We are visiting Rome for a long weekend, and are looking for some decent places to eat. We like the idea of finding somewhere a bit different, a bit authentic, but where we aren't going to get ripped off. Can you recommend anywhere? Ken Lee, Hilton, Derbyshire

Sunday Times travel expert Richard Green responds: If you are passing any of these, make sure to drop in. It's true that the coffee at Bar Sant' Eustachio (Piazza Sant' Eustachio) is a tad pricier than the usual, but this is the most famous coffee bar in the city, right by the Senate, it has been roasting beans on the premises since 1930.

For the best ice cream, there's Il Geato do San Crispino (Via della Panetteria 42), with flavours that reflect the seasons.

There's not a cone in sight ­ just fabulous ice cream. And for an authentic Pizza Romana ­ with the very thing crust ­ there is Remo (Piazza Santa Maria Liberatrice 44).

For an old style trattoria style experience, Ulpia (0039 06 6789980, Foro Traiano 2) is a bustling spot with a long covered terrace that looks out over the ruins of the ancient Trajan market, with the Capitol and the monument to Victor Emmanuel II behind that. The décor is no nonsense, but you'll find it serves simple, well-prepared, and traditional Roman food.

Expect to pay about £35 a head.

In a small side street not far from The Spanish Steps, is the Matricianella (4 via del Leone, 00 39 06 683 2100). The decor is neither faux rustic or fancy schmancy, but the three ochre coloured and almost cosy rooms have checked table cloths and homely furniture, and outside there¹s an attractive deck of double row tables.

Try the Roman style artichokes - Carciofi alla romana ­ which are stuffed with wild mint, garlic, parsley and breadcrumbs, then baked in oil and water until super-succulent. Expect to pay about £35 a head. It closes for most of August.

For a serious splurge, La Pergola dell' Hotel Hilton (Via Cadlolo 101, 00 39 06 3509 2211) is Rome's only three Michelin starred restaurant. The hotel has a corking location, in 15 acres of private grounds at the top of Monte Mario, overlooking St Peter's Basilica and the Vatican.

La Pergola trumps even that, on the ninth floor roof garden. The setting is opulent, the views amazing, and the atmosphere magical ­ and then there's the wonderful food, prepared by the celebrity Chef Heinz Beck, and pegged as "Light Mediterranean". Expect to pay about £100 a head; jackets required.

For all of the above, be sure to book ahead, especially at weekends.

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