Le Tamerici
Vicolo Scavolino, 79
06.69.200.700

I rarely seek out innovative cuisine when I am in a foreign place. We do innovative so much better in America. But I was taken here by very savvy Roman friends and enjoyed the contemporary dining room and food very much; indeed, much more than any other of-the-moment Roman restaurant I’ve been to. Given it’s location, around the corner from the Trevi Fountain, it is additionally worth noting. In seconds you walk from Baroque Rome into Armani-like minimalism. To start, try the spelt pasta tubes with tomatoes, basil and the rich, milky mozzarella-like burrata from Puglia, or gnocchetti with octopus and tomato sauce. How about fresh, flour-and-water fusilli with a sauce of clams and arugula. The crespelle are very good, too. This may be the only place in Rome where you can eat buffalo meat, but have it cooked one of the several ways offered as a second course, not as the tough carpaccio on the antipasto list. Warm apple strudel with cinnamon whipped cream is a good way to finish. But, since the menu changes seasonally, you may not find any of these dishes when you go. Moderately expensive.