Summertime and thoughts turn to the great outdoors. Fortunately
Rome’s parks and gardens provide perfect spots for a picnic and there are usually opportunities nearby to pick up provisions for an al fresco feast.
Villa Borghese
Pro Loco Pinciano on Via Bergamo is a mere 10 minute walk from the Porta Pinciano entrance to Villa Borghese. Here you will find an impressive selection of cold meats and cheeses as well as bottles of local Lazio wine.
After your stroll around the park enjoy gelato at Come Il Gelato on Via Silvio Spaventa. What is not to love about a gelateria that has molten chocolate on tap?
Giardiani Aranci
The Orange Garden on the Aventine Hill is one of the most romantic spots in Rome. Fortunately it is easily accessible from Viale Aventino where you can pick up alternate picnic supplies. Elleniko has Greek favourites including wonderful pitta breads that you can have filled or use to scoop up tzatsiki. There are also freshly prepared Greek salads available.
After your picnic return to Viale Aventino for gelato at Il Gelato where maestro Claudio Torce offers around 40 different flavours of gelato made with the finest ingredients.
Janiculum Hill
At the top of the Janiculum Hill you have Rome at your feet.
On your way to enjoying this magnificent view of the city pay a visit to Antica Caciara on Via di San Francesco a Ripa where Signor Roberto will take great pride in setting you up with all you need for a picnic, including freshly made panini with fillings of your choice.
After your picnic walk back down into Trastevere to enjoy gelato at one of the many fine gelaterias in that area - Fatamorgana on Piazza San Cosimato, Otaleg on Via di San Cosimato or Fior di Luna on Via Lungaretta
Piazza Testaccio
With benches under the shady trees and the sound of water tinkling from the central fountain, Piazza Testaccio is an ideal spot to enjoy your picnic food picked up at the nearby Mercato. As well as the usual fruit and vegetable stalls there are also top quality 'ready to go' food outlets . If you want traditional Roman then opt for the delicious panini by Mordi e Vai or alternatively try Cups by Cristina Bowerman where the aforementioned containers can be filled with pasta, soups or salads.
if you are very lucky one of the stellar chefs of Rome will have created a 'starred cup' that day
For gelato,keep it in the Cristina Bowerman family and head to Frigo on Piazzo Emporio
Parco Adriano
After a little retail therapy on Via Cola di Rienzo pick up supplies at Franchi Deli and head to the park surrounding Castel Sant'Angelo for a picnic in the shade of Hadrian's Mausoleum.
After your picnic lunch walk across Ponte Sant'Angelo and down Via Coronari to Gelateria Teatro where our favourite gelato flavours are raspberry with sage or chocolate with red wine.
