After meandering through the cobbled streets of the Centro Storico, oohing and aahing at the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona, a meal at Maccheroni is the next logical step. Hearty plates of Roman classics, like Carciofo alla Romana (artichoke) and fresh, rich pasta dishes like Tonarelli alla Carbonara come winging out of the open kitchen, ready for eager diners to devour them with gusto. And devour them they do. Maccheroni does simple, home-style cooking well. It’s the kind of food that would make Nonna proud. The meat and pasta dishes, which range from chicken cacciatora and meatballs in sugo (tomato sauce) to ravioli are safe choices when it comes to narrowing down the menu.

The white-walled restaurant has carved out a rustic-meets-industrial niche for itself. It mixes plain cotton tablecloths and gleaming mirrors, warm wooden accents and exposed pipes and drop lights to charmingly atmospheric effect. You can pick any table inside and be happy with your choice, both for the chance to try the food, and to enjoy the kitchen theatrics. But on warm days and evenings, try for a table outside on the cobblestone street for a truly memorable meal al fresco.