Da Valentino

Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo


A 1930s sign on the front of this neighbourhood trattoria says ‘Birra Peroni’ and the evocative interior feels little changed from this time. Locals tend to order bruschetta, grilled meats and scamorza, an Italian cheese that's grilled and melted atop myriad different ingredients: tomato and rocket, artichokes, lardo di colonnata (pork fat) slices from Tuscany and porcini mushrooms. Book ahead.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Monti, Esquilino & San Lorenzo attractions

1. Palazzo delle Esposizioni

0.08 MILES

This huge neoclassical palace was built in 1882 as an exhibition centre, though it has since served as headquarters for the Italian Communist Party, a…

2. Villa Aldobrandini

0.13 MILES

If you’re in need of a breather around Via Nazionale or are in search of somewhere for a picnic, follow Via Mazzarino off the main road and walk up the…

3. Palazzo del Quirinale

0.18 MILES

Perched atop the Quirinale Hill, one of Rome's seven hills, this former papal summer residence has been home to the Italian head of state since 1948…

4. Chiesa di Sant’Andrea al Quirinale

0.18 MILES

It’s said that in his old age Bernini liked to come and enjoy the peace of this late-17th-century church, regarded by many as one of his greatest. Faced…

5. Scuderie al Quirinale

0.19 MILES

The Palazzo del Quirinale’s former stables, formally known as the Scuderie Papali al Quirinale, have been turned into a magnificent exhibition space that…

6. Piazza del Quirinale

0.21 MILES

A wonderful spot to enjoy a glowing Roman sunset, this piazza, which is dominated by the imposing presidential palace of Palazzo del Quirinale, marks the…

7. Torre delle Milizie

0.23 MILES

This red-brick tower rises above the Mercati di Traiano (Markets of Trajan). Built in the 13th century, it was owned by several of the warring families…