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The 38 Essential Rome Restaurants

Slices of pan-baked pizza worth the line, famous carbonara from a Michelin star winner at a power-lunch bistro, an affordable tasting menu of classic local dishes, and more of Rome’s best meals

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Roman cuisine is defined by a unique set of ingredients, techniques, and dishes that set it apart from the food of all other Italian cities. Generational trattorias serve a delicious (if predictable) litany of specialties such as cacio e pepe, carbonara, roasted lamb, and assorted offal. Their ranks are bolstered by a number of neo-trattorias that take a fresh approach to the classics — just one way young chefs are nudging tradition forward in the Italian capital. There are also plenty of international flavors offering a break from the pecorino Romano- and guanciale-laden Roman classics.

Travelers tend to plan their dining itineraries far in advance, meaning last minute reservations are difficult. Consider booking a month ahead or more for sought-after spots. While an increasing number of restaurants do offer online booking, elsewhere, calling at the very beginning or end of service is your best bet.

Updated, June 2024:

High season crowds and soaring temperatures are upon Rome, and travelers would be wise to map out their dining schedules in advance and pack plenty of linen. Summer means outdoor seating, which is infernal except on shaded side streets and piazzas, so choose wisely. Don’t rule out air-conditioned indoor seating at lunchtime and save your al fresco dining for the (relatively) cooler evenings. Though the city doesn’t completely shut down for the month of August like it used to, many venues still close in the second half of the month.

Despite the challenges, there’s plenty of good food drawing diners out in Rome. Long-established Hosteria Grappolo d’Oro continues to serve Roman classics made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, a novelty in the central Campo de’ Fiori neighborhood, which has been increasingly invaded by TikTok-famous spots serving heaps of sub-par pasta. Heading south to the Garbatella area, Pantera serves the city’s signature crispy and chewy pizza by the slice on an unassuming residential street. Further south still, in the San Paolo district, Bar Bozza is a buzzy neighborhood spot with vino and small plates. They’re all worth facing the heat.

Eater updates this list quarterly to make sure it reflects the ever-changing dining scene in Rome.

Katie Parla is a Rome-based food and beverage journalist, culinary guide, and New York Times best-selling cookbook author. Her latest cookbook, Food of the Italian Islands , is available now.

Love Specialty Croissants

The quality of pastries and coffee served around the Vatican Museums entrance is notoriously abysmal. Or at least it was until Love Specialty Croissants opened a few blocks north of the busiest place in town. The pastry case is loaded with French- and Italian-style laminated delights, both savory and sweet, while the caffeinated beverages are derived from single-origin beans selected and roasted by Rome’s own Aliena Coffee Roasters. Pastry and coffee worlds collide in the Moon Love, a flaky pastry crescent filled with coffee cream and topped coffee crumble and more cream.

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Colombian chef Roy Caceres is a veteran of Roman fine dining. His landmark, Michelin-starred restaurant, Metamorfosi, didn’t survive the pandemic, but his signature dishes have found a place at Orma (an anagram of Roma) just a few blocks southeast of the Galleria Borghese. Orma is home to a number of distinct concepts: The bistrot is a power-lunch spot set on a shaded terrace, the cocktail bar specializes in tropical fruit- and herb-forward drinks, and the restaurant offers tasting menus and a la carte dishes that blend Caceres’s Colombian heritage with Italian flavors and ingredients. Fans of the chef’s Uovo 65° Carbonara (a soft-cooked egg floating in Parmigiano-Reggiano foam, served with a side of puffed pasta and tender strips of guanciale) will find it in the bistrot, while the restaurant serves his renowned lacquered eel with pickled onions.

Bonci Pizzarium

Gabriele Bonci’s landmark pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) shop near the Vatican Museums has become a globally acclaimed landmark where cold-fermented, heirloom wheat-based dough is topped with exquisite produce from biodynamic farms and artisanal cured meats and cheeses. Most toppings change from day to day, or even hour to hour, but Pizzarium’s signatures (tomato-oregano and potato-mozzarella) are nearly always available. There are only a few high-top tables outside and no seating, so don’t wear yourself out too much wandering the museums before stopping by. The place is packed at lunchtime; avoid an hour-plus wait and swing by after 3 p.m.

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The 20 Best Pizzerias in Rome

Tianci Chongqing Farm Hot Pot

Residents and visitors desperate for spice don’t have many options in Rome, where locals often lament that even black pepper is too piquant. It’s a small miracle, therefore, that Tianci Chongqing Farm Hot Pot has opened — and thrived — in the chile-averse Italian capital. A short walk from the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, the restaurant treats diners to bubbling cauldrons of broth (served as garlic and chile-laden as you’d like) for cooking vegetables, seafood, noodles, meat, and offal.

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Colline Emiliane

A short walk from the Trevi Fountain, this friendly trattoria has been serving satisfying dishes from Emilia-Romagna, a region in northeastern Italy, since 1931; the current owners took the helm in 1967. The menu is rich in egg-based house-made pastas like tortelli di zucca (pumpkin pasta with butter and sage) and tagliatelle alla bolognese (long strands of fresh, egg-based pasta dressed with a rich meat sauce). Save room for meaty mains including bollito misto (assorted simmered meats) and fried liver. 

Armando al Pantheon

Just 100 feet from Rome’s most intact ancient monument, Armando al Pantheon champions local food traditions. For more than five decades, the Gargioli family has been dutifully producing Roman classics like fettuccine con le rigaglie di pollo (fettuccine with chicken innards) and coda alla vaccinara (oxtail braised in tomato and celery). Among the seasonal side dishes, look for puntarelle (Catalonian chicory) with anchovy sauce and carciofi alla romana (simmered artichokes) in the cooler months. Save room for the torta antica Roma, a ricotta and strawberry jam pie. The lovingly curated wine list gets better every year. Online booking is essential and opens (and books up) one month ahead.

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Chef Arcangelo Dandini, known for his formal ristorante L’Arcangelo in Prati, opened this casual street food-inspired spot on the ground floor of a Renaissance building in central Rome in order to bring his fried specialties and signature finger foods to the masses. The name is inspired by suppli, Roman rice balls, which are served in assorted flavors alongside other fried classics, including crocchette di patate (potato croquettes), polpette di alici (anchovy “meatballs”), and, the most decadent of all, crema fritta (pastry cream).

Cesare Al Pellegrino

After Settimio al Pellegrino, a cult favorite featured on Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown , shuttered in 2022, Leonardo Vignoli and Maria Pia Cicconi (of Cesare al Casaletto fame) resurrected the restaurant. They’ve retained the institution’s signature tiled floors, midcentury furniture, and infamous doorbell required for customers to gain access. The trattoria near Campo dei Fiori serves a succinct menu, including minestra con broccoli e arzilla (romanesco and skate soup) and former chef-owner Teresa Zazza’s legendary pan-fried meatballs. The wine list is packed with affordable natural vino.

Hosteria Grappolo d’Oro

If Roman restaurants have become known for brusque, no-nonsense service, Hosteria Grappolo d’Oro did not get the message. Affable servers circulate through the dining rooms beneath exposed wooden beams, delivering pure versions of cucina romana classics like toothsome tonnarelli cacio e pepe and tender roasted suckling lamb. The five-course Roman tasting menu is a steal at 34 euros a head.

Forno Campo de' Fiori

In the southwest corner of one of Rome’s most touristy squares, Forno Campo de’ Fiori bakes sweet and savory Roman specialties like jam tarts and flatbreads. Look for pizza alla pala (long slabs baked directly in a deep electric deck oven), which is sold in slices by weight; the unctuous toppings and crispy bases make a surprisingly balanced pair. The pizza con mortadella, perfectly salty slices of pizza bianca sandwiching thin slices of mortadella, is one of the best bites in town.

Culinary power couple Francesca Barreca and Marco Baccannelli reopened their landmark restaurant Mazzo after a five year hiatus, and this time around, a relatively central location in San Lorenzo makes it considerably more accessible to many residents. The dining room has also grown from a single 12-seat communal table to full-fledged restaurant seating complete with a massive porthole peering into the brightly lit kitchen. Just like the original, the new Mazzo plays with nostalgic forms in dishes like wagon wheel pasta with braised beef and onions, which joins Barreca and Baccannelli’s classics like fried tripe with grated pecorino Romano in a pool of tomato sauce, a retooling of Rome’s signature offal dish, trippa alla romana.

Pasticceria Regoli

The Regoli family were originally charcoal makers from Tuscany, but when they came to Rome they opened Pasticceria Regoli in 1916. Since then the family has transformed their small operation into one of the city’s most beloved pastry shops. The display cases are packed with cakes, wild strawberry tarts, maritozzi (whipped cream-filled buns), and seasonal treats like bigne in March, colombe at Easter, and pandoro at Christmas. Get your pastries packaged to take away, or order at the counter and the kitchen will send the items to your table at the neighboring Caffé Regoli, which also serves coffee.

Fasika and Giovanni Ghirlanda run this historic Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurant just off the ancient Via Prenestina, not far from the Villa Gordiani public park. Deeply flavored simmered vegetables and legumes, along with perfectly seasoned chicken and beef stews, are served on house-made injera.

Salumeria Roscioli

Founded in the Historic Center in 2004 by Rome’s premier baking family, Salumeria Roscioli does triple duty as a deli, wine bar, and restaurant. Though the menu is extensive, the real stars are the cheeses (burrata with semi-dried tomatoes is spectacular), cured meats (Culaccia and mortadella with Parmigiano-Reggiano are both stellar), and pasta classics (get the gricia, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, or carbonara). If you dine at lunch or on the early side at dinner, the bread basket will include warm bread from nearby Antico Forno Roscioli. The wine list is wide-ranging, and don’t miss the distilled spirits before closing out the meal. Be sure to book online well in advance and reserve a ground-floor, bar counter, or outdoor table so you don’t get stuck in the basement.

Beppe e I Suoi Formaggi

After more than a decade of selling Italian and French cheeses and wine at the edge of the historic Ghetto of Rome, Beppe e I Suoi Formaggi renovated and considerably downsized its space and menu. Now the single dining room is mostly occupied by an incredible array of cheeses made by, among others, owner Beppe Giovale. The menu is predictably dairy focused with cheese plates, as well as butter and ricotta, which are paired with salted anchovies and honey, respectively, alongside natural vino. The wine list features collaborations with wine makers like Sicily’s Nino Barraco.

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Casalino osteria kosher.

The dishes at Casalino, a kosher restaurant on the main street in Rome’s Jewish quarter, are inspired by traditions of the historic ghetto, which tend toward fried vegetables like carciofi alla giudia (deep-fried artichokes) and verdure in pastella (assorted battered vegetables), as well as humble fish offerings like tortino di alici (baked anchovies). Along with centuries-old Roman Jewish classics, Casalino also serves more modern dishes like carbonara with tuna instead of guanciale and cacio e pepe with crispy squash blossoms.

Boccione – l Forno del Ghetto

For more than three centuries, Rome’s Jewish community was confined to a walled ghetto along the Tiber River. The squalid buildings are long gone, but a historic ghetto-era bakery survives on what has become the transformed neighborhood’s main thoroughfare. The pizza ebraica — an almond flour-based fruit cake studded with nuts, raisins, and candied fruits — is an easy specialty to eat on the go, but it’s worth seeking out a bench to get messy with a slice of the spectacular ricotta and sour-cherry tart. Also try the amaretti and biscotti made with heaps of cinnamon and a generous smattering of whole almonds.

Ma Che Siete Venuti A Fà

Routinely named among the best places to drink in Europe, this long-established craft beer pub in Trastevere pours around a dozen draft beers from Italy, the U.S., Belgium, Germany, and the U.K., in addition to a small but well-curated assortment of bottles. The staff is passionate and knowledgeable, and can guide you to the right choice for your palate. It’s worth waiting for the few tables on the street outside, set up during the pandemic, which offer a front row seat to Trastevere’s lively nightlife. Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà is open every day of the year — even on Christmas, Easter, Ferragosto, and New Year’s.

Trapizzino is a small street food chain with locations throughout Italy (and an outpost in New York). The concept is based on the trapizzino, a combination of the popular triangular tramezzino sandwich with long, slowly leavened pizza dough, invented by pizzaiolo Stefano Callegari in 2009. Callegari fills his tricornered creations with Roman classics like oxtail simmered with tomato and celery, chicken cacciatore, and tripe cooked with tomato, each going for just 5 euros or less. Most locations provide a quick, affordable meal, but the branch in Trastevere also offers table service and a full bar highlighting wines and beers from across Lazio.

Jerry Thomas Bar Room

Be sure to secure an online reservation before ringing the bell at number 10 on Via del Moro in Trastevere. The cool, windowless inner sanctum only has a handful of tables lining two walls, and they fill up quickly with 90-minute reservation slots beginning at 6 p.m. The interior design evokes the Orient Express with wooden accents and overhead racks above the seating, and the bartenders’ wardrobe and glassware are a throwback to the last century too. The menu of bottled classic cocktails, Champagne, and non-alcoholic drinks provides an oasis of refinement in the heart of Rome’s rowdy nightlife district.

Latteria Trastevere

Latteria Trastevere is a wine bar and bistro in Rome’s nightlife epicenter focused on natural vino, cheeses, and cured meats culled from tiny, sought-after producers across Italy. There are some hot dishes too, and Sardinian owner Antonio Cossu brings in island specialties like sa fregola (pearl couscous) with crab and bottles from Barbagia, one of Sardinia’s most delicious wine regions. As a bonus, Latteria is open nearly every day of the year.

Tempio di Iside

A short walk from the Colosseum, Tempio di Iside is an elegant fish restaurant known for its crudi (raw dishes) like fish carpaccio, sea urchin roe, langoustines, and oysters. The pasta with sweet red shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and fresh pecorino is excellent (and proof there are valid exceptions to the “no cheese with seafood” rule), as are the spaghetti with clams, whole roasted fish, and pasta with spiny lobster. Book ahead, especially to secure an outdoor table for dinner in the summer, and expect to pay a premium for access to some of the freshest fish around.

Menabò Vino e Cucina

Located in the sprawling Centocelle district in eastern Rome, Menabò Vino e Cucina offers a veritable tour of Italian regional comfort food. Rigatoni is served with oniony braised beef in the style of Naples, while pasta with chickpeas and mussels evoke the coastal south. Meanwhile, unctuous local classics like pasta alla gricia get punched up with fresh, seasonal twists such as grapes or figs. As the name promises, wine shares the stage with the kitchen’s creations, and the list is populated primarily by naturally and traditionally made wines.

At the edge of the Circus Maximus, basically sitting on top of the ruins, Circoletto is a natural wine bar and craft beer pub that serves small plates and panini drawing on the bold, seasonal flavors of Rome and its suburbs. There’s a decided emphasis on offal — tongue pastrami is sandwiched between crisp strata of pizza bianca, while head cheese is served unadorned — and a spectrum of meat dishes, including mutton tartare and grilled skirt steak. Fish makes an appearance in the forms of marinated anchovies and fried cod filets, and there’s always an array of vegetables, like romanesco cooked in oil until buttery soft.

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Forme Dispensa a Ripa

After a career working in Roman gourmet temples like Salumeria Roscioli, Pasquale Borriello struck out on his own in 2022. His small shop in Trastevere near the church of San Francesco a Ripa has a few high-top tables where you can sip natural wine or craft beer alongside Italy’s greatest cheeses. All the big names are on the menu — Parmigiano-Reggiano, gorgonzola, and mozzarella di bufala among them — but Borriello favors the smallest and most artisanal producers of these famous styles. There is also an impressive array of goat- and cow-milk blue cheeses from celebrated affineur Andrea Magi. In addition to formaggio, Forme sells cured meats, sandwiches, and pantry items like jars of obscure marinated vegetables.

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Marco Radicioni trained with Rome’s gelato maestro Claudio Torcè, embracing his sensibility of all-natural flavors, meticulous sourcing, and restrained sweetness. Since launching his own gelateria, Radicioni has grown into a maestro in his own right, churning some of the most exquisite gelato in Italy. His newest location in Monteverde Vecchio serves more than just Otaleg’s rich and creamy gelato made from the world’s best pistachios and chocolates. There are specialty coffee and artisanal pastries too, which have transformed Otaleg into a point of reference for third-wave coffee drinkers. The location in Trastevere still serves only gelato and sorbet.

Santo Palato

Chef Sarah Cicolini started in fine dining kitchens, but her forte is expertly executed trattoria fare that channels the soulful simplicity of Rome’s peasant classics — a refreshing change in a city where young chefs frequently try and fail to modernize the local cuisine. Diners visit Cicolini’s small dining room in the residential Appio-Latino quarter for carbonara, amatriciana, and a wide range of quinto quarto (offal) dishes, like delicate trippa alla romana (tripe cooked with tomato and seasoned with pecorino Romano and mint). Don’t overdo it with the savory dishes so you can fully enjoy desserts like the maritozzo (cream-filled bun) made with smoky grano arso flour.

The 12 Hottest New Restaurants in Rome

Piatto Romano

Located in Testaccio, Rome’s undisputed offal capital, Piatto Romano focuses on classics like rigatoni con la pajata (pasta with milk-fed veal intestines cooked in tomato sauce) and fettuccine con le rigaglie di pollo (fettuccine with chicken innards). There are plenty of pescatarian options as well, like the outstanding cod baked with onions, pine nuts, apricots, and prunes, and pan-fried anchovies spiked with vinegar and chile pepper. To top it off, the vegetable dishes are incredible, especially the foraged greens salad with anchovy dressing and sumac, and the marinated, grilled squashes.

Mercato Testaccio

The Testaccio neighborhood market is the best place in central Rome to shop for seasonal produce, meat, fish, and baked goods all in one place. Get there in the morning to see it in full swing (it’s open Monday through Saturday until 2 p.m. and occasional evenings). Visit Da Artenio (Box 90) for takeaway pizza slices and pizzette, little pizzas topped with tomato sauce, potatoes, or onions. Don’t miss the essential Mordi e Vai (Box 15), where the Esposito family prepares sandwiches filled with offal and meat based on generations-old recipes, including disappearing historic dishes like alesso di scottona (simmered brisket). Nearby Da Corrado (Box 18) sells natural wines, artisan cheeses, and a handful of hot dishes — including some of the best polpette (meatballs) in town — while Casa Manco (Box 22) serves naturally leavened pizza by weight and Sicché (Box 37) specializes in Tuscany-inspired soups, sandwiches, and salads.

Cesare al Casaletto

Following careers in fine dining in Italy and abroad, Leonardo Vignoli and Maria Pia Cicconi went back to basics with Cesare al Casaletto, a straightforward trattoria the husband-and-wife duo took over in 2009. The menu features Roman classics with a few restrained twists, like fried gnocchi served on a pool of cacio e pepe sauce. The pasta alla gricia has achieved cult status, the suckling lamb mains are exceptional, and the beverage list spotlights stunningly affordable natural wines from Italy, France, and Slovenia. Cesare isn’t particularly close to any monuments but is easily accessible by public transit — though don’t rule out a post-lunch stroll through the nearby Villa Pamphili, a vast public park.

C'è Pasta e Pasta

Located a short distance from Stazione Trastevere, C’è Pasta… e Pasta (translation: “There’s pasta… and pasta”) serves delicious kosher meals to eat in or take away. Order at the counter and don’t miss Roman Jewish classics like carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes), filetti di baccala (battered fried cod), aliciotti con l’indivia (layered anchovy and frisee casserole), and concia (fried and marinated zucchini). As the name promises, they also serve pasta dishes and sell fresh pasta to cook at home.

Tavernaccia Da Bruno

Bruno Persiani, an Umbrian transplant to the Italian capital, opened this homey trattoria in southern Trastevere in 1968 to serve a mix of dishes from Umbria and Rome. Tavernaccia is now run by Persiani’s daughters and Sardinian son-in-law, who throws in a few of his own regional specialties like suckling pig cooked in the wood-fired oven. The fresh pastas are excellent (especially Sunday’s lasagna, which sells out fast), and the wood oven-roasted brisket is otherworldly. Organic and natural wines from Italy and Slovenia round out the wine list. The service is patient and unbelievably kind — far from the norm in the Italian capital, so don’t get used to it.

Latta Fermenti e Miscele

To get to Latta Fermenti e Miscele, descend the steep ramp from street level to the ground floor of a former industrial complex, which has been transformed to accommodate a number of bars and restaurants. This standout among the options offers friendly service and a bar program celebrating Italy’s bittersweet and botanical flavors in the form of cocktails, natural wines, and craft beer.

When the shutters go up at Pantera in Garbatella, there’s already a crowd queuing on the sidewalk in anticipation of the shop’s sheet pan-baked pizza and stringy supplì. The popularity is in part due to the reputation of owners Nicolò and Manuel Trecastelli, who have established themselves as talented ambassadors of Roman flavors at Circoletto and Trecca (also on the list). Beyond the names involved, the small space packs people in for utterly satisfying, crispy and chewy slices sold by weight.

Triticum Micropanificio Agricolo

The spartan decor of Triticum, an artisanal bakery in Rome’s Marconi district, focuses visitors’ attention immediately on the counter, which displays a selection of savory and sweet baked goods. Options include thick and spongy tomato and olive focaccia, pizza alla pala (flatbread baked on the oven stone and sold by the slice), cinnamon rolls, and laminated pastries. Behind the counter, there’s a wall of sourdough breads that pair brilliantly with spreads from Marco Colzani and honey from Miele Thun, both of which are sold in the shop.

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Childhood friends Fabio Macrì and Mauro Lenci converted a former print shop near the Basilica di San Paolo into Rome’s version of the Parisian neo-bistrot. The wine list features vino naturale from across Europe, but what really sets Bar Bozza apart are the small plates that balance bold flavors and seasonal produce, like pork skirt steak with blistered peppers and hot honey, or frittata with zucchini and Parmigiano-Reggiano cream. Macrì and Lenci pull the whole thing off without pretension.

After nearly 30 years at the helm of Rome’s first Thai restaurant, Beijing-born chef Ge Jing Hua opened Sinosteria in 2020 to serve a blend of Chinese regional cuisines like Beijing-style tripe with chile oil and cilantro, and Shandong-inspired squid with peppers, ginger, and bamboo. There are also signature creations like basmati rice with coconut milk, shrimp, capers, and oregano from Pantelleria. The front of house is expertly managed by Ge’s gregarious sommelier son Jun, whose natural wine list and coffee menu are outstanding.

Trecca – Cucina di Mercato

Trecca is, for lack of a better term, a neo-trattoria. It delivers everything a Roman trattoria should: an informal setting, rigorously seasonal comfort food, and an offal-forward menu. But there’s also a natural wine list, an Instagram page, and two young brothers at the helm. Manuel and Nicolò Trecastelli lean into Rome’s powerful flavors and rich ingredients. Their carbonara and amatriciana are as loaded with pepper-spiked guanciale as any in the city, and tomato and vinegar are employed in the meaty mains to offset their unctuousness.

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7 Restaurants in Rome Locals Love

Dreaming of fresh Italian pasta? Plan a trip to Rome just for these eats.

As far as foodie destinations go, few places come close to Italy, the nation known for its unwavering dedication to making life utterly delicious. It's easy to find your fill of pizza, pasta, and gelato on a visit to this birthplace of so many global favorites, but it's worth traveling the entire length of "the boot" to try each region's own delicacy.

In the capital city of Rome, you'll feast on amatriciana and carbonara pastas and carciofi (artichokes) cooked in olive oil, garlic, and white wine. If you know where to look, you'll also find a sampling of all the best dishes across the nation.

"What I love about Italian food is the simplicity of the ingredients that bring out so much flavor," said Simone Amorico, CEO of Access Italy , a luxury Italian tour company whose clientele includes Oprah and the Obamas. "The outdoor dining always creates a romantic and enjoyable setting, even in the most casual restaurants." Among Amorico's personal favorites to eat in Rome are cacio e pepe, carbonara , amatriciana , and meatballs, all of which are made with the simplest of ingredients.

"On the other hand," he added, "Rome offers the freshest fish and seafood in the world that most people don't know about. From the coast of Lazio, the freshest and most tasty fish and seafood come from San Felice Circeo and Ponza."

Want to know exactly where to find these dishes? Here are Amorico's favorite restaurants in Rome.

Pierluigi , founded by its namesake Umberto Pierluigi, has been serving Italian delights since 1938. Over the years, the restaurant has updated its menu to reflect the changing tastes of Italy, while maintaining an authentic charm all its own. Amorico suggests digging into its seafood specialties — for example, the seafood platter (meant for sharing) or lighter dishes like the catalana di gamberi, a steamed prawn salad with rucola, cherry tomato, potato, olive oil, and lemon.

Taverna Trilussa

Taverna Trilussa is the place to go for an Italian meal just like your grandparents, great grandparents, and generations before them made. According to Amorico, this is where you'll find the "best Roman dishes,'' including decadent pasta served right in the pan. While there, dig into a plate of ravioli made from scratch, gnocchi smothered in buffalo mozzarella, and fettuccine with fresh Parmigiano.

Osteria Da Francesco Roma

If you're looking to dig into local meats, Osteria Da Francesco Roma has some of the best in Rome. The restaurant has been crafting some of the finest meals in the nation since 1957, including beef meatballs with black truffle, veal escalopes with ham and sage, and locally sourced lamb chops. The main course is best sandwiched between a rich pasta dish and the dessert of the day.

Dal Bolognese

Dal Bolognese has been cooking up a storm for three generations, and each has added its own touch to the divine menu. The kitchen whips up the most popular Emilian bites of pasta, like classic tagliatelle Bolognese, and a "rare and much-loved" Trolley of Boiled Meats (veal, beef, tongue, chicken, and ham). There are some vegetarian and pescatarian dishes on the menu, too.

For date night or a treat meal, head to Tullio , a traditional Italian haunt that Amorico loves for its "Tuscan twist." The upscale eatery has long been a favorite of the Italian elite, as well as A-list travelers from around the globe. Indulge in a plate of tagliolini with white truffles or a massive T-bone steak for a luxurious evening out.

When you're in the mood for a more casual atmosphere, Amorico suggests Enzo al 29 . He said the spot is "a very casual Roman eatery in Trastevere," one of Rome's best neighborhoods for mingling over a long meal. Here, you'll find simple but genuine Italian cooking, including plates of pasta with homemade sauces and locally sourced cheeses and meats.

Il Marchese

For a younger, hipper vibe, head to one of Amorico's preferred contemporary destinations, II Marchese . While this restaurant may not have the lengthy history of the others on this list, it still competes thanks to its thoughtful menu of local favorites. The fare changes often but always includes the classics plus some curveballs. Ever tried fried green tomatoes in Rome?

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The 10 best foods to try in Rome

Don't get your time wasted by tourist traps. Track down the best local food in Rome instead

Sure, Rome might be known for the Colosseum or one of its many beautiful basilicas, but let’s be honest. What we’re really here for is the food. Rome is home to the kind of food you dream about–and it’s often not what you’re picturing when you think of Italian cuisine. 

But the most important thing you can do? Avoid the tourist traps selling ovepriced, inauthentic pastas and keeping a look out for real, proper Roman food. Like did you know that Rome traditionally does just four types of pasta? Did you know that the pizzas here are cracker-thin? To help you source the best snackage, we’ve rounded up a helpful guide to the best local food in Rome, as well as the best restaurants to eat it. Warning: you will get hungry. 

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Natalie Aldern is a writer based in Rome. At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

How to eat like a local in Rome

1.  tripe.

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We know what you’re thinking, but don’t be afraid of tripe. The golden rule of eating in Rome is to pretty much trust them with your life – these guys know what they’re doing. Tripe, or  trippa, dates back to when Europe’s largest slaughterhouse operated in the city, by the Tiber river. Ever since, it’s been a beloved dish in the city, simmered softly in tomato sauce and topped with cheese. The texture takes a little getting used to for newbies, but the flavour is worth it. 

Where to get it:  Checchino dal 1887

2.  Pizza alla Romana

Not to be confused with chewy Neapolitan-style pizza, pizza alla Romana is cracker-thin and should always finish with a good crunch to the crust. The round pizza can be served with plain marinara sauce or piled high with toppings like olives, artichokes, egg and prosciutto alla  capricciosa.  The budget-friendly meal is most popular with young Romans, who hardly let a week go by without a night out with friends over pizza.

Where to get it: Da Remo

3.  Supplì

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While most of Rome’s best dishes are slow-cooked plates best enjoyed over a three-hour lunch, supplì are the exception to the rule. Similar to Sicilian arancini, a classic Roman supplí is a ball stuffed with mozzarella, marinara and risotto-like rice before being fried golden. With a crunchy exterior that quickly gives way to the gooey interior, these fried morsels are the perfect street food. But while ideal for eating on the go, the calorie bombs are traditionally served as an appetizer in pizzerias.

Where to get it:  Supplizio

4.  Maritozzo

The typical breakfast throughout Italy is coffee and a cornetto - a lightly sugared pastry with a vaguely croissant-like shape. Unfortunately, Italy’s carb-forward morning meal can be slightly disappointing, so Romans know to splurge for a maritozzo. These sweetened bready buns are baked golden before being sliced down the middle and filled with obscene amounts of whipped cream. Maritozzo were traditionally only available around Easter, but they are so delicious that many of Rome’s bakeries make sure to turn them hot out of the oven every day.

Where to get it:  Maritozzo Rosso

5.  Cacio e Pepe

There are few dishes simpler or more satisfying than cacio e pepe –pasta with cheese and black pepper. The cheese in question is cacio –the word for Pecorino Romano in the local dialect. The finely grated pecorino is emulsified in starchy pasta cooking water to create a smooth sauce that is essentially pure cheesy goodness. Freshly ground black pepper helps to cut through the fattiness and adds a kick to the dish that Romans love. With so few ingredients, the key to cacio e pepe is a speedy chef who can ensure that the sauce comes out creamy instead of clumpy.

Where to get it:  Flavio al Velavevodetto

6.  Pizza e mortazza

A love for pizza Bianca is instilled in little Romans early on, but the flatbread pizza topped with olive oil and salt can be enjoyed at any age. Often served as a plain snack, the pizza can be cut in half and stuffed with meat and cheese. The filling of choice is usually mortadella—cooked pork from Bologna sliced deli thin. Known as  pizza e mortazza  in Rome, the sandwich can be found at bakeries known as “Forno” and should be eaten wrapped in brown paper as soon as possible after the pizza comes out of the oven. 

Where to get it:  Il Forno Campo de' Fiori

7.  Saltimbocca

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Romans consider this second course so delicious that it “jumps in your mouth”—  saltimbocca  translated to in English. The dish is thinly cut pieces of veal layered with prosciutto and topped with a fresh sage leaf before being rolled together and pan-fried. For the plate to really “jump,” the tasty morsels must be eaten immediately while still hopping hot from the stovetop. Be sure to have bread on the side to mop up the savoury juices.

Where to get it:  Felice a Testaccio

8.  Carbonara

It is hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the origins of carbonara. The most popular rumour says that the dish came about during World War II when American GIs were craving bacon and eggs, and a clever chef found a way to mix them into pasta. Egg yolk is the key to a good carbonara because the dish is never made with the addition of cream in Italy. Some newer Rome restaurants riff on the dish, offering seafood or vegetarian versions, but there is nothing like the umami explosion of the classic egg, bacon and cheese.

Where to get it:  Trattoria Pennestri

9.  Carciofi alla Guidea

Perhaps it is true that anything will taste good fried, but there is a special place in Roman hearts for  carciofi alla guidea . Looking like bronzed flowers, these deep-fried artichokes are a speciality in the city’s old Jewish quarter. The meaty globe artichokes attain their creamy-on-the-inside and crispy-on-the-outside perfection by being fried not once but twice. No need to separate the leaves or look out for thistles; these artichokes are eaten whole.

Where to get it:  Nonna Betta

10.  Pasta alla gricia

Pecorino cheese and guanciale (jowl) bacon are essential ingredients in Rome’s most iconic pasta dishes, including carbonara and amatriciana. But whereas these pastas include additional components to the sauce (egg and tomato, respectively),  spaghetti alla gricia  allows the cheese and bacon to stand on their own. The result is a dish so rich it leaves little room to miss the adornments that grace the city’s other famous pasta.

Where to get it:  Armando al Pantheon

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The 42 best restaurants in Rome

There are thousands of places to eat in the Eternal City, but it’s not always easy to sift the best restaurants in Rome from the tourist traps. And we cannot stress this enough: carbonaras are not created equal. Whether it’s a hole-in-the-wall reinventing classic pasta dishes, a restaurant set in a former convent, or a sprawling food hall that lets you grab and go, we’ve got the lowdown on dining and drinking in the Eternal City. Read on for our picks for the best places to eat in Rome , no matter how long you're there, where you're staying, or what you may be craving for your next meal.

Giano Restaurant

This is a great spot for lunch – well-priced at €22 for two courses, plus coffee (essential). The menu skews Sicilian, with dishes such as fennel and orange salad, and pasta with fried aubergine, tomato and salted ricotta, all served on brightly coloured plates. Interiors are slick, all plush velvet couches, low lighting and wooden panelling, and make for a good option when you tire of trattorias. The team also do a plentiful aperitivo, and a very popular Sunday brunch.

Address: Via Liguria, 28, 00187 Roma RM, Italy Website: gianorestaurant.com

Checchino dal 1887

Let's be clear: the menu at Checchino dal 1887 is offal-tastic. So if eating animal innards isn't your thing, either head somewhere else or go for the vegetarian menu. Kick things off with the veal head served with citrus peel, then move on to the beef tripe cooked in pecorino, mint, and tomato sauce. Vegetarians will love the excellent pecorino-and-sage bruschetta and the spaghetti with artichoke cream, mint, and parmesan. The roast potatoes and chicory make for wonderful, flavour-filled sides, and the cup of cool, ever-so-wobbly panna cotta is a pleasing way to end the meal.

Address: Checchino Dal 1887, Via di Monte Testaccio, 30, 00153 Roma RM Website: checchino-dal-1887.com

This popular trattoria has had a glow-up, reopening after a five-year hiatus in the up-and-coming San Lorenzo district. The 12-seat communal table has been replaced with a much bigger seating plan, but the menu remains as good as ever – with chef Baccannelli reinventing Roman classics like fried tripe with grated pecorino cheese.

Address: Via degli Equi, 62, Rome, 00185, Italy Website: mazzoroma.superbexperience.com

Pro Loco Pinciano

Pro Loco Pinciano feels a bit like your stylish Italian friends’ holiday home, all farmhouse brick and stone, with an open deli stacked with cheese and jars of local jam, plus fat prosciutto hams dangling from the ceiling. It's not all for show: when you order a martini, the bartender garnishes it with a prosciutto slice. As for the menu, there’s something to suit every taste here, including crisp pizzas , bowls of pillowy ravioli, and platters of finely sliced cured meats.

Address: Pro Loco Pinciano, Via Bergamo, 18, 00198 Roma RM Website: prolocopinciano.it

Love Specialty Croissants

Many of the coffee shops in Rome can feel a bit tired, but this one is a treat. Love Speciality Croissants has a pastry case packed with a good selection of French- and Italian-style pastries – a refreshing change from the standard Roman cream-filled buns. They also have excellent coffee, made from single-origin beans selected and roasted by Rome’s Aliena Coffee Roasters.

Address: Via Tunisi, 51, 00192 Roma RM, Italy Website: instagram.com/love.roma

La Tavernaccia

La Tavernaccia is old-school Roman all the way. Start with the misto affettati, a plate of cured meats and cheeses. Next, go for rigatoni all’amatriciana – a mix of chunky pork in tomato sauce, topped with pecorino cheese – then move on to the main event, maialino al forno (suckling pig served with roast potatoes). Wash the entire thing down with a generous helping of house red and a palate-cleansing lemon sorbet.

Address: Ristorante La Tavernaccia Da Bruno, Via Giovanni da Castel Bolognese, 63, 00153 Roma RM Website: latavernacciaroma.com

Seu Pizza Illuminati

Cool and minimalist with Saarinen-style furniture and contemporary art, Seu Pizza Illuminati isn't your typical old-school pizzeria. The pies incorporate local products in nontraditional ways; even classics will surpass anything you've ever had. Keep an eye on the antipasti; the fritti and deep-fried tramezzino sandwiches are both delicious. It's no surprise that the chef has been winning award after award for his amazing and creative work in one of the best restaurants in Rome.

Address: Seu Pizza Illuminati, Via Angelo Bargoni, 10 - 18, 00153 Roma RM Website: seupizza.com

Osteria Chiana

More smart-bistro and less old-school osteria, Osteria Chiana offers an energising menu of Roman classics, including an excellent tonnarelli pasta with cacio e pepe. But it’s the ever-changing seasonal dishes that are most inspiring, like the breaded lamb cutlet served with fried artichokes, or the meatballs with fresh tomato and arugula, served with a side of chicory. Save room for the tiramisu, which can be enjoyed outside in the garden on balmy summer nights.

Address: Osteria Chiana, Via Agri, 25, 00198 Roma RM Website: osteriachiana.it

Cesare al Casaletto

Cesare is a trattoria specialising in Roman cuisine, and it nails the classics; the starters, pastas, and mains get so much attention, in fact, that the excellent pizzas can be often overlooked. But take it from us: Share a paper-thin, delightfully crispy pizza rossa (a 16-inch round pizza brushed sparingly with tomato sauce and drizzled with olive oil, then baked in a wood-burning oven) as a starter. And don't sleep on the excellent fried starters like eggplant croquettes and shredded beef balls.

Address: Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto, Via del Casaletto, 45, 00151 Roma RM Website: trattoriadacesare.it

Santo Palato

Santo Palato is exactly what a Roman trattoria should be: unassuming outside, bright and welcoming within. The tiny kitchen opens onto the dining room to give you a peek at the setting where chef Sarah Cicolini works her magic. The small menu's packed with gems; depending on what’s fresh at the market that day, you might see comforting bowls of pasta with chickpeas or the most satisfying plate of mezze maniche pasta carbonara. The mains are more inventive: chicken with pork, hazelnut and truffle stuffing, or beef fillet with lime and radicchio. Wash it down with some house red.

Address: SantoPalato, Piazza Tarquinia, 4 a/b, 00183 Roma RM Website: santopalatoroma.it

Agustarello a Testaccio

Agustarello is something of an institution in Testaccio, a former slaughterhouse district that's now one of Rome's edgiest neighbourhoods . You'll jostle for elbow room with hungry locals to get a table – but that’s part of the fun. Like the best Roman restaurants, dining here is so much more than a meal: It’s about comfort, a reassuringly traditional menu, and company. Don't be surprised if you make friends with the table next to you.

Address: Agustarello A Testaccio, Via Giovanni Branca, 98, 00153 Roma RM Website: facebook.com

Piatto Romano

The menu at Piatto Romano may not be fancy, but it nails all the classics, serving gnocchi on Thursdays – when it’s traditionally eaten in Rome – and fish dishes on Fridays. The seafood is excellent, from the salt cod cooked with dried fruits and onions – a must – to the mix of fried prawns and calamari, when it's on the menu. But the star is the more meaty, milk-fed pajata: fat pasta tubes in an intestine-based sauce. Desserts are simple but good: market-fresh strawberries sprinkled with sugar or slices of still-warm ricotta cake.

Address: Piatto Romano, Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni, 62, 00153 Roma RM Website: piattoromano.superbexperience.com

Luciano Cucina Italiana

Luciano Cucina is a next-gen trattoria that's colourful, stylish, and open. Chef Luciano Monosilio elevated carbonara from its humble origins into an art form, and the quintessentially Roman dish takes the limelight here. But the rest of the pasta, which ranges from classic to contemporary, is just as wonderful. To drink, there's wine on tap, craft beer, and designer water. The staff is a well-organised crew that can anticipate your every move and make spot-on suggestions.

Address: Luciano Cucina Italiana, Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 18, 00186 Roma RM Website: lucianocucinaitaliana.com

Taverna Volpetti

A light-filled former cafeteria that's now a wine bar and restaurant with sleek orange-tiled floors, polished timber tables, and shelves filled with jars of jam and homemade antipasti. It's the perfect place for a midweek date night: the dishes are smart and picture-perfect, drawn from a menu that changes nightly and features seasonal charmers like handmade gnocchi with lamb ragu and squash blossoms and risotto with Castelmagno cheese and pear; and the wine list is a selection of Italy 's best carefully curated to pair with the food. The servers are true gems – ask them about the list of 150 types of cheese to prove it.

Address: Taverna Volpetti, Via Alessandro Volta, 8, 00153 Roma RM Website: tavernavolpetti.it

Da Francesco

Da Francesco is ideal for a quick lunch, thanks to the perfectly crisp pizzas that go in and out of the oven like hotcakes. But the place also has a surprisingly strong offering of Roman dishes with a twist. Start with the octopus carpaccio, served with drizzles of piquant extra virgin olive oil and a generous helping of parsley. Next up, go for the fettuccine alla gricia, made with lashings of black truffle, followed by saltimbocca alla Romana.

Address: Da Francesco, Piazza del Fico, 29, 00186 Roma RM Website: dafrancesco.it

La Rinascente Food Hall

A glossy food hall with artisanal Italian products and restaurants, Rinascente Food Market is high-end gastro-shopping at its finest. The selection is creative yet slightly overwhelming – there's a ton of variety here, and it can be hard knowing where to start. Whatever your taste, though, it's an ideal place to grab a quick, albeit upscale, bite while shopping. If you're looking to refuel, any of the outposts will do; if you want a view, head straight up to the rooftop .

Address: Vinascente Food Hall, Via del Tritone, 61, 00187 Roma RM Website: rinascente.it

Chef Tommaso Venuti may be lauded for his culinary prowess, but he’s also a dab hand at design, having studied architecture at university. His minimalist style is reflected in Almato, which he helped design. The space itself is pared back, with plenty of pale wood, blue steel, and sharp lines. The lighting is soft, and the message is clear: you’re here for the food. With seating for just 28 people in the working-class district of Prati, this fine dining establishment is consistently packed, delighting a local, mostly Italian crowd who are excited to try Chef Tommaso Venuti’s boundary-pushing, multi-course land-to-sea menu. The a la carte menu focuses on a land-to-sea journey, starting with appetisers such as scampi, radicchio and roots or foie gras, chestnuts, and red berries. The pasta available includes daikon tagliolini, but don’t leave without trying the standout risotto with orange zest and bitter Modica chocolate. The mains include creative combinations that work surprisingly well, such as the prettily plated duck, purple potatoes and lavender, and the lobster and artichoke, which is infused with rum. Alongside the a la carte menu, there are tasting menus that change monthly.

Address: Almatò, Via Augusto Riboty, 20/c, 00195 Roma RM Website: almato.it

Whether you enter directly from Piazza della República or go through the newly-renovated Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, there’s a distinct air of exclusivity here. Perhaps it’s the fact that there’s only space for 28 covers, or maybe it’s the low lighting and hushed tones. Some diners are hotel guests, but there’s a bigger-than-expected mix of locals who got their name on the reservation list early, keen to sample Executive Chef Heros De Agostinis’s much-anticipated creations. Cooking delves deep into his family history, with a mix of Abruzzo and Eritrean cuisine that we rarely see on menus in Italy . Start with the green curry risotto with scampi and lime. Then move on to the black cod saltimbocca with vin jaune sauce, or the grilled lamb cutlets served with artichokes and a mint and yoghurt sauce. Some dishes are downright exceptional, like the turbot, parsley roots, and black truffle. Don’t leave without trying the raspberry and rhubarb souffle.

Address: Ineo, P.za della Repubblica, 46, 00184 Roma RM Website: ineorestaurant.com

Tucked just within the city walls, between Garbatella and Re di Roma, Dogma is making Piazza Zama a veritable dining destination. A relative newcomer to the Roman restaurant scene, this seafood grill from chef Gabriele di Lecce and sommelier Alessandra Serramondi has been making waves since it opened in 2022. The design is minimalist, with white walls and black tables, but the buzzing, tightly packed space and clattering of plates feel decidedly Roman. Di Lecce’s tight menu is traditional Italian with a contemporary twist. Everything is cooked on the grill, from a prettily-plated starter of anchovies with almonds and chicory to the cod fish, served with grilled chard and drizzled in honey from Casaletto in Campagna. The first courses of pasta change depending on what’s fresh that day – a recent visit featured fettuccine with shrimp and charred courgette, and spaghetti with scampi and a sprinkling of hazelnuts. Even the desserts are made on the grill – the unusual take on tiramisu is particularly special.

Address: Dogma, Piazza Zama, 34, 00183 Roma RM Website: ristorantedogma.com

Mercato Centrale Roma

Mercato Centrale is a real blockbuster: 18 artisanal food stands line the perimeter of the Cappa Mazzoniana, in Termini Train Station , a monumental hall with 100-foot vaulted ceilings. There are a lot of choices: pizza by the slice, burgers, trapizzini, and more. The crowd is busy and boisterous. Some patrons are killing time before catching a train; others are grabbing a bite before an evening out and about in Rome .

Address: Mercato Centrale, Via Giovanni Giolitti, 36, 00185 Roma RM Website: mercatocentrale.it

Maledetti Toscani

Maledetti Toscani’s elegant all-white space is surprisingly warm, thanks, in part, to the ever-revolving doors that bring crowds to this restaurant every evening. While not game-changing, the menu is consistently good. All the Tuscan classics are here, some with a Roman slant: on one visit, you might see gnocchi with tripe ragu, or pici pasta with fresh anchovies. But if you plan to order big, we’d recommend skipping the pasta and going straight to the main event: the grilled Fiorentina steak.

Address: Maledetti Toscani, Via Monte Pertica, 45, 00195 Roma RM Website: maledettitoscani.com

Osteria Fratelli Mori

Fratelli Mori is an upgrade on the neighbourhood osteria, but still rustic with wooden, family-style tables, an open kitchen and pantry, and Roman poetry calligraphed all over its walls. This is Roman dining at its best: simple, but not rough around the edges, with quality dishes made with love. Whether you're looking to host a family reunion or get a crew of old friends back together, this is the place. It's fun, it's friendly and totally fuss-free.

Address: Osteria Fratelli Mori, Via dei Conciatori, 10, 00154 Roma RM Website: osteriafratellimori.it

Retrobottega

You'll need to reserve a table at this moody hot spot in advance. The kitchen turns out thoughtful, poetic dishes that push culinary boundaries, and the best way to understand it all is by going for one of the no-holds-barred tasting menus. Expect seasonality, creativity, and traditional ingredients, but don't expect typical Roman dishes. Chefs Giuseppe Lo Iudice and Alessandro Miocchi are so dedicated to sourcing local products that they often spend their mornings foraging for goodies in the forests and fields just outside the city.

Address: Retrobottega, Via d'Ascanio, 26A, 00186 Roma RM Website: retrobottega.superbexperience.com

Lo'steria Ponte Milvio

A cosy, no-frills osteria that’s somehow minimally decorated yet warm and inviting, with pale wooden floors, pendant lighting, and chalkboard room dividers. They get busy, so book well in advance, or you could find yourself waiting for up to two hours. The second courses are where the menu really shines – the veal saltimbocca, wrapped in prosciutto and topped with crispy sage, is the best we had, the meatballs in white wine a close second. There are hearty sides of roast potatoes, topped with rosemary and sea salt, sautéed, garlicky chicory, and the oft-underrated wild agretti, which tastes like a mix of chives and samphire. The sweet stuff is all made on-site, from the warm crostata tart with fresh ricotta and sour cherries to the crème brûlée. If you can’t face dessert but want to linger, the flaky, buttery, ciambelline rings are ideal for dipping in a glass of dessert wine.

Address: Lo'steria, Via dei Prati della Farnesina, 61, 00135 Roma RM Website: facebook.com

53 Untitled

53 Untitled is a recent addition to the Roman dining scene, and indicative of a new generation of Italian eateries: tiny, and effortlessly charming. It’s almost impossible for a space this size to feel empty, but it doesn’t feel boisterous either. The menu reflects owners Cecilia Moro and Mariangela Castellana’s passion for natural wines and ales, served with an extensive tapas menu that incorporates Roman cuisine with Spanish-style plates. Pairings are innovative and, at times, downright unusual. Here, cacio e pepe is served as a risotto with pepper, shrimp and lemon zest. Jewish-style artichokes are fried to tradition and then spiked with aioli, anchovies, and matcha. Traditionalists will enjoy the cheese boards, featuring a daily-changing selection of Italian and French cheeses, or the Cantabria anchovies, served with house-made brioche.

Address: 53 Untitled, Via del Monte della Farina, 53, 00186 Roma RM Website: untitledrestaurant.com

This unassuming trattoria is just a four-minute walk from the Trevi fountain, but you won’t spot tourists here. Its proximity to Italy’s political headquarters means, come midday, it’s where Rome’s movers and shakers come for big bowls of handmade pasta, plates of cold cuts, and the softest, tastiest Roman artichokes imaginable. The space itself is deceivingly large, with three adjoining rooms and a busy open kitchen where the restaurant’s namesake – pasta – is all handmade on-site. There’s space for a few tables on the cobbled street outside, too, perfect for people-watching. The restaurant itself has charm in spades – we were on our way to another restaurant, but Maccheroni’s warmth, ease, and piping hot bowls of pasta drew us in – try anything from the creamy cacio e pepe tonnarelli to the ravioli with zucchini flowers. There's no one who wouldn't like this place. Go on any day, with anyone.

Address: Maccheroni, Piazza delle Coppelle, 44, 00186 Roma RM Website: ristorantemaccheroni.com

It's impossible not to eat carbonara in Rome, and most locals will say they'll never tire of the city's most beloved pasta. Enter Eggs, which has a dozen variations. Served in a glass jar, the original with guanciale is quite possibly the best we’ve had in Rome; and don't sleep on the hen eggs, emptied and filled with ingredients like caviar, chives, and potatoes or salted egg nog and black truffle. Save room for the crème brûlée served in tiny glass pots, or go for the decadently sweet zabaglione, served with wafer-thin biscuits to scoop it all up.

Address: Eggs, Via Natale del Grande, 52, 00153 Roma RM Website: eggsroma.com

Trattoria da Teo

Good restaurants in Trastevere can be hard to come by these days, but upon entering Da Teo, all signs point to us being in the right place. Don’t come here expecting anything more (or less) than Roman classics – albeit perfectly executed. Start with the crispy, salty, utterly delicious zucchini blossoms (handily priced per piece), followed by one of the pasta dishes – if you’re here on Thursdays, go for the gnocchi; otherwise, their spaghetti with fresh tuna, capers, and olives is particularly good. When it comes to the mains, the lamb chops are done scottadito-style – which translates to ‘burn your fingers’ – so grilled and perfectly bite-sized. The chicken and pepper stew was well-received, as was the side of baked potatoes and skillet-fried chicory. The dessert list is small; we’d go for the house special of mascarpone mousse with baby strawberries dusted in icing sugar.

Address: Trattoria Da Teo, Piazza dei Ponziani, 7A, 00153 Roma RM Website: facebook.com

Enoteca L’antidoto

From the off, it’s clear that Enotica L’antidoto is very cool. The warmly-lit interior is lined with brick arches and exposed cement walls, all covered by the original beam roof. It’s exactly the kind of place you go for a bottle or two of organic natural wines with friends, alongside a creative menu of small plates. This is a local crowd who live in and around Trastevere; fashion types discussing their day over dinner; a couple in yoga outfits catching up over a bottle of organic red from Puglia , mats tucked away in the corner. The team run monthly chef residencies, so there’s always someone new coming up with a creative new menu. Dishes are made to pair with the wines: there are figs wrapped in delicate slices of lard and savoury tarts with olives, fennel and green beans. On our visit, it was the very un-Italian fried egg sandwich that had everyone talking, pressed as it was between two slices of toasted sourdough with rocket and anchovies. Even if you’re not ordering food, there’s a bag of complimentary bread and cultured, salted butter to go with your wine.

Address: Enoteca L’antidoto, Vicolo del Bologna, 19, 00153 Roma RM Website: enotecalantidoto.com

Pulejo Rome

Everyone who knows about food in Rome is talking about Pulejo right now. There are two main demographics here: local foodies who are serious about their next meal, and curious tourists keen to experience this one-starred Michelin restaurant. Everyone’s eating in hushed tones, all their attention focused on the meal at hand. Chef/owner Davide Pulejo’s menu leans into the classics, like ravioli with tomato and roasted red pepper with parmesan, capers and oregano, but there are more modern touches here, too, like the eel, grilled and topped with apple and watercress oil or the duck served with chestnuts and sea urchins. You can order a la carte, but we’d go for the 5- or 7-course tasting menu. The desserts are decidedly decadent – don’t leave without trying the rosemary cake, laced with mandarin and vanilla.

Address: Pulejo, Via dei Gracchi, 31, 00192 Roma RM Website: pulejo.it

Gran Caffè La Caffettiera

This is old-school, genteel Italy at its finest. There’s a lot of dark, heavy wood, contrasted by floral wallpaper and big brass mirrors, making the already expansive space seem even bigger. Behind the bar, bow-tied baristas pour traditional Neapolitan coffee two ways: cappuccino and espresso. They’ll stretch to a macchiato if you ask nicely. Stop by any time before 10 in the morning, and you’ll find waiters in white waistcoats ferry plates piled high with glistening pastries, fresh from the oven, to bourgeois Romans. Some are seated outside, ensconced with a newspaper, and piazza views over Hadrian’s Temple. Everything is made in the kitchen, from delicate Neapolitan flaky pastries filled with lemon zest and ricotta, to plump doughnuts oozing with golden custard. The croissants come plain, or filled with pistachio cream or Nutella. There are also handmade chocolates, including orange peel dipped in chocolate and an impressive selection of boozy truffles. Come lunchtime, there’s a decent selection of light counter meals, available to eat in or takeaway. The menu changes daily; we recommend the vitello tonnato and zucchini parmigiana with a side of couscous salad.

Address: Gran Caffè La Caffettiera, P.za di Pietra, 65, 00186 Roma RM Website: lacaffettieraroma.it

Trecca - Roma

It can be easy for modern osterias to follow a distinct design pattern that feels too modern and out of place in a historic city like Rome. Trecca is just four years old but manages to feel exactly like a young Roman restaurant should: spacious and inviting. There’s a brown-tiled checkered floor, pendant lighting and marble-topped tables – with an ancient Roman terracotta sink thrown in, for good measure. This short, well-thought-out menu is full of supremely delicious creations. Start with the fried chicken comb, which is crunchy and perfectly salted. Follow it up with the suckling veal intestine skewers, tossed in breadcrumbs and skewered with rosemary, or keep to familiar territory with the pork belly and a side of radicchio. If off-cuts make you queasy, you needn’t worry: the pasta keeps mostly to tradition (carbonara, amatriciana), but the taglioni pasta with chicken livers and butter is the standout. But, quite frankly, Trecca isn’t where you go to play it safe. They do those off-cuts far too well. If you’re going to try them, do it here – there’s a section on the menu for ‘refined palates’ (aka the brave ones). Or don’t bother with the menu and ask the waiter for his daily recommendations instead. You won’t be disappointed.

Address: Trecca - Roma, Via Alessandro Severo, 220, 00145 Roma RM Website: trecca.superbexperience.com

Forget sticky bowls of carbonara and goopy meat dishes – this is modern Italian dining in one of the best restaurants in Rome. Roscioli’s menu is fresh and inspiring, with delicate plates like smoked swordfish carpaccio and king prawns made with burrata cheese and mullet eggs. There’s even a buffalo mozzarella tasting menu, available with pata negra or Cantabrian anchovies. Nearly 3,000 wines line one side of the wall, watching over a store-length counter piled high with all sorts of edible goodies, like creamy Italian cheeses, cold cuts, and homemade preserves in oil.

Address: Roscioli, Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM Website: salumeriaroscioli.com

Nonna Betta

Dining at Nonna Betta is a charming affair. The artwork depicts life in Rome’s Jewish ghetto, and wrought-iron lanterns cast low, intimate light over polished timber tables. All the recipes were developed in-house, so expect glorious home-style kosher dishes like beef-stuffed agnolotti and tagliolini with dandelion greens and mullet roe. This is the best place in Rome to try Jewish-Roman-style artichokes (they’re spiked with chilli and deep fried, in case you’re wondering). The lunch deals are decent, too.

Address: Nonna Betta, Via del Portico d'Ottavia, 16, 00186 Roma RM Website: nonnabetta.it

Da Bucatino

The food at Da Bucatino is completely, utterly Roman. Skip the antipasti, which can err on the dry side, and go for the rigatoni with melt-in-your-mouth entrails or the seafood risotto, which is consistently good. The chicken cacciatore, cooked Roman-style with bell peppers and tomatoes, is big enough for two, but don’t let that stop you from ordering the light, spongy tiramisu for dessert.

Address: Da Bucatino, Via Luca della Robbia, 84, 00153 Roma RM Website: dabucatino.it

Without hyperbole, Pizzarium is one of Rome's most important and influential places for food. Even though it serves pizza by the slice, a traditionally humble fast food, owner Gabriele Bonci has elevated it to an art form here. The simplest toppings are best, so go for the potato and mozzarella, onion, or tomato pies. At lunchtime, there are suppli' (rice croquettes) right out of the fryer, but avoid them later in the day when they have cooled – unless, that is, the staff will fry them to order.

Address: Bonci Pizzarium, Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma RM Website: bonci.it

Hygge – in Rome? With Marigold, you sure bet. The joint restaurant, bakery and microbrewery has a Scandi sensibility with simple tables, beautiful homemade pottery, and wildflower arrangements. Owners Sofie Wochner and Domenico Cortese are adherents to local, sustainable food , and whether you're here for brunch, lunch or a simple breakfast pastry, the food is like episodic poetry. Like the design, the menu is minimalist – just a few ultra-seasonal dishes – so order whatever you see.

Address: Marigold Roma, Via Giovanni da Empoli, 37, 00154 Roma RM Website: marigoldroma.com

Piperno is pretty old-school in its décor – polished wood-panelled walls, platters full of fresh fruit, chandeliers – and that formality extends to the service. Ever-courteous staff, enrobed in white jackets and bowties, welcomes you to your table like you’re nobility. Start your meal with some oh-so-Roman fried potato croquettes and suppli, then head straight for a first course in the form of potato gnocchi in creamy fontina cheese, plus a seafood risotto for good measure. The main game is all about seafood.

Address: Piperno, Via Monte dè Cenci, 9, 00186 Roma RM Website: ristorantepiperno.it

Trattoria Da Danilo

Trattoria Da Danilo is like a postcard – exactly what you envision a typical Roman trattoria would look like. The charming room is crowded with wooden tables covered with checkered tablecloths; the walls are decorated with vintage photos. Serious food lovers flock from all around Rome – and the world – for the legendary carbonara here, which, like the cacio e pepe and amatriciana, is the dish's purest expression. After one meal, you'll be forever ruined on all future versions.

Address: Trattoria Da Danilo, Via Petrarca, 13, 00185 Roma RM Website: trattoriadadanilo.com

Armando al Pantheon

You'll find a mix of locals and international gastronome types seriously perusing Armando el Pantheon's menu, deep in contemplation, one assumes, of the feast to come. Sure, there’s chatter, but everyone’s pretty focused. It's plain they're determined to savour every bite. We can't say we blame them. Kick things off with a bruschetta topped with tomato and milky burrata cheese, then move on to a plate of fettuccine pasta with porcini mushrooms, or stick to the old Roman favourite, cacio e pepe (a creamy sauce made from pecorino and pepper). Come mains, the chargrilled lamb chops, if they have them, are bite-sized pieces of meaty goodness.

Address: Armando al Pantheon, Salita de' Crescenzi, 31, 00186 Roma RM Website: armandoalpantheon.it

Kick things off at Da Enzo with an order of sourdough bread and ricotta. The pasta is all very good, but it’s the mains that truly dazzle. Don’t miss the polpette (meatballs), a dreamy mix of beef, mortadella ham, and pecorino cheese served in a thick tomato sauce. Grilled garlicky eggplant makes for a perfect side dish, as does the steamed wild chicory, dressed in lemon and extra virgin olive oil. For dessert, the tiramisu is always a winner, but we also love the pistachio gelato – it's the best you'll ever have.

Address: Da Enzo, via dei Vascellari 29, Rome Website: daenzoal29.com

Antico Arco

Antico Arco is one of the city’s most popular places to eat, so you'll definitely want to book ahead. It may be a white-tablecloth kind of place, where suited-up waiters scuttle between hushed tables – but that doesn't mean it's stuck-up. People who love real-deal Roman classics will appreciate how well it's executed here, whether you're going for the seven-course tasting menu (with wine pairings, of course) or sampling from the à la carte dishes.

Address: Antico Arco, Piazzale Aurelio, 7, 00152 Roma RM Website: anticoarco.it

The Best Restaurants In Rome

photo credit: Maela Bonafede

Gillian McGuire & Annie Replogle

April 23, 2024

Rome is famously chaotic, and a fascinating mix of very old-meets-very-new: you’ll find wifi hotspots at ancient monuments, over 900 churches and nearly as many electric Bird scooters, and an Apple store in the historic Palazzo Marignoli, frescos intact. The Roman food scene reflects this same tangle of ancient and modern. 

Romans, and Italians more generally, are very particular about how they eat. Breakfast is fast and sweet and taken at the bar of a cafe. Lunch really can be the long, multi-course feast that you’ve seen in the movies, especially on weekends, and dinner is late by US standards, with many places not even opening until 8pm.

When dining in Rome, here are a few cardinal rules to follow: Try at least one (or all) of the renowned pasta dishes —cacio e pepe, gricia, carbonara, and amatriciana. Don’t leave without sampling supplì, fried baccalà, and pizza. Allocate one breakfast for a maritozzo. And of course, treat yourself to gelato as often as possible.

photo credit: Saghar Setareh

Trattoria Trecca

Some people ride or die for carbonara, or think cacio e pepe is the pinnacle of Roman cooking. But for us, Trecca shows it’s all about the quinto quarto, or what’s known as offal, the discarded animal parts that are “I can’t believe I’m eating this and actually enjoying it” kind of delicious. Their regaje di pollo e patate is the perfect example—lusciously tender chicken innards sauteed with rosemary and white wine, served in a pan alongside small cubes of the crispiest potatoes you’ll ever taste. Or their rigatoni alla pajata, which might just make you suddenly crave milk-fed veal intestines. We love coming solo to sit at the bar and chat with the chef), or with friends to sit outside during the summer. Just know Trecca is a bit outside the city—four metro stops from the Colosseum, about a 15-minute taxi ride—but it’s worth the commute.

Capo Boi serves arguably the best seafood in all of Rome, but that’s just one of the reasons you should have dinner here. On paper, it seems like it might be stuffy: the upscale restaurant is located in Parioli, one of Rome’s most elegant districts. But the atmosphere is more relaxed, like attending a dinner party hosted by your fun uncle who owns a megayacht (but doesn’t tell anyone). You’ll find starters like paper-thin pane carasau, a crackly Sardinian flatbread, topped with thin shavings of salty bottarga, alongside platters of raw fish, oysters, mussels, and shrimp. There are equally delicious entrees, like large, tender filets of salt-baked spigola, set on fire before being served by your waiter who may or may not have just burned his eyebrows off. Come with a big group so you can devour as much seafood as possible.

Trattoria Da Enzo Al 29

You should have your last meal in Rome at Trattoria da Enzo. It’s a simple, lively restaurant with checkered tablecloths and daily specials scrawled on a chalkboard, and it’s exactly the type of place you’ll be dreaming about once you’re back home and nothing in your fridge looks good. Although it’s located on the quieter side of Trastevere, this trattoria is always buzzing, with a perpetual line snaking out the door. To make waiting more enjoyable, sip an Aperol spritz while getting to know your soon-to-be fellow diners, discussing whether gelato counts as breakfast (it does). Once you've successfully snagged a seat, start with the crispy artichokes and stracciatella with cherry tomatoes, followed by the silkiest rigatoni alla carbonara you'll ever taste. Wrap up your meal with their tiramisu that has surprising (but very welcome) dollops of Nutella.

Piatto Romano

Everything in Rome comes with a history lesson, including a meal at Piatto Romano. It’s located in Testaccio, a neighborhood where cucina Romana was basically invented. Order the offal, amatriciana, and the great daily specials like crispy artichokes. They also offer a fantastically-fresh salad with local mixed greens dressed in a zesty, light vinaigrette (yes, Italians do eat salads). Dessert is equally old-school: go with the tiramisu or the ricotta e visciole and a bitter shot of genziana, a gentian root liqueur made in the mountains of Abruzzo. It’s best for a long, mid-week lunch or a quieter dinner in their newly refurbished dining room.

Giggetto al Portico d'Ottavia

Jewish Ghetto

Giggetto is in the heart of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto. Once a place of poverty and oppression, this vibrant and historic neighborhood is home to the city’s main synagogue, shops, an ancient archaeological site, and fantastic restaurants where you can try Roman Jewish cuisine. You’ll find traditional Roman Jewish appetizers like filetto di baccalà and deep-fried whole artichokes whose leaves become thin and crispy like potato chips. This is not a kosher restaurant, so you can still try the gricia, a pasta sauce with pecorino cheese and crispy chunks of guanciale, or the amatriciana made with bucatini. In the warmer weather, grab a table outside next to fragments of an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo.

Antico Forno Roscioli

Bakery/Cafe

Campo de' Fiori

Everybody and their mom might've told you to go to Roscioli while you're in Rome. Beyond being extremely difficult to get into, lately we've found the quality has slipped—maybe that's just what happens when you expand and open a restaurant in NYC . Head to its sibling bakery instead. Antico Forno Roscioli is ideal for quick slices of pizza, supplì, and panini, especially the pizza con patate stuffed with freshly-sliced porchetta, which tastes even better if you order a side of chicory greens, and pile them on top of the pork. Don't forget to pick up a bag of ciambelline, the circle-shaped cookies perfect for dipping in wine or coffee, or a slice of ricotta chocolate chip crostata to take back to your hotel.

Osteria Der Belli

Osteria Der Belli is the type of restaurant where you might run into an Italian actor you’ve seen on TV. Grab a seat outside on their shaded patio, and go to town on a bowl of spaghetti alle vongole while discreetly Googling that famous-looking person at the table over. Then, order their thin slices of melt-in-your-mouth tuna on top of a bed of crispy potato rounds, or whatever the fish of the day is. End the meal with their refreshing crema gelato crowned with strawberries, or sgroppino—icy lemon sorbet that they top with prosecco and mirto , a classic Sardinian berry liqueur.

La Tavernaccia Da Bruno

You may finish your lunch at La Tavernaccia Da Bruno and walk out wondering “What year is it?” Or more importantly, “When can I move in?” You’ll be at this Trastevere spot for a long time, not only because their hefty wine list reads like a novel, but because they serve comfort food so good, you simply won’t want to leave. It’s one of the best places to try some of Italy’s greatest hits, like cheesy eggplant parmigiana, hearty coda alla vaccinara, and thick slices of oven-roasted maialino, a.k.a. suckling pig. On Sundays, though, their five-layered lasagna with its crisp edges is a must-try. And save room for whatever the dessert of the day is, especially if it’s the perfectly moist and chocolatey torta caprese.

Even though there are white tablecloths on every table, the atmosphere is anything but pretentious at Pecorino. A Sunday lunch here has the vibe of your long-lost cousin’s home who has old family pictures hanging on the wall of relatives you’ve never met or even heard of before. Yes, the waiters are dressed in fancy white button-downs, but you can tell they’ve been working here since they were teenagers, particularly because of how sarcastic and decisive they are. The portions are generous and unhurried, a quality much appreciated when delving into their creamy carbonara and the maltagliati con carciofi—irregularly-shaped flat pasta tossed with garlicky, oily artichokes and pecorino. For dessert, try their light and fluffy zabaione cake that’s sweet and eggy in the best way.

Roma Sparita

If any restaurant could make you feel like you’re living in a Federico Fellini film, it’d be Roma Sparita. Especially when you’re having lunch outside, beneath umbrellas and checkered tablecloths in a vast, tranquil piazza, snacking on zucchini squash blossoms and artichokes, both fried to perfection. Everyone around you will likely order the cacio e pepe made with handmade tagliolini noodles and served in a shell of pecorino, but the star of the show is their gnocchi alle vongole, featuring pillows of pasta that soak up all the best bits of the clam sauce. Don’t leave without trying the tripe, bathed in a tomato sauce and dashed with mint and pecorino.

Pasticceria Boccione

Pasticceria Boccione is the sole kosher bakery left in Rome’s historic Jewish Ghetto. This is not a coincidence: their baked tart brimming with a mound of ricotta cheese and thin layer of wild cherry jam is the best in the city. Their second greatest item is their pizza ebraica—a sweet bread filled with candied fruit and toasted nuts. Cram into the bakery (which is smaller than a walk-in closet), place your order with one of the kind sisters who run the place behind the counter, and don’t be alarmed if your baked goods have a cracked crust or burnt edge—that’s all part of the charm.

Armando al Pantheon

Centro Storico

Armando al Pantheon has been serving straightforward classics throughout its six decades of family ownership. Come here for simple and excellent Roman food, including fantastic amatriciana made with rigatoni and a sublime spaghetti alla carbonara. You can get a half-portion of pasta if you want to save some room for a second course, like the saltimbocca alla romana or the tripe cooked in tomato with pecorino cheese. Just make sure to book your visit in advance—Armando al Pantheon is closed on Sundays and remains one of the toughest reservations to get last minute.

Dar Filettaro

After sidestepping waiters luring you in for an overpriced aperitivo, stop for dinner at Dar Filettaro in Campo de' Fiori. It’s our pick for Rome’s iconic baccalà, the massive filet of fried salted cod. Even though the setting is laid back, their fish is anything but casual: so tender yet crispy, you might wake up the Pope with every bite. And you can’t have the baccalà without the puntarelle. The curly chicory shoots tossed in an anchovy vinaigrette bring some much-needed acidity to the party. If the weather’s nice, grab a table outside on the lively piazza where you can gaze at the slightly-leaning Santa Barbara dei Librai church.

Giano, which is located in the W hotel, has a prix-fixe lunch special that’s one of the best deals in Rome. After you’re seated in their swanky dining room with velvet chairs and sofas, you’ll get a complimentary bread basket filled with crispy housemade focaccia, wheat bread from Antico Forno Roscioli , and flavorful breadsticks, alongside whipped ricotta with olive oil and a dusting of ground capers. That alone could be a meal, but you’ll also get to pick an antipasto and pasta, like the zesty fennel and orange salad and, without exception, spaghetto taratatà. This dish packs a punch: al dente, made-in-house spaghettone is bathed in lemon, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes, then topped with toasted breadcrumbs, parsley, tuna bottarga, and grouper carpaccio that tastes straight from the Sicilian coast.

Pasticceria Regoli

If you read the intro to this guide (we have faith you did, by the way), you know a trip to Rome isn't complete without a maritozzo for breakfast. And Pasticceria Regoli, a century-old bakery near the Termini train station, is where you should have your first of many. Sweet, yeasty buns get neatly filled with a generous mound of whipped cream, and make for the perfect start to the day. Arrive early: the bakery opens at 7am, so they’ll probably be sold out before noon. And if you’re catching the train to go to Naples for the day, stock up on some other snacks for the ride, like their wild strawberry tarts and pistachio cream-filled cornetti.

Romanè is the sit-down restaurant owned by the same team behind Trapizzino . Unlike its counterpart, this is the spot for a more formal dinner, as their tables are lined with lace paper placemats and hand-painted ceramic plates hang on the walls. The menu skips pizza pockets entirely, focusing instead on Roman classics like ultra-creamy carbonara topped with expertly crispy strips of guanciale, as well as pollo alla cacciatora, which consists of chicken simmered slowly with wine, garlic, rosemary, and “magic” (yes, this is a real ingredient, according to their menu). And it’s so good, we can’t help but believe them. They also have an excellent wine list, featuring some great organic and biodynamic bottles from all over Italy.

Supplì Roma

Even if you’ve eaten too many pastries for breakfast, you’ll need a snack before your late dinner. A deep-fried rice ball from Supplì Roma is the move. This busy, pint-sized takeout spot in Trastevere changes their flavors daily, but you’ll probably find Roman staples like coda alla vaccinara, a rich and tomatoey oxtail stew, cacio e pepe, or carbonara. Break one in half, and stretch the melty cheese like an accordion before absolutely housing it. They do other things besides supplì, too. The most worthy being a slice of pizza rossa, which is smothered in an anchovy-and-garlic-laden marinara sauce so shimmery you’ll want to ask for its skincare routine.

Siciliainbocca

Siciliainbocca in Prati feels like one of Palermo’s bustling markets, without all of the singing about ricotta in a thick Sicilian dialect. There are ceramics like pinecones and teste di moro lining the walls, while colorful platters of fruit, vegetables, and the fresh catch of the day sit on display. Definitely get something fried in addition to the excellent eggplant caponata and softly-smoked ricotta served with orange chili marmalade, before diving into whatever their special pasta is. Even if you're convinced there's no room left in your stomach post-dinner-feast, think twice: the sweet granita that’s loaded with milk, sugar, and nuts or fruit and paired with a warm, chewy brioche bun is one of the greatest icy desserts you can find in Rome.

Trattoria Penestri

Trattoria Pennestri is in Ostiense , a modern residential neighborhood outside of Rome’s historic center where you can find more street art and apartment blocks than fountains and cobblestones. The menu includes classics like carbonara, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe, as well as less traditional dishes, like the decidedly un-Roman seared duck breast with different seasonal sauces. For dessert, try the chocolate mousse that’s served with pane carasau, rosemary, and sea salt. Come here for a weekend lunch on the patio under the umbrellas, or for a candlelight dinner in the romantic dining room.

Circo Massimo

If you’re looking for a light bite and good natural wine, along with the occasional DJ playing old-school rap and Italian songs you can’t understand but definitely want to dance to, head to Circoletto, a wine bar near Circo Massimo. It’s pretty cheeky and fun here—a sign proudly reads “no spritz” beside their wifi password “zerofucks55” and the bathroom’s decked out in random stickers. The menu has small, mainly traditional plates with a twist, a standout being their pizza bianca filled with pastrami di lingua. It’s like a fancier, tastier version of a BLT, with crispy focaccia instead of white bread, and tender tongue pastrami instead of bacon.

photo credit: Saghar Seterah

Testaccio Market

This is one of Rome’s best covered markets, and many of the stalls have been in families for generations selling fish, meat, and produce. Not to mention several food vendors serve things like fresh pasta, pizza, and sandwiches. Head to Casa Manco for pizza rossa that’s spiked with chili and a scattering of parsley and mint, or to Morde e Vai , a sandwich shop that serves up crusty rolls filled with stewed beef, tripe, or meatballs. You should also try to snag one of the eight stools in front of Da Corrado al Banco 18 for a glass of natural wine (pick between their pasta of the day and the meatballs—or alternatively, do both). Just know that if you go on Mondays, some places might be closed.

Ristorante Rocco

Rocco is a classic Roman trattoria with polished terrazzo and starched tablecloths, but it feels a bit more laid back than some other places in the city. Sure, you might see a former president of the Republic or an Oscar-winning director at the next table, but that’s because this is their neighborhood spot. They have a menu of delicious pastas including cacio e pepe, seafood fresh from Anzio, sides of local bitter greens, and breaded lamb chops, all written in swirly script on a gridded elementary school blackboard. While there’s only one dinner seating, this restaurant hits the sweet spot between a big night out and weeknight dinner where you can wear that special outfit you bought for your trip.

You know that Italy is famous for its pizza, but in Rome, full pizza pies (as opposed to slices, called pizza al taglio) are typically eaten at dinner, not lunch. But if a single slice just won’t do, head to Emma near Campo de' Fiori. The pizza here is thin-crusted Roman style with toppings like the best buffalo mozzarella from Paestum, tomatoes from the slopes of Vesuvius, prosciutto from Tuscany, and anchovies from Sicily. There’s an excellent wine list, an interesting collection of craft beers, outside seating under umbrellas, and a bright dining room.

Forno Campo de' Fiori

Pizza al taglio is the perfect snack, especially if it comes from this bakery behind the flower sellers in the Campo de' Fiori. Long strips of pizza bianca get topped with tomato sauce or thinly sliced potatoes, or come stuffed with mortadella or zucchini flowers. Take it all to go and eat it while leaning against a fountain in view of a palace that Michelangelo designed in the next piazza over.

Whether you’re looking to have a very late lunch or an early light dinner, Fafiuchè is the perfect place for apericena, the Italian word that combines aperitivo and cena and means something more than a snack but not quite a full dinner. They serve wines from Piedmont and Pugliese-inspired snacks, plus a few hot dishes like lasagna and the bagna cauda, a warm garlicky anchovy dip with vegetables. If you stay for dessert, order the bruschetta Fafiuchè—they take a slice of toasted bread and top it with thin shavings of cioccolato cremino, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Suggested Reading

The Best Pasta In Rome

Caravaggios and Baroque fountains are great, but admit it, you’re in Rome for the pasta. 

The Best Restaurants In Monti, Rome

A famous caponata, cacio e pepe, vegan gelato, and other things we love to eat in one of Rome's best neighborhoods.

How To Eat, Drink, & See (A Lot Of) Rome In A Day

Coffee, suppli, gelato, pasta, and wine—here’s how to cram it all into one day.

Where To Eat When You’re Visiting London

Coming to London for the first time is exciting and intimidating. Let us take some of the pressure off by suggesting where to eat.

Gillian McGuire

Annie replogle.

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The 25 Best Restaurants and Places To Eat in Rome in 2024

Sean Finelli Last Updated: October 29, 2023

Planning your trip to Rome and want to know the best places to eat that aren’t tourist traps? You’re in luck! This list features the best restaurants in Rome from cheap eats to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Pro Tip:  Planning what to do on your trip to Rome? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our guide to Rome  for more planning resources, our  top Rome tours  for a memorable trip, and  how to see Rome in a day .

The Best Restaurants in Rome For Authentic Food

It’s said that “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and the same is true for the top Roman restaurants. All the best spots to enjoy a good carbonara dish have one thing in common: they have been around for decades.

Handed down from generation to generation, the recipes are kept close to their chests. But they infuse this history into every dish so that you can enjoy a real culinary experience made with simple ingredients and deep feelings with every bite of pasta.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if a Rome food tour is worth it .

€€€€ | Fine Dining | Breathtaking Views | 3 Michelin Stars

La Pergola is considered to be an institution of Italian dining. This 3-star Michelin restaurant has continuously earned its crown year after year. Let’s put it this way, there are just 142 Michelin restaurants with 3 stars in the world. Nine of those are in Italy, and La Pergola is the only one in Rome.

If you are looking for a fancy night out for a very special occasion, then you are in the right place. Dress nice, and bring your appetite and checkbook. This may be the best meal you ever have. It is definitely the best restaurant near the Vatican and also the most expensive so it is your choice!

Address:  Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101  

200 Gradi (Due Cento Gradi)

€  | Lunch Spot | Outdoor Seating | Kids | Near Vatican Museums

This is your go-to quick lunch after a Vatican tour . Despite its location right across from the Vatican, this place is no tourist trap. In fact, locals love it. 

The menu is written all over the wall on the left as you walk in. They make your panino in front of you with local ingredients like salami, truffle, and ricotta. They also have healthy vegetarian and vegan options for non-meat eaters.

And if you’ve heard of trapizzino , then this is the place to get it. Definitely a favorite spot to get a hearty bread-pocket full of Roman goodness.

Pro Tip: order your panino from the cashier and grab a ticket. They call your number when it’s ready.

Address:   Piazza Risorgimento, 3  

Popular Rome Tours

Best Selling Tour

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

The best way to get your bearings all in one day. Visit the Sistine Chapel, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and more with a licensed and fun English-speaking tour guide. They’ll add tons of insights and make the entire experience so much more memorable. Also, you’ll get a feel for the city so it’s great on one of your first days in the city. All admissions and transport included although there will be a lot of walking.

Best Price!

Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica

One of our most popular Vatican tours since it is such an amazing value. Skip the line to get inside with a super-knowledgeable English-speaking guide that will bring the museum to life. Stories of the artists, popes, conspiracy, love, and of course tragedy! Admissions included.

Not ready to book a tour? Find out if Rome tours are worth it .

Pompi Tiramisù

€ | Take Away Dessert and Cafe | 33 Minutes from Vatican Museums

Pompi has consistently made the best tiramisu in Rome for decades. If you happen to eat lunch or dinner near here, skip  dolce  and have it here.  Ask someone local to Rome where to get the best Tiramisù and nine times out of 10 they are going to say Pompi without hesitation.

They also make a great espresso or cappuccino. You could have your morning coffee here before your Vatican tour. The question is, would you crush a tiramisù at 7 am?

Address:  Via della Croce, 88

€ | Street Food | Near Piazza Farnese

There’s supplì and then there’s supplì from Supplizio. You want the latter. These giant deep-fried croquettes will leave a lasting impression as the cheese oozes from that first bite.

With local flavors from amatriciana to carbonara, Supplizio ensures a true Roman street food experience. Perhaps best of all, you can sit inside the cozy shop on vintage furniture as if you were in the chef’s living room.

Or sit outside and people watch while you devour those indulgent supplì. Excuse me, while I step out to get another one for lunch…

Address: Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 143

Panificio Bonci

€  | Pizza Take Away | Kids | Near Vatican

This is considered one of the best pizza places, if not the best Pizza al Taglio in Rome. It is more of an institution than a pizza place. It is a bit of a hike from the Vatican Museums but worth it for a very creative post- Vatican tour quick meal.

It’s named Panificio Bonci after the owner, Gabriele Bonci. Panificio refers to it as a bread shop, which is literally the foundation of good pizza.  This place is a must if you have the time to get over there during your sightseeing. It is the best pizza restaurant near the Vatican and possibly all of Rome.

You may or may not find what you call “pizza” here. In Rome, Pizza almost refers to the bread and not the tomato sauce and cheese melted on top.  It takes time to understand it.  Here you will find delicacies from another world—and damn good bread.

Address:  Via Trionfale, 36

Casina Valadier

€€€€ | Fine Dining | Terrace Seating

The restaurant, which is more of a palace, is named after Giuseppe Valadier. He was an architect who designed and outlined much of the area between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo.

This is the poshest area of Rome, and Casina Valadier is without a doubt the most extravagant place to dine. Be ready for a wonderful night out and be sure to wear your classiest attire. The food is amazing and so is the view. Casina Valadier is perched up on the edge of Villa Borghese, which makes it the best restaurant with a view near the Spanish Steps.

Address: Piazza Bucarest

€€€ | Sushi | Rooftop Terrace

Yes, this is a Japanese restaurant—unexpected, I know. But it is a really cool restaurant with a great bar, beautiful interior design, and an incredible rooftop terrace. You don’t have to eat sushi in Rome, but it is worth a drink. And when you see some of the appetizers, you’ll probably end up ordering dinner.

This is a really cool place, and you will find yourself surrounded by locals and locals only. Great for a longer stay in Rome when you may get tired of carbs or for someone that comes to the city frequently.

Address: Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 48

Pastificio Guerra

€ | Street Food Pasta | Takeaway

This is probably the best cheap place to eat in Rome. A plate of pasta only costs €4 for an abundant portion, and it is in the ritzy Spanish Steps area. What’s on the menu, you ask? One of two kinds of pasta they decided to make that day.

Pasta comes in a plastic container with a fork, napkin, and plastic cup to take water out of a jug. They sell a glass of table wine for a euro or so extra. If you are in the area and it’s lunchtime, I recommend trying it—especially if you are on the go. It is an experience.

Address: Via della Croce, 8

Mercato Monte D’oro

€ | Street Food | Kids | Breakfast/Lunch Only 

I used to have an office a block away, and I would eat lunch here almost daily. Mercato Monte D’oro is a tiny little lunch market and you’ll find a pasta place front and center when you walk in.

Order a pasta dish off the menu, which changes daily. Don’t be surprised if the ladies at the counter remember your face the next day. They are the greatest.

Address: Largo Monte d’Oro, 95

Ristorante Ad Hoc

€€€ | Upscale Intimate 

Do you love wine and cool restaurants? Ad Hoc is something you can definitely write home about. Enjoy a killer meal and an amazing bottle of wine in a super intimate setting.

The name defines the menu—changing often and with variations. The dishes are artistic, clean, and delicious. You can’t say too much or too little about this place. Make a reservation for the cabana room.

Address: Via di Ripetta, 43

Terrazza Borromini

€€€€ | Upscale Dining | Outdoor Rooftop Seating | Piazza Navona

If you don’t want to sit in Piazza Navona, why not sit ON Piazza Navona? Terrazza Borromini translates to Borromini’s Terrace, and it is just that.

An amazing terrace overlooking Piazza Navona that feels practically tucked into the Church of Saint Agatha in Agony. If you twirl your pasta incorrectly the sauce could splatter and stain the church it’s that close.

The food is good and you’ll get incredible service. The bill will reflect the experience. I would eat here on a special trip. It’s a great place for a proposal or anniversary trip. If you’re in Rome on business, it would be the place to take clients.

Address:   Piazza Navona, 44  

Retrobottega

€€ – €€€ | Adventurous  

This group of shops and restaurants are owned and operated by a few chefs with Michelin star backgrounds. However, you won’t get Michelin star prices here. Definitely more expensive than your average meal but really cool and worth the money.

The ambience of the restaurant is super modern with an open kitchen and prep area, which makes it the most creative place to eat on my list of the best restaurants near Piazza Navona. Come here for lunch or dinner with a big appetite and an open mind. Reservations are recommended.

Address: Via della Stelletta, 4  

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Ai Tre Scalini

€€ | Casual | Kids 

I was introduced to Ai Tre Scalini on the first night that I moved to Rome full-time.  If I was that lucky, you can be too! This is an awesome little enoteca/restaurant that serves a ton of great wine by the glass as well as a rotating menu of seasonal dishes.

If it’s lunchtime and I am in Monti (the neighborhood near the Colosseum), I am going to eat here. It is the perfect lunch spot for those who don’t have plans for the rest of the day. Eat lunch and drink your way to dinner.

Address :  Via Panisperna, 251

Cuoco & Camicia

€€ | Casual Italian | Outdoor Seating 

This is a great little back-alley place to try if you have some time to sit down and have a glass of wine with your meal. They have outdoor seating and a great menu full of creative and colorful Italian dishes from all over the peninsula.

It is a great way to feel like you’re getting a Michelin-star meal without the price tag, so perfect if you want to take a special someone out and still have enough money to fly home.

It is tucked far enough away from busy Via Cavour that you won’t be trampled by street traffic and close enough to Cavour metro station that you could easily get to your next destination.

Address: Via di Monte Polacco, 2/4  

Da Gino al Parlamento

I would describe this as tacky-delicious. The restaurant is decorated as you’d expect an Italian restaurant in your home country to be decorated—but it is in Italy.

What they lack in decor, they make up for in food and prices. This little gem right in the center is always crowded and has really good food. It is also packed with Italian professionals that come here for lunch. 

You probably won’t see as many locals at dinner since they likely don’t live in the area, but know that this place is loved by local business people.

Address: Vicolo Rosini, 4

Ristorante La Tavernetta

€€-€€€ | Casual | Outside Seating | Reservations 

Ristorante La Tavernetta 48 lies tucked away in the heart of Rome but is definitely worth seeking out. Go with their mussels in wine, herbs and chorizo, or the grilled lamb chops. You will understand after you eat here why this is one of the best restaurants near the Pantheon.

Ristorante La Tavernetta 48 is known for its excellent value and great attention to detail. The central air conditioning makes for a comfortable atmosphere, especially in the dreadfully humid summer months. Make a reservation—this is a dining experience you won’t want to miss.

Address: Via Degli Spagnoli  

Piccolo Buco

€€ | Casual | Epic Pizzas

The name of this restaurant is the small hole which is similar to the English saying “Hole in the wall.” The pizza is anything but that.

The restaurant is run by Romans, but to me, the pizza resembles a Napoletano-style pizza with a thick crust. They cook it in an oven that is over a hundred years old. I don’t know why that is important, but it always is.

The owners are from the Trevi Fountain area, which is rare because nobody lives there, and they have saved us all from tourist-trap armageddon. This is my number one Trevi Fountain pick for a great, cheap, and fun meal.

Address:  Via del Lavatore, 91

I Sofà Bar Restaurant & Roof Terrace

€€€ | Rooftop Dining

Located on top of Hotel Indigo, Sofà Bar Restaurant is simply cool. They have a great rooftop terrace with tons of seating. The rooftop is just high enough that all you can see is a sea of terracotta roofs. Something the average tourist never gets to see.

The food is great and so are the prices (volume-wise). It is a cool place to impress your date or travel companion.

Address: Via Giulia 62

Assunta Madre

€€€€ | Contemporary Roman | Outdoor Patio | Seafood

What a restaurant. Assunta Madre sits on Via Giulia, arguably Rome’s most prestigious street, loved by locals. It is in the center but somehow always quiet. The restaurant, which serves mostly seafood, is known for its always fresh array of fish sitting in the doorway.

Will you find tourists here? Nope. What you will find is amazing seafood and Rome’s top elites dining here nightly. A firm favorite of stars like Francesco Totti and Italian movie stars and singers, they go for seafood and ambience.

You could easily spend €150 per person if you start drinking great wine and eating oysters, but you also could have a nice meal for €50 to €60 here.  If you are traveling with a group of fun people with some change to spare, this is the place.

Address: Via Giulia, 14

€€ – €€€ | Upscale Gourmet

In the summer, this bar/restaurant opens up to the end of Via Giulia and the bar is beautiful. They have excellent reviews online and prices appear to be pretty reasonable. Stop by for a drink around six-ish and you’ll probably stay for dinner.

You can dress up or go casual. It is right on the border of Trastevere on the Campo de’ Fiori side of the river, just steps from Ponte Sisto. Go for the environment and stay for the food.

Address:   Lungotevere dei Tebaldi 4  

Tiramisù Zum

€ | Coffee and Dessert | Kids 

This little takeout dessert shop is trying to take a run at Pompi for the best tiramisu in Rome and it is doing pretty well. The name ZUM sounds like something from the far east, but don’t be caught off guard. It stands for Zucchero, Uva, and Mascarpone (sugar, egg, and mascarpone), which are the three foundational ingredients in a great tiramisù

In all fairness, the desserts are less traditional and more innovative. Besides the great coffee and tiramisu you get here, they have amazing pastries as well. They have a tiramisu bar and a few seats to sit down and enjoy your dessert before you are back on the road.

Address:  Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 20

Antico Arco

€€€ | Fine Dining | Some Outdoor Seating 

This restaurant arguably sits on the border of Trastevere and Monteverde. It earned a Michelin Plate for its fantastic dishes and presentation. You are unlikely to see other tourists in this restaurant as it is a local favorite—for those who truly love to eat!

You’ll want to take a taxi there unless you’re looking to be really hungry by the time you reach the top of Gianicolo. Walking down, however, is worth it as you’ll pass by Acqua Paola and into Trastevere.

Address: Piazza di S. Calisto, 5

Le Mani in Pasta 

€€€ | Upscale | Seafood

Rightfully translated as “Hands in the Pasta,” Le Mani in Pasta is one of the best restaurants to try in Trastevere. Actually, this must be one of the best restaurants in Rome! Each of their mouth-watering dishes is unlike anything else you will try in Rome.

While this ristorante is famous for its fish, they also serve traditional Italian pasta and meats. Le Mani in Pasta has guests wanting to abandon their forks and eat with their hands because of their adventurous meals and tasty desserts.

We recommend trying a classic Italian pasta dish, cacio e pepe . If you trust the waiters, you might be in for the best meal of your life!

Address: Via Dei Genovesi 37

Al Pompiere

€€ | Family Friendly | Traditional Jewish-Roman Cuisine

Traditional Jewish-Roman cuisine and a cool atmosphere make Pompiere a contender for your Jewish Ghetto lunch or dinner. It is a little more low-key than Nonna Betta or Sora Margherita, which may make it a better choice for those who don’t want the hustle and bustle.

Address: Via di S. Maria de’ Calderari, 38

€€€ | Jewish-Roman Cuisine | Outdoor Seating

If you are looking for a more elegant lunch or dinner and a table outside, Piperno is great. It is considered “high-end”, but not over-priced. The food is possibly the best quality Jewish cuisine in Rome as higher prices normally signal higher quality ingredients.

You can sit inside or outside and be waited on by professional white-jacket waiters at this lovely jewel in the Jewish Ghetto. It is an old-school formal experience that you won’t soon forget!

Address: Via Monte dè Cenci, 9

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Sean is a co-founder and owner of The Tour Guy and its subsidiary The Roman Guy. He studied finance and statistics, but that is his "Dr. Jekyll" side! His "Mr. Hyde" is in love with travel, art, history, and culture. Sean has read libraries of historical text and believes that all internet content should come from books. A practice he follows!

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November 27, 2020

We have been to da Enzo several times. Always good. Best meatballs and oxtail ever. Travelling again hopefully next year to Trastevere for a week of Roman food. Love it.

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Where to eat in Rome and avoid tourists traps (part 1): our 11 recommended restaurants

• January 20, 2019
• Italian ArtVentures Private Tours

It’s not hard to eat well in Rome restaurants, but it’s also easy to eat badly, if you don’t come prepared. Tourists who don’t do their research on where to eat in Rome often find themselves walking in circles around the streets near the Pantheon, wondering whether they should be tempted by the giant laminated English/French/German/Chinese menu on display in front of a restaurant, while an over-eager waiter gestures towards the nearest table.

If it looks like a tourist trap, it probably is a tourist trap. Stay clear of restaurants where the staff harangue passers-by, the lengthy menu is translated in every possible language, and there isn’t a single Italian customer. These kinds of restaurants abound in the streets near major tourist attractions such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, so it can be difficult to find a good, authentic restaurant in these areas. But good restaurants do exist – if you know where to look.

Where to eat near the Colosseum and Roman Forum

  These are some of the best Rome restaurants within walking distance of the Colosseum and Roman Forum:

• Caffè Propaganda (Via Claudia 15). An elegant restaurant just a short walk from the Colosseum, offering modern cuisine in a refined setting. (+39 06 9453 4255)
• Volare (Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano 48). Delicious Roman and Sardinian cuisine with a view of the Colosseum. It’s ideal for dinner at sunset, and reasonably priced, considering the location. (+39 06 6476 4939)

• I Clementini (Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano 106). A cosy family-run restaurant serving up a mixture of traditional Roman cuisine and more modern dishes. (+39 06 4542 6395)
• La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (Via Madonna della Monti 9). This popular restaurant in the lively Monti neighbourhood has a reputation for great food and reasonable prices, so it tends to get busy. Arrive at opening time or book a table. (+39 06 679 8643)
• Le Tavernelle (Via Panisperna 48). This classic restaurant in Monti claims to be one of the oldest in Rome. Prices are slightly higher than average, but with a great atmosphere and delicious fish dishes, it’s worth it. (+39 06 474 0724)
• La Carbonara (Via Panisperna 214). Another famous restaurant on Monti’s most picturesque street. The menu is traditional Roman – expect cacio e pepe, amatriciana and, of course, carbonara – and prices are good value. Service is fast, so it’s a good option for a quick lunch, but if you come in the evening, you should definitely book a table. (+39 06 482 5176)

Rome restaurants : the best places to eat near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona

The area near the Pantheon and Piazza Navona is beautiful, but also one of the most touristy in Rome. Avoid the tourist traps and try one of the best Rome restaurants:

•   Il Corallo (Via del Corallo 10-11). Delicious traditional dishes, a friendly atmsosphere, and very reasonable prices considering you’re just round the corner from Piazza Navona. If you eat at Il Corallo, make the most of your time in the neighbourhood. Why not stop off at Chiostro del Bramante for a coffee after lunch, or enjoy a drink in Piazza del Fico after dinner? (+39 06 6830 7703)

• Il Grappolo d’oro  (Piazza della Cancelleria 80). A classic Roman osteria near Campo de’ Fiori, famed for its carbonara – the best in Rome? – and friendly staff. (+39 06 689 7080)
• Ditirambo (Piazza della Cancelleria 74). Ditirambo has the same owners as Il Grappolo d’oro, but it’s slightly more upmarket. A good choice if you’re looking for something a bit fancier than the usual Roman classics. (+39 06 687 1626)
• Armando al Pantheon (Salita dei Crescenzi 31). You may find it hard to believe, but there is in fact an excellent restaurant in very close proximity to the Pantheon. Armando is well-known for its high quality modern cuisine and elegant setting. It’s not cheap, but for the location and quality, it’s good value. (+39 06 6880 3034)

Read more: 30 best restaurants in Rome (Conde Nast Traveler)

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Adventure Travel With a Glass of Wine

A Guide to the Best Places to Eat in Rome from a Local

By Jennifer Dombrowski 16 Comments

I met Gillian on a press trip last summer to the Amalfi and Cilento Coasts . She’s a fellow American who came to live in Italy through her husband’s job, just as I had. Based in Rome {in an apartment with a view of the Colosseum, no less}, Gillian was living out every fantasy I ever had about living in Italy. While I was trying to control a vine that would try to eat my neighbor’s children {not really, but it did viciously suck in one of the kid’s bicycles once} at my house in a rural Italian village in the North of Italy, Gillan was having chic dates eating Roman food with a view of the Trevi Fountain. She, without a doubt, wins in the battle of who did Italy best!

I have some favorites, but you can only eat at so many places on the handful of trips to Rome I’ve taken. So I asked Gillian to share her favorites from her years of eating her way through Rome. She came up the best places to eat in Rome for a whole bunch of different scenarios. Take a look and enjoy eating where the locals eat on your next trip to Rome.

The Best Places to Eat in Rome

When you live in one of the most visited cities in the world you get asked where to eat. A Lot. It’s a question that is actually kind of difficult to answer. Are you a first time visitor? Do you have two days or two weeks in Rome? Is it hot outside? Or raining? An so on. I have created this Rome Restaurant guide for Luxe Adventure Traveler in the hopes that there is an answer for just about any situation.

Near Termini Train Station Da Nazzareno via Magenta 33 Closed Wednesdays

It is quite likely you will arrive and or depart from Rome via Termini, the city’s main train station. Da Nazzareno is one block away. It is a very old fashioned Roman place with a long antipasta station filled with platters and dishes of grilled vegetables, marinated anchovies and olives, traditional pasta dishes and seconds like grilled lamb chops and if you are lucky roast suckling pig. The desserts are made in house and have the same time-honored vibe that is a true please of this place.

Best Bet by the Trevi Fountain Baccano via della Muratte 23

A trip to Rome means lots of walking. Like wear out your Fitbit kind of walking. Most of the establishments that are near the cities most famous monuments are mediocre at best. Don’t be fooled by the checkered table clothes and friendly greeters luring you in. Baccano is a modern New York style place that fills at least half a block around the corner from the Trevi Fountain and a short walk from the Spanish Steps. It is open from early to late, has a great bar where you can stop for an excellent cocktail and a menu that ranges from cheese and salami plates, excellent pasta and if you have had your fill of Italian cuisine one of the Rome’s best hamburgers.

10 Tips for Finding Authentic Restaurants in Italy’s Most Touristy Cities

Best Traditional Pasta Flavio al Velavevodetto Via di Monte Testaccio, 97 Book a reservation on TheFork

Testaccio has been a food centric neighborhood for literally centuries, from where deliveries arrived and were distributed from in the Roman empire, to the location of Rome’s slaughterhouses until the turn of the last century and today as home to a terrific market and an excellent selection of classic trattorias. My go to in this part of town is Flavio al Velavevodetto. The main dining room is built into the Monte Testaccio which was made from ancient pottery shards and in nice weather there is a lovely rooftop. Come here for fried zucchini flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies, fried artichokes (in season), bucatini Amatriciana, coda alla vaccinara and what I think is the best tiramisu in Rome.

Pizza in the Daytime Emma Pizzeria via Monte della Farina 28/29 06 6476 0475

Italy is famous for its pizza, justifiably so. What you may not know is that pizza is almost exclusively an evening only meal. There is an exception which I will tell you about in the next listing. If you are craving a proper wood fire oven pizza Emma near Campo di Fiori breaks the rules. There is outside seating and a bright modern dining room. The pizza here is traditional with gourmet toppings. The best buffalo mozzarella from Paestum , tomatoes from the slopes of Vesuvius, prosciutto from Tuscany and anchovies from Sicily. There is an excellent wine list and an interesting collection of craft beers to drink.

Pizza al Taglio Forno Campo de’Fiori Campo De’ Fiori, 22 – Vicolo del Gallo, 14

As a general rule Italians do not snack in between meals or eat on the run. Of course there are exceptions to the rules and pizza al taglio is one of them. This is pizza by the slice and the bakery in the corner behind the flower sellers in the Campo di Fiori is the place to go. Meters long strips of pizza bianca is left plain or topped with slicks of tomato sauce or potatoes or stuffed with mortadella or zucchini flowers, ordered to go, swiftly cut to order and wrapped in brown paper to be enjoyed perched on the edge of the nearby fountain.

Exhausted at the End of the Day Pasta Chef Via Baccina, 42 Closed Sunday

A trip to Rome can be exhausting. Sometimes you really don’t want another meal in a restaurant, but you want more than a quick panino. Pasta Chef to the rescue. This is fast food Italian style. The amatriciana and carbonara are some the city’s best plates of pasta. There is a good caesar salad if you need some greens. You can eat in or take your dinner back to your apartment.

A Great Cup of Coffee Roscioli Caffè Piazza Benedetto Cairoli, 16

This sliver of a space in between Largo Argentina and Campo di Fiori is the newest addition to the Roscioli empire. There is a hipster vibe with aeropress and pour over coffee on the menu, but you can get a quick espresso shot and an excellent cappuccino here too. There is a small, stylish room in the back where you can have a pastry or a quick sandwich.

More than 31 Flavors Gunther Rohegger Gelato Via dei Pettinari, 43 Piazza Sant’eustachio via Due Macelli 108

With three locations in Rome’s historic center you are probably only a short walk from this vast selection of gelato flavors. There are at least ten chocolate flavors alone! Gunther uses meticulously sourced ingredients to create some of Rome’s creamiest gelato, freshest granitas and sorbet. Try inventive flavors like buffalo milk with pink peppercorn, rosemary dark chocolate and ricotta, strawberry and balsamic vinegar alongside simple Madagascar vanilla, and Sicilian pistachio.

Best Pastries Regoli Via dello Statuto, 60 Closed Tuesdays

This tiny pastry shop near the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica is one that even Romans will cross town for. Their Maritozzi, a sweet whipped cream filled bun are legendary, flaky pastry sandwiches a creamy center in their Bavarese and the strawberry studded, custard filled tarts are as delicious as they are Instagram worthy. There is a small bar next door where can can bring your pastry and order a cup of coffee.

Best Breakfast Coromandel via di Monte Giordano 60/61 06 68802461 Closed Mondays

Roman breakfast is a cappuccino and a cornetto eaten quickly standing at the bar. If you are looking for something more substantial head to the very pretty Coromandel near Piazza Navona. On the morning menu you will find pancakes, french toast, omelets and bacon. Add a freshly pressed juice and coffee and you will be well fueled for a full day of Roman sightseeing.

Gillian is a a Rome based blogger at Gillian’s Lists , ebook writer of the Amalfi Coast Essentials Guide and Ponza Travel Essentials Guide , information curator, traveler, coffee and cocktail drinker. Her friends call her “the Source” and she is your go-to girl for the best information on just about anything in the Eternal City, the Amalfi Coast, Capri and the island of Ponza. Follow Gillian on Instagram , Twitter and Snapchat .

Loved this post? We love when you share our content! ~ Jen & Tim

About Jennifer Dombrowski

Jennifer Dombrowski is an independent travel publisher and an American expat who has lived in Bordeaux, France since 2016. She previously lived in Northern Italy in a small village near Venice for seven years where she fell in love with wine and wine tourism. She is an award-winning travel writer. She is also a travel correspondent on Traveling on the American Forces Radio Network. Luxe Adventure Traveler was named one of the top travel blogs to watch by the Huffington Post and TripAdvisor, and has been featured by top publications such as National Geographic, CNN, Buzzfeed, and Business Insider. Jennifer's photography has also been featured on publications such as USA Today and Travel + Leisure and on the Travel Channel.

Tamara says

November 19, 2016 at 10:45 PM

Awesome list. We were in Rome for 4 days and didn’t have a single bad meal- love that city!

Jennifer Dombrowski says

November 23, 2016 at 5:45 PM

I think you got very lucky then, Tamara! Rome is one of the hardest cities to find good, authentic food in. Also, Roman cuisine is so different from what many people know as “Italian” so they end up at places serving spaghetti and meatballs and fettucine alfredo – two dishes I’m horrified you can actually find there.

December 5, 2016 at 2:33 AM

I have to agree with you, finding good food in Rome is hard. Especially since you usually end up hungry by some some big tourist attraction and most of the places close by are not the best. We have found a few places we love, so it wasn’t all bad, but it was definitely a challenge that was followed by a few fails. 🙂

Chrysoula says

November 19, 2016 at 9:53 PM

I love Italian food. I wish I read your guide before getting to Rome but there is always a next time!

November 20, 2016 at 1:43 AM

What a great guide! My rule of thumb in Rome is if it has no English menu and if it is full of locals- I go in 🙂

Rhonda Albom says

November 20, 2016 at 3:33 AM

This is a very comprehensive list. All of the food looks delicious but I especially would like to try the strawberry tarts from Regoli. Yum!

Elaine J Masters says

November 20, 2016 at 7:50 PM

Always love getting suggestions from a local. Liked your subheadings! Very creative and wonderful food pix.

November 21, 2016 at 12:27 AM

I find that usually anything half a block from a major tourist sight is always a better bet than anything next to it. I absolutely love Rome so hope to go back soon and try Baccano!

Vicky and Buddy says

November 21, 2016 at 4:10 AM

Omg, this is such a great food guide! When I visited Rome it was years ago, and we kind of just stopped and ate wherever it was close when we were hungry. Next time I’ll definitely keep these in mind!

November 21, 2016 at 8:34 AM

Being a lover of Italian food and Italy in general I believe there isn’t a bad place to watch in Italy. Saying that I’m particularly prone to their sparkling wine and after a few of those, maybe I just don’t care. Lol. Thanks for the tips

November 23, 2016 at 5:43 PM

Oh, you can definitely have downright terrible food in Italy. Even though we lived in Italy, we still had some terrible meals. Unfortunately, rent is very high in cities like Rome and Venice. It forces the authentic family owned places out and other places that have no interest but to turn tables quickly have zero qualms about serving frozen crap. It’s sad, but a result of the economy in Italy.

Mar Pages says

November 21, 2016 at 9:09 AM

This is such a great list. I imagine myself sitting in one of those places enjoying Italian food already. I really wish I had seen this list before going to Rome, a friend and I wandered around and almost always end up having touristy Italian food which is not too good so knowing this would have been great!

November 23, 2016 at 5:40 PM

Bummer to hear that, Mar! It can be really difficult to find authentic food in several of Italy’s major cities and main tourist haunts. But when you can sleuth out the good places, they are are-so-worth it.

Carmen says

November 21, 2016 at 5:00 PM

I’ve actually eaten at Da Nazzareno near Termini! I’d love to try out your other suggestions. Thanks for sharing and happy travels 🙂

Jackie says

July 19, 2017 at 4:29 AM

You’re the best, Jen! We’re gonna try most of these when we’re there next week thanks to your suggestions. Where to eat was one of my biggest concerns, but now I know we’ll have some great meals!

July 27, 2017 at 3:37 PM

Hope you enjoy it! It will definitely be much different than “Italian” food that you know. We find many Americans come and don’t like real Italian food and are shocked at all the things that actually don’t exist in Italy.

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Where To Eat In Rome Like A Local

Rome is a city of classic fare and ancient flavors, of cacio e pepe  and carbonara, artichokes and wild greens, fire-crisped pizzas and silky gelato—and, of course, divine wine. But Rome is also a city of tourists, which means that an unforgettable meal isn't always guaranteed in the Eternal City.

"Four million Romans live in Rome, while tourists crowd in the center," says Count Giovanni Bonmartini Fini, a Roman local and winemaker with a 500-year family history making and exporting Italian Pinot Grigio. "For the best food experiences, get out of the center and experience what we eat in our many neighborhoods."

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Rome is a sprawling tangle of ever-expanding neighborhoods, but despite its growth, there's still a simple, old-world mentality when it comes to culinary culture.

"Our foundation is [we eat] what's in season, what's nearby. We've never left that," Bonmartini Fini says. He's a locavore without trying; seasonality dictates dinner. "People talk about the local food movement, and that's [a mind-set] that has always been here. When it's artichoke season, everyone is eating artichoke. Pizza with artichoke, salad with artichoke, pasta with artichoke, meat with artichoke."

Go to one of Rome's famed open-air markets, and you can tell the time of year by what's in stock. "My absolute favorite market is one of the ugliest, but it has incredible options:  Il Mercato di Via Riano  near Ponte Milvio [a 2,000-year-old Roman pedestrian bridge]. Some of my favorite stands are the fresh seafood caught by brothers and wild mushrooms harvested by a little old lady," Bonmartini Fini says.

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Bonmartini Fini insists on being properly caffeinated before food shopping—and what Italian would disagree? He's devoted to his neighborhood espresso bar in the leafy residential area of Parioli. " Il Cigno  is a five-minute walk from my home and run by my friends. It has the best macchiato and pastries. My absolute favorites are the cornetto integrale con miele , a whole-wheat, honey-filled croissant, or the decadently amazing cornetto alle mandorle , a marzipan-filled croissant."

Besides mainlining shots of espresso (always drunk standing up at the counter), Romans stay hydrated via the city's many ice-cold, spring-fresh drinking fountains nicknamed nasoni , or "big noses."

But back to stuffing our faces: There's always an Italianate locality to Rome's dining-out culture: "When we go out to dinner in Rome, it's not like, 'Are we going to get Japanese, Indian, Chinese?' No. The question is: 'Are we going to eat Tuscan, Sardinian, Piedmontese, Umbrian, Roman?'" Bonmartini Fini says.

More often than not, the answer is Roman. Some of the very best cucina Romana  is casual. For the city's famous thin-crust pizzas, Bonmartini Fini lets his two teenage boys choose: " Al Gallo Rosso  is packed with Roman teens and has paper-thin crust, wood-oven pizzas. You can't spend more than 15 bucks there.

"If my wife, Scilla, decides, it's  La Sagrestia , located on the side of the Pantheon, a non-touristy pick in a tourist-dominated area."

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For special occasions, the choice is usually seafood, since the fish is shockingly fresh—and even more shockingly expensive. (It's often charged by weight at a restaurant.) "Scilla and I love to celebrate down the street from our home at  Ai Piani , a wonderful Sardinian fish restaurant."

There are plenty of spots for native dishes like Rome's classic  carbonara , which gets its velvety texture from farm-fresh, raw egg yolks cooked into the still-hot pasta. (Unlike in America, there's no cream in sight.) "If you ask 10 Romans where to get the best carbonara, you will get 10 different answers. The dish is always made with just eggs and bacon, but every carbonara is different because we have six different ways of saying 'bacon' in Italian. 

"My favorite is always  Trattoria Perilli  in Testaccio," Bonmartini Fini says. Set in a working-class neighborhood, the often-packed Perilli's is where the owner—a gentleman well into his 90s—can still be found bringing out dishes of carbonara and bottles of wine. Most of the wine Bonmartini Fini makes under his Barone Fini brand is exported to the U.S., but Perilli's serves Barone Fini Valdadige Pinot Grigio alongside its legendary rigatoni alla carbonara .

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Since 1497, the Bonmartini Fini family has been producing Pinot Grigio high in the Italian Alps, where the grapes grow natively and superiorly. Because of this and the naturalist cultivation methods, Barone Fini Pinot Grigio has a DOC designation, a stamp of integrity and authenticity stipulated by the Italian government. DOC regulations preserve the quality of traditional gastronomic products all across Italy (see Parmigiano-Reggiano ). "It's not an opinion; this is a government distinction," Bonmartini Fini explains.

In Rome, wine is drunk to complement food—its intention isn't to dominate the meal, but instead to improve it. Coupling heavy pasta with a refreshingly acidic grape varietal is one move you'll see replicated night after night in Rome. "You need acid and crispness to cut and clean your palate. And the Pinot Grigios from this area [Trentino-Alto Adige]—even though they're naturally balanced with minerality—they still have the strength to clean your palate."

Another debate among Romans is the superlative gelato shop. "Every Roman has their own version of the best. The most famous is  Giolitti , which is over a hundred years old." This less-than-secret, old-world gelateria is worth the hype with an array of flavors including Italian wedding cake, Champagne and stracciatella (a more serious version of chocolate chip). Bonmartini Fini has his own trick: "I always get three different chocolates on a cone."

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A dinner out in Rome is bookended by a classic aperitivo and digestivo. For an aperitivo, Bonmartini Fini drinks a spritz or a glass of bubbly Franciacorta (a sparkling wine from Italy's Lake District ) at the Hotel Eden's rooftop bar ("the best view of Rome") or, if he's in the mood for something buzzy, at Ciampini in Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina. As for a post-dinner digestivo, he turns to a bittersweet amaro , a dark, herbal liqueur that's increasingly popular stateside. The one thing Bonmartini Fini can't help you with in Rome? Wine bars. "Listen, I make my own wine, so I'm not so good at going to  enotecas ."

Fair enough.

Nicole Trilivas is a New Yorker living in London and writing about travel and food. Follow her at @nicoletrilivas .

Home / Blog / Destination / Italy / Rome / 7 Under-the-Radar Spot Where the Locals Eat in Rome

7 Under-the-Radar Spot Where the Locals Eat in Rome

“Where the locals eat in Rome” is a phrase thrown around a lot in travel guides. But let’s be honest: after a week in Rome, you’re not going to feel like a local. And there is something to be said for going to the famous places—a coffee at Sant’Eustachio, a panino at Mordi e Vai—because many times, places are famous because they’re so good.

But, we want to show you the places frequented by ordinary Romans—places that don’t get mentioned very often in guidebooks. These are spots where you not only will get a better idea of how and what normal people eat in Rome, but also eat much better, often for less, than at a more famous spot in the center of town.

Ready to explore hidden streets and menus? Here are seven spots where the locals eat in Rome.

Where the locals eat in Rome

Our unbaised, authentic list of where the locals eat in Rome. Andiamo!

Osteria Bonelli

Despite Osteria Bonelli popping up in more guides over the last few years, we rarely see tourists there—probably because it’s quite a hike from the town center. The trip is worth it, though, for one of not only the best, but also one of the most Roman restaurants in town.

Run by a former greengrocer and his family, Bonelli serves hearty portions of traditional fare at workingman’s prices, which are listed on blackboard easel that the waiters haul from table to table. Start with a plate of thick pappardelle with wild-boar ragù that won’t break the bank, and then fork into one of Bonelli’s many meat offerings. Some mainstays are the roasted pork shank with potatoes, and the tris al sugo , a meaty menage à trois of spare ribs, sausage and involtini in tomato sauce.

As for the vibe, expect customers around you with neck tattoos and impenetrable Roman accents, one glass for both water and wine, and a bumper sticker on the door that says Laziale Vegano . This unexpected insult (here in meat-loving Rome) jokes that fans of Lazio, the team of Rome’s wealthy neighborhoods and the arch rival of Bonelli-favorite Roma, are vegans.

Speaking of wealthy neighborhoods in Rome, Parioli is the Roman equivalent of the Upper East Side, and the setting for Netflix hit Baby . It’s also home to Al Ceppo, run by two sisters from the Marche region of Italy.

The food is a mix of the mountainous Marchegiana and Roman cuisines, prepared with an attention to technique that separates Ceppo from your standard trattoria. A must-get is the plate of cured meats from the Marche, including blood-red salami and olive ascolane , a classic Marchegiana dish of fried meat-stuffed olives.

For a primo , try their version of spaghetti carbonara , where the plate arrives with a raw egg yolk on top, upon which the waiter grates a black truffle before instructing you to mix it all together. To finish, a piece of meat cooked over the huge grill in the front dining room. It’s a perfect place for a Sunday lunch, with the well-heeled Roman aristocracy at every other table.

La Fraschetta di Sandro

A blast from the past, the Quattrocchi family has run this tiny tavern in former meatpacking-district Testaccio for generations. It’s a true fraschetta , meaning they only serve wine produced on the family farm outside of Rome. Whether you go with red or white, you won’t be paying much for some quality wine.

For food, there are salami sandwiches, paper plates of potatoes and marinated eggplant, or hunks of potent pecorino . Testaccio might be in the midst of gentrification, but Sandro is where the old guard comes every day. They sit here dawn to dusk, sipping wine, reading newspapers, and chatting in Roman dialect, which occasionally descends into arguments about politics or the correct preparation of puntarelle. 

Sciascia il Caffe

The best coffee in Rome might just be on a nondescript block in Prati, the wealthy residential neighborhood north of the Vatican.

Now in its 100th year of business, Sciascia is still a place locals go for an afternoon caffè . They serve an espresso made from their own blend of beans, as dark as squid’s ink. Pleasantly bitter, but without any harshness and a profound complexity of flavor, this is espresso you take a sip of and realize you’ve never really tasted espresso.

Even if you have a sweet tooth, resist the urge to get your coffee with sugar here. Sciascia’s famous embellishment is something even better: a drop of melted chocolate, rolled around the glass to form a shell which then slowly melts and flavors the hot coffee.

Hostaria Lo Sgobbone

Deep in the Flaminio quarter, you’ll find a place that seemingly hasn’t changed in 50 years, and has been a spot where the locals eat in Rome for the entire time. Known as “Pippo” after its venerable proprietor Filippo Di Placidi, Lo Sgobbone ( Via dei Podesti, 8)  is an unadorned heaven of home cooking.

Go with a simple artichoke to start, and then one of the many wonderful pastas. The spaghetti with clams is briny and fresh, and the specialty of the house is rigatoni allo sgobbone , a plate of short pasta in a rich, piquant sauce of tomato, prosciutto, wine and just a dash of cream. A dish of homemade meatballs with mashed potatoes, and a slice of Mont Blanc cake (chestnuts and meringue) is what you want afterwards.

Lo Sgobbone is one of those restaurants that operates entirely at its own place, by its own rules. Pippo’s wife is in the kitchen, and his daughter runs the dining room, where she’s unlikely to ever offer a written menu, preferring to lecture you on what she thinks you should and shouldn’t get.

La Matriciana

One of Rome’s oldest restaurants, La Matriciana (Via del Viminale, 44) is located right across from the Bank of Italy and the Roman Opera. Expect men in suits, their ties flopped over a shoulder, here on business lunches.

The dining room is elegant in an old-fashioned way, but despite the decor and clientele, this is one of the least pretentious restaurants you’ll ever go to. After almost 150 years, the goal is good food and a pleasant time.

A look at the menu, which tells you the name of the butcher, the baker, the greengrocer and everyone else who provides the ingredients, bodes well. Everything is good, but as the name might suggest, bucatini all’amatriciana is the thing to get. Order it for two, and you’ll get a silver platting of thick noodles, dressed with San Marzano tomatoes and crispy guanciale , tossed table-side by the waiter and finished with a generous spoon of sharp pecorino .

Rome is an international city, and the “locals” aren’t just Italians. Thousands of Chinese have immigrated to Rome in the last half-century, where they have slowly made their cuisine a fixture in the city.

So naturally, where the locals eat in Rome doesn’t just mean Italian restaurants.

Understandably, much of the Chinese food in Rome is toned-down fare designed to appeal to a predominantly Italian clientele. Not Hua Qiao ( Via Giovanni Giolitti, 189 ).

Located right next to Termini station, this is the place that many Chinese in Rome come to eat. There’s no shyness in the flavors. Handmade dumplings pop with ginger and scallion. Chewy noodles drip with rice vinegar and stripes of scrambled egg. There are even tender chicken feet and duck tongues, which you see large Chinese families ordering big plates of to share with rice, all washed down with bottles of Italian red wine.

Update Notice: This post was updated on April 26, 2024.

Ask any Roman what their favorite restaurant in the city is, and you’re bound to get a different answer nearly every time. But some places are true classics, like these spots—as well as the ones we visit on our Tastes & Traditions of Rome: Testaccio Neighborhood Food & Market Tour . Join us as we eat like the Romans eat from breakfast through lunch, and you’ll see why each stop along the way has won the hearts (and tastebuds) of generations of locals.

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Our Favourit (non-touristy!) Trattorias in Rome

• October 5, 2022

As proud locals we love to share tips and recommendations for you to enjoy the best trattorias in Rome .

Here’s a list of our favorite family-run spots to taste Roman specialties in nice locations at a great value for money. 

Buon appetito! 

1. TRATTORIA DA TEO

Da Teo is a historic trattoria in the heart of Trastevere , yet far from the tourist crowds!

Definitely one of our favorite places to taste traditional Roman cuisine in a nice and casual atmosphere . 

Not to miss their “ tortino di puntarelle and buffalo mozzarella ” and delicious home made desserts!

Booking is recommended as the place is consistenly popular with locals.

• Address: Piazza dei Ponziani 7/a (Trastevere)
• Website: www.trattoriadateo.com

2. LA TAVERNA DEI FORI IMPERIALI

Cosy, family-owned trattoria in Via della Madonna dei Monti, a few steps away from the Imperial Forums . 

At the Taverna dei Fori Imperiali perfectly executed  Roman dishes are served in a beautiful venue by a very professional staff.

Weather permitting you can seat outdoors and enjoy the magical atmosphere of Monti, one of the best districts to go out in Rome !

Hot tip: go for the best pasta all’amatriciana (a tasty sauce made of tomato, pecorino cheese and cured pork jawl) and coratella alla Romana in Rome!

• Address: Via della Madonna dei Monti 9 (Monti)
• Website: www.latavernadeiforiimperiali.com

3. DA ARMANDO AL PANTHEON

Da Armando is one of the best trattorias in Rome’s historic centre.

Family-run and traditional style, they serve authentic Roman specialties at a moderate price, since 1961 ! Definitely worth a visit for a great food recharge during your sightseeing across the Pantheon area.

We recommend you make a reservation (especially for dinner), since the restaurant is small and consistently popular with both locals and tourists.

• Address: Salita De’ Crescenzi 31 (Pantheon)
• Website: www.armandoalpantheon.it

4. FLAVIO AL VELAVEVODETTO

A truly unique location escavated inside the Monte Testaccio , Ancient Rome “dump” where terracotta jars used to be collected after use.

This fascinating trattoria has also a nice outdoors to enjoy traditional local specialties (pasta cacio & pepe  and Roman style  saltimbocca are absolutely worth trying!) and great local wines.

Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially on the weekends, as this is one of the best trattorias in Rome.

• Address: Via Monte Testaccio 97/99 (Testaccio)
• Website: www.ristorantevelavevodetto.it

5. SALUMERIA ROSCIOLI 

Salumeria Roscioli is a must visit place for big foodies and one of Rome best trattorias.

Family owned since mid-19th century, it’s located in the heart of Renaissance Rome, few steps away from Campo de’ Fiori Market .

The cozy store hosts a fabolous deli shop (where you can find some of the best Italian wines, cheeses, cured meats, olive oils, balsamic vinegars, etc.) and a delicious restaurant where you can taste traditional Roman specialties and fine charcuteries .

Being a really small venue, it is highly recommended reserving in advance. 

• Address: Via dei Giubbonari 21-22 (Campo de’ Fiori)
• Website: www.salumeriaroscioli.com

6. CUL DE SAC 

Historic winebar-trattoria founded in 1977 and located in a cozy square, two minute walk from Piazza Navona .

Warm atmosphere, quick and informal service, great selection of charcuteries, cheeses and wines (more than 1500 labels!).

That’s not all though…Cul de Sac also serves traditional Roman dishes (stewed oxtail, Roman-style tripe, pasta all’amatriciana ), along with great house specialties (snails with green sauce, home made  ravioli,  meatballs, etc.). 

• Address: Piazza di Pasquino 73 ( Navona Square )
• Website: www.enotecaculdesacroma.it

7. SORA MARGHERITA 

Founded in 1927, Sora Margherita is a precious sanctuary of Roman culinary tradition .

It is located in a cosy square in the heart of the Jewish district. A great setting to taste unparalleled Roman delicacies daily prepared only with season ingredients.

Tips: do not miss Sora Margherita’s deeply fried artichocks (“carciofi alla giudia”), grilled lamb ribs (“ abbacchio alla scottadito “), Roman-style tripe (“ trippa alla romana “) and a mouth watering cake with ricotta cheese and cherry jam (“ torta con ricotta e visciole “).

Definitely one of the best trattorias in Rome!

• Address: Piazza delle Cinque Scole 30 (Jewish district)
• Website: www.soramargherita.com

8. LA FIASCHETTA 

La Fiaschetta is a cozy and authentic Roman trattoria. A real gem a stone’s throw from Campo de ‘Fiori, in the splendid setting of Via dei Cappellari.

Absolutely recommended for lovers of local cuisine and good wine, La Fiaschetta boasts a large cellar and even a small oil shop , with the opportunity to taste and buy excellent olive oils.

Special mentions for an exceptional pasta alla gricia (made with crispy cured pork jawl and creamy pecorino cheese) and the very delicate polpette al pomodoro (meatballs with tomato sauce)!

In short, there are many reasons to try La Fiaschetta, one of the best trattorias in Rome on the border between the ancient Regola and Parione districts.

• Address: Via dei Cappellari 64 (Campo de’ Fiori)
• Website: La Fiaschetta

9. GINO AL PARLAMENTO 

We move a stone’s throw from Piazza di Montecitorio, house of the Italian Chamber of Deputees.

Here, since 1963 Gino al Parlamento has delighted the palates of tourists, locals and… parliamentarians, who often celebrate their lunch break in this temple of Roman cuisine.

The atmosphere is cheerful and convivial. Walls and ceilings are decorated with colorful frescoes from the 1970s, which recall bucolic views of the Roman countryside.

But the most important thing at Gino’s is certainly the cuisine: there are few places in the historic center of Rome that offer high quality traditional dishes at such reasonable prices .

Do not miss – when available – the rigatoni con la pajata. This is a 100% Roman specialty for brave foodies only! Basically the pasta is abundantly seasoned with tomato sauce, Roman pecorino cheese and “pajata”. This is a Roman dialect term for the intestines of an unweaned calf, i.e., only fed on its mother’s milk.

• Address: Vicolo Rosini 4 (Pantheon)
• Website: www.ristoranteparlamento.roma.it

10. RISTORO DEGLI ANGELI 

Ristoro degli Angeli is 100% local and runned by talented passionate hosts.

Such a charming trattoria is tucked away in Garbatella, a unique post-industrial neighborhood with quaint alleys and secret gardens.

Don’t miss a stroll through the lovely district before heading to Ristoro degli Angeli. Here you’ll taste Roman classics with a touch of creativity , all paired with great wines.

The area is easily accessible by metro (just 3 stops from the Colosseum) and is worth a visit for those who want to experience something truly authentic and off the beaten track.

• Address: Via Luigi Orlando 2 (Garbatella district)
• Website: www.ristorodegliangeli.com

Keep reading our blog and find further tips for the Best Pizza in Rome and the Best Rooftop Bars in Rome !

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The Best Trattorias in Rome

Regan is a freelance journalist with 10 years of experience writing about food, drinks, travel, and culture.

Something happens when you dine in Rome for the first time. There's a moment of disbelief that just a handful of simple ingredients — tomatoes, pasta, Pecorino Romano, guanciale — can add up to such a memorable meal. It's true for anywhere in Italy, really, where the tendency is to rely on fresh, seasonal ingredients and stick to time-tested recipes. In the Eternal City those recipes include fried artichokes , trippa alla Romana (tripe stewed in tomato sauce), and four legendary pasta dishes: cacio pepe, carbonara, gricia , and amatriciana. While you can find these classics in countless trattorie in every corner of the city, some do them better than others. Read on for these must-visit restaurants in Rome.

Trattoria Da Enzo

Just across the Ponte Palatino in Trastevere, find the tiny trattoria where checkered tablecloths and well-worn walls lined with wine bottles are all part of the charm. Da Enzo doesn't just peddle in charm, though. Highlights include naturally-leavened sourdough bread; perfectly al dente amatriciana, cacio e pepe, and carbonara; traditional trippa alla romana; crispy fried artichokes; and homemade tiramisu. Each dish is made with care and high-quality ingredients. The restaurant doesn't take reservations, so go for a weekday lunch or be prepared to wait for a table.

Ristorante La Tavernaccia Da Bruno

Opened in 1968 and still run by the same family, La Tavernaccia Da Bruno combines traditional Roman and Umbrian dishes with warm hospitality. Inside the rustic, stone-walled dining room, feast on plates of bruschetta with cured lard and honey, pappardelle with wild boar ragù, and wood-fired suckling pig with rosemary-flecked potatoes — all simple and memorable. Go for Sunday lunch, when you'll be surrounded by tables crowded with spirited local families, and the lasagna is usually on special.

Salumeria Roscioli

If you've heard in-the-know friends recount their trip to Rome anytime in the past two decades, you likely already know about Roscioli . The family-run, decades-old shop still sells gourmet goods, but nowadays tables surround the deli case and fill the wine cellar. There you'll feast on artisanal meats and cheeses like handmade mortadella and shaved parmigiano, creamy burrata, as well as Cantabrian anchovies, supremely memorable carbonara, and other traditional Roman pastas. The drink menu is robust, with a selection of small-batch gins from around the world (and several from Italy), plus an extensive wine list. If you goof on booking and reservations are long gone, try Rimessa Roscioli , the wine-focused sister restaurant just a few blocks away, where they serve both a tasting menu and a la carte classics.

Trattoria da Cesare al Casaletto

Located in the residential Monteverde neighborhood, da Cesare is a bit further afield for visitors staying near the city center. It's well worth the extra effort, though, for one of the very best meals in Rome. Ask for a table outside on the leafy, pergola-shaded patio and start with suppli (fried rice balls stuffed with tomato sauce and mozzarella) and the fried gnocchi over a pool of creamy cacio e pepe sauce. You can't go wrong with any of the pasta dishes, but make sure someone at the table orders the alla gricia, with thick flecks of guanciale and a wall-to-wall carpet of grated Pecorino. (Actually, this dish alone is worth crossing the city. Or the Atlantic ocean.) Save room for dessert, which includes crostata with apricot jam, tiramisu, and a perfectly-structured millefeuille topped with a tart amarena cherry.

Armando al Pantheon

It may be rare to find a truly outstanding restaurant close to any major tourist attractions in a city, but Armando al Pantheon is an unquestionable exception. Family run for over six decades, the snug restaurant consists of 14 tables, so snag a reservation the moment you book your flight for spaghetti alla carbonara, amatriciana, and, on Fridays, salted cod with tomato sauce and potatoes. Afterward, do as the Italians do and take part in the evening passeggiata (stroll) around the Pantheon and the Piazza della Rotonda.

Flavio al Velavevodetto

Not far from the Testaccio market (and situated on the slope of Monte Testaccio, the mound of millions of ancient Roman terracotta), Flavio al Velavevodetto bustles with a largely local clientele. They're there for the classic dishes like fried meatballs, Roman-style artichokes, and a particularly notable cacio e pepe. Service is friendly but slow, so just lean into the long and leisurely meal. For dessert, try the handmade ciambelle al vino — crunchy little cookie rings traditionally dipped in red wine. Make a reservation, either by phone or email, to avoid disappointment.

Colline Emiliane

Chances are, you won't be ready for a break from amatriciana and cacio e pepe during your Roman holiday, but even so, make time to dine at Colline Emiliane . Situated between the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Barberini, the restaurant specializes in cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region — delicate tortellini in brodo, handmade tagliatella alla bolognese, and Culatello ham, to name a few.

A short walk from the Spanish Steps, tucked around a corner and at the end of a closed off street, find Alla Rampa . Waiters in white coats drift slowly around tables arranged under a shaded terrace or inside the spacious dining room. The crowd is a mix of well-heeled locals and tourists, though fewer than you'd expect given its close proximity to a popular landmark. While the service can be brusque, plates of excellent bucatini alla gricia and rigatoni alla amatriciana make it worthwhile. Book a table online, or walk in for lunch.

The wine list at Cul de Sac is the star, with well over 1,500 bottles on the menu. Located just southwest of Piazza Navona, tables spill out onto the street of the charming little enoteca. The menu offers classic Roman pastas, but opt instead for a few plates of cured meats and cheeses from the extensive selection — ranging from burrata to spicy gorgonzola — to go alongside wines like Lambrusco from Emilia Romagna, Tuscan Chianti, or Abruzzese Trebbiano.

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Where to Eat in Rome

Discover Rome's traditional cuisine and a list of our favorite restaurants. Once you get to this destination, don't forget to try its most famous products such as limoncello, ice-cream, Roman style pizzas or a good cappuccino. 

Italian cuisine is one of the most famous worldwide with an extremely rich variety of dishes and ingredients. Proof of this is that, nowadays, it is practically impossible to find someone who has not tried pizza, ravioli or lasagne.

Besides the different types of pasta and pizza, Rome has many other traditional dishes, including the bruschetta (toasted bread with oil, garlic and salt), the panini (a traditional Italian sandwich), the meat and fish seasoned with spices (such as the famous dishes 'a la Milanese'), the carpaccio, the cheese (especially pecorino) and the cold meat (bresaola, mortadella, prosciutto and saltimbocca).

Roman cuisine

Italian restaurants in Rome will have a selection of mouth-watering dishes to choose from, from colourful salads to tasty meat recipes and fish platters. Nevertheless, if you are too impatient to wait to get to Rome to discover some of the city’s best dishes, here is a list of the most typical meals, desserts and drinks:

• Carpaccio : Thinly sliced raw meat or fish sprinkled with olive oil and lemon.
• Insalata caprese : Mozzarella cheese with tomato.
• Frutti di mare : Shellfish.
• Bresaola : Salted beef which has been air-dried.
• Prosciutto : Cured Italian ham.
• Risotto : Rice cooked in a broth with a variety of ingredients.
• Gnocchi : Soft dumplings made out of potato.
• Saltimbocca : Traditional dish of veal with prosciutto, sage or basil on top.
• Tiramisú : Coffee-flavoured dessert with mascarpone, eggs, sugar and cocoa.
• Zabaione : Dessert or drink made with egg yolk, sugar and sweet wine.
• Panna cotta : Dessert made of gelatine, sweetened cream and fresh berries.
• Babà : Also called Rum baba is a cake traditionally from Naples soaked in rum.
• Limoncello : A very common liquor from the south of Italy obtained by soaking lemons in alcohol.
• Sambuca : A anise-flavoured liquer.
• Grappa : Grape-based pomace (discarded grape seeds) brandy.
• Campari : Liqueur is used as an apéritif made from herbs and fruit.

Ice cream (gelato) is renowned in Italy, from Venice to Sicily and Rome is no exception. The city is filled with homemade ice cream parlours open all year round, and visitors cannot miss out on trying this delicious sweetened frozen food.

Depending on your budget, it is possible to find all types of restaurants to cater for your needs. The following are ordered from the most expensive to the cheapest option to eat out in Rome:

• Restaurants : These serve all types of Italian food from vegetarian dishes to meat and fish dishes.
• Trattorias : Trattorias can be defined as small family restaurants. In these establishments, it's quite common to ask for a single dish accompanied by a drink.
• Pizzerias: These are normally cheap restaurants that specialise in pizza. If the weather is good, why not order a pizza to go and eat in one of the city’s lively piazzas ?
• Pizza al Taglio or Pizza al Trancio: These restaurants sell large trays of rectangular pizza cut into square slices with thick crusts. They have a large variety of toppings, which are sold by weight. It is a good fast food option at lunchtime but, if you are looking for quality, pizzas made on the spot are usually the best choice.

In Rome, it is very common to be asked to sit next to others on the same table.

Opening times

Lunch is usually served from 1 pm to 3 pm and dinner from 8 pm to 11 pm.

Neighborhoods

Although all areas of the city are full of restaurants and takeaways, some of the best places to eat out in Rome are the streets surrounding the Trastevere , which is packed with traditional Italian restaurants, or Piazza Navona , Campo dei Fiori , or the Pantheon . The streets in these areas have charming, authentic restaurants with terraces in which visitors can enjoy a delicious meal while watching the people go by.

All of these areas in Rome are full of terraces where you can enjoy traditional Italian dishes in an authentic environment.

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23 Best Restaurants in Rome Including Pizza, Street Food and Cafes

The vast number of restaurants in Rome can be overwhelming whether you visit for one day, one week or longer. Discover our favorite Rome restaurants that you won’t want to miss plus street food, pizzerias, cafes and markets.

If you’re taking your first trip to Italy, you’re probably starting in Rome. It’s practically inevitable. It’s also inevitable that you’re overwhelmed by the variety of places to eat in the eternal city.

Intriguingly, much of the Italian food we all grew up eating in America has little do with the food served in Italy’s eternal city. While Roman cuisine certainly includes pasta and pizza, those Italian food favorites are cooked just a little differently from the pastas and pizzas served in Southern Italian cities like Naples .

However, in recent decades, thanks to food acolytes like Anthony Bourdain and Marcella Hazan (both now deceased) and the spread of modern Italian restaurants across the globe, the artful Roman style of cookery and Roman classics like cacio e pepe , amatriciana , carbonara and porchetta have grown to become legend. And with good reason…

When restaurants get it right, Roman cuisine, in all its simplicity, is one of the best cuisines on earth .

There are food travelers who travel to Rome with the primary goal of eating all the food. We understand this goal since we fit into that culinary category ourselves. We also acknowledge that eating in Rome can be a challenge.

Rome is an enormous city with a lot to unpack. Since our initial visit in 2010 we’ve visited the eternal city a number of times and, the more we visit, the more we understand and love Rome.

It all came together during our visit in 2020. As more seasoned food travelers (pun intended), we knew where to best focus our calories and stomach space. Hello pasta and gelato ! But, since that week wasn’t enough, we’ve returned yet again to continue our ongoing quest to eat the best Roman food at the best Roman restaurants.

Discover more than two dozen must-eat Rome foods .

Rome Food Guide | Where to Eat in Rome

Deciding where to eat in Rome sounds easy but actually takes a bit of skill and dedicated research if you want to eat well in Italy’s sprawling capital. While there are thousands of restaurants in Rome, they’re not all great. Plus, many hotel concierges have their own agendas which aren’t always altruistic.

This is where our Rome restaurant guide comes in handy…

We’ve curated a selection of traditional Roman restaurants as well as other spots that will hit the spot whether you’re jonesing for a sandwich on the go or want to linger over a more gastronomic meal in your personal search for the best restaurant in Rome.

Of course, you’ll want to eat at least one pizza and lots of pasta. And you don’t want to skip wine-filled aperitivo sessions when Roman days transition to Roman nights. Our guide covers all of these options and more.

Our Favorite Rome Restaurants

The best restaurants in Rome range from cosy trattorias to chef-driven establishments which have earned one or more Michelin stars. Many are located in the heart of the tourist zone while others require a bit of logistical planning and a trip on the metro or bus. Consider them all when you’re planning your Rome dining itinerary.

Our biggest piece of advice is to plan ahead and make advance restaurant reservations. Rome is probably Italy’s most popular tourist destination, especially during the summer season. Don’t assume you just can walk into a restaurant and score a table.

As is the case with many cities in Italy , failing to plan your Rome restaurant meals is planning to fail in your Rome food quest. Plus, it’s simply good decorum in Europe to make restaurant reservations.

We conducted an inordinate amount of research, both in advance and on-the-ground, when deciding where to eat in Rome. During this labor of love, we discovered traditional Rome restaurants which have been serving pastas for decades, restaurants that continue Rome’s Jewish traditions and restaurants sporting one or more Michelin stars.

The following Rome restaurants are our current favorites:

Trattoria Al Moro

Al Moro has a timeless dining room, the kind of place where legends like Fellini broke bread. It’s a restaurant that has endured the changes and transformations of time which have transformed central Rome neighborhoods, like its own near the Trevi Fountain , into cheap tourist zones.

Though labeled a trattoria, Al Moro fulfills the definition of a ristorante in Italy. Wooden appointments line the room. Fresh seasonal porcini mushrooms, some the size of softballs, greet visitors who dine at Al Moro in September as we did. Esoteric and somewhat whimsical art and memorabilia adorn the walls.

Open since 1929, Al Moro is the kind of restaurant where you’ll want to linger over lunch, taking a break from Rome’s maddening crowds and potentially stifling heat. And, assuming you’re not seated in a room with a bunch of tourists (as can happen in Rome – this city probably invented the practice), you may even be dining with local politicians whom you probably won’t recognize.

Its dishes can be a little pricey but they’re worth it. Many are Al Moro classics. We call them Al Moro classics instead of Roman classics since many are Al Moro inventions.

You won’t want to miss Spaghetti Al Moro, a dish that harkens back to the true ‘bacon and eggs’ legend of carbonara but it’s a unique dish made purely of egg yolks. During our meal, its taxi-yellow pasta shared a plate with chunks of chewy smoked bacon.

Spaghetti wasn’t the only dish we ate during our meal. We also ate silky artichokes, shells filled with earthy sausage and porcini that channeled the city’s rusticity plus a secondi of textbook vitello tonnato – cold, pounded slices of veal with a creamy tuna sauce.

We finished our meal by sharing custard-like zabaglione . It was silkier and more beautiful than we expected, not to mention incredibly tasty.

Pro Tip Take time to read Al Moro’s ‘heavy as a dictionary’ wine list which features bottles from all over Italy including the wonderful Sangiovese from Emilia-Romana that we ordered.

Trattoria al Moro is located at Vicolo delle Bollette, 13, 00187 Roma RM, Italy .

Felice A Testaccio

Testaccio has a lot of restaurants and Felice a Testaccio is one of the most popular, if not the most popular, of the lot. Opened by Felice Trivelloni in 1936, the restaurant has been a Testaccio fixture for almost a century.

What Is Testaccio? Testaccio is the neighborhood to visit if you’re looking to eat the best versions of Rome’s classic pasta dishes (ie. “The Roman Four’). Just south enough of the center to make it local and unique, Testaccio was once a working class neighborhood with a slaughter house located within its boundaries. It’s now notable for its restaurants and the bustling Mercato di Testacccio.

We had heard of the prowess of Felice’s cacio e pepe before we dined on the restaurant’s expansive terrace. But Daryl, who generally doesn’t like to follow the crowd, ordered pasta amatriciana (pictured above) instead. After writing a recipe for the dish and cooking it numerous times at home, he needed to try a ‘Testaccio Trattoria Version’ to see how his recipe compares.

Sure enough, there was good news on two fronts: not only had Daryl mastered pasta amatriciana but Felice’s bucatini all’amatriciana was wonderful – a synthesis of sauce, fatty pork, starchy pasta and cheese. Amatriciana has many iterations and Felice’s version is the apotheosis of the dish.

Mindi’s fettuccine was also great – a variation of pasta alla gricia with fettuccine, guanciale and artichoke. While both pastas were outstanding, it should be noted that our simple secondi of roast lamb was a little boney with a meager amount of meat for our taste. That being said, Felice has a big menu and we WILL try the restaurant’s tableside cacio e pepe and a different secondi when we next pass through Testaccio.

Pro Tip Make a reservation at least a couple weeks in advance since Felice a Testaccio is super popular with both locals and tourists.

Felice a Testaccio is located at Via Mastro Giorgio, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy .

Zia Restaurant

Chef Antonio Ziantoni and Ida Proiett took a unique approach when they opened Zia in 2018. Instead of serving homey Italian dishes in an equally homey space as is the norm in Rome, they went a different direction with their Trastevere restaurant.

Zia’s elegant space feels almost Scandinavian and its dishes take Italian ingredients to new levels. Druing our meal, spherified goat’s milk mozzarella balls exploded in our mouths and strips of brined pork cheek looked like bacon but tasted so much better.

It would be difficult for us to choose one favorite dish from our Zia dinner but, it if we had to, it would be the tortelli (pictured above) made with potato, ‘nduja and sage. Then again, maybe it was the sea bass meunière (not very Italian but, then again, France is next door) served in a buttery sauce flavored with with capers and licorice.

Fun Fact We were thrilled to find our favorite beer, Põhjala’s Öö brewed in Tallinn , on Zia’s menu.

Choosing to dine at Zia was a no-brainer for us after we got the recommendation from Terry Giansanti, a knowledgeable Rome local whom we met at a Venice restaurant . A little research revealed the restaurant’s pedigree which includes a Michelin star earned after just one year and a head chef who worked with Gordon Ramsay and at Rome’s only two-starred restaurant, Il Pagliaccio.

It was also a no-brainer for us to skip the a la carte menu and order Zia’s five-course tasting menu. This approach enabled us to sample a parade of plates for a relatively affordable price. During our meal, that tasting menu cost 60€ while the seven-course meal cost 80€. However, we’ve noted that the restaurant is currently offering six and eight course options for 90€ and 120€ respectively.

As always, prices are subject to change.

Very few restaurants earn a Michelin star without a solid team and Zia is no exception. While Chef Ziantoni helms the savory dishes, Christian Marasca does the same with Zia’s dessert program.

Marasca’s signature pastry is his swirled tourbillon, but we didn’t try that particular dessert. Instead, our tasting menu included raspberry millefoglie pastries constructed with layers that were both shatteringly crispy and delightfully creamy. We were completely satisfied, not to mention too full to even think about ordering a tourbillon. Maybe next time.

Pro Tip Avoid dessert disappointment by buying one or more sweet treats at Zia’s pasticceria – Door to Door .

Zia Restaurant is located at Via Goffredo Mameli, 45, 00153 Roma RM, Italy .

Roscioli Salumeria Con Cucina

We wonder where people ate carbonara in Rome before Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina opened in 2014.

Of course we’re joking but no matter whom we asked for Rome restaurant advice, especially when we asked where to eat the best carbonara, the answer always included Roscioli.

Roscioli’s makes its carbonara with artisan guanciale, pepper, locally sourced eggs and DOP pecorino romano. After tasting the pasta, we understood why this dish is so lauded. It’s a supercharged, ultra-rich carbonara with chunks of fat with just the right bite, firm, rich tonarelli and a sauce that beautifully ‘dresses’ the pasta.

To be clear, carbonara isn’t the only dish worth ordering at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina. The popular Rome restaurant has a full menu featuring cured meats, local cheese and a full range of classic Roman dishes. Then there’s its extensive wine list which spans Italy and beyond from a vast cellar with more than 60,000 bottles.

Join the Roscioli Italian Wine Club .

Despite Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina’s relative youthful status, the Roscioli family are far from new kids on the block, or in their case, in the ghetto. The family’s patriarch opened Antico Forno bakery in 1972, more than 30 years before progeny Alessandro and Pierluigi Roscioli opened the multi-purpose salumeria which operates as a deli counter, natural wine shop and restaurant.

The little touches at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina make the restaurant special. These touches include baskets filled with bread baked at the family’s nearby bakery and the complimentary ciambelline cookies served with chocolate sauce that capped our meal.

Pro Tip Pair a meal at Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina with a stroll through Campo de’ Fiori (see below) and gelato at Fatamorgana .

Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina is located at Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.

Piatta Romano

We mentioned that we didn’t order cacio e pepe at Felice a Testaccio but we didn’t tell the full story. As it turns out, we didn’t feel the need after ordering and loving the experience of eating tonarelli cacio e pepe at another Testaccio restaurant – Piatto Romano.

Piatto Romano’s service of the simplest Roman pasta dish is a show. While the pasta leaves the kitchen fully dressed in cheese, owner Augusto proceeds to grind a generous amount of pepper from his motorized pepper grinder. And, by generous , we mean that Augusto ground fresh pepper on our pasta for a full two minutes.

These steps added up to a masterpiece. We doubt that we’ll ever have a better version of this deceptively simple dish in Rome or elsewhere.

We loved a number of other dishes at Piatto Romano including simple, less saucy spaghetti all’amatriciana made from a special recipe from Augusto’s mother who hails from Amatrice and trippa alla romana served with a slightly piquant sauce that had enough bite to counter the rich, slightly funky flavor of the tripe.

If you go to this family-run gem, your meal will be filled with many classics and they’ll all be good. That includes classic Roman desserts like torta ricotta e visciole, a rustic ricotta cheesecake with sour cherries, which ended our meal on a sweet note.

Pro Tip Head to Tram Depot for an excellent post-lunch coffee. It’s just a six-minute walk and a wonderful pick-me-up.

Piatta Romano is located at Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni, 62, 00153 Roma RM, Italy .

Nonna Betta

Some of Rome’s most famous dishes have roots in the city’s Jewish community and date back to the days of ancient Rome. In more recent centuries, Jews were relegated to a defined neighborhood referred to as the ghetto which is where Nonna Betta is located. However, being segregated didn’t stop Jews from contributing to Roman cuisine.

The most famous Jewish Roman dish is carciofi alla giudia (i.e. Jewish-style artichoke). Other typical dishes include fiori di zucca (i.e. fried squash blossoms) and stracotto (Italian pot roast). Nonna Betta serves all of these Roman dishes and more at its ghetto location.

Don’t expect to eat pork or seafood at Nonna Betta and also don’t expect to mix milk with meat. Owned by a Roman Jew, this is a ‘kosher style’ restaurant that celebrates Rome’s Jewish cuisine and customs. Umberto Pavoncello named the restaurant after his grandmother (i.e. Nonna Betta) and stakes a claim to fame since the late Anthony Bourdain ate – and liked – Nonna Betta’s signature carciofi alla giudia.

Channeling Bourdain, we ate the crispy artichoke dish as well as two pastas (carbonara with zucchini and gricia with mushrooms – obviously no guanciale was used) plus a serving of saucy polpettes (i.e. meatballs) cooked with celery. We especially liked the artichoke which is no surprise since the traditional carciofi alla giudia preparation involves both deep frying and spicy peppers.

Pro Tip Order classic Roman Jewish desserts like cassola (i.e. baked ricotta chesse cake) and torta ricotta e visciole (i.e. ricotta and sour cherry cake) for a sweet ending to your Nonna Betta meal.

Nonna Betta is located at Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 16, 00186 Roma RM, Italy .

Taverna Volpetti

Taverna Volpetti is worth a visit whether you’re looking for an aperitivo break or a traditional Roman meal. While it’s only been open since 2016, the Testaccio tavern sources its ingredients from Volpetti Salumeria , a local institution since 1973, that’s located just around the corner.

Not surprisingly due to the salumeria connection, most people order charcuterie at Taverna Volpetti. We were no exception, ordering a tagliere topped with a sampling of prosciutto di norcia, finocchiana, pecorino di tartufo, pecorino sardo, alpine cheese and wild boar salumi during our visit.

We also ordered a classic rendition of tonnarelli cacio e pepe and a bottle of red wine.

Though not earth shattering, the meal was a pleasant way to spend an afternoon in Rome. We recommend Taverna Volpetti as a back-up if you can’t score a reservation at nearby Felice a Testaccio or Piatta Romano.

Pro Tip Although Volpetti Salumeria is open every day, Taverna Volpetti is closed on Mondays.

Taverna Volpetti is located at Via Alessandro Volta, 8, 00153 Roma RM, Italy .

Additional Rome Restaurants

Our quest to find and dine at the best Rome restaurants continues and yours should too. Like us, you need to eat at as many top Rome restaurants as possible to find your favorites. One again, don’t forget to make advance reservations. We can’t recommend this enough!

Beyond our suggestions, consider traditional gems like Armando al Pantheon , Da Enzo al 29 and Trattoria Monti unless you’re tempted to splurge on dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurants like Aroma or Moma .

If you’re feeling flush, you can even book a meal at two-starred Acquolina , Enoteca La Torre and Il Pagliaccio or three starred La Pergola . Then again, your pick for the best Rome restaurant may be a pizzeria.

Rome Pizzerias

Rome has several excellent pizzerias serving a variety of pizza styles that include thin crusted pizza romana and pizza al taglio slices as well as pizza rossa and pizza bianca flat breads. We ate them all and more at ten excellent Rome pizzerias .

However, if we had to pick just one pizzeria in Rome to recommend, that pizzeria would be Stefano Callegari’s Sbanco.

Stefano Callegari opened Sbanco in 2016 but it’s not his only Rome pizzeria. Caellegari also owns and operates Sforno and Tonda. He’s also the man behind Trapizzino (see below) which serves a popular pizza-sandwich hybrid.

You can’t go wrong with any of Callegari’s pizzerias. However, Sbanco is the one we’re recommending for its friendly atmosphere, great beer selection and, of course, outstanding pizza.

During our Sbanco meal, we enjoyed two pies – a Diavolo pizza with fior di latte (mozzarella) and ventricina (a spicy salami typically eaten in Italy’s Abruzzo region) and a cacio e pepe pizza that channeled the popular pasta dish into a monster of a pie loaded with pepper and pecorino Romano.

Pro Tip Order the cacio e pepe pizza since it’s both unique and mind blowingly delicious.

Sbanco is located at Via Siria, 1, 00179 Roma RM, Italy .

Additional Rome Pizzerias

You could easily eat pizza every day during your visit during your visit and never get bored. We don’t recommend this approach since you’d be missing out on a lot of other great Rome food; however, we would understand it.

Check out our Rome pizza guide to discover nine more excellent places to eat pizza in central Rome and beyond.

Rome Street Food

Sometimes travelers don’t have the time, interest or budget for a leisurely restaurant meal. That’s when it’s time to hit the streets!

Street food is no novelty in Rome. Beyond pizza, Rome’s street food menu includes suppli, porchetta and trapizzino just to name a few local favorites. Read on to discover our favorite spots to eat street food in Rome:

Er Buchetto

Some people have proclaimed that Er Buchetto is the last authentic porchetta shop in Rome. We’re not sure if that’s true. However, we’re sure that Er Buchetto should be your first stop if you happen to be near Roma Termini station and you’re hungry.

The concept of porchetta is simple enough. A whole pig is deboned, layered with herbs and/or cheese and breadcrumbs, tied and then roasted. At Er Buchetto, they cook their porchetta “…in a big hot oven, 10 at a time for four hours.” The resulting skin is blisteringly crisp and the flesh is succulent. You could say porchetta is to Rome as cheesesteaks are to Philadelphia .

Run by 5th and 6th generation Romans, Er Buchetto has been open since 1890.

Though the shop lists its opening at 8am, Allesandro Fiorvanti began slicing the slow-cooked pork at around 10am when we visited. You can eat your Porchetta two ways – either on a short baguette or on focaccia. We preferred the focaccia sandwich, but you’ll have to taste both versions to see which you prefer.

Pro Tip Go early to Er Buchetto to beat the inevitable lunch rush.

Er Buchetto is located at Via del Viminale, 2F, 00184 Roma RM, Italy .

Open since 2014, Supplizio feels older since it’s located in a 17th century structure that previously operated as a horse stall. Its comfortable dining room is designed to feel like a living room albeit a living room with ancient brick walls. In other words, Supplizio is a funky yet comfortable spot to eat suppli in Rome.

Chef Arcangelo Dandini surprises nobody by frying suppli at Supplizio. After all, the crispy balls filled with rice, cheese and tomato sauce are a Rome street food staple. But Dandini goes further by serving five types of suppli as well as additional street treats like potato croquettes and cod fritters.

Pro Tip Order wine unless you’re in the mood for craft beer. We chose the latter.

Supplizio is located at Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 143, 00186 Roma RM, Italy .

La Tradizione

One of our favorite Rome street food spots isn’t a restaurant or food stall. Instead, La Tradizione is a specialty food shop. But not just any specialty shop.

La Tradizione sells salumis and hams from all over Italy sourced from a variety of artisan producers. It also sells interesting cheeses including stinky, oozy raw milk varieties like tomino from Piemonte and robiola wrapped in leaves from Lombardy.

But what about the street food?

Here’s where the street food comes into play. In addition to selling a tempting variety of fresh pastas and an entire range of prepared foods like stuffed peppers and tomatoes, La Tradizione also makes bangin’ sandwiches upon request. Once you buy a sandwich, you can take it to the street and eat it at a park unless you’d rather devour it in your hotel room.

If La Tradizione were locagted near our home, we’d probably be there every day… or at least Daryl would be there buying stuff for him and Mindi every day. Whatever the case, we’ve seen our share of great delis, markets and traiteurs in France, Spain, Germany and other areas around Italy and the selezione at La Tradizione ranks with the best in the world.

Pro Tip Order a special sandwich at La Tradizione after you finish your Vatican visit if the queue at nearby Bonci Pizzarium is annoyingly long.

La Tradizione is located at Via Cipro, 8 E, 00136 Roma RM, Italy .

A hybrid of pizza bianca and triangular tramezzino sandwiches, Stefano Callegari’s 2013 culinary creation is a pizza dough cone stuffed with savory Roman food favorites and a few international classics. Its shape makes it uniquely portable while its ingredients attract crowds to Trapizzino locations around Rome and beyond. There’s even a location in New York City .

During our visit at the original Testaccio location, we spotted familiar fillings like trippa alla romana (Roman tripe), parmigiana di melanzane (eggplant parmigana) and polpetta al sugo (meatballs in tomato sauce) as well as more exotic fillings like Ethiopian Zighni flavored with berberé spice. Of course, Callegari’s original filling, pollo alla cacciatora (chicken cacciatore) was also on the Trapizzino menu.

Pro Tip Order a suppli at Trappizino and check two Rome street food favorites off your Rome eating list.

Trappizino has multiple Rome locations.

Forno Campo De’ Fiori

Located on the edge of the Campo de’ Fiori market (see below), Forno Campo de’ Firori specializes in pizza bianca, little flat breads that rely on olive oil for their flavor, and pizza rossa slabs lightly doused with tomato sauce. We tried one of each during our first visit, munching on the duo as we wandered around the market and its crowd, and then we returned for more two days later.

Mixing things up, we ordered a pizza bianca stuffed with mortadella , Italy’s tasty cured pork product with roots in Bologna , to share for a protein-packed breakfast. More similar to a sandwich than to typical pizza, this loaded pizza bianca filled us up until lunch.

Pro Tip Turn your stop at Forno Campo de’ Firori into a mini-pizza crawl by following it with a stops at nearby Antico Forno Roscioli and Emma Pizzeria . The three pizzerias are in the same historic neighborhood.

Forno Campo de’Firori is located at Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 22, 00186 Roma RM, Italy.

Rome Cafes and Pastry Shops

Cafes have played a part in Rome’s culture since Antico Caffè Greco opened in 1760. Luminaries like Casanova, Ibsen, Keats and Wagner have sipped cups of darkly roasted coffee this historic cafe over the centuries. Other historic Rome cafes include Caffetteria Sciascia , Giolitti , Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè and Caffè Tazza D’Oro .

You’ll probably want to visit one or more of those historic cafes for the experience just like you’ll want to visit the best gelato shops . After you check that off your list, we recommend the following spots for a sweet start to your day or an energizing afternoon break:

Pasticceria Regoli

If you only try one pastry in Rome, that pastry should be a maritozzo. And, if you only have time to eat one maritozzo, you should eat it at Pasticceria Regoli.

To be honest, we weren’t huge maritozzo fans until we shared one at Pasticceria Regoli. However, once we bit into Regoli’s sweet bun, practically as big as Daryl’s head and filled with freshly whipped cream, our only question was when could we eat one again.

The quality of Pasticceria Regoli’s maritozzi shouldn’t be a surprise considering that the Regoli family has been operating the Esquillino pastry shop for more than a century. While maritozzi aren’t the only pastries to eat here, they draw the crowds. Other tempting options include cookies and pastries topped with pine nuts, Chantilly cream and wild strawberries.

Pro Tip Share a maritozzo with a friend if you’re planning to eat your way around Rome. Eating one of these big boys on your own would put a big dent in your appetite.

Pasticceria Regoli is located at Via dello Statuto, 60, 00185 Roma RM, Italy .

Pasticcerria Boccione

If you’re impressed by Pasticceria Regoli’s centenary status, the you’ll really be impressed by Pasticceria il Boccione. The Limentani family has been baking tarts and biscotti for more than two centuries (and counting) at Rome’s popular Jewish Ghetto bakery. You’ll also be impressed by the bakery’s signature pastry – the pizza ebraica.

Despite its name, Pasticceria il Boccione’s Hebrew pizza doesn’t include tomato sauce or cheese in its ingredient list. Instead, the cooke is jam packed with colorful dried fruits and crunchy nuts. We’ve previously likened the hard cookie to mandel bread on steroids and we stand by that description. We’ve also previously called the pizza ebraica delicious and we stand by that description too.

Pro Tip Check the calendar before visiting to Pasticceria Boccione. This kosher bakery is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Pasticcerria Boccione is located at Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy .

Faro – Luminari del Caffè

Faro – Luminari del Caffè is proof that Rome isn’t stuck in the past.

Open since 2016, this cafe roasts single origin beans grown in countries like Brazil, Burundi, Colombia, Ethiopia and Kenya for its flat whites, cappuccinos and shakeratos. But it doesn’t stop with coffee. This Rome cafe also serves an interesting food menu.

Sharing a maritozzi at Faro – Luminari del Caffè provided us with enough energy to power on until a late dinner reservation. Filled with tripe and pecorino, the savory pastry’s flavors and texture were simultaneously unique and familiar.

Pro Tip Discover more Rome specialty coffee shops if you prefer modern coffee over dark sludge.

Faro – Luminari del Caffè is located at Via Piave, 55, 00187 Roma RM, Italy .

Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria

Roscioli Caffè isn’t a typical Italian cafe. To us, this isn’t a bad thing

While its shelves are filled with traditional Italian pastries and desserts, Roscioli Caffè serves something that we don’t always see at Italian cafes. That something is specialty coffee.

The cafe was offering two different beans, single-origin Guatemala bans and an African arabica blend, during our visit. Varying from our typical flat whites and pour overs, we ordered hand-pulled espressos and a maritozzo pastry. Since Roscioli Caffè is located in the heart of Rome’s historic center, it felt like the right thing to do.

Pro Tip Weather permitting, go early to score an outside table.

Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria is located at Piazza Benedetto Cairoli, 16, 00186 Roma RM, Italy .

While we enjoy visiting traditional cafes in Rome during the day, sometimes we’re in the mood to linger over an adult beverage as the day turns to night. As you may expect, the eternal city has a multitude of options for these times.

Many of the best bars in Rome have historically focused on serving beer and wine though the city now has cocktail bars too. These are our favorite bars in Rome when we’re in the mood for a late afternoon tipple:

Il Goccetto

Located inside a 16th century building and sporting a sign promising vino e olio (i.e. wine and oil), Il Goccetto is an enoteca (i.e. wine bar) whose history is shorter than it seems. A relative newbie open centuries after its building was constructed, it’s a great spot to stop for a quick glass of wine or linger longer over a leisurely aperitivo session.

We opted for the second option when we visited Il Goccetto with friends. Not hungry after a self-guided gelato tour, we shared a mix salumi e formaggi (i.e. mixed meat and cheese) plate and a bottle of wine. Somehow, we managed to clean the plate and empty the bottle despite the gelato bloat.

More important, we had a great time chatting and people watching at an outdoor table while the day turned to dusk and then dark. Since Il Goccetto stays open until midnight every night except Sunday, we were in no rush.

It was a beautiful night and we were on a quiet street hidden behind more crowded thoroughfares. The wine proved a perfect capper to our day. The experience was an absolute delight.

Pro Tip Order oil preserved vegetables if you’re not a meat or cheese eater. Options included grilled artichokes and spicy turnip tops during our visit.

Il Goccetto is located at Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy .

Italy may not be famous for its craft beer but it should be. The country has come a long way over the past decade and now rivals other European countries with beer crafted in regions like Piemonte, Emilia- Romagna and Rome’s home region of Lazio.

Located near the Vatican and open since 2016, Bar.Re. is a great birreria (i.e. brew pub) for beer drinkers who pass through Rome. The spacious Rome beer bar serves craft beers sourced both locally as well as from locations further afield within Italy and beyond.

We’d like to say that we found Be.Re. after doing copious amounts of research. However, we bumped into it while drinking coffee next door at Pergamino Caffè . However, the fortuitous discovery didn’t diminish our happiness at all. Not even by a drop.

Pro Tip You don’t have to worry about getting hungry at Bar.Re. since you can order a Trrapizzino to go with your craft beer.

Be.Re. is located at Via Vespasiano, 2, 00192 Roma RM, Italy .

Rome Food Markets

While visiting sites like the Vatican and Colosseum are musts during any first trip to Rome, the same goes for visiting one or more Rome food markets. This is especially the case if you have access to a kitchen or even a refrigerator during your stay.

Rome’s markets are meccas for seasonal produce as well as for artisan meats and locally produced cheeses. They’re also great spots to mingle with locals and eat lunch on the fly.

These are our favorite Rome food markets:

Mercato di Testacio

Testaccio isn’t just a neighborhood with good restaurants. It’s also a neighborhood with one of the city’s most popular food markets.

Originally a neighborhood market, Mercato di Testaccio attracts locals from throughout the city as well as a throng of global food travelers. Some seek locally sourced artisan products while others enjoy lunch. A few savvy shoppers come to this market to buy food and stay to eat foods like suppli and porchetta sandwiches.

Pro Tip Expect a queue at popular Mordi e Vai. The stand sells a range of panini including Sergiio Esposito’s signature panino con l’allesso di scottona filled with slow-cooked beef and chicory.

Mercato di Testacio is located at Via Aldo Manuzio, 66b, 00153 Roma RM, Italy .

Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale is a unique Rome food market.

For starters, it’s located in an old railway dining hall underneath the city’s main train station. But this market’s central, convenient location isn’t why you should visit Mercato Centrale. The primary reason is its food selection.

In addition to selling produce and cured meats, Mercato Centrale’s vendors sell a range of prepared foods made with ingredients sourced from Lazio and other Italian regions. These foods include expected pastas and pizzas as well as less expected burgers and vegan dishes. Stefano Callegari has a Trapizzino stand here too. Yes, he’s everywhere .

Pro Tip Don’t worry if your train is running late. Mercato Centrale is open until midnight every night of the week.

Mercato Centrale is located at Piazza del Mercato Centrale, Via dell’Ariento, 50123 Firenze FI, Italy.

Nuovo Mercato Esquilino

Nuovo Mercato Esquilino may be the most unique food market in Rome. It’s certainly the city’s most diverse market thanks to vendors who sell products more typically sold in Asia and Africa.

This market isn’t fancy and you probably won’t bump into other tourists during your visit. However, it’s a great market for those looking to dig deeper into Rome’s modern food scene and for those who simply enjoy exploring and eating great food.

Pro Tip Nuovo Mercato Esquilino is just a ten minute walk from the Roma Termini train station. Though not as close as Mercato Centrale, it’s still pretty close.

Nuovo Mercato Esquilino is located at Via Principe Amedeo, 184, 00185 Roma RM, Italy.

Campo De’ Fiori

Originally a flower market, Campo de’ Fiori has operated in its current iteration since 1869. Expect to find a range of fruits, vegetables, herbs, meats and cheeses in the market’s many stalls. And, yes, you can also find flowers.

Campo de’ Fiori is unabashedly touristic but don’t rule this market out. Sure, it has hawkers and its prices are a bit higher compared to other Rome markets. But, with a history that spans the centuries, it’s special.

Pro Tip Campo de’ Fiori is a great spot to purchase edible souvenirs and gifts.

Campo de Fiori is located at Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 00186 Roma RM, Italy .

Frequently Asked Questions

Rome’s top foods are all pasta dishes- cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana and gricia – and they’re all delicious.

Rome restaurants range from cheap eats to fine dining. Prices are in line with restaurants in other European capital cities.

No. Tipping is optional in Italy.

Anthony Bourdain visited Betto E Mary, Cacio e Pepe, Cafe Faggiani, Freni e Frizoni, Gelateria dei Gracci, I Porchettoni (permanently closed), Osteria dal 1931, Pizzarium, Ristorante Paris (permanently closed), Roma Sparita, Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina, Trattoria a Casa di Rita, Trattoria Il Timoniere, Trattoria Morgana, Trattoria Settimio, Trattoria Sora Lella, Vitti dal 1898 and Volpetti Salumeria while filming the sixth season of No Reservations , the first season of The Layover and the eighth season of Parts Unknown .

Phil Rosenthal has not yet filmed an episode of Somebody Feed Phil in Rome.

Stanley Tucci ate at Armando al Pantheon, Bistrot64, Bar San Calisto, La Reginella (permanently closed), Pommidoro and SantoPalato while filming the first season of Stanley Tucci – Searching for Italy .

People typically eat dinner between 7pm and 9pm in Rome.

Yes. Reservations are necessary at both casual and upscale restaurants.

Rome currently has 16 Michelin-starred restaurants including one three-star restaurant (La Pergola), three two-star restaurant (Acquolina, Enoteca La Torre and Il Pagliaccio) and 13 one-star restaurants (All’Oro, Aroma, Glass Hostaria, Idylio by Apreda, Il Convivio Troiani, Imàgo, La Terrazza, Marco Martini Restaurant, Moma, Per Me Giulio Terrinoni, Pipero Roma, Pulejo and Zia).

Rome Planning Checklist

• Buy discounted travel insurance from Heymondo .
• Find a great Rome hotel via Expedia or Hotels.com .
• Find an apartment in Rome with a kitchen .
• Buy a Rome travel guide from Amazon so that you don’t miss any bites or sites.
• Buy a universal travel adaptor from Amazon so you can charge your laptop, cell phone and camera in Europe.
• Book a fun Rome tour with GetYourGuide , Viator or Walks .
• Book a tasty Rome food experience .

Hungry for More in Italy?

Disclosures

Article Updates We update our articles regularly. Some updates are major while others are minor link changes and spelling corrections. Let us know if you see anything that needs to be updated in this article. Funding We self-funded our trips to Rome.

Saveur Magazine’s BEST TRAVEL BLOG award winners Daryl and Mindi Hirsch share their culinary travel experiences and recipes on their website 2foodtrippers. Since launching the site in 2012, they've traveled to over 40 countries in their quest to bring readers a unique taste of the world.

Are reservations necessary for lunch?

Unless it’s a shop or bakery that sells pizza al taglio or suppli to go, we always recommend reservations if you can make them. Rome, especially in peak times is a busy place and the best restaurants fill up quickly. Additionally, much like in other European cities, reservations are always appreciated.

great website, i love your content.i will definitely come back.

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14 Best Italian Foods to Eat in Rome (from Locals)

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If you want to experience the best Italian foods to eat in Rome, you should bookmark, print, and save this page.

Ciao to all my foodie friends who love Italian cuisine! Here is a list of the best foods you should try in Rome:

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Pasta alla grigia, pasta amatriciana, carciofi alla guidia, carciofi alla romana.

• Codea alla Vaccinara

Abbachio a Scottadito

Saltimbocca alla romana, fiori di zucca, grattachecca.

Table of Contents

Best Foods and Drinks in Rome

Firstly, I am pleased to introduce a few Italian friends who guided me through the streets of Italy. We have been in a language exchange for over 2 years (they help me with Italian, and I help them with English).

On my last visit to Italy, my Italian friends showed me around Rome and Milan like only a local could and I tried all the foods that they recommended!

From sweet treats in a delicious Italian breakfasts to savory pastas, the meals are satisfying and memorable.

As a first thing, you should consider taking a cooking class to learn how to make these dishes authentically on your next visit, and don’t forget to try Rigatoni alla Gricia, a simple pasta dish with a big flavor punch.

Before Dinner Drinks

Italians start their evening with an  aperitivo  (or aperitif, in French). In the Italian culture, an aperitivo is an opportunity to open your appetite, and ready your stomach for the delicious dish that will soon arrive.

The aperitif is a before-dinner drink, which is typically dry or fizzed. Some examples include gin and tonic, an Aperol Spritz, and Prosecco.

Aperitivo Like A Local In Rome

A popular afternoon ritual! ( Read Reviews )

Rome by Night: Tour with Aperitivo or Ice Cream

Discover the Eternal City by night! ( Read Reviews )

Italian Aperitivo Foodie Private Tour

Taste your way thru Vatican City! ( Read Reviews )

The accompanying foods may be a charcuterie board filled with olives, cheese, Parma ham, other meats, nuts, bread, and crackers.  The use of fresh ingredients is a hallmark of authentic Italian foods.

Visit a restaurant at Piazza Navona for a cocktail bar or coffee shop. It’s the best way to enjoy a beverage while people-watching. Afterward, you can take a short walk to a lesser-known area that is not one of the tourist traps.

Best Foods to Eat

Italian foods, such as pizza and pasta, have become global favorites. However, pizza is not like what is made in America and there is no such thing as deep-dish.

Neapolitan pizza originated in Naples, but  Roman pizza , or Pizza Romana, is particularly famous for its characteristically crumbly dough. This is achieved by using authentic ingredients and baking it in particular steps.

Italian flour is combined with water, yeast, extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt to create the thin dough and crust. There are two different styles of pizza which may be referred to as Roman pizza in Italy.  

Pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), typically comes in rectangular slices and has a thicker base, like focaccia. It is eaten as a casual to-go snack.  

Pizza tonda   (whole round pizza) has a thin base and is commonly served at sit-down restaurants. Also, note that pizzas are not meant to be shared, everyone gets their pizza (but you can share, we won’t tell anyone)!

These pizzas are a nice portion, and I could barely finish 1/3 of it. Toppings vary from 4-cheese to salmon, and they are crazy delicious! For a true Roman experience, pair your pizza with a glass of wine at a local wine bar.

Pasta lovers may be in for a surprise when ordering a Spaghetti alla Carbonara dish. Most in the United States are overjoyed to see every noodle covered in a warm robe of thick creamy sauce.

But in Italy, nonnas (grandmas) everywhere have something to say about this because most of what we consider Italian food in the States is not Italian at all. Chicken should not be served with pasta. And the creamy cheese sauce does not belong on carbonara.

There. Now you know.

This Italian dish is simply made with egg yolk and flour, hard cheese, guanciale (a cured meat made of pork jowl), and black pepper. Guanciale is rich and fatty and seasoned with salt and herbs, which gives the dish a phenomenal taste.

The most common type of pasta used is rigatoni or spaghetti.  

If you are a fan of rich, creamy pasta, then you must try  Cacio e Pepe , a Roman style pasta dish made of Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta alla Grigia is very similar to Carbonara .   The difference between these two Italian pasta dishes is the egg. Carbonara is made with freshly beaten egg while Grigia does not, but everything else remains the same.

The dish consists of pasta, Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and guanciale (pork cheek). This simple pasta dish is a great introduction to Roman cuisine for first-time visitors.

Pasta Amatriciana (also referred as bucatini all’amatriciana )  is another classic dish alongside Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Pasta alla Grigia, and Cacio e Pepe.

It is usually made with bucatini pasta, which is a thick, hollow spaghetti-like shape. Is there ANYTHING more comforting than a big bowl of pasta in a rich tomato sauce consisting of olive oil, guanciale, canned tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and pecorino cheese?

Good food has great ingredients that are simple and scrumptious. If you love hearty, flavorful, and spicy pasta sauces, then you will love this dish.

Are there any veggie lovers? You should try Carciofi alla Giudìa .   They are Jewish style artichokes, and it is one of the best-known dishes of Roman Jewish cuisine.

The dish is a deep-fried artichoke, and it originates from the Jewish community of ancient Rome (giudìo is the Roman dialect word for Jew). It is a springtime specialty of the Jewish Ghetto. If you’re a fan of fresh vegetables, this is the dish for you.

After frying, they look golden, and I loved the nutty crunchiness of the leaves.  Don’t miss out on trying the traditional dish Carciofi alla Giudia while you’re in the Jewish Ghetto—one of the best things you can eat in Rome.

Another great dish that you should try in the Jewish Ghetto is Carciofi alla Romana. It is famous in this neighborhood and is made by braising the artichokes in olive oil and herbs.

Coda alla Vaccinara

Coda alla Vaccinara is a dish made from the tail of a cow and braised and served with vegetables. This Roman oxtail stew was born in the heart of The Eternal City.

The main ingredients include oxtail, tomatoes, celery, and a mix of aromatic herbs, all cooked to perfection.

It takes at least four hours to make this dish which goes to show that Italians cook like there is no tomorrow.  

Made in homes and restaurants, Abbachio a Scottadito is a renowned lamb chop dish in Rome. It is typically marinated and served for the Easter holiday.

This dish is best enjoyed with a glass of Italian red wine, which complements the rich flavors of the lamb.

The quick and easy-to-make Saltimbocca alla Romana consists of veal cutlets coated with prosciutto, sage, white wine, and seasonings. In Italy, this dish is almost as popular as spaghetti.

Best Street Food

You can find supplì (or croquettes) at pizzerias. We recommend going to Trastevere because there is so much more to see in this iconic neighborhood. At supplì snack bars, you’ll find other tempting flavors like cacio e pepe.

Before dinner, you must try an appetizer like Supplì alla Romana.  They look like fried rice balls, but you may also see them rolled into an elongated shape. 

There are two main recipes — the Roman supplì, and the Sicilian arancino. The main difference between the fried rice balls is that supplì are made with arborio rice and mozzarella, while arancini are made with arborio rice, mozzarella, and the addition of beef and peas.

Supplì are also a great option for a midday snack, and they may be served as street food.  Supplì al telefono is a specific variation you should try, especially if you love rice croquettes with gooey mozzarella cheese.

Trappizzino was one of the first places where I tried to order in Italian. They were so nice and patient with me. While my pronunciation wasn’t perfect and I probably sounded like a two year old, I was glad that I took the time to learn some of the local dialect .

Trappizzino (Piazza Trilussa, 46 or Termini Station), Supplizio (via dei Banchi Vecchi, 143), La casa del supplì (Piazza Re di Roma, 20), I Supplì (via San Francesco a Ripa, 137). There is also a Trappizzino in New York!

Using zucchini flowers, mozzarella, and anchovies, this unusual dish is rolled in batter and fried in olive oil. You can find them at Forno Campo dei Fiori and some pizzerias in Trastevere.

Best Desserts

I can never say no to tiramisu. Next to baklava, it’s my favorite sweet treat.

Tiramisu is a popular Italian dessert known for its rich and indulgent flavors. It is traditionally made with layers of ladyfingers soaked in espresso or strong coffee, layered with a creamy mixture of mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar.

The top of the dessert is dusted with cocoa powder, adding a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness.

While in Rome, I joined a class to make pasta and tiramisu and was the bomb! I also tried it at a local restaurant where it is made fresh at Molino (via Merulana, 281) which is located near Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.

These were my favorite shaved ice treats for staying cool while touring on a hot day. It’s an Italian summer tradition! Frappès are also tasty if you love coffee with shaved ice.

You’ll find grattachecca stands like Alla Fonte D’oro and Sora Mirella along the Tiber River in the Trastevere neighborhood.

Some of the best gelaterias in Italy are in Rome! My Italian friends took me to Otaleg gelateria (Via di San Cosimato 14A) which is nestled among restaurants in Trastevere . They have an array of creative flavors and gelato lovers line the streets to taste their delicious creamy scoops.

Be sure to visit the trendy Trastevere neighborhood for some great food and local spots.

How to Know if It’s Good Gelato

I learned these tips from an Italian tour guide on how to know if you’re getting good gelato.

• Color : Authentic gelato uses natural ingredients, so the colors should be muted and not overly bright. For example, pistachio gelato should be a pale green, not neon, and banana gelato should be beige, not bright yellow.
• Texture : Good gelato should have a smooth, dense, and creamy texture. It should be soft but not runny, and it shouldn’t look fluffy or airy, which can be a sign that it’s been whipped too much.
• Ingredients : Check the ingredient list if possible. High-quality gelato is made with fresh, natural ingredients like real fruit, nuts, and high-quality milk. Avoid gelato with artificial flavors, preservatives, or colorings.
• Temperature : Gelato is served at a slightly warmer temperature than ice cream to enhance the flavor and give it a softer, silkier texture. If it is too hard, it might not be real gelato, or it could be stored at the wrong temperature.
• Flavor : The flavor of good gelato should be rich and taste like the ingredients it’s made from. For example, strawberry gelato should taste like fresh strawberries, not overly sweet or artificial.
• Serving Style : Authentic gelato is typically stored in covered metal containers. If you see it piled high in an open display case, it might be made with artificial stabilizers to help it hold its shape.
• Price : Good gelato is often reasonably priced. If it’s very cheap, it might not be made with high-quality ingredients. On the other hand, if it’s excessively expensive, it might be catering more to tourists rather than focusing on authentic quality.
• Location : Sometimes, the best gelato can be found away from major tourist traps (like Trevi Fountain). Look for places frequented by locals rather than spots near popular attractions.

Best Places to Eat in Rome

For the best supplì in Rome, Mordi e Vai is a great spot to grab a quick bite.

When it comes to pizza, one of the best places to try is Salumeria Roscioli , where the pizza al taglio is simply unforgettable. If you’re looking for the best time to enjoy pizza in Rome, try it as a late-night snack after a long day of sightseeing.

Panificio Bonci is also a great place for pizza and pastries.

To taste one of the best pasta dishes in Rome, head to Armanjewido al Pantheon , a Roman trattoria that has earned the best reviews.

Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 also serves traditional dishes. It’s a great place to try authentic Roman cuisine.

Know Before You Go

These foods are native to Rome, so you can’t get any closer to authenticity with the dishes in this city. Other regions and Italian cities may make a dish, but it’s not the same. It would be like going to Canada for American southern food.

Some places are touristy for good reason. Avoid restaurants on main streets or with pictures of food and be sure to ask the advice of a local.

For all the seafood lovers, take note! In Italy, prawns look and taste more like small lobsters than shrimp. However, they are fresh and deliciously prepared.

Final Thoughts on the Typical Roman Dishes

Who can resist Italian cuisine? It is one of the best comfort dishes to enjoy in every season and it’s one of many favorite things to eat in America.

Believe me, when I say, Roman food is like no other. Indulging in traditional dishes makes for a delicious trip to Italy.

This is an ultimate list of foods you should eat while touring Rome or visiting Vatican museums , as recommended by locals.

It took a few days to eat my way through Rome. I send hugs and a huge THANK YOU to my friends in Italy who helped make it possible! Sharing a meal of Italian foods with them created unforgettable moments of joy and togetherness. 💚🤍❤️

Tanya, a travel writer and content creator who has lived in Chicago for over 30 years, is your go-to local expert for Chicago's hidden treasures. Tanya's deep knowledge of various cities and attractions is acquired through personal exploration, making her articles a treasure trove for travelers and families. She has visited 43 of the 50 United States, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Japan, and the UK.

10 Comments

Your post should come with a warning: Don’t read if hungry! This all sounds fabulous. How special to have friends in Italy to help guide you. I enjoyed your post.

Ha! Right? You have no idea how much I ate while writing this post. Thank you for reading and I hope you are able to visit Italy soon 🙂

As Italian, I must say, finally a good article about italian food wrote from a non Italian person. I loved to read it .it reminded me of my Roman holiday. So much food 😉 I loved it!

Thank you so much 🙂 it means a lot to hear this from a native Italian! I can’t wait to explore Italy again!

I love posts like like this.. I hate falling for tourist traps when eating in a few place..love your advice..and these photos have me SO motivated to visit Italy soon!

Thank you, Jenn. I hope you are able to visit soon. I really enjoyed the experience and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Oh yum, this post is making me miss Rome, and particularly eating there! Haha. I had the best Carbonara in my life in Rome, and I’ve been dreaming of going back to have more ever since. Also, I love tiramisu, but I was so focused on eating as much gelato as possible in Italy I never had any and totally missed out! Guess I just have to go back now! 🙂

Take me with you! LOL!!!

Oof, this post made me HUNGRY! Cannot wait to explore Italian food someday. Definitely coming back to this post whenever the time is right! Thanks for sharing 🙂

Ha-ha! I am already missing the pizza and pasta 🙂

Comments are closed.

12 Best Walking Food Tours in Rome for a Taste of Italy

Walking food tours in Rome have been the highlight of my trips to the Eternal City.

Rome calls me back every year, and I mostly look forward to a food-packed walk through its charming streets. The food is so memorable and makes me want to return time and again.

What is a Roman Food Tour

A Roman food tour is the best way to immerse yourself in the city’s Italian culture and superb Italian cuisine. These tours are designed to take you through the picturesque streets of Rome, stopping at local markets and authentic restaurants that serve traditional dishes from different regions of Italy. Whether you have a limited time in the city or you’re planning a long stay, these tours offer a wonderful journey through Rome’s culinary landscape.

Why Take a Walking Food Tour

Firstly, a walking food tour is a great way to taste authentic food while discovering the city. I ate my way through Rome with friends, and it was an unforgettable experience that any foodie would cherish.

The added benefit is that walking between stops allows you to enjoy your culinary adventure guilt-free, creating a nice balance between indulgence and exercise. It’s also a better way to immerse yourself in the local culture while meeting like-minded people who share a love for great food. The tours are often led by an expert guide who knows the best places to eat, making it easy to strike up a conversation and connect.

If you’re looking for an authentic restaurant experience, many of these tours take you to some of the best restaurants in the city. These locations are often away from the tourist routes, offering a more genuine taste of Roman traditional cuisine. You’ll learn about the day of the week specialties, sample delicious food typical of the region of Italy you’re visiting, and understand why Rome is famous for its traditional dishes.

Each tour promises not only delicious bites but also the chance to learn from passionate guides who share their love for Rome and its food. With plenty of options available, you can choose the tour that best fits your tastes and interests. Hold on to your appetite while I show you the various neighborhoods of Rome where you can enjoy a walking food tour.

1. Trionfale

Trionfale is a predominantly residential area directly north of Vatican City (area #9 on the map). This neighborhood is away from the tourist crowds, making it an ideal spot for a secret food tour. It’s known for its bustling market and proximity to Monte Mario, the highest hill in Rome.

Rome’s food scene in Trionfale is diverse, offering everything from authentic Roman pizza to regional delicacies. This tour is a perfect option for those who want to sample a variety of Italian foods, including pizza al taglio and cured meats. This tour is also a good idea for travelers with special dietary requirements, as many vendors offer options for food allergies and other dietary needs.

Trionfale Market

Highly recommended for anyone looking to:

⋆ Tour one of Rome’s largest markets away from the tourist routes

⋆ Sample diverse flavors in produce, cheeses, and cured meats

⋆ Have stroller or wheelchair accessibility

⋆ Have adaptable tastings (eg. dietary needs)

Tour Highlights :

Start with breakfast, end with gelato

Wine tasting with pasta

18 different food samples

Duration : 4 hours

Rating : 5.0

( read more reviews )

2. Trastevere

Trastevere is located on the west bank of the Tiber (area #3 in the map). It is a charming, medieval neighborhood with narrow, winding streets. It’s known for its bohemian atmosphere, colorful buildings, great dining , and lively nightlife.

A foodie tour in Trastevere is an excellent way to sample local flavors, including classic Italian food like wood-fired pizza and delicious gluten-free dishes. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll also have the chance to explore the beautiful piazzas and historic monuments that make this neighborhood so unique.

⋆ Find more traditional trattorias

⋆ See a top neighborhood for nightlife and dining

⋆ Experience Rome’s best pizzerias and gelaterias

⋆ See ancient Byzantine style church

Sample cheese, cured meats, street food, wood-fired pizza, gelato

Local wine and beer tastings

Learn about regional foods

( Read reviews )

3. Campo de’ Fiori

Situated in central Rome, Campo de’ Fiori (south area #2 in the map, close to river) is a square best known for the daily market. At night it transforms into a hub for nightlife. The tour crosses the river to the neighborhood of Trastevere.

Campo de’ Fiori & Trastevere

⋆ Try classic street food (pizza, suppli, gelato, Roman sandwich)

⋆ Visit Rome’s oldest outdoor market

⋆ Learn history of ancient Byzantine style church

Visit market, gelateria, bar, and other top local spots

Sample a variety of Italian food

See historic neighborhood of Trastevere

Duration : 2.5 hours

4. Jewish Ghetto

This historic area is located in central Rome near Tiber Island (area #2, on the north end of where the river splits). It is one of the oldest Jewish settlements in Europe.

The food tour in the Jewish Ghetto also highlights the area’s history. This tour is perfect for those interested in learning about Rome’s neighborhoods and tasting authentic food in a historical setting.

Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere

⋆ Take a stroll through Tiber Island, Jewish Ghetto, and Trastevere area

⋆ Have adaptable tastings (Vegetarian, Vegan, Lactose intolerant, no-alcohol, no Fish/Seafood, Nut Allergy, no Pork)

Rooftop Aperitivo

8 Food Tastings

See Roman Skyline & St. Peter’s Basilica

Duration : 3.5 hours

5. Testaccio

Testaccio is an authentic, working-class neighborhood located south of central Rome (area #5 on the map). Once Rome’s slaughterhouse district, it’s now known for its culinary scene and offbeat attractions.

Testaccio Market

⋆ Get off the tourist route

⋆ Have adaptable tastings (eg.  vegetarian and gluten-free diets)

⋆ Sample famous pastas like Carbonara, Amatriciana and Cacio e Pepe

⋆ Learn how to spot fake gelato and avoid tourist traps

See the only pyramid in Europe

15 samples at 8 different tasting locations

Visit the Testaccio Market

6. Vatican Food Tour

Though technically its own city-state, Vatican City (area #9 in the map) is surrounded by Rome’s Prati district. It’s the heart of the Catholic Church and home to the world’s most famous art and architecture.

Vatican Dome Climb and Food Tour

⋆ Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome

⋆ Relax al fresco with snacks

⋆ Visit the Vatican Museums

⋆ Tour St. Peter’s Basilica with a guide

Access the Papal crypts

See Papal gardens, Papal helipad, and the Pope’s private railway station

Enjoy local food and drink selections (suppli, panzerotto (calzone), pasta, salumi and wine, pizza, ciambellina al vino, tiramisù, limoncello, and coffee)

Duration : 5 hours

Rating : N/A

7. Monti Neighborhood Tour

This neighborhood is located between the Colosseum and Via Nazional e (area #4 in the map to the east). Monti is a trendy, bohemian area. It’s one of Rome’s oldest areas, filled with artisan workshops, vintage boutiques, and hip bars.

Monti Lunch or Dinner Tour

⋆ Be in a smaller tour group (limit 10)

⋆ Learn about the district of Monti

⋆ Sample limoncello

⋆ Learn Roman culture

Visit a local market while strolling a picturesque streets of Rome

Taste pizza taglia, supli, and other street food

Sit-down meals with pasta and wine

Rating : 4.9

8. Prati Food Tour

Prati is an elegant residential area just northeast of Vatican City (area #9 on the map) that is characterized by grid-like streets, which is unusual for Rome. It also has upscale shopping, and it is near major attractions.

Prati Food & Wine Market Tour

⋆ Visit one of the largest farmers markets in Europe

⋆ See St. Peter’s Square & Santa Maria delle Grazie al Trionfale

⋆ Learn about the Prati neighborhood

⋆ See parts of Prati that are hidden gems

Taste Roman specialties and regional wines

Sample local dishes like Roman pizza, cheese, and cured meat

Explore one of the oldest farmers markets in Rome

Duration : 2 hours

9. Food and Wine Walking Tour

This gastronomic tour is in the Trionfale neighborhood, north of Vatican City (area #9 on the map).

Unlimited Food and Barolo Wine Tour

⋆ Enjoy unlimited food and wine

⋆ Have adaptable tastings (eg. vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and lactose-intolerant)

⋆ Try Rome’s #1 pizza

⋆ Have an upbeat evening

Tour includes a secret stop

20 food tastings

Visit restaurants and bakeries

Rating : 4.8

10. Rome Twilight Food Stroll

As the sun sets over Rome, the skies transform the city into a magical place filled with gorgeous colors. The Rome Twilight Food Stroll is a culinary delight in Trastevere (area #3 on the map) against a beautiful evening backdrop.

Rome Twilight Food Tour with Wine Tasting

⋆ Be in a small and more intimate tour group (limit 8)

⋆ Visit the award-winning trattoria Da Enzo al 29

⋆ Explore the photogenic neighborhood of Trastevere by night

⋆ Learn how to spot fake gelato

See a wine cellar that is 150 years older than the Colosseum

13 samples at 7 different tasting locations

Wine pairing at the renowned Enoteca Ferrara

The History and Evolution of Food Tours in Rome

You can’t visit Rome without being impressed with the food. From pizza by the slice to pasta by the pound, the culinary scene is phenomenal.

The taste is unlike what I have experienced in America. From my travels, I’ve come to appreciate the traditions that define Roman cuisine today.

Today, food tours cater to various tastes—vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are more common. This evolution reflects a broader trend in Rome, celebrating both its historic roots and more modern innovations in cuisine.

What to Expect on a Walking Food Tour

These tours offer a delightful mix of culinary adventures and cultural insights in Rome. You’ll experience local flavors, hear fascinating stories, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while exploring the city.

Typical Itinerary and Duration

Walking food tours in Rome typically last around 3 to 4 hours. The itinerary often includes visits to several neighborhoods, such as Trastevere, Testaccio, or the historic city center.

You might start at a charming café with a traditional espresso before wandering through market areas or strolling the streets of the neighborhood. Expect to stop at various eateries to sample local specialties like supplì (fried rice balls) and artisanal pizza. Some tours also include a visit to a gelateria for a sweet finish.

As you stroll, your guide will share insights about the area’s history, food traditions, and even recommend favorite local spots. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Roman cuisine.

More Resources

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On a walking food tour, the variety of foods is diverse and satisfying. You’ll likely taste classic dishes such as  cacio e pepe  (pasta with cheese and pepper), Roman pizza, and  carciofi alla giudia  (Jewish-style fried artichokes).

A range of foods may be presented, including cured meats, cheeses, and fresh bread. Some tours also feature wine sampling, allowing you to savor local wines with your food. Children may choose from non-alcoholic beverages.

Sweet treats are usually part of the experience as well. Indulge in  maritozzo  (a sweet bun filled with cream), tiramisu, or artisan gelato.

Dietary Needs and Tour Group Size

For those with dietary restrictions, many Roman food tours cater to special dietary requirements ensuring that everyone can enjoy the experience. The group sizes are usually kept small to provide a more intimate and personalized experience. This is particularly beneficial in small group or private tours where you can interact closely with your great guide and fellow travelers.

To conclude, Rome food tours are a great way to explore the city’s culinary landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a casual traveler, these tours offer a delicious experience that combines local cuisine, funny stories, and visits to different locations. With options for small group tours or private tours, you can find the best Rome food tour that fits your interests and schedule.

Next time you find yourself in Rome, consider a Roman food tour. Whether it’s a secret food tour with small groups that you discovered, or a visit to local markets in the heart of Rome, each experience promises a wonderful journey through the historic areas and picturesque streets of Rome. With the help of great tour guides, you’ll enjoy superb Italian cuisine and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Rome food tours are both delicious and educational.

Safe Travel.

Most Stunning Views of Rome: A Guide to the City’s Best Vantage Points

Rome is famous for its stunning views that take your breath away. From iconic landmarks to hidden terraces, Rome has something to offer for everyone seeking to admire its beauty. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which views to prioritize.

If you’re looking for a romantic spot to enjoy the sunset, Pincian Hill is the perfect place. It offers a panoramic view of the city, with the sun setting behind the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica . Alternatively, the Rooftop Terrace of the Hotel Raphael is a luxurious option that provides a stunning view of the city while enjoying a drink or a meal. For a more adventurous experience, the Il Vittoriano (Altare della Patria) Rooftop offers a bird’s eye view of Rome’s historic center.

Key Takeaways

• Rome offers a variety of stunning views, from iconic landmarks to hidden terraces.
• The Pincian Hill is a great spot to enjoy the sunset, while the Rooftop Terrace of the Hotel Raphael offers a luxurious experience.
• The Il Vittoriano (Altare della Patria) Rooftop provides a unique bird’s eye view of Rome’s historic center.

Iconic Landmarks and Their Views

Rome is known for its iconic landmarks that offer breathtaking views of the city. From ancient ruins to religious sites, these landmarks are a must-see for any traveler.

Terrazza del Gianicolo

For those seeking a panoramic view of Rome, the Terrazza del Gianicolo is a must-visit destination. Located on Gianicolo Hill , this terrace offers a breathtaking view that stretches from the Vatican to the Colosseum.

The Gianicolo Hill is one of the highest hills in Rome, and the view from the Terrazza del Gianicolo is simply stunning. Visitors can see the entire city of Rome spread out before them, with its ancient architecture and modern buildings blending seamlessly together.

The terrace is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and it’s easy to see why. The view is simply breathtaking, and it’s a great place to take photos or just sit and take in the scenery.

One of the best things about the Terrazza del Gianicolo is that it’s free to visit. Visitors can simply walk up to the terrace and enjoy the view without having to pay any admission fees.

The Terrazza del Gianicolo is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to see the best views that Rome has to offer. With its stunning view of the city and its free admission, it’s easy to see why this terrace is such a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Pincian Hill

Pincian Hill, also known as Monte Pincio, is one of the most beautiful and popular spots in Rome for enjoying breathtaking views of the city. It is situated above Piazza del Popolo and offers a stunning panorama of the Eternal City, including the Vatican, the Tiber River, and the Colosseum.

One of the best ways to enjoy the view from Pincian Hill is to take a leisurely stroll through the Villa Borghese gardens, which are located at the top of the hill. The gardens are a beautiful oasis in the heart of Rome and offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

From the gardens, visitors can gaze over the Piazza del Popolo, which is one of the largest and most famous squares in Rome. The square is surrounded by several historic buildings, including the Santa Maria del Popolo church and the Porta del Popolo gate.

At the top of Pincian Hill, visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of the sprawling cityscape beyond. The view is particularly stunning at sunset when the sky is painted with shades of red, orange, and pink.

Pincian Hill is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Rome. With its beautiful gardens, stunning views, and rich history, it is a true gem of the city and a testament to its enduring beauty and charm.

The Rooftop Terrace of the Hotel Raphael

The Hotel Raphael is a luxurious five-star hotel located in the Piazza Navona area of Rome. It is renowned for its stunning rooftop terrace that offers a 360-degree view of Rome. The terrace is one of the most popular spots in the city for tourists and locals alike.

The rooftop terrace of the Hotel Raphael is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic dinner, a glass of wine, or simply take in the breathtaking views of the city. From the terrace, visitors can see some of Rome’s most famous landmarks, including the Pantheon, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Colosseum.

The terrace is elegantly decorated with comfortable seating and tables, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the stunning views of the city. The menu features a variety of Italian and international dishes, all made with fresh and high-quality ingredients.

In addition to the stunning views and delicious food, the rooftop terrace of the Hotel Raphael also offers excellent service. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to assist visitors with anything they need.

Il Vittoriano (Altare della Patria) Rooftop

The Il Vittoriano, also known as the Altare della Patria, is a monument located in Piazza Venezia in Rome. The monument was built to honor Victor Emmanuel II , the first king of a unified Italy. The rooftop of the Il Vittoriano offers one of the most stunning views of Rome.

From the rooftop, visitors can see the Colosseum, the Forum, and the Vatican, among other landmarks. The view of the Colosseum is particularly impressive, as it offers a unique perspective of the ancient amphitheater and its surroundings.

The rooftop of the Il Vittoriano is accessible by an elevator located inside the monument. Visitors can purchase tickets to access the rooftop and enjoy the panoramic view of Rome. The rooftop is open to visitors during the day and offers a beautiful view of the city at sunset.

The Il Vittoriano monument itself is a masterpiece of architecture. The monument is made of white marble and features numerous sculptures and reliefs. The Altare della Patria is a symbol of Italian unity and is considered one of the most important landmarks in Rome.

The Roof of the Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museum’s roof offers a stunning view of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. The museum itself is rich in art and history, but the panoramic view from the rooftop is a hidden gem, providing a sweeping perspective of the ancient heart of Rome. The Capitoline Museums, located on Capitoline Hill, are among Rome’s oldest public museums. They were established in 1471 and house an impressive collection of ancient Roman statues, inscriptions, and artifacts.

From the roof, you get a sweeping view of the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome’s public life. You can see the ruins of temples, basilicas, and arches that once constituted the political and social center of the Roman Empire. The roof also offers views of other historic buildings and landmarks, including Capitoline Hill’s own architectural marvels, such as the Palazzo Senatorio and the Palazzo dei Conservatori.

The Capitoline Hill is one of Rome’s Seven Hills and has been a central location in the city’s history since ancient times. It was the site of the Capitoline Temple, one of Rome’s most important temples dedicated to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. The hill was restructured during the Renaissance by architect Michelangelo, who designed the piazza and the buildings surrounding it, including the Capitoline Museums.

People Also Ask:

Where are the best locations to experience panoramic views of Rome?

Rome is a city of stunning views, and there are several locations where you can experience panoramic views of the city. The top locations include the Gianicolo Hill, the Pincio Terrace, the Janiculum Terrace, and the rooftop of the Vittoriano Complex. These locations offer breathtaking views of the city and are perfect for photography enthusiasts.

Which restaurants in Rome offer stunning views?

Rome has several restaurants that offer breathtaking views of the cityscape. The Aroma Restaurant, located on the rooftop of the Palazzo Manfredi Hotel, offers stunning views of the Colosseum and the surrounding area. The Mirabelle Restaurant, located on the seventh floor of the Hotel Splendide Royal, offers panoramic views of the city. The La Pergola Restaurant, located on the rooftop of the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel, offers stunning views of the city and the Vatican.

What are the prime spots for viewing a sunset in Rome?

The best spots to view a sunset in Rome include the Pincio Terrace, the Gianicolo Hill, and the Janiculum Terrace. These locations offer stunning views of the city, and are perfect for watching the sunset. The rooftop of the Vittoriano Complex is also a great spot for watching the sunset.

Can you recommend some beautiful squares in Rome for a scenic visit?

Rome has several beautiful squares that are perfect for a scenic visit. The Piazza Navona is one of the most famous and beautiful squares in Rome, with its stunning fountains and Baroque architecture. The Piazza di Spagna is another beautiful square, with its famous Spanish Steps and beautiful architecture. The Piazza del Popolo is also a beautiful square, with its stunning obelisk and beautiful architecture.

What are the most famous sights to see when visiting Rome?

Rome is home to several famous sights that are a must-see when visiting the city. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon are some of the most famous sights in Rome and are a must-see for any tourist. The Vatican City, with its stunning museums and beautiful architecture, is also a must-see when visiting Rome.

Are there any notable free vantage points to take in the stunning view of Rome?

Yes, there are several free vantage points in Rome that offer stunning views of the city. The Gianicolo Hill, the Pincio Terrace, and the Janiculum Terrace are all free vantage points that offer stunning views of the city. The rooftop of the Vittoriano Complex is also free to visit and offers stunning views of the city.

Hello, my name is Vladimir, and I am a part of the Roman-empire writing team.

I am a historian, and history is an integral part of my life.

To be honest, while I was in school, I didn’t like history so how did I end up studying it? Well, for that, I have to thank history-based strategy PC games. Thank you so much, Europa Universalis IV, and thank you, Medieval Total War.

Since games made me fall in love with history, I completed bachelor studies at Filozofski Fakultet Niš, a part of the University of Niš. My bachelor’s thesis was about Julis Caesar. Soon, I completed my master’s studies at the same university.

For years now, I have been working as a teacher in a local elementary school, but my passion for writing isn’t fulfilled, so I decided to pursue that ambition online. There were a few gigs, but most of them were not history-related.

Then I stumbled upon roman-empire.com, and now I am a part of something bigger. No, I am not a part of the ancient Roman Empire but of a creative writing team where I have the freedom to write about whatever I want. Yes, even about Star Wars. Stay tuned for that.

Anyway, I am better at writing about Rome than writing about me. But if you would like to contact me for any reason, you can do it at [email protected]. Except for negative reviews, of course. 😀

Kind regards,

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Emerald Isle Noles: What Florida State football fans need to know, see in Dublin, Ireland

Pack your bags and get your passports out, Florida State football is heading to Ireland.

With kickoff against Georgia Tech days away, Seminole fans are beginning to make the over 4,000-mile trip to the Emerald Isle for the week zero matchup with the Yellow Jackets.

Kickoff is noon in the Aer Lingus College Football Classic Saturday at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

Many FSU fans are taking the opportunity to explore Dublin and the greater area leading up to the game. So for those who have never been to Ireland before, where should they go?

Here are some places to visit and things to know while in Ireland's capital city.

These tips are brought to you by FSU beat writer and United States and Ireland dual citizen Liam Rooney and the Consul General of Ireland in Miami Sarah Kavanagh , who the Democrat spoke with when she visited Tallahassee in August.

Visit one of the many local museums

There is a host of museums to visit in the Dublin area, with some detailing the history of the country and others taking a look at the greater world and arts.

From Dublina, a look at Viking exploration and medieval Dublin, to the National Museum of Ireland, there is a wide variety of historical museums in the area. On the art side of things, you can visit the National Museum of Ireland - Decorative Arts and History or the National Gallery of Ireland.

Kavanagh said she enjoys the national museums and the close proximity to each other, but outside of that, she suggests some of her other favorite places for history buffs to check out.

"I love history so I would recommend Dublin Castle, the EPIC Museum and Christchurch Cathedral," Kavanagh said. "There’s a charge involved, but it’s worth it."

During Seminoles head coach Mike Norvell's visit to Ireland in March, he took a trip to the EPIC Museum and gave his recommendation on X, formerly Twitter.

Check out the different restaurants, pubs in the area

Food and drinks are a big part of Ireland, with restaurants and pubs lining the streets of Dublin, Seminoles fans will have their pick of where to go.

Walking around and exploring the city will allow the thousands of fans making the trip overseas a chance to experience something different, with Kavanagh suggesting Seminoles fans try her favorite order.

"We have a lot of great restaurants with food from all over the world," Kavanagh said. "Of course, it’s hard to beat a “toasted special” (a toasted sandwich with ham, cheese, onion, tomato) with a side of chips (French fries) in an atmospheric Irish pub."

What will the weather be like in Ireland, what should fans pack?

There will be plenty of changes in climate for fans traveling from Tallahassee to Dublin, with the Irish capital likely to be much cooler than the sweltering 90-degree heat in Florida's capital.

The forecast for the game currently calls for temperatures in the mid-60s with a 40-percent chance of showers.

With a cooler climate, jackets and layers are a must. Kavanagh thinks fans are going to be exploring Dublin regardless of the climate.

"Dublin is a great walking city so I would say always wear comfortable walking shoes and enjoy a wander," Kavanagh said. "I would also suggest layers, a cardigan or hoody that can be removed if the sun beats down, which it sometimes does. Wear sunscreen, that’s a rule for all countries."

Go on tours of different locations in the city

There is plenty to experience in Dublin, and some of the best things to see or visit often can't be listed. However, Kavanagh said there are some fan favorites for those traveling for the game to see.

"People love to visit the breweries and distilleries and the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery are hugely popular," Kavanagh said.

Take a visit to see the iconic red exterior of the Temple Bar or the many restaurants and shops that line the streets of Dublin. A trip to St. Stephens Green provides travelers a chance to view Ireland's nature and history in the heart of the city.

While the masses will be heading to the Aviva Stadium on Saturday, taking a tour of the stadium earlier in the week could be an exciting introduction.

A tour of Croke Park, the stadium for Ireland's games of Gaelic football and hurling, will also give fans a look at the unique sports of the country.

FSU football vs. Georgia Tech: How to Watch

• Date:  Saturday, August 24
• Time:  Noon ET
• Where:  Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland
• Streaming:   ESPN+  ($10.99 per month),  WatchESPN  and the ESPN app (TV provider subscription needed),  fuboTV  (7-day  free trial ),  YouTube TV  (2-week free trial),  Hulu + Live TV  (7-day free trial)

Florida State football schedule 2024

• Week 0:  vs. Georgia Tech, noon Saturday, August 24 in Dublin, Ireland
• Week 1:  vs. Boston College, 7:30 p.m. Monday, September 2
• Week 2:  Open
• Week 3:  vs. Memphis, noon Saturday, September 14
• Week 4:  vs. California, Saturday, September 21
• Week 5:  at SMU, Saturday, September 28
• Week 6:  vs. Clemson, Saturday, October 5
• Week 7:  Open
• Week 8:  at Duke, 7 p.m. Friday, October 18
• Week 9:  at Miami, Saturday, October 26
• Week 10:  vs. North Carolina, Saturday, November 2
• Week 11:  at Notre Dame, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 9
• Week 12:  Open
• Week 13:  vs. Charleston Southern, Saturday, November 23
• Week 14:  vs. Florida, Saturday, November 30

Liam Rooney covers preps sports for the Tallahassee Democrat. Contact him via email at [email protected] or on Twitter @__liamrooney

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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Panama Chevron

Panama City Chevron

Panama City Has Gone From Mere Stopover to Bona Fide Stay

Like its namesake canal, Panama has historically served as a gateway to other ports of call throughout the Caribbean and South America. But in the last few years, the country's capital city has emerged onto the global stage: Magnificent hotels are preserving the architecture of Casco Viejo , the colonial center. Restaurant openings are showcasing Panama's diversity and culinary flair. And getting to the Dubai of Central America (so named for its skyscraper-studded cityscape) is easier than ever, thanks to new flights on hometown carrier Copa Airlines and stops by cruise lines, including Norwegian , Crystal , and Oceania , at the recently expanded Fuerte Amador terminal. Yes, you can do a single shore day—but you'll want to come back for more.

Amarla Casco Viejo opened in 2022 as an eight-room relaxed-luxury refuge in a Spanish colonial home.

Kanibal is a new rooftop bar with inventive cocktails and killer views of the Panamanian skyline.

The hotels preserving the history of Panama City

Dazzling hotels are reimagining landmark buildings to celebrate the legacy of Casco Viejo , Panama City's colorful old town. Located next to the centuries-old Spanish colonial home Casa Góngora , which survived multiple fires over the centuries, Amarla Casco Viejo opened in 2022 as an eight-room relaxed-luxury refuge which sells art that benefits local Indigenous communities and is convenient for snorkeling excursions to the nearby Pearl Islands .

American Trade Hotel became a hotel in 2013, nearly a century after it was first built in 1917 as the headquarters of the American Trade Development Company. Its colonial design and Jazz Age energy draws tourists and locals alike to its recently reconceptualized music lounge, The Club. Once dedicated solely to jazz, it now also hosts salsa and tango nights, spotlighting the city's diverse live-music scene.

Neoclassical grande dame Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo opened its doors in 2023 after a to-the-studs renovation of the Club Unión, constructed in 1917 as a social hub for the Panama City elite. Most rooms have sea-facing views, as do the expansive spa and pool, the wellness and fitness center, and a restaurant patio perfect for cocktails at sunset. And what was once an 18th-century Jesuit monastery now sparkles as Hotel La Compañia , an 88-room miniature universe that takes up an entire block of Casco Viejo. Its latest addition, unveiled this year, is the restored Villa Ana , a historic four-story mansion just up the street that now offers a restaurant, a gallery space, a speakeasy, and a cigar bar, all themed around the former owner's eccentricities.

At Kaandela, Top Chef Panama alum Edy Acedo leads the fiery kitchen.

In Panama City, the country's gastronomic riches collide with its multicultural history.

Where to go in Panama City for nature

The Panamanian capital is a city in the jungle, ringed by numerous natural reserves. Parque Natural Metropolitano offers day and night tours led by guides who share insights about the conservation area's history, flora, and fauna (try to spy howler monkeys and sleepy sloths). Its designated pathways are good for independent hikers of all levels; some have lookout points over the city. Ancon Hill is a more casual trek but just as much a walking safari: Keep an eye out for toucans, poison dart frogs, and charming cat-size rodents called agoutis. If you're in town as part of a ship's shore excursion, the Frank Gehry–designed Biomuseo , just 15 minutes away from the redesigned Fuerte Amador cruise terminal, has both nature and air-conditioning.

The restaurants putting Panama’s diversity on the plate

Panama’s provinces boast many at-the-source culinary experiences: decadent chocolate tastings at Bocas del Toro; distilleries in Herrera Province that make seco, a sugarcane liqueur; the famously delicate Gesha (a.k.a. “Geisha”) coffee in Chiriquí. But it all comes together in the capital, where the country's gastronomic riches collide with its multicultural history. New homegrown dining rooms are serving sumptuous global fare with Panamanian touches.

At Kaandela , in Casco Viejo, Top Chef Panama alum Edy Acedo splices grilled, smoked, and raw ingredients into dishes like pork belly lollipops and clams with plantains. Inside Popino , in the tony neighborhood of Punta Paitilla, guests find Art Deco interiors, live jazz, and artful dishes like bok choy with pan-seared corvina. Sibling spots Kanibal and Calle Dragones both debuted this year atop a parking garage near the historic Barrio Chino . The former is a slinky rooftop bar with inventive cocktails (go for the ones with Panamanian rum) and killer views of the skyline; the latter is a scarlet-clad nightclub with a packed performance calendar and a kitchen inspired by the region's long-standing Chinese diaspora, led by chef-owner Luis Pous . At Cantina del Tigre , which earned a spot on Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants list last year for the first time, chef Fulvio Miranda focuses on reviving Panama's unique take on ceviche.

For a night of good jazz, Danilo Pérez recommends the restaurant Salotto Italiano for its menu and ambience.

Drinks come with a creative flair at Calle Dragones, a club and bar inspired by the region's long-standing Chinese diaspora.

The Insider

Panamanian musician and educator Danilo Pérez on his favorite spots in the jazz-crazy capital—including where he goes dancing with his family.

“Top jazz musicians come to play at Salotto Italiano , where I like the food and the vibe; you can actually talk over dinner and listen to the performers. And the students put on great jazz shows at the Fundación Danilo Pérez too.”

Watering hole

“People know Maito because it's on that list of Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, but I go there because it's near where I live in the San Francisco neighborhood. Their garden-like outdoor bar is nice for after-dinner drinks.”

Swell times

“When I was learning to surf at Playa Venao , just outside the city, it finally clicked for me when I fell into the rhythm of the waves—like hearing music. That, with the blues and greens of the area, was a harmonizing moment.”

Anyone can dance

“My wife, my daughters, and I love to go to the rooftop at Selina Casco Viejo, where we dance like crazy. The crowd is all ages, and it makes me feel comfortable there. Sometimes I'll sit at the piano and play.”

This article appeared in the September/October 2024 issue of  Condé Nast Traveler.  Subscribe to the magazine   here .

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