Rome is a food lover’s paradise, with restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors serving up delicious Italian cuisine around every corner. From five-star fine dining to hole-in-the-wall trattorias, here are some of the best places to eat in the Eternal City:
Pizza
No trip to Rome is complete without savoring the city’s famous thin-crust pizza, topped with fresh mozzarella and simple, quality ingredients. Head to Pizzarium in the Prati neighborhood for gourmet pizza by the slice, baked in a wood-fired oven. Their toppings range from classic margherita to more unique creations like potato and smoked mozzarella. Near the Pantheon, Forno Campo de’ Fiori offers piping hot pizza bianca straight from the oven, served by weight. Grab a slice for an on-the-go snack.
For a more upscale pizza dining experience, reservations at Imago Pizzid’Oro are a must. Their creative pizzas like the Fantasia di Funghi, with four types of mushrooms, are prepared in a futuristic pizza kitchen. The sleek, modern ambiance provides a unique setting to enjoy these masterful creations.
Pasta
Rome has several restaurants dedicated to serving freshly made pasta in all its glorious forms. At Felice a Testaccio, the cacio e pepe with black pepper and pecorino romano cheese is the specialty of the house. Enjoy it seated in the quaint, covered courtyard. Flavio al Velavevodetto focuses on Roman pasta classics like carbonara, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe, dished up in a cozy setting that makes you feel like you’re dining at Nonna’s house.
For fine dining pasta in Rome, head to La Pergola, the only three Michelin-starred restaurant in the city. Chef Heinz Beck prepares exquisite pasta dishes like paccheri stuffed with aubergine purée and burrata. The tasting menus provide the ultimate pasta experience, complemented by amazing city views.
Seafood
Rome may be inland, but its access to fresh seafood from the Mediterranean means there are numerous restaurants serving incredible fish and shellfish dishes. Roscioli Ristorante is a favorite for its impeccably prepared crudo dishes as well as pasta and risottos featuring seafood. The smoked tuna with gooseberries and the tagliolini with red prawns and pistachio are standouts. Near Campo de’ Fiori, La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali specializes in Roman seafood cuisine in an elegant 16th century dwelling. Highlights from the menu include octopus carpaccio, linguine with clams, and salt-baked sea bream.
For fine dining, Mirabelle overlooks the city from its perch on a 7th floor terrace. Chef Stefano Marzetti’s menu focuses on freshness and light flavors, with dishes like Mediterranean amberjack with fennel and bergamot and risotto with prawns, squash blossoms, and lemongrass. The changing tasting menus let you sample his best creations.
Traditional Roman Dishes
To truly experience Rome’s culinary traditions, dine at an old-school trattoria serving quintessential Roman foods. Da Danilo excels at cucina romana in an unpretentious setting. Must-try dishes include eggplant parmigiana, tripe, and saltimbocca with sage and prosciutto. Located in Monteverde Vecchio, L’Asino d’Oro also specializes in reimagined Roman cooking. Their menu highlights local, seasonal ingredients in dishes like tagliatelle with oxtail ragu and caramelized onions.
For a memorable meal, book a table at Perilli nearby the historic Villa Borghese gardens. Opened in 1911, this Roman institution with its old-fashioned ambiance still prepares classics like fettuccine carbonara and veal saltimbocca according to age-old Roman recipes. Leave room for their chocolate tart or lemon sorbet for dessert.
Aperitivo Culture
The Italian tradition of apertivo – drinks and light snacks before dinner – is a daily ritual in Rome. At Salotto 42 in Trastevere, the extensive drink menu and generous buffet make it one of the neighborhood’s most popular aperitivo spots. Grab a mixed drink or glass of wine and nibble on bites like mini calzones, frittatas, and prosciutto sandwiches as you mingle.
At the luxurious Hotel de Russie, the Stravinskij Bar with its lush garden is a go-to aperitivo choice for both locals and tourists. Sip on a refreshing spritz or cocktail along with gourmet bites like lobster salad, grilled focaccia, and chocolate tarts. Soak in the relaxing atmosphere against the backdrop of Rome’s historical center.
For amazing city views, head up to Cinecittà Rooftop Bar at the trendy Hotel Indigo. Situated atop Rome’s highest roof garden, this bar offers one-of-a-kind panoramas stretching from St. Peter’s to the Tiber River as you sip creative cocktails and nosh on light fare like crudités and Italian cheese platters. Arrive at sunset for an unforgettable experience.
Gelato
No discussion of Roman cuisine is complete without mentioning gelato, the city’s beloved Italian ice cream. Use your visit as an opportunity to sample Rome’s best artisanal gelaterias. At Fatamorgana, innovative flavors like lemon basil, pistachio with ginger, and smoked chocolate vie for your attention. Quality ingredients and intense flavors are on display at Gelateria del Teatro, which serves gelato made with natural and local ingredients.
For a masterclass in gelato, head to Giolitti, Rome’s oldest artisanal gelateria in business since 1900. Their extra thick, supremely creamy gelato in flavors like amarena cherry and gianduja chocolate is the stuff of legend. The servings are generous, so consider sharing a cup with friends! End your Roman food tour on the ultimate sweet note.
From popular pizza al taglio joints to fine dining institutions, Rome offers endless opportunities to tantalize your taste buds. Follow your cravings – and your stomach – as you eat your way through this delicious city. Buon appetito!
