The Italian capital city of Rome is known for many things (the Colosseum, cobbled streets, delicious carbs), but healthy food isn’t exactly one of them. But unfortunately, there’s only so much pizza, pasta and gelato you can eat before the top button of your jeans refuses to do up. The good news is, there are health-conscious options for when you’re looking to break up the overindulgence: you just need to know where to look! Luckily, our very own Bianca Cheah recently visited the beautiful city and has the inside scoop on the best healthy hot-spots it has to offer.
Best juice bar
When all the shopping and sightseeing has left you parched, your next stop should be Ginger Sapori e Salute. Their fresh juices, smoothies and acai bowls are molto fantastico! It’s a super cute spot with crisp, white interior and open fridges packed with a rainbow of fresh fruit and veggies. They also do light meals, like soups, salads and sandwiches.
Best vegan cafe
Whether you’re a full-time vegan or just taking a break from meat, you can’t go past Bio’s Cafe. This eatery a has vegan version of everything from cakes and croissants to pasta and pizza. They even serve dairy-free ice cream! There’s also a 100% vegan buffet serving up a yummy array of fresh salads.
Best vegetarian restaurant
If you’re still craving veggies, there’s no better place to get your fix than Il Margutta Ristorante. This airy, up-market restaurant offers an extensive plant-based menu for brunch, lunch and dinner. Not only is the delicious food good for the environment, it’s great for your gut, too. Almost all of their meals are low in FODMAPs, meaning you leave with a flat tummy and a big smile on your face.
Best spot for healthy treats
Craving something sweet after dinner? Check out Grezzo Raw Chocolate. All of their delicious, chocolatey treats are completely free from refined sugar, gluten, soy, dairy and GMOs. Instead, the chefs hand-craft their creations from natural ingredients like cocoa beans, coconut sugar, Sicilian almonds, California dates and virgin cocoa butter. They’re also known for their incredible vegan gelato, cheesecakes and tiramisu. What more could you ask for?
Best jogging track
If all else fails, it’s time to go into damage control and get your sweat on. But why slog it out on a treadmill inside a stuffy hotel gym when you can jog through the picturesque streets of the Eternal City? Rome is a great place to go for a run, as there’s plenty of cobbled streets to weave in and out of and hills to help you work up a sweat! If you want to take in some of the city’s famous landmarks while you run, try the 11 km Rome Classic Sights tour loop. It starts and ends near at the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and goes past the Domus Aurea, the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, the Tiber River and the edge of the Forum.
