Tiberino {Where to Eat in Rome}

Did you know that there is an island in Rome? Right there in the center of the city, at a bend in the river is the Isola Tiberina. Measuring less than 300 meters long it is mainly known as the home to Rome's most central hospital, Fatebenefratelli, and as a spot to sunbathe on a warm spring day. I often make my way to my yoga studio in Trastevere this way, passing the 10th-century Basilica di San Bartolomeo all'Isola and crossing the Ponte Fabrico, which is Rome's oldest intact bridge (built in 62 BC!) but I never think to stop. The newish Tiberino was transformed from an old fashioned bar to a chic bistro last summer and I had been meaning to try it but kind of kept forgetting about it. 
The tables set in the small piazza overlooking the Basilica were unfortunately reserved for a film shoot so we chose a table inside. The painted wood decor and charming line drawings on the placemats almost made up for sitting inside on a lovely spring afternoon. (the strangely loud dance music playing did not.) 

I had a hamburger, which was ok, and my pal had ravioli with a dusting of bottarga, which was fantastic. We split a creme brûlée with a salty-sweet top that while a little more like a panna cotta/flan/creme brûlée hybrid was delicious and satisfyingly creamy and cold. 

There is a lot to like about Tiberio; The service is great, it is open all day long, the sandwiches at the glass-fronted bar look like a delicious, refreshing change from a boring tramazzino and the cocktail list looked inspired. I am looking forward to many more Roman island visits. 

Tiberino
Via Ponte Quattro Capi, 17-18

+39 06 6877662

Open every day.