Emma Pizzeria
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About
Emma is a high-end pizzeria that collaborates with renowned suppliers like Roscioli for flour and Pierluigi for toppings, resulting in a 'luxury' thin-crust Roman pizza. The space is modern and sleek with high ceilings and an extensive wine list that rivals fine-dining establishments. The sensory experience is one of crisp, light dough and vibrant, premium ingredients. Expert recommendation: any pizza featuring 'Pata Negra' or artisanal buffalo mozzarella is a winner. Pro tip: unlike many Roman pizzerias that only open for dinner, Emma is open for lunch. It’s a great spot for a sophisticated but casual midday meal near Campo de' Fiori.
Highlights
- Thin Roman-style pizza
- Organic flour ingredients
- Upscale modern pizzeria
- Extensive wine list
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Roscioli Salumeria
Part high-end deli (salumeria), part wine bar, and part restaurant, Roscioli is a temple to Italian ingredients. The walls are lined with thousands of bottles of wine and shelves of premium cheese and cured meats. The atmosphere is busy and sophisticated. Expert recommendation: their 'Carbonara,' made with Malaysian black pepper and Paolo Parisi eggs, is frequently voted the best in Rome. Pro tip: a reservation is absolutely mandatory, even for lunch, and is often booked weeks ahead. If you can't get a table, try their bakery (Antico Forno Roscioli) nearby for incredible pizza bianca and pastries.
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Largo di Torre Argentina (Cat Sanctuary)
This archaeological site contains four Republican-era temples and the remains of Pompey's Theatre, where Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. Today, it is equally famous for being a protected sanctuary for hundreds of Rome's stray cats, who roam freely among the ancient ruins. The sensory experience is unique, blending tragic history with the charm of feline residents lounging on millennia-old marble. Expert recommendation: visit the underground cat sanctuary in the corner of the square to meet the volunteers or adopt a cat 'at a distance.' Pro tip: a new walkway recently opened (2023), allowing visitors to walk through the ruins at ground level for a small fee; previously, it could only be viewed from the street level.
Jewish Ghetto Rome
Established in 1555, the Roman Ghetto is one of the oldest in the world. Today, it is a thriving, resilient neighborhood known for its unique 'Cucina Ebraica' (Jewish-Roman cuisine) and significant landmarks like the Great Synagogue and the Portico d'Ottavia. The sensory experience is defined by the aroma of fried artichokes and the somber 'stumbling stones' (Stolpersteine) commemorating Holocaust victims. Expert recommendation: try the 'Carciofi alla Giudia' (Jewish-style artichokes) at one of the local trattorias. Pro tip: the area is best explored on foot. Visit the Jewish Museum inside the Synagogue for a deep dive into the 2,000-year history of Jews in Rome. The neighborhood is particularly atmospheric on Friday afternoons before Shabbat begins.
Nonna Betta
Situated in the historic Jewish Ghetto, Nonna Betta is a guardian of 'Cucina Ebraica Tripolina' and traditional Roman-Jewish recipes. The interior is decorated with murals depicting the ancient ghetto, creating a deeply cultural dining environment. The menu strictly follows the dual tradition of 'Kosher-style' meat or fish sections. Expert recommendation: the 'Carciofi alla Giudia' (deep-fried Jewish-style artichokes) are legendary here, blooming like golden sunflowers. Pro tip: this is one of the few places where you can try authentic 'Casher' (Kosher) versions of Roman pasta. It's an excellent choice for a Friday lunch before the neighborhood slows down for the Sabbath.
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