free options, plus hearty salads and a wide range of teas, freshly-pressed juices and smoothies and a seasonal menu that includes everything from sharable appetizers (like hummus and guacamole) to hamburgers, pastas, and salads. We really like stopping by the Vivi Bistrot in Piazza Navona in the afternoons for a matcha tea and a slice of carrot cake – or in the evenings for an Aperol Spritz and some bruschetta.
Address: Villa Pamphili: Via Vitellia 102; Rinascente: Via del Tritone 61; Piazza Navona 2
Stay: Our Navona Terrace Suite is located near Vivi Bistrot’s central locations.
Nestled in the bohemian neighborhood of Monti, our favorite of the healthy restaurants in Rome, Aromaticus is a sweet gardening store, aromatic herb shop, and healthy cafe all wrapped up into one. It’s a nice little spot to stop by for a casual lunch and enjoy a taste of healthy dishes like quinoa with pumpkin, tofu, and hummus, freshly pureed soups in an array of colors (topped with fresh sprouts), vegan burgers and powerbowls. There are also a few dishes for fish and meat eaters like beef tartare and cod carpaccio. And if you’re eager for a change from wine, Aromaticus has a nice selection of craft beers.
Address: Via Urbana 134
Stay: Our Daphne Terrace Suite is located right nearby.
Right next door to Aromaticus is Grezzo, arguably Rome’s best raw, vegan and gluten-free gelateria and pastry shop. This little gem is beloved by raw foodies and gluttons alike for its rich chocolates and nutrient-rich ingredients – and the shop itself looks like it’s selling fine pieces of jewelry. Grezzo prides itself on using the highest quality organic ingredients in all of its sweets so look out for hazelnuts from Vitbero, Sicilian almonds, coconut oil, and sweets flavored with agave. We love to pick up a few nut spreads for breakfast and a cone of dairy-free dark chocolate gelato. And if you’re in Rome around Valentine’s Day, may we suggest picking up an oversized chocolate heart for your sweetheart?
Address: Via Urbana 130
Stay: Our Daphne Terrace Suite is located right nearby.
Solo Crudo means “only raw” and we’ve got to admit this is our favorite place to recommend to raw foodies when they’re visiting the Eternal City. This juice bar and bistrot is an explosion of flavors and colors and sees beloved dishes adapted into raw recipes. Cacio e pepe is made with zucchini spaghetti, artichoke cream sichuan pepper and marinated artichokes; ravioli are stuffed with savoy cabbage, sweet potato puree and served with a grape sauce; and pizza is made with a cashew and buckwheat base, tart tomato sauce, cashew cheese and plenty of fresh basil. You’ll also find a selection of vegan sushi, soups and desserts (including a decadent chia and chocolate pudding with strawberry jam and cocoa crumble).
Address: Via Federico Cesi 22
Stay: Our Navona Terrace Suite is the closest apartment to Solo Crudo which is located in the Prati district.
