Beyond the Bridge
The first thing you will likely notice about Ponte Milvio is how local it is. Unlike the city center, you will rarely hear English spoken here, as this tucked away neighborhood is the go-to place for Romans to hang out, grab a drink, and to soak up the weekend. The nightlife here has plenty to offer, with a wide variety of restaurants and bars to choose from. Ponte Milvio, the actual bridge itself, is one of Rome’s oldest bridges, where you’ll find symbols of love along the bridge including several padlocks fastened along the lampposts (which emerged from the novel Ho Voglia di Te, written by Federico Moccia).
The classic Roman atmosphere and the views across one of Rome’s oldest bridges are enough to warrant the trek north of the city center. However, the following recommendations will have you and your friends visiting this often overlooked quarter time and time again!
RESTAURANTS / EATING in PONTE MILVIO
TreeToo
Via Prati della Farnesina, 76
Tue – Sat 12.30pm-3pm, 7.30pm – 12am; Sun 7.30pm-12am
treetoo.it
Pizza reigns at TreeToo, with classic and creative toppings and different types of pizza doughs in a contemporary setting. Definitely try the hemp flour amatriciana pizza! But don’t forget to taste the delicious fried antipasti. The cocktails? They’ll have any mixology enthusiast swept off their feet. From the same family as Tree Bar, TreeToo will have you fall in love no time!
Panificio Nazzareno
Piazzale di Ponte Milvio, 35
Open Sun-Sat, 7am-12midnight
panificionazzareno.it
Often times when a restaurant has “too many” options on the menu, more often than not, none of the items on the menu end up being something to write home about or are particularly fresh. Panificio Nazzareno is the exception. They excel in many dishes including burgers, pizzas cooked al forno, their vegetable selection, sweets, and pasta.
I Fritti de Sora Milvia
Via Cassia, 4
Open Tues-Thurs, Sun 12pm-10pm; Fri-Sat, 12pm-11.30pm
facebook.com/ifrittidesoramilvia/
For a quick snack and for those who love all things fried (because who doesn’t?), a stop at Sora Milvia is a must. They have it all. Suppli? Check. Mini pizzas? Check. Veggies? Check. Fiori di zucca? Check. Be sure to also take a bite into the classics with a twist, such as the cacio e pepe rice balls. They also have an assortment of fried seafood to choose from.
Macello
Via Flaminia, 451
Open Sun-Thur, 12pm-2am; Fri-Sat, 12pm-3am
macelloroma.it
A meat lover’s paradise, Macello is the place to go to load up on protein from a variety of different meats, including steak, sausage, chicken, beef, and more. The restaurant has a modern interior and also boasts a great view of Ponte Milvio. The quality of meat and service you receive here is well worth the monetary value. Innovative menu and atmosphere make this a must-visit in the neighborhood.
100 Montaditos
Piazzale di Ponte Milvio, 10
Open Sun-Tues, Thurs 12pm-12am; Wed 12pm-1am; Fri-Sat, 12pm-2am facebook.com/100-Montaditos-Roma-Ponte-Milvio-
If you like tapas, then 100 Montaditos is for you. Choose from 100 different style of mini sandwiches with a variety of fillings that are meat-based, vegetarian, or Mediterranean-inspired. They even sweet, dessert sandwich stuffed with chocolate and more. Wednesdays are €1 Wednesdays, which means you can select ANY montadito off the menu for just €1. Perfect for those on a budget.
Pompi Tiramisù
Via Cassia, 8B
Open Tues 4pm-12.30am; Mon-Sun, 7am-12.30am
barpompi.it
The city’s proclaimed king of tiramisù, Pompi has a variety of different flavors you can choose from like pistachio, strawberry, Nutella and banana, or the classic recipe of mascarpone and coffee, all in generous serving sizes. Aside from the tiramisù, they also serve gelato, cookies, and other pastries.
Bakery House
Via Riano, 11
Open Mon-Thurs 8am-12midnight; Fri-Sat, 9.30am-2am; Sun 9.30am-12midnight
bakeryhouse.it
Whoever says “brunch” is hard to find in Rome obviously hasn’t been to the Bakery House. Offering various items for those who crave a traditional American breakfast, here you’ll find pancakes, French toast, eggs, bacon, and more. There is also a full lunch and dinner menu. Or, stop by for a quick sugar rush and try their cupcakes, cakes, pastries, and cookies.
Daruma Sushi
Via Flaminia Vecchia, 462
Open Mon-Sun, 12pm-3.30pm; 6pm-11.30pm
darumasushi.com
There is no such thing as a lack of diversity in any Roman neighborhood. Even in Ponte Milvio, you can find a hint of Asian culture at Daruma Sushi Bar. The newest location to open from the Daruma chain, this restaurant’s minimalist décor with outdoor seating is perfect to enjoy fresh sushi and Japanese cuisine anytime.
Pasticceria Mondi
Via Flaminia, 468
Open Tues-Sun, 9am-7.30pm
facebook.com/PasticceriaMondi
This is the go-to spot for all things sweet in Ponte Milvio. Choose from several flavors of gelato and if you are up for it, indulge in their pastries which taste as good as they look. The wide array of dolci may be (delightfully) overwhelming, but you really can’t go wrong with anything you choose here.
BARS / DRINKING in PONTE MILVIO
Il Chioschetto
Piazzale di Ponte Milvio, 44
Open Mon-Sat, 4.30pm-2am; Sun 9am-2am
A great setting for a relaxed night if you are looking to sip a cocktail al fresco. Tables are situated outside alongside the “shack” which waiters go to and from to serve drinks and food. It’s no wonder this place is particularly popular during the spring and summer months.
Amoroma
Piazzale di Ponte Milvio, 5
Open Sun-Sat, 7am-10pm
This smaller bar in the middle of Ponte Milvio offers a great place to have a drink inside their modern bar or at their outdoor tables. They are open early morning throughout the day for breakfast as well. Enjoy your “apericena” here with great company.
HOTSPOTS
Stadio Olimpico
Viale dei Gladiatori, 2
Just walking distance from the Ponte Milvio bridge, the Stadio Olimpico can easily be accessed for a fun sports night to cheer on your favorite team. This is the largest sports facility in Rome which can hold up to 80,000 people, and various events take place such as soccer and rugby. The energy among the fans is contagious and will make you want to come back again. The venue also hosts concerts.
Ponte Milvio Market
Piazzale di Ponte Milvio
Sun 9am-7pm
This market, located just alongside the the Tevere River, is a perfect place to shop for antiques and vintage items for your home, such as furniture, paintings and more. The market takes place every first and second Sunday of the month and begins just under the Ponte Milvio bridge.
