"Tell us about your first impressions when you arrived. Pinsere is a busy takeaway joint in Rome's Sallustiano district. Brightly lit and staffed with super-helpful staff, it's dominated by a marble-and-glass display case showing the pinse (flatbread) of the day. What was the crowd like? The Sallustiano district is packed with office buildings and government ministries, so the clientele is mainly work colleagues on a quick lunch break. What should we be drinking? The menu includes water, soda, bottles of beer, and glasses of wine. Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. Pinse are a modern interpretation of an ancient flatbread recipe—Romans who bake pinse claim it's the original pizza. This is debatable, but what's clear is that pinse, oblong flatbreads, have become a popular alternative to the large, round, slice-yourself personal pizzas now the norm in Rome. Toppings include all the classics you'll find at every pizzeria in Rome (Margherita, zucchini flowers with mozzarella and anchovies), but there are some creative items on the list, as well (ricotta, honey, raisins, and figs). For a mix of local flavors combined creatively, try the mortadella, ricotta, and pistachio variety. And how did the front-of-house folks treat you? Romans don't tip at takeaways, so there's no need here. The staff is kind, helpful, and eager to make suggestions, so don't hesitate to trust them if this is your first pinse experience. They'll prepare a box to take away or a plate to eat standing in-house. What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? Pinsere isn't on any natural tourist path, but it's convenient for a quick, cheap snack if you happen to be staying around Porta Pia or Piazza Fiume. Dimensions are tight, so it's not great for groups." - Katie Parla
