How I Holiday: A Travel Agent-Turned Deli Owner’s Guide To Rome’s Streets And Eats
Welcome to How I Holiday, a series of travel stories and recommendations shared by friends of Urban List from Aotearoa and Australia. With well-timed connections to Rome via Singapore from key Aussie destinations, we've proudly partnered with Singapore Airlines to bring this story to life.
Who better to dish out travel tips to Rome than a former travel agent-turned-Italian deli owner? When travel died down in 2020, Melbourne’s Med delights importer, Jake Cassar, picked up and moved himself to Torquay, Victoria, to bring a taste of Italy to the surf coast with his part-grocer, part-cafeteria, Mortadeli.
For research purposes (aka trying all the Italian bites), he loves to return to his favourite Euro city: Rome. And thanks to Singapore Airlines, on a flight to the Eternal City, the culinary journey starts in the air. Offering a long list of vino curated by the Wine Experts, regionally inspired meals, Stanley Tucci on the KrisWorld in-flight entertainment, friendly service, and comfy, classy cabins, you’ll be livin' la dolce vita long before you touch Italian soil. Ready to fly? Read on for Cassar’s tips.
What is it about Rome that you love so much?
It’s hard to explain, but when they say Rome is eternal, they’re right. There’s just something about it. The history everywhere feels like walking back in time. The glamour and style of the Romans. And, the food is always a 10 out of 10. It’s a no-fail destination—and maybe I throw too many coins into the Trevi Fountain, because I always find myself returning for more.
What makes Rome special to you?
Everything about Rome is special to me! They just do everything right. They have so much style, they eat by the season and hero the ingredients. They have free sparkling water taps on the streets, and the Romans just embrace and enjoy life.
What’s a core memory you have there?
The first time—and every time—after a visit to Forno Campo de' Fiori, witnessing the bakers shaping, stretching and baking the bread. Once you make it inside, you’ll be wondering why every bakery in the world can’t be like this.
Their pizza bianca with mortadella, and a plain, simple slice of pizza rosso, is what memories are made of! I always grab a slice and savour every bite as I stroll around the Campo de' Fiori fresh fruit and vegetable market.
What’s the best meal you’ve had in Rome?
There are so many to choose from, but I always seem to return to my favourite, Trattoria Da Enzo, which serves traditional Roman dishes. The lines curve around the corner hours before opening. It feels a bit touristy, but it’s worth the wait, and the line moves faster if you partake in a spritz or two to pass the time.
I’m a sucker for cacio e pepe, but have you tried gricia? It’s cacio e pepe amplified with crispy guanciale. Their polpette and tiramisu also hit the spot, and if you’re visiting in the right season, their panacotta with wild alpine strawberries will be forever in your thoughts.
Even the food at the airport is the best airport food I’ve ever tasted—take notes, every other airport in the world!
Where can you find the best shopping in Rome?
There's not one area I go to, and I'm not a fan of mainstream chain stores. I will always find the time to visit a few quaint ‘only found in Rome’ stores.
Being the owner of a delicatessen, I always find myself drooling over everything inside Antica Salumeria, the oldest gourmet food shop in Rome. It’s been around for hundreds of years and is right opposite the Pantheon.
Schostal Originals, near the Spanish Steps, is a clothing shop that’s great for basics (shirts, pyjamas, and knitwear), and it's been around for 150 years. Or, Emporio Centrale is a new homewares store curated with all things made in Italy.
Where are you heading first next time you touch down in Rome?
I've made it my tradition, no matter the time of day, to head straight to Bar San Calisto (Editor's note: this spot may be temporarily closed during winter). It's always buzzing with all walks of life. They open from 5.30am to 2am!
Be it a caffe con granita and a maritozzi or an ice-cold Peroni, it always gives me the feeling of returning home. If you're lucky, you may be there to witness the local men playing a game of scopa.
Where in Rome would you go for a little creative inspiration?
Roscioli has three shops close to each other: a forno bakery, a caffe and a pasticceria. What gets my inspiration bubbling is their Salumeria con Cucina. It's part alimentari and part restaurant, and it’s what gave me lots of inspiration for the opening of Mortadeli, and continues to do so! Their packaging, their vibe and everything about it speaks my language!
Where would you go to escape the crowds?
A stroll and picnic along the banks of the Tiber River always allows for some peace away from the hustle and bustle above.
What's your non-negotiable on a trip to Rome?
A visit to Giolitti, a classic old school bar and gelateria. No matter the season and weather at the time, a few scoops of their traditional gelato are a must and always accept the panna (whipped cream) on top. Their pistachio is the best I’ve ever tasted.
What surprised you the first time you visited Rome? Why?
Cliche, but have you seen the Colosseum! Everything about it is an absolute wow wow wow!
Where should people eat, drink, stay and play in Rome?
Eat: La Matriciana dal 1870. My must-order is the amatriciana pasta.
Drink: L’Oratorio Trastevere (Editor's note: this spot may be temporarily closed during winter).
Stay: Hotel Chapter Roma.
Play: Piazza Trilussa in Trastevere is an iconic spot for spontaneous, open-air dancing and nightlife in Rome around 10pm.
Finally, what’s your number one flying tip to help you land feeling refreshed?
From the moment I board a flight, I always look up the current time at the destination and plan how my flight will pan out. If you're staying awake and watching movies, always make sure to arrive fresh and ready to go. Or, I put myself to sleep and keep excitement levels down low until we wake the next day!
Ready to explore Rome for yourself? Singapore Airlines makes it easy to lock in a Euro vacay, connecting Australia to the Eternal City with a breezy connection to Singapore, and multiple flights per week. For the latest schedules, fares, and Kris Flyer redemption options, head here before you start mapping out your adventure.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Singapore Airlines and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Imagery: Jake Cassar