Sushi, samba and killer caipirinhas – Japanese-Brazilian fusion takes Rome by storm
It isn’t just classic Japanese cuisine that’s beloved in the capital. Fusion restaurants are popping up everywhere too. Whether it’s a fusion of Brazilian and Japanese cuisines, or Hawaii and Peru, Rome has its fair share of fusion restaurants. Here’s our selection of the best eateries where you can taste Japanese with a twist, paired with some great cocktails.
Sambamaki
Viale Regina Margherita, 168 (Trieste)
Via Vittoria Colonna, 17/19 (Prati)
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Dancing to its own samba beat up on Regina Margherita, Sambamaki is a hip and happening spot that doubles as a sakeria and temakeria. Although it still has the colorful, funky décor and Portuguese music that are staples of every Brazilian sushi spot, Sambamaki’s menu makes it stand out. You really can’t go wrong with any of the dishes, but we love the flaming gunkan (literally served on fire) and cebiche, as well as the Saudade roll. One look at the drink menu and the term “sakeria” takes on a whole new meaning: traditional cocktails such as Juleps, Negroni, and even Cairpirinhas are all made with sakè. For dessert, try the bom bom or, yes you guessed it, the cheesecake! Reservations Recommended.
Temakinho
Via dei Serpenti, 16 (Monti)
Borgo Angelico, 30 (Borgo)
Inside La Rinascente in Via dei Due Macelli, 23 (Via del Corso)
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Not long after their first hole in the wall hotspot in Monti acquired a cult following, Temakinho expanded to a new space: a colorful, funky, Brazilian-sushi playhouse sprawled over three floors on Borgo Angelico in Prati. Step into another world – a colorful, tropical one with incredibly fresh fish. Like most Sushi restaurants it’s not cheap – rolls range from €10 to €15, but the portions are generous you will not leave hungry. Reservations are highly recommend (you can now book through their app) – we weren’t joking about the “cult-following.” What we love: tartare di salmao gostoso, Rio Bananal Roll and Carnaval roll. Feeling wild? Try the pineapple mint or acai Caipirinha.
Mahalo South Pacific Fine Food
Via Flaminia 496/b1 (Ponte Milvio)
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Step-in inside Mahalo will feel like mmersing yourself in a tropical greenhouse – the disruptive vegetation makes its way through the glass and creates a welcoming environment dominated by colors and shapes reminiscent of the Pacific Ocean. On the menu you’ll find Hawaiian dishes that range from the famous poke (the classica Hawaiian salad with diced raw fish marinated with avocado, oil and sesame seeds); soups with shellfish and coconut oil, sushi rolls of all kinds enriched with tropical fruits and much more. The perfect Hawaiian fusion restaurant in Rome.
Manioka
Via Ofanto, 35 (Salario)
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Cozy and off-the-beaten track, Manioka is one of the newest Brazilian Fusion spots to open in Rome. Staying true to the free-spirited nature of the Brazilian-Japanese Fusion spots, Manioka does its own thing and has its own specialty rolls with authentic ingredients: farofa, tenkasu and tapioca to name a few. The menu is unique in that it features a large selection of very fresh fish combinations that can be made into temaki, rolls or tartare. Must-try: Salamao Dragao tartare Copacabana roll, Caixas do Sul and one of their Sobremesas or desserts- we’re suckers for the Maracuja Cheesecake, but the Pudim di Manioka is also worth tasting; add a fresh mixed juices (we love the mint Pineapple one) or one of their Caipirinhas to get the full Manioka experience. Book ahead.
