The merenda is the new aperitif
Every time you think of Italians, you imagine them sitting at the table eating a mountain of pasta all day long.
Although this can absolutely happen on Sunday, the day of the big lunch with the whole family of about 4 hours and 7 courses, during the week we prefer to eat smaller portions several times a day.
The result? It’s always time to eat!
Among the meals of the day, the “merenda” (snack) is definitely one of the most Italians! Around 4 p.m. in the afternoon, at home or at the bar, we drink a coffee, a juice or a nice cup of tea, accompanied by sweets, for sugar lovers, or something salty (in Rome often wins the pizza with mortadella!).
In last weeks the “merenda” is coming back in fashion!
In fact between government decrees and restrictions because of Covid-19, many bars have to end the table service at 6 p.m., making it very complicated to organize another typical Italian meal: the aperitif!
Without spritz available, the “merenda” is the social moment par excellence, a break from the day’s work to share with your friends.
We recommend here 3 places for super tasty merenda!
Vivi Bistrot: for a bohemian tea
The Vivi Bistrot is a cafeteria-tea room in the heart of the historic center of Rome. The restaurant is located directly on the short side of Piazza Navona near the Brazilian Embassy.
If you arrive early, you can win the best tables and enjoy an enchanted view of the magnificent square.
But also inside the beauty is hidden! In the tea room it feels like going back in time, soft lights and atmospheres reminiscent of typical bohemian cafes.
The perfect place for those who do not go … in a hurry! The bartenders and all the staff do not like to run, but serve with the typical Roman calm. So sit down and relax, and forget to check your clock.
Where: Piazza Navona 2
Babington’s Tea Room: the oldest tea room
Simply the oldest and most famous tea room in Rome. Furnished in complete late nineteenth century style, it is the tea room par excellence in Rome.
Babington’s was born in 1893 thanks to 2 English sisters. The two young girls were great tea avant-garde! In fact, before the opening of this place, tea was sold only in pharmacies.
Here you can taste the real British tea obtained from whole leaves. A showcase of English culture.
The cost is definitely not low, also because you are just one step away from the beautiful Spanish Steps. So given the place and the undisputed quality of the tea, it is worth trying it at least once in your life!
Where: Piazza di Spagna 23
Fabrica
If you are wondering the origin of its name, you should know that before this beautiful tea room the place was a factory! Specifically, a carpentry shop.
A few minutes walk from St. Peter’s, the Fabrica tea room is the ideal place to spend an afternoon in peace and relaxation, enjoying a great selection of teas and infusions. Even the desserts are really amazing, infact this magical place was born as a pastry shop. And already at the entrance the scent could bewitch you!
The atmosphere in this tea room is relaxing: on the walls you can admire many works of art by local artists, with bright colors and modern style. And if you like some of them…you can buy them!
If you want to try something new, then direct your choice to the fresh “extracts”.
Where: Via Girolamo Savonarola 8
Do you like “merenda”? Write us in the comments what you love to eat and drink in this break or where you like to meet with friends!
See you at the next digital trip!
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