When in Rome, I can’t get enough of Jewish-style (whole fried) artichokes, which you can find at the Roman Ghetto. My favourite place to have them – is Da Gigetto ( Via del Portico D’Ottavia 21/a-22, 00186 Rome;tel.+39 06 686 1105). (The crunchy leaves are the best part!)

A bottle of water for 200 euros at La Pergola restaurant in Rome. ( No, I didn’t drink it!)

One address which is an absolute must if you are visiting Rome is Roscioli (Via dei Giubbonari, 21, Rome, tel. 066 864045 ). Initially, it was a bakery, later a gourmet shop and a restaurant was added. The products are of unbelievable quality but it’s not only them that make…

Fassi, or Palazzo del Freddo is one of the oldest gelaterias in Italy (last year it turned 130 ). The only shop in Rome is still owned by the founder’s family. It seems that time has stopped at Palazzo del Freddo-the simple, cantine like decor makes you travel to the middle of…

Jewish style artichokes from Piperno restaurant in the Roman Ghetto. You eat everything – the artichoke heart, crispy leaves… One of my favourite Roman specialities. The Romanesco artichokes season is from February to April and you can find them now pretty everywhere in the Ghetto area.

When I asked my Roman friends if they knew any “hidden gems ” unknown to the tourists they started laughing,- “Everywhere there are tourists!”. Until this moment I have been to only one restaurant (two if you count gelateria) which was touristy. Ristorante Matricianella And it was Ristorante Matricianella (…