Three Quirky Restaurants in Rome

The cobblestone streets may make it seem humble but don't be fooled...some very unique restaurants can be found (Vito Giaccari)

The marble limbs on the wall makes devouring the fettuccine a little intimidating, albeit enticing. It may not be a typical dining experience, but it sure will make the top-hits list when people ask, ‘so what did you get up to in Rome?’ While many of us prefer more straight-forward meals when travelling to a new country, others prefer to go to restaurants that not only prioritises the food, but the culinary journey as a whole. Throw in a couple of exaggerated insults or singing nuns and it becomes an adventure of a lifetime. When in Rome…

It's always a party at Cencio la Parolaccia so come with your best behaviour (Cencio la Parolaccia)

1. Cencio la Parolaccia - Where getting insulted by your friends just doesn't cut it anymore

As a typical Italian trattoria, this restaurant cooks traditional Roman dishes and does it well. Only this isn’t a typical Italian trattoria. If you are easily offended and get seriously butt-hurt, this place isn’t for you. From insults to vulgar language thrown around, those who work at the restaurant won’t hold back — even if you are the king, queen or tiktok celebrity (trying the good old-fashioned ‘do you know who I am?’ might even make things worse). The doors to Cencio la Parolaccia opened in 1951. Ten years later and the family-run business decided to drop the fundamental rules within the hospitality industry, instead opting to be brutally honest and comedically swearing at their very own customers. That aggressive Italian side can’t be experienced better if you tried. 

What to expect to feast on

Pasta, pasta and pasta

Dining with arms and legs on the wall...yes (Museo Atelier Canova Tadolini)

2. Museo Atelier Canova Tadolini

If you are an art fanatic, then a dining experience amidst a 19th-century sculptor’s workshop might not be a bad idea. This eccentric eatery is filled with marble statues and tools of the trade. Hung on the red-coloured walls are anatomical body parts (assuming they are also marble) which showcases the process of completing such a delicate piece of art. There are various rooms, all filled with what you would otherwise find in a mad-sculptor’s lair. The juxtaposition of art and dining transforms this ordinary meal into an unforgettable experience. The menu consists of typical Italian dishes, those you should be eating on a trip to Italy. 

What to expect to feast on

More refined dishes which are presented with class. And of course, pasta

Some past performances from missionary groups (L'eau Vive)

3. L’eau Vive

Getting verbally assaulted throughout your meal may not be your cup of tea. Which is why this restaurant is exactly the opposite. L’eau Vive is an elegant, French fine dining experience. The twist? It is run by nuns who sing every night. This serene and spiritual affair has an extensive evangelistic history which dates as far back as 1910. From starting a missionary group to bringing people together on an international scale, the restaurant represents the extensive work done by Father Marcel Roussel Galle. The atmosphere of the restaurant ties in well given the frescoed ceilings and classic Italian decor. 

What to expect to feast on

Some French classics as well as Middle-East and African inspired dishes

Imagine dining at the colosseum... (Daniel Gutierrez)

By exploring these unconventional spots in Rome, one won’t just satisfy their appetite but will also uncover the eclectic side of this historical city. After all, Rome is full of contrasts where ancient ruins meddle with the modern lifestyle of its habitants. From dining in culturally-significant establishments to learning new words in Italian which no app would dare teach you, these restaurants embrace the quirkiness. Its culinary scene offers deeper connections, insightful stories and a front-row seat to the utterly Roman.