I usually find myself avoiding eating at places in many city centers or tourist zones no matter where I am, and I rarely suggest it to anyone asking where to go in Rome, but there are exceptions to every rule and the Pizzeria Emma is just that. The heart of Rome has a secret, and that is a genuinely well-crafted and amazing Roman-style pizza.
Emma is small and unassuming from the outside, with a bit of outdoor seating but nothing fancy and certainly no promoters lurking near the entry trying to catch passerby’s attention. When you walk in though, a cool and elegant space with a size that doesn’t seem possible, opens up under an impressive skylight. The staff speak multiple languages, and there’s an option for an English menu (not particularly surprising in the center, but certainly useful). The bar containing all of the fresh ingredients to top the pizzas is in the middle of the dinning room and the stone oven is on the other side so you can easily see what goes into the pizza making process. (There’s other menu items too, like pastas, salads and fried appetizers, but who are we kidding, pizza is the priority).
Roman-style crust is perfect for summer, in particular, a stifling hot and humid Roman summer. Since it is super thin and light, it’s easier to digest in the heavy weather. Especially if you’re going to do as the Romans do and eat an entire pizza for yourself (still don’t understand how they do it). I, like most, usually prefer the puffy crust of Naples-style pizza as Roman tends to not hold up if not made perfectly, luckily at Emma it’s been made perfectly every time I’ve been (this place is my Friday night hang, okay?). This is the place to try real Roman-style pizza.
Photo via Instagram/Sarah May Grunwald
Pros
- Easy to get to.
- Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week (practically unheard of).
- DELICIOUS.
- High quality ingredients.
- Lovely atmosphere.
- Celebrity spotting’s so often I think I’m back in Manhattan.
Cons
- A bit pricey, as far as pizza goes. Probably three or four euro more than the average.
- You definitely need reservations for dinner any night, and in advance for a Friday or Saturday.
- The waiter will not be able to legally preform a wedding ceremony between you and your pizza.
Verdict
PIZZA HERE, NOW GO.
Will you head to Pizzeria Emma when you’re in Rome?
