How to spend 24 hours in Rome

Soho House Rome member Carolina Sansoni was born and raised in Rome. ‘I feel like Rome really does grow on you as you get older and more comfortable in your skin,’ she says. ‘You’ll find yourself ordering an espresso in a bar one morning, and the next time you’re there, you’ll hear the barista calling out your name and teasing you. Rome is the friend you always want at a dinner party: they are funny, they put you at ease, but are able to speak about more serious issues too. You love them so much that you’ll forgive their flaws.’  

As well as enjoying all the luxuries of a night’s stay at Soho House Rome (long baths and an aperitivo on the terrace are mandatory), Sansoni recommends spending time in the local San Lorenzo neighbourhood where the House is located. Here, she shares the perfect way to spend 24 hours there, including the best places to eat, drink and explore.

Morning coffee at SAID
SAID has been making specialty handmade chocolates since 1923. Walking inside is like entering a real life Willy Wonka chocolate factory. You can’t leave without trying their different variations of hot chocolate. Sit down in the restaurant for breakfast, or pick out one of the many chocolate spreads, powders, truffles or liquors from the boutique to take home with you.

Lunch at Pastificio San Lorenzo
This is the place to be if you are in San Lorenzo - a contemporary osteria with a retro atmosphere, set in a former pasta factory. It is great for lunch, dinner, or aperitivo, but the thing I love most about it is the vibe. It is part of the Fondazione Pastificio Cerere, and the art foundation’s creative energy seems to flow through the entire space.

Explore Fondazione Pastificio Cerere
Rome’s art scene is continuously growing and evolving, and Pastificio Cerere has been a central agent in this process ever since the 1970s, when the factory first became an informal studio and exhibition space for San Lorenzo’s artists. Check out the many galleries and courtyards – you could easily spend an entire afternoon here. Contemporary Italian artist Antonio della Guardia’s interpretation of William Bates’ studies is particularly interesting, offering a different perspective on technology and its consequences.

Aperitivo at the House
To my mind, Soho House’s Eastern Standard is their best kept secret. Tasting it on the terrace at sundown with views of the Eternal City is an absolute must. Make sure to try some of the different suppli on the menu – a traditional Roman rice cake made with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Dinner at Kiko
Just a few hundred metres from the House is one of the best sushi restaurants in town. Informal yet reverent of tradition, it’s the perfect spot for a cosy night out in the neighbourhood. Kiko means ‘chrysanthemum’ in Japanese, an auspicious symbol of goodwill, which can be found decorating the placemats and menus of the minimal space. If you need a break from Italian dining, Kiko’s expertly prepared sushi, sashimi, teriyaki and tempura offers just the tonic.