Catering in the Sabina and along the Via Nomentana

Organising an event between the Nomentana and the Sabina

Leaving Rome along the Via Nomentana and the Via Salaria, you come to Fonte Nuova, Mentana and Monterotondo, then Palombara Sabina and the olive-covered hills of the Sabina, as far as Rieti. The towns along the Nomentana are a few kilometres from the GRA (Rome's ring road); Rieti and the inland towns need a real journey, on hill and mountain roads.

The venues are farmhouses among the olive groves, agriturismi (working farms with hospitality), villas with parkland, abbeys and villages with squares and panoramic terraces. It is an area chosen by those looking for a country reception, away from the traffic, with a medium or small number of guests.

The list includes caterers based in the area and Rome caterers that serve it. Several businesses in the area are pastry shops and bakeries that prepare a rinfresco (a light buffet), buffets and cakes for parties: they are a good choice for birthdays, christenings and parties at home, less so for a served reception. Each caterer's listing shows its base and the areas it serves.

Hills, roads and logistics

The roads of the Sabina are often narrow and winding. For a caterer this means longer travel times, suitable vehicles and care in transporting delicate dishes such as cakes and spoon desserts. Ask how transport is handled and how long beforehand the team arrives.

Many farmhouses and agriturismi have a kitchen, but it is not always suited to a reception with many guests. Find out whether the caterer works with the property's kitchen or brings a field kitchen. For events in the countryside, you will find the main checks in the guide on catering for outdoor events.

In the villages, the square or the churchyard can be used for drinks, but council permits are needed. Ask who applies for them and how far in advance.

Seasons and climate

In the hills and towards Rieti temperatures are lower than in Rome. Spring and autumn evenings can be cool, and in winter some mountain roads are harder going. For an outdoor reception, choose the warmer months and always plan a covered room or a marquee. The guide on marquees and gazebos helps you work out what to hire.

The menu remains your choice. Olive oil and produce from the Sabina are an option you can ask for, not a requirement.

Guests and the day's timings

With hill roads and longer travel times, it is worth bringing the day forward. A lunchtime reception lets guests get back to Rome in daylight, while a dinner needs shuttles or overnight stays. Tell the caterer the real arrival time of the guests, so it can have the drinks ready at the right moment. For small events, consider simpler formats, such as a buffet or a dinner with food stations, which need fewer staff.

What to ask the caterer

• Travel: how is it calculated? Does it change between the lower Sabina and Rieti?
• Transport costs: vehicles, hire, equipment, collection at the end of the event.
• On-site kitchen: the property's kitchen, a field kitchen, or dishes prepared elsewhere and finished on site?
• Permits: use of squares and public spaces, music times.
• Staff: arrival times, overtime, meals and accommodation if the event ends late.

Once you have the date, guests and venue, request up to 3 quotes and compare them item by item.