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zia rosetta {panini in rome}

September 15, 2014 by Elizabeth 9 Comments

Tuscany Superb, Zia Rosetta

In the beginning their was ‘Ino. Alessanadro Frassica started this tiny sandwich shop in Florence about 8 ago, bringing the humble panino to new heights. Building on a tradition of street side panino vendors in Florence, Alessandro took care with both the bread and the fillings, turning ‘Ino into an instant hit.

Of course many people followed his lead, some with great results, and others not so great. Luckily for me one of the best of this new breed of street food is just down the street from me, on getting-ever-better Via Urbana in Rome: Zia Rosetta.

Zia Rosetta has taken the idea of the humble rose-shaped roll – the rosetta – and turned it into something new and delicious.

If you live in Italy, or have ever been here, then you’ve probably eaten a rosetta. This is the roll that I remember first eating during school lunches in the ’70’s. Round, with a rose shaped pattern on the top, the roll was crispy if you were lucky, often tough and chewy if you were not. The inside was completely hollow, so breaking off bits of it provided the perfect vehicle for scooping up the last bit of sauce at the bottom of the plate.

This simple roll has lately gone out of favor, since it’s shelf life is about an hour and a half. At Zia Rosetta they have rethought the recipe, and their rolls have a golden crust, and tender crumb which makes them the perfect vehicle for the his version of panino all day long.

There are about 20 different fillings to choose from. My current favorite is the Peggy Rockefeller (they all have cutesy names) which is prosciutto crudo, grilled eggplant and a crispy piece of fried parmigiano. Although I do go for lunch, I’m more likely to stop by for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon snack, since each of the panini come in a mini version of well. (which also allows for ordering more than one if you can’t decide)

They’ve recently expanded their menu to include fresh juices and salads, so it’s not just all panini all the time.

And if you notice a darling bike parked out front, it’s used to make deliveries. Just in case, you know, you’re too lazy busy to make it here yourself. But the space, although teeny tiny, is super cute and light-filled, so I’d suggest you make it over yourself.

Zia Rosetta, RomeZia Rosetta, Rome
Panisperna Smoothie, Zia Rosetta
Zia Rosetta, Rome
Zia Rosetta
Zia+Rosetta+Elizabeth+Minchilli+in+Rome1Zia Rosetta, Rome

Zia Rosetta
Via Urbana 54
Tuesday to Sunday 11am-10pm

For more on dining in Rome, download my app, Eat Italy, available at iTunes.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anonymous

    September 15, 2014 at 1:57 pm

    Oh that cute Sophie!

    Reply
  2. Caenis

    September 15, 2014 at 7:38 pm

    We love Zia Rosetta! The food, the names (Julia Renaissance is a favourite) and most of all the delightful staff

    Reply
  3. Ramona Brenholen

    September 15, 2014 at 7:43 pm

    The rosettes look very good and tasty.

    Reply
  4. sonia

    September 16, 2014 at 1:51 am

    any chance I could get the recipe f/the Panini bread and is 00flour?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      September 16, 2014 at 7:25 am

      I’m pretty sure there are lots of recipes for rosette out there. It’s mostly about the formation of the roll, made with little balls.

      Reply
  5. Arlene Gibbs Décor

    September 16, 2014 at 6:48 pm

    I have a meeting in Monti this week. I MUST go to Zia Rosetta.

    It’s a little sad how excited I am.

    Reply
  6. David

    September 21, 2014 at 10:56 pm

    Sigh. Now if you had only printed a recipe for rosette! When I was in Rome, we went to Il Fornaio in the Campo dei Fiori to buy rosette every day. I would love to be able to make these incredibly airy rolls at home. Any ideas for where to find a good recipe?

    Reply
    • Elizabeth

      September 22, 2014 at 8:23 am

      I know there are a bunch of recipes out there, in Italian, if you have a look. The websites of La Cucina Italiana and Giallo Zafferano are great resources.

      Reply
      • David

        September 23, 2014 at 7:23 am

        Mille grazie. I will check out both of those sites. David

        Reply

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