I love walking through Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood. Its quaint, small side streets and alleys are full of eateries, mainly good, some inventive, still others healthy like L’Insalata Ricca (Via Giulio Santini 12, Rome). It was a tiny cafe that I happened upon while “getting lost.” It sits at the end of a very small street and you’re practically forced to walk right into its outdoor seating area.
The sun was out but there was an autumn chill in the air so I stepped inside to find it full of local Romani grabbing lunch in the middle of a busy work day. Una tavola for one found me sitting in the back but with a window view, so I was quite happy.
I opted to ignore the extensive pasta and pizza menu, having overloaded on carbs during my current stay. Instead, I chose one of 15 bruschette on the menu. Yes, 15 bruschette. Choices, choices! The Bruschetta Crema di Carcioffi was absolutely brilliant, healthy and green on warm, toasty bread not overly burnt. The portion was huge considering I also ordered a salad but I had to finish every creamy bite.
The Cacio e Pere Insalata was a mixed salad with olives, pears and heavenly, paper-thin slices of pecorino romano cheese tossed in a light and tasty dressing. 
I ate green, avoided the carbs except for the bruschetta and simply enjoyed it rather than bother the busy waiter for a detailed description. That’s the thing about Rome…get lost in the moment, in the meal, savor every bite and the day itself. Some things in life are just meant to linger in your memory and on your taste buds. Buon gusto!
Total check with a bottle of water and tip: €14
Directions: Cross the Tiber River at Ponte Garibaldi, straight across into Trastevere Piazza Sidney Sonnino and turn left when you get to Via Giulio Santini. L’Insalata Ricca will be halfway down the block on your left.