Footsteps from Piazza Venezia, a new food market opens offering the best of Italian flavours
A new food market is opening in the centre of Rome, it’s called Plebiscito and it’s about to change everything. The location is unbeatable, a stone’s throw from Piazza Venezia, it can be found on the ground floor of the iconic Palazzo Doria Pamphiji, one of Rome’s most impressive historical buildings. It’s comprised of twelve “posti” which include pop-ups, restaurants and stalls, each bringing a different taste to the table of Italian cuisine.
The idea for this new food spot came from a feeling that the historic centre of Rome needed a place that celebrated Made in Italy and brought the country’s rich culinary culture right to the heart of the city. The space is a total celebration of the creativity, beauty and love Italy invests in food and the ritual of eating. The name Plebiscito, the English translation referendum being far less catchy, is a nod to the collective consensus on the importance of eating right.
The market is indoors and spans 600 square meters, all on the ground floor. When you walk in, you’re greeted with a delicious array of street food, with a stall selling classic Roman Supplì, a pastel Vespa truck of ice cream and a typical Italian coffee bar with an irresistible array of sweets from Torrefazione Toraldo. Venturing deeper into this new gastronomical kingdom you’ll find a display of traditional cold cuts of ham and cheese, for that perfect aperitivo. You can smell the truffle room before you reach it and, for the fellow foodie, a host of truffle based products are on offer. More than just food, there are home and kitchen design items for sale, which customers can try out before buying and are also used by the various restaurants in Plebiscito.
There will be a happy hour in the early evening which might easily turn into dinner as the delectable ten-paged menu is hard to resist, the spot I have my eye on is a circular table with an olive tree in the centre. The Pasta menu boasts all the Roman classics, with few surprises such as a pasta of the day decided by the chef. The fish menu looks particularly mouthwatering and dishes to try include burrata, saffron octopus and the salmon tartar with a twist. Another menu promises a variety of Mozzarella Buns, they’re exactly as delicious as the name suggests. For the healthy eater amongst us, there is a superfood section of Buddha Bowls and fresh juices, how good does Liquid Gold sound – turmeric, lemon and ginger. The Acai Sisters, a favourite spot in Milan, will be opening in the Plebiscito market, its first location in Rome. If you’re not having a healthy day, worry not, there is an extensive wine list to settle into, with bottles also available to buy.
Plebiscito mixes architecture with gastronomy in this multifunctional venue. The interior decor is trendy but simple, with enough exposed piping that you know you’ll have a good time. The space has been divided into various connecting sections so you can simultaneously feel you’re enjoying an intimate bite while also being part of a larger foodie community. Prices fluctuate between €10-20 for a dish, pasta is €12 while a main is about €16. The owner Alessandro Rappini and food consultant Francesco Santilli have plenty planned for the future, various events and festivals which will be themed around the various sections of the market. For those who are interested ,the space will also be available for private hire.
Positioned in the belly button of the world, as I have heard Piazza Venezia called, Plebiscito is sure to become an essential stop for tourists looking to recharge between the Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum, but also for locals on the hunt for something to keep them going on their lunch breaks.
Address
Via del Plebiscito, 104
Opening time
Opening on Sunday, December 8th
Daily 7.30am – 11pm
Lunch served daily 12pm – 3pm
