By now you know that I care a lot about how things look. When it comes to food, I love good design, and the setting – especially when it comes to a restaurant – greatly influences my experience.
The other day I had lunch at the Chiostro del Bramante. The food was just fine. Actually it was quite a few levels up from ‘just fine’, bordering on really very good. But this was one of those times when the setting so outweighed what I had on my plate, that I think I would have been happy with just about anything.
The Caffeteria at the Chiostro del Bramante is set in the loggia that surrounds the upper level of Bramante’s 15th century courtyard. You walk past his masterpiece, the facade of Santa Maria della Pace and in through his courtyard. Up a marble staircase and you arrive at what I think has got to be one of the most tranquil, elegant places to spend an hour in Rome.
The fact that you can actually sit down and have a nice lunch is an extra added bonus. The menu is not large, but full of the kinds of things I love for lunch: big salads, carpaccio, crostini and eggs every which way. They also have what sounds like a great brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, for 28 euros.
I’ll be going back for lunch often, and definitely will be checking out the brunch. But even if they were just serving bread and water, I consider it a miracle just to be able to spend time this heavenly spot.
Caffetteria di Chiostro del Bramante
Viccolo dell’Arco della Pace 5
Caffetteria 10-7
Lunch 12-3
Brunch Sat & Sun 10-3:30
Closed Monday
Elizabeth’s Newsletter from Italy
Sign up here for my newsletter! It’s full of fun information, travel tips, links to what I’m reading and doing, advance notice of my culinary tours, and reading events. Premium subscribers also have access to my new podcast, online events, and discounts and offers for some of my favorite tableware.
Wow everything looks amazing! Carpaccio is one of my favourites as well.
I loved wandering around those ancient streets of Rome and discovering an unexpected and delicious restaurant – this one looks so picturesque and full of history.
The Wanderfull Traveler
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks for sharing this! I have a hectic schedule this week but I will be headed there for some quiet time next week and to enjoy the setting.
I can confirm that it is a great spot for brunch. Throw in some well-chosen friends and a bottle of prosecco or two and you can while away a Sunday afternoon very pleasantly.
Also worth noting, the bar is open until 11 pm. So if you’re looking for a peaceful haven in what is otherwise a neighborhood overrun by tourists, the Chiostro should definitely be high on your list.
Thank you so much for posting this. I love these types of hidden gems!
Vincent: Thanks so much for the info about the bar. Of course, the posted hours on the sign don’t even mention this! I guess I’ll add having a cocktail to my list of things to do there!
How wonderful!! I was just in Rome and loved the look of Chiostro del Bramante. We often had coffee or aperitivi at the Cafe Della Pace nearby, and a great pizza at the pizzeria right outside the building.
The climb is steep but the food is indeed very nice.
Dear Elizabeth,
I was in Rome two weeks ago and stumbled into this beautiful space at about 10 p.m. There was a private party taking place but since my questions about the place were in such broken Italian they just waved me up so I wandered among the beautiful Italians drinking and eating in this great spot.
I had bought your Eat Italy app before I left the u.S. but only had 2 nights ther. The first night was at Trattoria Cibreo, always as good as the first time we tried it years ago. Night two we went to Osteria Personale, which may have been one of the best meals ever–the opposite of Cibreo, perfect in its own way–one restaurant looking to the past, one to the future.
Since our favorite gelato is from Carabe, I know that I will be a loyal follower of your writing in the future–
Arrivederci