200° - Duecento Gradi

There's a place in Rome called Duecento gradi, that means two hundred degrees - but no, you're not going to burn yourself if you eat there. It is located in Piazza Risorgimento (Risorgimento square), a few meters away from the underground station Ottaviano - which is a line A stop. It is right next to Habemus Pizza, to its left.

I really like going there. In fact, whenever someone comes to Rome to visit me or I want to go eating somewhere 200° is always the first place that comes to my mind. Don't expect a fancy restaurant, because it's not, but that's not a negative thing. They sell panini - sandwiches, for non-Italian speakers - but not common sandwiches. In fact, I think they are the best panini I've ever eaten in Rome.

There are always lots of people, especially during the weekend. This is due to the fact that either the food is really tasty, the price is reasonable and the place is close enough to the Vatican city and St Peter's square. Duecento gradi is not a big place. When you want to eat there, you can choose whether you want to sit at a table or takeaway your food while you walk around. Besides, there's a small green area in front of it where it's nice to sit and enjoy your meal - I recommend doing it in spring or summer, especially because during wintertime you would probably freeze. If you choose to sit inside, keep in mind that there are not many tables - less than 10, I think - and if the place is crowded you're probably going to have to wait. The average waiting is up to thirty minutes, but if you go there on a Sunday the waiting time could be longer. That said, waiting is totally worth it.

This is how it looks on the outside.

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As you can see, it is usually crowded with people.

I've found a picture of the inside space without people and that's how it looks.

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The place is cosy and warm and colourful, and there's always music - not too loud though, it's enjoyable. Plus, the staff is really nice and welcoming and they always try to satisfy your requests.

The innovative thing about Duecento gradi is that although they have a wide variety of choices on the menu - even vegan and vegetarian - you can always just look at the ingredients they have on the counter and choose what to put inside your panino. In fact, as you enter the place the first thing you see is a kitchen counter with a glass showcase that allows you to see how the staff prepares your meal and the ingredients they use. Here it is.

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Another thing I really appreciate of Duecento gradi is that its opening hours are from 10 a. m. to 2 a. m. This way, not only you can eat there for lunch or dinner, but even if you go out with your friends at night. For instance, if it's 1 a. m. and you and your friends find yourself in Rome city centre starving just go to Duecento gradi, you're probably going to find a warm place where to sit and eat. Not many restaurants or food places do that, that's why I think it's appreciable to say the least.

Talking about the food, they have an impressive variety of ingredients. I've known the place for years now, and I've never eaten the same panino twice. And I'm vegetarian! That's not something every restaurant is able to do. Whatever panino you choose eat, that is how it's going to be served.

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They also have sweet panini. For example with Nutella and bananas, or strawberries, or many other ingredients. And they are really good, too.

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Look at this, doesn't it look super tasty?

To sum up, Duecento gradi is a place I definitely recommend to everyone who happens to be in Rome, tourists or not.