Moving our travels down to Rome, we found ourselves at the resto easily next door to our hotel on the first night, the subterranean-like, Hostaria Costanza. Again, one of the first tables seated, but the restaurant filled up very quickly, seemingly with well-heeled locales. The people-watching was thus, fantastic!

After seeing these fried “Jewish” (as they are called) artichokes all over other people’s plates, I had to try one for myself. It was every bit as delicious as it (didn’t) looked.

A simple rigatoni with parmesan, black pepper, and truffles would be my second plate. While the table was on a veal-tasting tour, which also got rave reviews, I stuck to my favorite and glad I did.

After declining dessert, we were greeted with the check and a basket of “old wine cookies.” Our table really enjoyed the crunchy, funky flavor, and perhaps the remainder of the basket even went with us out of the doors.

Hostaria Constanza is an easy recommendation if you’re staying in the neighborhood. Make sure your outfit has pockets to house the bonus cookies.