The sad truth when it comes to many great Italian restaurants is that the owners likely will not want you there. This is very much the case with Lucia and Tonino, the gruff proprietors of Taverna Romana, who frequently opt to ignore wayward tourists who show up on their doorstep. But there’s a reason they get to be rude—the food is simply some of the best in town. Walk there after visiting the Colosseum, or the Roman Forum, and try to look as Italian as possible. If you have the right attitude, you might just be in for some of the best cacio e pepe of your life. —Elena Clavarino

Elena Clavarino is the Senior Editor for AIR MAIL