Ciao, amici!💛 One of the things I adore most about Rome is how it encourages you to slow down. To sip, to linger, to taste. And that’s exactly what I did at the wonderfully named Osteria del Tempo Perso Belsiana, the Inn of Lost Time.Tucked away on Via Belsiana, just moments from the Spanish Steps, this charming osteria invites you to let time drift away with every bite. The cobblestone street, the quiet glow of lamplight, the soft hum of conversations around you, it’s the kind of evening you don’t want to end. And thankfully, it didn’t have to. 🍷✨
What We Ordered
🍋 Tonnarelli Cacio Pepe e Lime: A Roman classic with a zesty twist! This dish surprised and delighted me – creamy, peppery, perfectly al dente, with just a kiss of lime to elevate it. Bright, bold, and unforgettable.
🍅 Fettuccine di Farro ai 4 Pomodori e Basilico: Made from spelt flour and dressed in the sweetness of four kinds of cherry tomatoes, this dish was pure summer in a bowl. Fresh, rustic, and beautifully balanced with fragrant basil.
🐙 Roasted Octopus with Lemon-Ginger Mashed Potatoes & Crispy Vegetables: Tender octopus, artfully plated over velvety lemon and ginger mashed potatoes – yes, you read that right! A bold and unexpected pairing that completely worked. The crispy vegetables added a satisfying crunch and the presentation was just as delightful as the flavor.
🍷 1 Bottle of Peppoli Chianti Classico (Antinori): This was the perfect companion for the meal – smooth, structured, and full of warm, berry notes. A Chianti that invites long conversations and longer evenings.
The Vibe
Dining outdoors on Via Belsiana felt like something out of a postcard. The elegant osteria setting, paired with its cozy Roman energy and stylish decor, created a truly charming atmosphere. While the majority of the staff were welcoming and professional, I’ll be candid – our waiter that evening came off a bit condescending and dismissive at times. It didn’t dampen the overall experience, but it was a noticeable contrast to the warmth we felt from the manager and other team members.
Still, the setting more than made up for it. The glow of the streetlamps, the buzz of Rome winding down around us, and the gentle clinking of wine glasses made it easy to let the moment stretch out like a beautiful Roman evening should. ✨
Practical Tips
- 📍 Address: Via Belsiana, 94-95, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
- ⏰ Reservations: Recommended for dinner (especially if you want an outdoor table!)
- 🥂 Great For: Romantic evenings, casual gourmet dining, and anyone looking to enjoy Roman cuisine with a twist
- 📸 Photo Tip: Capture your pasta under the soft lamplight or take a dreamy streetscape shot with your wine glass in hand
Final Pour
At Osteria del Tempo Perso, the name says it all – the inn of lost time. And truly, it’s the kind of place where hours melt away without you realizing. As I sat beneath the soft lights of Via Belsiana, sipping Chianti and twirling tonnarelli, I felt Rome wrap around me like a warm shawl – full of contrasts, quirks, and quiet elegance.
Was everything perfect? Not quite. But maybe that’s part of the magic. Because Rome isn’t meant to be polished and predictable, it’s meant to be felt. It’s in the lime twist on your pasta, the old stone under your feet, the glimmer of a streetlamp on your wine glass.
This dinner was a memory made slowly. And for a bubbly traveler like me, that’s exactly the kind I cherish.
xoxo,
Bubbly 💫
