zia rosetta {panini in rome}

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
Via Urbana 54
Tuesday to Sunday 11am-10pm

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