Food Editor
Hi everyone! This week I spoke to the owner of a restaurant where you can find a true American breakfast! If you have any unique restaurants you would like to see a story on please feel free to email me!
Homebaked (Porta Cavalleggeri Location)
Address: Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 25, 00165 Roma RM
About 20 minute bus ride on 990 from the Balduina station then a 10 minute walk south
It’s not everyday you have the ability to have a true American breakfast in Rome, but Jesse Smeal, the owner of Homebaked, has made this possible. Originally from New York, Jesse opened the first Homebaked with his wife in the neighborhood Monteverde in 2013. He began his story in Rome when he came to study at John Cabot University for his undergraduate degree in 2000, then continued at St John’s University for his master’s degree. Jesse fell in love with Rome, met his wife, and has resided here ever since, However, something from home was missing; the quintessential filling American breakfast.
In 2013, after the loss of his job, Jesse was inspired to bring the American breakfast to Rome, not only for visitors from America, but also for the students and locals. Opening Homebaked was not an easy task for him, and through months of trial and error, miscommunication, conflicting answers, and exhaustion, Jesse finally opened the first Homebaked in the fall of 2013. Since then, the business has been successful, and they were able to open another location near the Vatican in 2019!
Earlier this week I was fortunate enough to meet Jesse, hear about his story, and try some of the delicious food at the Vatican City location. I have a huge sweet tooth and really miss chocolate chip pancakes, so I ordered those with eggs, bacon, and I also asked Jesse what he recommends. He brought me a grilled cheese with bacon, chicken, and barbeque sauce. That sandwich was godly. The bread came toasted and buttery, with cheese and barbeque sauce oozing out of the sides. The chicken was tender and the bacon was the perfect medium of not too crisp or chewy. The food was amazing, the portions were a traditional hefty American size, and I left feeling full and happy. All of the staff was extremely friendly, the service was fast, and the entire place made me feel like I was back home. The menu was simple and had something for everyone. At Homebaked they serve a variety of breakfast and lunch options, from pancakes, french toast, sandwiches, wraps and salads. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough; it consists of a small staff, who have worked very hard to get the amazing business they have now.
10/10: I highly recommend.
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