Elizabeth Gilbert’s award winning biographical novel Eat Pray Love was published in 2010 and met with almost instant success. The author’s funny yet frank memoir spawned an almost cult following, and was later adapted into a glamourous movie starring the ineffable Julia Roberts. In her book, Gilbert describes ditching it all for a much needed lifestyle change, heading to three countries: India, Indonesia and Italy. Since then Gilbert has inspired countless travellers to do the same, so why not start your own Eat Pray Love voyage in the heart of Italy. After all, there’s no place like Rome.
EAT in the Italian city with most Michelin Stars:
The movie features several scenes of the delightful Julia Roberts sampling the best of Italian food, and I’m sure it was more than enough to get your mouth watering. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lesson in Italian like Roberts’ character in the movie or toasting to a meal with your new Italian friends, you’re bound to find these places perfect for your palate. Go on your own “No Carb Left Behind” tour, and you’ll soon find both your heart and stomach full.
Sant'eustachio il Caffe
In the novel, Gilbert describes having Italian speedball breakfast every morning, a charming combination of pastries and a double cappuccino. Kick off your day the same way at Sant’Eustachio il Caffe, a favourite amongst locals that is located just around the corner from the Pantheon. The Caffe often sees a sizable morning crowd, so when in Rome, do as Romans do by having your breakfast standing!
Address: Piazza di S. Eustachio, 82, 00186 Roma RM
Opening Hours:
Sunday - Thursday: 7:30am – 1am
Friday: 7:30am – 1:30am
Saturday: 7:30am - 2am
Antica Trattoria Della Pace
Whilst filming Eat Pray Love, Roberts confessed she gained at least seven pounds in pizza and pasta weight, and here’s one of the places where she did it. It’s this Trattoria where Gilbert has a spirited Italian lesson with her extremely attractive teacher. The restaurant is known for its delectable pasta, and many patrons also enjoy the house wine.
Address: Via della Pace, 1, 00186 Roma RM
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 7am - 11:30pm
Santa Lucia Ristorante
A toast to newfound friends! Gilbert heads to this eatery with her gaggle of foreign friends, where they wine and dine the night away. Relive the magic on your own vacation at Santa Lucia Ristorante, and spend an enchanting roman evening tucking into artichoke salad and plates of tagliatelle.
Address: Largo Febo, 12, 00186 Roma RM
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 12pm - 3pm, 7pm - 11pm
Nonna Betta
Speaking of artichokes, in her novel, Gilbert embellishes on the Italians’ fondness for artichokes, and how they clearly can’t get enough. Italians enjoy the hearty vegetable in several ways, and Nonna Betta serves up the Jewish version of the dish, known as Carciofi alla guidea, or double fried artichoke. It is located in the heart of the Jewish Grotto, one of the quarters in Rome best known for food.
Address: Via del Portico d'Ottavia, 16, 00186 Roma RM
Opening Hours:
Wednesday - Monday: 11am - 11pm
PRAY in some of the most beautiful churches and cathedrals in the world:
Though Italy is not the country of Gilbert’s self love pilgrimage, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit a cathedral or two during your time in Rome. The city is home to over 900 cathedrals and another 900 churches, many of which are hailed as the best in the world. Even for nonbelievers, it’s a feast for the eyes, so be sure to add these places to your growing list for places to visit in the Italian capital.
Sant'Agnese in Agone (Church of St. Agnes)
Gilbert never enters the Church of St Agnes in the film, but she does sits outside it, looking out at Piazza Navona as she eats her gelato. This seventeenth century baroque church has stunning interiors, with splashes of gold, green and marble. The circular interior also features several statues of martyred saints. The church is dedicated to St Agnes, who was martyred at the ancient Stadium of Domitian
Address: Via di Santa Maria dell'Anima, 30/A, 00186 Roma RM
Opening Hours:
Tuesday - Friday: 9am - 1pm, 3pm - 7pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9am - 1pm, 3pm - 8pm
San Luigi dei Francesi (Church of St. Louis of the French)
Not far from the Church of St Agnes is San Luigi dei Francesi. The eye-catching exterior was the work of Giacomo della Porta, and it’s decorative style was influenced by the French. There are several brightly painted frescoes inside the church, the most famous of which are painted by the great master Caravaggio, found in Contarelli Chapel.
Address: Piazza di S. Luigi de' Francesi, 00186 Roma RM
Opening Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:30am - 12:45pm, 2:30pm - 6:30pm
Saturday: 9:30am - 12:15pm, 2:30pm - 6:30pm
Sunday: 11:30am - 12:45pm, 2:30pm - 6:30pm
Santa Maria in Montesanto (The Church of St Mary in Montesanto) and Santa Maria dei Miracoli
Another piazza Gilbert finds herself wandering through is Piazza del Popolo, one of the most famous squares in Rome, which features two almost identical churches. The one on the left is Santa Maria in Montesanto, which is unique in that it has earned the status of a minor Basilica, and is also hailed as the Church of the Artists. It’s near identical twin, Santa Maria dei Miracoli, is on it’s right. Though it is the smaller of the two, it is still very much worth visiting for the wealth of artworks inside. The most influential artists of the time were commissioned to decorate it’s interior, including masters like Pinturicchio, Raphael, and Caravaggio.
Address: Piazza del Popolo, 18, 00187 Roma RM
Opening Hours:
Santa Maria in Montesanto:
Monday - Friday: 7pm - 8pm
Sunday: 11:30am - 1:15pm
Santa Maria dei Miracoli:
Monday - Sunday: 7am - 12:30pm, 4pm - 7:30pm
Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
You would be forgiven for thinking that St. Peters was the official cathedral of Rome, given it’s reputation, but the official cathedral of Rome is in fact Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, also recognised as the seat of the Pope. Many make a pilgrimage here to see the altar, which is said to hold the heads of St Peter and Paul.
Address: Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Roma RM
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 7am - 7pm
And lastly, fall in LOVE with the city:
On the ruins in Rome, Gilbert had this to say in her novel, “I looked around at this place, at the chaos it has endured… and I was reassured maybe my life hasn’t been so chaotic. It’s just the way the world is, and the real trap is getting attached to any of it. Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation.” Gain similar insights as you walk through the ruins of Rome, and preach your own enduring variation of self love. Eat Pray Love is not so much about falling in love with a partner, but also about falling in love with the city, and even yourself.
Mausoleum of Augustus
It is here where Gilbert has her heartfelt montage about the lessons that can be learned from ruins. Thought to be the biggest tomb in the Roman world, it holds the remains of the first Roman Emperor Augustus, and several other members of the imperial family; names like Tiberius and Nerva may sound familiar. No doubt this dignified dedication to death will inspire you to have similar thoughts about your relationship with the world and your inner self.
Address: Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 00186 Roma RM
The Colosseum
Eat Pray Love is peppered with various stunning shots of the Colosseum, and no trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the most notable amphitheatre in the world. Gladiators clashed here in fights to the death and it was a place of popular entertainment for ancient Romans. Today you can tour the site and learn about it’s rich and elaborate history, the trials it has endured, and the archaeological efforts that went into discovering its complex history.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 8:30am - 7pm
Tiber Island
Throughout the movie, Gilbert takes many long, scenic walks through Tiber Island, a small boat-shaped island that once served as the site of a hospital. In ancient times it was also a venerated temple, and has earned a reputation for being a place of healing. Cleanse your spirit with a walk through the island as you enjoy the fantastic river-views.
Piazza Navona
As mentioned before, Gilbert’s long meanderings throughout Rome take her to Piazza Navona. The piazza is rich with examples of the best of the best when it comes to baroque roman architecture and art. Perhaps your eyes will be drawn to Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, the famous Fountain of Four Rivers first, or Pamphili Palace, the former lodgings of Innocent X; whatever the case, the Piazza is a marvel in itself.
Campo de’ Fiori Market
To end off this list, an incredible highlight. Located in the heart of historic Rome, Campo de’ Fiori, which translates to “Field of Flowers”, has been transformed into a bustling outdoor market. You can find fresh produce, blooming flowers, and thirst-quenching juices at Rome’s very last outdoor market. After night falls, the area transforms, with many bars coming to life with patrons and enough drinks to go around.
Address: Piazza Campo de' Fiori, 00186 Roma RM
Opening Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 7am - 2pm
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