There is a lot of very mediocre or worse food in Rome due to the focus on tourism. I’d argue that your more likely to get a poor meal in Rome than any other place in Italy. If you are a foodie, it pays to do your homework and take a list of potential options in areas of the city where you plan to be. Avoid the tourist traps with the english menus out front. It’s been many years since I’ve been in Rome so any recommendations I would have would be too dated to mention but I do remember there being good dining in the old Jewish ghetto area.
I find that http://www.slowfood.com has the best up to date and comprehensive information on eating in Italy.
When I went to Rome in the fall. Armando al Pantheon was recommended. It was great, literally steps from the Pantheon. Definitely need reservations, even for the ungodly early hour of 7 pm.
A ggod restaurant near the Pantheon:
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/18835020/#Comment_18835020
The restaurant I mentioned I went last August. It’s a slow food participant. The meal we had all ingredients were from a specific area in Italy. Be prepared to spend about 3 - 4 hours there.
As for food - Rome is not the worst due to size and non-touristy areas but Venice is the worst in general. The Disneyland effect of the island. Hard to find a decent bite to eat in Pisa proper too.
I agree that while you have to go to the forum it can be letdown. I loved Ostia which has baths and potties and the remnants of multistory buildings it’s easier to picture. However Ostia is not in Rome itself. My favorite Roman ruin in Rome is Trajan’s Market.
And if I had one day outside of Rome I’d go to the Villa D’este and Hadrian’s Villa, both in Tivoli.