"This is old school, genteel Italy at its finest. There’s a lot of dark, heavy wood, contrasted by floral wallpaper and big brass mirrors, making the already expansive space seem even bigger. Behind the bar, bow-tied baristas pour traditional Neapolitan coffee two ways: cappuccino and espresso. They’ll stretch to a macchiato if you ask nicely. Stop by any time before 10 in the morning and you’ll find waiters in white waistcoats ferry plates piled high with glistening pastries, fresh from the oven, to bourgeois Romans. Some are seated outside, ensconced with a newspaper and piazza views over Hadrian’s Temple. Everything is made in the kitchen, from delicate Neapolitan flaky pastries filled with lemon zest and ricotta, to plump doughnuts oozing with golden custard. The croissants come plain, or filled with pistachio cream or Nutella. There are also handmade chocolates, including orange peel dipped in chocolate and an impressive selection of boozy truffles. Come lunchtime, there’s a decent selection of light counter meals, available to eat in or takeaway. The menu changes daily; we recommend the vitello tonnato and zucchini parmigiana with a side of couscous salad." - Maresa Manara
