Getaways:
10 Places to Dine Al Fresco on a Roman Summer Evening

Boccondivino
Housed in a 16th century palazzo, in the warm months, a terrace faces Santa Maria in Campo Marzio and its quiet piazza. The menu reflects what's fresh and in season. Owner Daniele Costantini prides himself on excellent versions of classic pastas such as amatriciana and cacio e pepe. The signature dishes also include duck breast with figs and port wine, spaghetti in pesto sauce with vongole veraci (sweet little clams) and salmon in a poppy and sesame seed crust. The desserts are nothing short of awesome. Try their twist on the classic tiramisù, with hot fudge sauce. The wine list is extensive, including more than 200 labels.
Piazza in Campo Marzio, 6 tel. 06.683 08626
€€€   www.boccondivino.it

Maccheroni
Piazza delle Coppelle feels like a big party on a summer night. Tables from various restaurants seem to mingle one into the other. The noise level is merry, the wine flows and laughter resounds against the Renaissance buildings. Our favorite spot for a low cost meal al fresco is Maccheroni, a simple, traditional trattoria, serving excellent Roman pastas, classics like rigatoni alla gricia made with pecorino cheese, guanciale (an unsmoked bacon from the cheek of the pig) and black pepper, or simple pasta with fresh tomatoes and basil.
Piazza delle Coppelle 44 tel 06 683 07895 
€€www.ristorantemaccheroni.com

Roma Sparita
This is one of the best spots in town for outdoor dining. The setting is charming, the food is good, and the price is reasonable. Although the church of Santa Cecilia, built on the spot where the saint was allegedly martyred, is a stop on many tourist routes, the piazza is just far enough off the beaten track to maintain an air of traffic-free calm. Roma Sparita, meaning the Rome that disappeared, is the name often given to the Trastevere district, and it certainly seems appropriate at this address, perfect for a relaxing meal on warm days when the outside tables afford a view of the square with its ancient architecture still intact. And the food is good, an excellent value for the price. At night, the pizza oven is fired up, but at lunch, don't miss the delicious cacio e pepe, a Roman pasta specialty, served here in a basket made of cheese; or the rigatoni alla Norma, the linguini with fresh shellfish, and in season, the perfectly crisp fried artichokes. For dessert, try the hot apple tart with homemade ice cream.
Piazza Santa Cecilia 24 tel. 06.580 0757 Closed Monday
€€ www.romasparita.com

Pierluigi
Just steps from the larger Campo de' Fiori and Piazza Farnese, Pierluigi's tables sprawl across the smaller and quiter Piazza dei Ricci, named for the splendid Renaissance palazzo that dominates it. We were regulars  for years, but shied away when a change in the management and the kitchen resulted in surly service and inferior food. But we're happy to report that Pierluigi has recently returned to its former standards. We love the seafood, a speciality here, from antipasti to pastas and main dishes.
Piazza dei Ricci 144
tel. 06 68 61 302
€€€ www.pierluigi.it