Image by Eleonora Baldwin

This Pigneto bar-a favorite of bohemian film types and radical literati-is a great casual hangout at any time of day. Great for lazy cappuccino mornings and unhurried newspaper reading; Necci is also perfect for a quick lunch, and ideal for happy-hour conviviality and relaxed dinner.

For about 7 years now, Pigneto has been the “it” neighborhood for contemporary culture pundits. I like the laid back vibe, the rainbow of cultures and ages that inhabit its tree-lined streets, the trendy bars and edgy boutiques that sit adjacent to the old corner haberdashers that still sell buttons and zippers to local housewives. The nearby Via del Pigneto is the automobile-free main drag of the shabby chic quarter, and original filming location of Pasolini’s Accattone and Rossellini’s Roma Città Aperta.

I come to Pigneto’s hook-up institution Necci to take advantage of the bread-making lessons taught here by a group of fun-loving vegetarian hippies. But when I’m here just to hang out, and not attend any classes, I like to sit by myself, kick off my shoes and bring a book to go along with my sunset aperitivo.

Necci also organizes an evening vintage market garage sale. Here you can find old vinyl albums, revamped second hand clothes, crafty objects, cool furniture, books and CDs; you can munch on outstanding dishes and simply relax, drinking chilled beers in the garden or bold wine by the fireplace.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Necci dal 1924 | Art & culture, Bars, Coffee & tea, Music, Relaxing, Snacks, Restaurants (Italian)
Via Fanfulla da Lodi 68 | S.Lorenzo & Pigneto | +390697601552
08:00 – 01:00 daily

5

Image by Eleonora Baldwin

I’m a big fan of Pigneto’s offbeat vibe. The great restaurants and wine bar scene draw me here often. But there’s another reason why I take numerous buses and cross the train tracks into the gritty pedestrian-only Via del Pigneto thoroughfare. And that’s the bling.

R-01-IOS is the abbreviation for the Rome flagship store of edgy jewelry brand Iosselliani, whose unoxidized metals, unpolished silver jewels, handbag and novelty ornament collections grace the trendiest boutiques from Tokyo to L.A.

Iosselliani’s funky necklaces, cool bracelets, original earrings and signature stacked rings exude style. But R-01-IOS can’t be defined as merely a jewelry store, in its diversified incarnations it also doubles as an exhibition space and museum workshop, where up-and-coming artists design personal creations that are then sold on the premises.

Progressive and contemporary trend setter Iosselliani brand was born in 1997, when Pigneto resident Roberta Paolucci-designer and interior decorator-met Paolo Giacomelli, an illuminated artisan goldsmith. Paolucci is also the clever owner of the nearby Primo al Pigneto restaurant (check the Primo al Pigneto article), and an innovative sponsor of the trendsetting village and its rocketing popularity.

The minimalistic, post-industrial ambiance of the jeweler also mirrors Pigneto’s laid back opening hours: you won’t find R-01-IOS open before 6 pm, that’s when the area’s popular wine bars and restaurants start serving aperitivo. But you can peruse the black-tinted displays spilling silver and gold until midnight. You can come here to shop or simply enjoy the gorgeous jewelry on display like I do, glass of prosecco in hand.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
R-01-IOS | Art & culture, Bars, Shopping | Signature stacked rings € 200
Via del Pigneto 39 | S.Lorenzo & Pigneto | +390670613527
Tue – Sat 18:00 – 00:00, Sun 16:00 – 22:00

5

Image by Massimo Terzulli

TIP: every month, on the 4th Sunday, the Pigneto area boasts its vintage market, a real must. Make sure you match it with a pit-stop at Primo!

SECOND TIP: its dehors is a very nice option for just a drink, too!

Sandwiched between via Casilina and via Prenestina, not far from the city center, the Pigneto is Rome’s new buzz-district. With its narrow streets and characteristic, low-rise houses it is laid-back but rough-edged. ”Primo” is among the Pigneto’s stars, at least for me, as I happily come from another area to experience it!

Open from breakfast till late evening, Primo will feed you throughout the day. Style and substance are perfectly blended here: the flair is warehouse-chic but relaxed, whilst the food – creative, respectful and delicious! – is served by a young crowd of waiters/waitresses in jeans and shirt. Ask their help to choose your wine: the list is arranged in alphabetical order and if you’re not an expert you may get lost in it.They’ll also be happy to inform you about any specialty out of the menu!

Make sure you’ll leave some space for the dessert: if you are crazy about them (I am!), Primo won’t disappoint you (‘semifreddos! being my favourite, but the menu is updated quite often).

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Primo | Restaurants (Creative) | Meal from € 35.00
Via del Pigneto 46 | S.Lorenzo & Pigneto | +39067013827
Tue – Sun from breakfast till late evening

5