OCCUPATION: Owner of wedding planning company Tuscania Events
MY STYLE: Timeless, though I do love vintage. I often wear neutrals like beige, brown, and Armani “greige” together with a touch of red or another strong color.
I LOVE ROME BECAUSE: It’s charming. I feel like I’m on vacation even when I go to work. The weather is always nice and there’s Villa Borghese in the center, so it’s easy to bike around with the kids, go for a walk, or have a picnic.
Settimio al Pellegrino
This classic trattoria was named one of Rome’s 10 best by The Guardian—no small feat in a city that has must-tries and hidden gems around nearly every corner. But the locals are especially loyal to this one, which boasts marble walls, crisp tablecloths, and classic dishes of homemade pasta, sometimes served with a delicious ragu, and almost always as a precursor to the wonderful montblanc (a dessert of puréed chestnuts served with whipped cream). On Fridays, chef Teresa focuses on fish, cooking up calamari and the salty baccala, while her husband works the dining room.
TAD
The name of this stylish shopping complex in the city center stands for Tendenze e Antiche Debolezze, which means it’s the place for anyone with a weakness for trends and antiques. No false advertising there! It’s intimate enough to feel like a private home, but one that’s selling the expertly arranged bouquets of flowers, stunning furniture, and hard-to-find designer clothing labels inside. “You’ll also find a good selection of fragrances and international magazines, plus a salon and café,” says Viviana Colombassi. And, like the nearby Spanish Steps, it’s a great place for people watching.
Planetario e Museo Astronomico
This beautiful planetarium offers technical explanations, but also pays tribute to the emotional power of scientific phenomena, making it the perfect place for kids to explore the skies. They won’t see any Roman gods sitting up in the clouds, but the expanse that is on display is just as captivating. The Roman columns of the stately, award-winning building are like arrows pointing in the right direction. “My kids love it,” says Viviana Colombassi, “and right outside, there’s a little lake and a good brunch spot.”
Ristorante Maccheroni
Perhaps because it’s so close to the Pantheon, Ristorante Maccheroni has a strong sense of its history. Formerly a butcher shop, the restaurant honors its past with a gritty-chic aesthetic. From your table, you can watch the chefs prepare your dinner, which will probably consist of a Roman favorite like carciofi alla romana or spaghetti all’amatriciana. You’ll need a reservation, but once you’re in, you’ll find the atmosphere’s lively but relaxed. Since the weather in Rome is almost perpetually ideal, Viviana Colombassi likes to eat outside and then walk to Giolitti for some gelato.
Suite Sistina
Venice may be Italy’s unofficial city of love, but that doesn’t mean Rome can’t be just as romantic. For a hotel that emanates intimacy—and inspires the same—Viviana Colombassi recommends the Suite Sistina in Trinità dei Monti. The building has nine suites; all are luxurious—think antique mosaics mixed with modern furniture—but not at all cheesy. It’s a great spot for a honeymoon, babymoon, or just a trip where you don’t want to spend all your time out seeing the sites and instead take a little time for yourself and your significant other. You can even book an in-room massage!