A taste of home in Rome

By Mye Mulingtapang  |  Photos courtesy of Neighborhood Restaurant

Tucked away in the Eternal City, Neighborhood Restaurant has quietly become a go-to hub for Filipinos in Rome and beyond. Owned and run by the Datu Family from Betis, Guaga, Pampanga, this cozy, family-style restaurant has gained a solid reputation for serving authentic Filipino home cooking that warms both the stomach and the soul. With guests traveling from Paris, London, and Vienna, and endorsements from Filipino diplomats and celebrities, Neighborhood is a culinary landmark for the Filipino diaspora in Europe.

Neighborhood’s Bestsellers: Comfort Food Made Simple

At the heart of Neighborhood’s appeal is its focus on simple, honest ingredients and time-honored recipes. Their kare-kare, rich and creamy with tender crispy pork or beef and freshly ground peanuts, is a house specialty that keeps regulars coming back. Equally popular is their chicken inasal—grilled to juicy perfection and served with garlic rice and dipping sauces that pack a punch. For those craving a sweet ending, the best-selling ube ice cream is a must-try: homemade, vibrant, and smooth, it’s the perfect cap to a hearty Filipino meal. Each dish is a comforting reminder of home, crafted with love and served with a generous helping of Filipino hospitality.

Flavor. Warmth. Hospitality

Where Every Meal Tells a Filipino Story

Neighborhood's charm goes beyond the plate. The restaurant is clean, inviting, and filled with the aroma of comfort food. It’s a gathering space where OFWs swap stories over laing, where visiting families celebrate milestones with lechon kawali, and where first-time tourists get their first taste of real Kapampangan cooking.

While Rome is known for its pasta and gelato, Neighborhood stands out by offering something no Italian restaurant can—a taste of Filipino home. Whether you’re longing for your mom’s sinigang or looking for the best ube ice cream in Europe, Neighborhood Restaurant delivers warmth, flavor, and Filipino hospitality in every bite.

“Our dream was to create a space where Filipinos abroad can feel seen, celebrated, and comforted by the food they grew up with.” -Mary Claire Datu

More than just a restaurant, Neighborhood has evolved into a cultural anchor for Filipinos living abroad. 

“It feels like home here,” shared Xian Gallardo, a Pinoy living in Europe for many years who frequently visits just to eat his favorite lechon kawali. 

Even first-time diner Portia Delgado, a nurse from the UK was quickly drawn in by the welcoming atmosphere and familiar flavors. 

“The kare-kare tasted just like how they used to make it in the Philippines. Being here brought back so many memories of home,” said Portia.

Neighborhood Restaurant in Rome is no exception. With its intimate setting, warm lighting, and proudly Filipino staff, it embodies everything people love about a true neighborhood gem. Diners consistently praise the friendly service, generous portions, and attention to detail—from the carefully plated dishes to the genuine smiles that greet every guest. It’s this combination of comfort, quality, and community spirit that keeps Neighborhood at the top of food lovers’ lists, whether they’re locals or travelers in search of something deeply familiar.

As waves of Filipinos continue to travel, live, and work across Europe, places like Neighborhood Restaurant become essential. They offer a bridge between past and present, a space where traditions are preserved and shared across generations. In a foreign land, it reminds every Filipino that home isn’t just where you were born. It’s also wherever you are fed with care, welcomed with warmth, and reminded that your culture is worth celebrating every single day.

For the Datu family, Neighborhood is more than just a business. It’s a tribute to their roots. 

“Our goal was to open a space where kababayans would feel welcomed and cared for,” shared Mrs. Elizabeth Benjamin Datu, the family matriarch.

“Food is our way of taking care of people. We cook the way our parents taught us—simple, flavorful, and always with love,” shares Mary Claire, daughter of the owners and a hands-on presence in the daily operations of the restaurant.

That philosophy has turned casual visitors into loyal customers, many of whom return not just for the meals, but for the sense of belonging that Neighborhood so effortlessly offers.