‘Città del’ Altra Economia’
Closed Mondays. Tuesday through Saturday 10.00 am to 8.00 pm, Sunday10,00 am to 7.00 pm.
The Città del’ Altra Economia (or Alternative-economy City) is almost too hip for Rome. Situated in a former slaughterhouse in the heart of the always-trendy Testaccio, this precious gem within Rome’s chaotic streets provides a peaceful spot from which to eat, drink and buy yummy stuff of the very best quality, and to enjoy a rare glimpse of open sky and cool vibes.
Nestled between Monte Testaccio and the Tiber, this former refugee camp within the slaughterhouse walls, a string of shops offers fair trade and organic foodstuffs (including fresh local produce and meats), snacks and aperitifs, fair-trade clothing from around the world and even works of art and accessories made from recycled materials.
The on-site restaurant is quite family friendly and the food good enough to make you completely re-think your stereotype of an ‘organic restaurant’. Of course, leave it to Italians to get it right. Outside the shops in the ‘Campo Boario’, there’s a lot of open space where the kids can run and you can even enjoy a prosecco out under the stars. The best part about the complex is that credit cards are welcomed and open every day – even Sundays!
The consortium that runs the complex holds seasonal fairs inside the complex, where you can buy organic food, wine, olive oil and other local products direct from the producers.
Its hard to find, but once you do this place is not only a ‘must see’ but a ‘must eat’ as well.