An Inexpensive Date Night Down by the River in Rome

The other week we had a date night – dinner and a movie.  It wasn’t your typical dinner and a movie though because we were down by the Tevere river.  

We first stopped at il Bistrot del Guida Ballerino for a quick bite.  Guida Ballerino is a Michelin Star restaurant in Rome, but during the summer months of Lungo il Tevere they have set up a space along the river.  They have a restaurant side for guests to dine by the river with a more formal menu, and a takeout space for good food on the go. 

We had a movie to catch so we opted to grab something to go and still eat it outside along the river.  The takeout prices can absolutely not be beat!  Most of their options are €5.  You can choose from several seafood options like fried calamari or shrimp, a black angus hamburger, pasta and even a bean dish.  We opted for fried calamari and smoked salmon on a bagel. 

The calamari was fresh (we had to wait while they fried it, so it wasn’t sitting around under a heat lamp).  It was good, but nothing overly fancy – exactly how I expected it to be.  The smoked salmon on a bagel was the surprise.  It was really delicious!  It consisted of a fresh baked (and surprisingly soft) bagel, topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon and arugula.  

After our yummy take away, we headed across the way to watch a movie sponsored by L’isola del Cinema – a summer long film festival featuring movies from all over the world.  They had a small theater set up with fold out seats, a large movie screen, air condition and thick black curtains along the wall to block out the light and sounds from the river just steps away from the theater.  Depending on the movie you choose to see (they usually have several playing each night), tickets range from €4-6.  On certain nights entrance is free, and on this night we lucked up with a free movie.  To check the movie schedule, visit the website of L’isola del Cinema.  

After the movie we walked along the river from above and took in all the sights of the bustling night life below.  

Quite a unique (and affordable) night out!  All the fun ends on September 1st when Lungo il Tevere closes at the end of the summer, so hurry by to grab a bite and check out one of the many movies.  

You can find both Giuda Ballerino and L’Isola del Cinema at Piazza San Bartolomeo All’Isola Sponde del Tevere – on the side of the river nearest to the hospital.  

You can also see a previous post of the other things offered along the river by clicking here.