Roma Antica

"For a casual, non-stuffy Italian spot to have dinner, beeline to Roma Antica. The friendly staff are always whizzing around singing songs in Italian or serenading tables with the birthday song. And you'll probably end up swapping menu suggestions with the group sitting next to you. Wherever you land in the food department, though, the meal is bound to be great, from the carbonara with smoked guanciale to the Roman-style pinsas." - julia chen 1, lani conway

"This Marina spot is always packed with dates, groups of friends, and servers whizzing by with plates of arancini while belting songs in Italian. And this energetic environment makes Roma Antica exactly where we like to unwind after a long week—or distract ourselves from the fact that our roommate's new foster puppy just barfed all over the floor. Slide into a seat at the bar, order a plate of carbonara and a glass of pinot noir, and try to determine which of the waiters has perfect pitch." - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez

"Roma Antica is our go-to for pizza and pasta in the Marina. The eggplant parmesan and carbonara in particular are very much worth your time. Come with friends when you want to drink wine and eat Italian food, and not get intense anxiety when the bill comes—this place is low-key and easy to hit for lunch, brunch, or dinner." - Julia Chen 1, Lani Conway

"For a casual, non-stuffy Italian spot to have dinner, beeline to Roma Antica. The friendly staff are always whizzing around singing songs in Italian or serenading tables with the birthday song. And you'll probably end up swapping menu suggestions with the group sitting next to you. Wherever you land in the food department, though, the meal is bound to be great, from the carbonara with smoked guanciale to the Roman-style pinsas." - Julia Chen