Rome is brimming with art, history, and undeniable beauty. No wonder then, that the Eternal City is the greatest source of inspiration for emerging fashion label, Amotea.
Born and raised in Rome, Diletta Amodei started Amotea in 2019: “If you live in Rome, it’s impossible not to be influenced by its beauty and magnificence. The brand’s aesthetic was formed by breathing in all of this richness that is constantly in front of us.”
Whilst it may be a relatively new brand, Amotea has quickly garnered a following for its feminine, timeless pieces – perfect for dashing around Rome in, may we add.
Here Diletta shares her tips for an unforgettable trip.
Essential items to pack…
The essential items to pack for a trip to Rome are: a good guide, a transeasonal blazer, comfortable shoes to visit the city centre on foot, a pashmina, sunglasses, and a shoulder bag.
The best time to visit Rome is…
In my opinion in spring – between April and June – the weather is perfect.
Our first pitstop should be…
Your first pit stop should be a visit to the historic centre, between the Spanish Steps. Have breakfast at Babingtons tea room and lunch at Il Bolognese in Piazza del Popolo. Continue to the Trevi Fountain, enjoying an ice cream at Giolitti, or a coffee at the bar of Sant’Eustachio.
I love a run to Villa Borghese. It’s a huge and wonderful historical park.
Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
My favourite hotel is the Hotel de Russie in Piazza del Popolo. It has a wonderful garden where you can enjoy brunch among wonderful flowers and fountains.
Where should we go for breakfast?
Forno Monteforte, in Via del Pellegrino, to taste the maritozzi con panna. Or Coromandel, in Via di Monte Giordano. It’s a very special place to try excellent waffles, pancakes, and eggs Benedict.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
I would recommend a typical Roman trattoria, such as Rocco Ristorante in the wonderful Monti district. They serve lamb chops and other traditional dishes. Trattoria da Teo and Da Enzo al 29 are also great for an amatriciana or gricia pasta.
And for dinner with friends?
On a warm summer evening I suggest Pierluigi – a historic place in Piazza dei Ricci – where you can eat fresh fish. A few steps from Ponte Sisto, in the centre of Rome, is Pianostrada. It’s a cooking workshop where you can eat at the counter, or at the table, in a relaxed but sophisticated setting.
A must-try spot for date night?
There are many wonderful places in Rome for date night. I really love aperitivo, which coincides with sunset. One of the most beautiful places I have been recently is Palazzo Manfredi. It overlooks the Colosseum, and you can book a table for aperitivo or dine on the wonderful rooftop, at the AROMA restaurant.
Your favourite restaurant in town?
I can’t possibly say just one, as I have many! However, one of my favourite restaurants is Hostaria da Pietro. The location is welcoming and familiar, the prices are fair, and their chateaubriand is the best in town.
Where should we head post-dinner?
For an after-dinner cocktail, I suggest Salotto 42 in the splendid setting of Piazza di Pietra. Outside the city centre, the best cocktails are at Duke’s: a very trendy place in the Parioli district.
The drink to order at the bar?
Aperol spritz for sure, or a Moscow mule.
The best place to treat yourself?
Kami Spa, near the Trevi Fountain.
The best place for people watching…
St. Peter’s Square and Vatican City.
The cultural spot to rave about…
I love Galleria Borghese. It has some of the most beautiful works of the Italian Baroque period. Inside you will find some of Bernini’s most beautiful masterpieces, but also paintings by Raphael, and the numerous works of Caravaggio.
Your favourite neighbourhood is…
Campo de’ Fiori. There is a square with a local market, it’s something totally unique, and not to be missed.
For great shopping head to…
For objets, books, and vintage pieces, Chez Dede in Via di Monserrato is great. I also recommend wandering through the streets of the Monti district and Via del Governo Vecchio, where there are small boutiques offering niche emerging brands.
For the best views head to…
The most beautiful view is from the rooftop of the Hotel Eden in Via Ludovisi. There is a 360-degree view over Rome. Also, Palazzo Borromini in Piazza Navona.
For a change of pace try…
Zuma Rome: a Japanese restaurant located in the iconic Palazzo Fendi, covering two entire floors. Dine in the restaurant, or on the beautiful roof terrace for views overlooking the Eternal City.
Great day trips include…
The Colosseum or the Imperial forums.
A book to read before we go (or while we’re there)?
I Segreti di Roma by Corrado Augias.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
I would absolutely not miss the Botanical Gardens or the Orange Garden.
What’s your Rome secret?
Rome is a huge and chaotic city. Its beauty, art, and culture is so overwhelming that it truly captivates you.
In a word Rome is…
Eternal.
Any Questions or Tips to add?