When in Rome
With the election of the new pope Rome has been very much in the spotlight lately. Pope Francis I has simple tastes, is a man of the people, likes to take the bus and even has a Twitter account. So, when not dining with Heads of State and other papal officials in the Vatican Canteen, where might he go for a good home cooked meal in Rome?
My tip, if he asked me that is, would be Babette on the Via Margutta.
Located on a side street off Via Babuino, a stone’s throw from the Piazza del Popolo and five minutes walk from the Piazza di Spagna, Babette is that great little place you hope to find every time you travel.
Flora and Sylvia, opened Babette 7 years ago taking a brave step out of the world of fashion publishing and into gastronomy. The restaurant is open year round with the exception of two weeks in January and the whole of August. They do not advertise and yet you almost always need a reservation. The high number of repeat clientele is drawn not just by the food, but the ever-changing contemporary artwork by local artists that adorns the walls.
The front of house runs smoothly under the watchful eye of Flora whilst Sylvia, whose menus are conceived out of passion rather than formal training, prepares culinary masterpieces in the kitchen.
Sylvia says that food reminds us of the good things in life and so, with the aim of creating an explosion of tastes in your mouth her recipes rediscover old traditions and enjoy new twists. The fish and vegetables are sourced locally whilst the meat is flown in from abroad to ensure it meets their exacting standards.
The food is simple and tasty, the wine list extensive, the steaks and home made pasta are divine, and as for the secret recipe Babette Cake, it is just, well.... heavenly.
Babette, Bar & Restaurant
Via Margutta 1 - 3
00187 Rome
Tel: +39 06 3211559