This most recent trip marked my third visit to the Eternal City, and while I’ve certainly done my share of sightseeing, this adventure had an entirely different purpose. This time, Rome wasn’t about ticking monuments off a list—it was about celebrating a friend’s wedding, indulging in long Italian dinners, chasing inspiration for new creative projects, and launching a dream we’ve been quietly building: Villa d’Cipoletti.

The Fantasy That Sparked a Brand

You’ve probably heard the phrase fantasy brands floating around lately—those whimsical, world-building concepts like The Rochambeau Club or Transparent Hotel. Freddie and I have always been enchanted by this playful approach, where storytelling meets design, and entire worlds spring from a single imagined place.

So, when the time came to shape the identity of Cucina Cipoletti, our artisanal Italian specialty foods company (coming this fall with handmade pastas and olive oils), we couldn’t resist weaving a bigger story around it. Enter Villa d’Cipoletti: a dreamy, make-believe villa perched on the Italian coastline, where every dish and detail feels like it belongs in its own chapter.

From that imagination grew an entire collection of Mediterranean-inspired designs. Think timeless totes from “The Cipoletti Beach Club,” cheeky t-shirts celebrating our signature “Cipoletti Spaghetti,” and even towels worthy of a sun-soaked lounge chair along the Amalfi. The best part? These designs are for everyone—women, men, and even little ones. Our first drop launches this August, but the real dream is one day bringing Villa d’Cipoletti to life through pop-ups—or, dare I say it, a physical villa in Italy where we could host you for real.

Until then, Rome was the perfect canvas for blending work, pleasure, and inspiration. And as promised, here’s my guide to the city through the lens of eating, drinking, shopping, and strolling.

Where to Shop: Fabrics & Antiques

Fabric Stores
Rome is a haven for textiles, and these spots are worth wandering through if you’re a lover of craftsmanship:

• Bassetti Tessuti
• Aston Fabrics
• Linea Costume Cionfrini
• Azienda Tessile Roma (featured on my stories)
• Longo and Figli
• Pierlorenzo Bassetti Fabrics

Antique Stores
For antique treasures, head to Via dei Coronari, a cobblestone street dotted with endless shops. Some are surprisingly affordable, others hold museum-worthy pieces far beyond my budget—but all are worth exploring. My advice: take a taxi to the corner of Via dei Coronari and Via di Sant’Alessandro, then wander slowly toward the river. Don’t skip the side streets either; they’re often where the best finds hide. And while you’re in the area, stop for lunch at Da Francesco—their Ravioli Carbonara with truffles may just be one of the most decadent things I’ve ever tasted.

Where to Eat: Rome’s Flavors

Rome is a city best experienced one plate at a time. Here are my musts:

• Sant’Eustachio – Coffee that locals swear by.
• Sciascia – Another espresso gem.
• Taverna Trilussa – Classic dinner spot, book ahead.
• Il Chianti – Aperols, lunch, dinner—always fun.
• Antico Forno Roscioli – Reservations essential.
• Campo de’ Fiori – Bustling outdoor market.
• Osteria da Fortunata – Perfect for a post-market lunch (don’t fear the line).
• Mercato Centrale – Indoor food market near the train station.
• Trattoria da Teo – A casual, delicious lunch stop.
• Dar Poeta – Classic Roman pizza—thin, crispy perfection.
• Fiaschetteria Marini – Cozy dinner spot, book in advance.
• Da Enzo – Reservations required, always worth it.
• Flavio al Velavevodetto – Go to the original location, and yes, book.
• Armando al Pantheon – Iconic and unforgettable.

(If you want even more recommendations, we’ve saved a curated Yelp collection—personally approved by our in-house head chef, Mr. Cipoletti himself.)

Where to Drink: Raise a Glass

• Monti – A lively district filled with wine bars and energy.
• Trastevere – Perfect for nightlife, though keep an eye out for pickpockets (we actually saw a camera swiped right off someone’s chair).
• Via della Pace – A great street for evening drinks.
• Jerry Thomas Speakeasy – A secret gem.
• Al Vino Al Vino – A wine bar with soul.

Where We Stayed

We rented an apartment with a balcony that offered sweeping views across Rome—absolutely cinematic. But here’s the honest truth: while the location was unbeatable, the 6th-floor walk-up (thanks to a broken elevator) and lack of cleanliness left something to be desired. I left Rome with my heart full, but I couldn’t wait to return home to fresh sheets, strong water pressure, and a working shower drain.

Still, the potential was there—and isn’t that what Villa d’Cipoletti is all about? Spotting beauty, imagining possibility, and dreaming of what could be?

Final Thoughts

Rome, with its endless layers of history and modern vibrance, never fails to inspire me. This trip was equal parts celebration, exploration, and daydreaming—and somehow all roads still led back to our vision for Cucina Cipoletti and Villa d’Cipoletti.

So whether you’re planning a Roman holiday, building a fantasy brand, or just daydreaming about pasta and piazzas, I hope this guide helps you savor Rome in your own way. Because sometimes, doing as the Romans do means slowing down, enjoying the flavors, and letting imagination take the lead.