Where should you eat in Rome? With outdoor cafes, rooftop restaurants, wine bars, and a long list of restaurants selling pizza, pasta, and gelato, your choices may seem overwhelming.
In this guide, we list some of the top restaurants in Rome. Ranging from quick, cheap eats to Michelin starred restaurants with a view, there is something here for everyone.
This is by no means a “best restaurants in Rome” guide. It would take weeks, months even, to try out enough restaurants in Rome to write a guide like that. This is a relatively short list of great restaurants in Rome that can easily be added to your Rome itinerary. These are places that we either had an excellent experience or came highly recommended to us.
What to Eat in Rome
Before we start listing restaurants, trattorias, and rooftop bars in Rome, it’s helpful to get an overview of what to eat in Rome.
Roman food is simple, seasonal, and built on just a handful of ingredients. Here are the dishes worth seeking out.
The four Roman pastas. These are the classics, and you’ll see them on the menu at almost every trattoria in the city. All four use guanciale (cured pork cheek) and/or pecorino Romano cheese, which is what makes them distinctly Roman.
- Carbonara. This is pasta tossed with egg yolk, guanciale, pecorino, and black pepper. It has no cream, and if you see cream on the menu, that’s a sign the restaurant is catering to tourists.
- Cacio e pepe. Just pecorino, black pepper, and pasta water whipped into a silky sauce. It’s the simplest of the four and the hardest to make well.
- Amatriciana. Tomato sauce with guanciale and pecorino, often served with bucatini or rigatoni.
- Gricia. Sometimes called “amatriciana without the tomato,” this one is made with guanciale, pecorino, and black pepper.
Pizza al taglio. This is Roman pizza by the slice, baked in large rectangular trays and sold by weight. Point to what you want, tell them how big a piece, and they’ll cut it, weigh it, and warm it up for you. It’s the perfect quick lunch between sights and one of our favorite Roman foods.
Pizza Romana. When you sit down for a whole pizza in Rome, expect a thin, crispy crust, very different from the puffy-edged Neapolitan style. Many pizzerias only fire up their ovens at dinner.
Supplì. These fried rice balls are Rome’s favorite street snack. The classic version is filled with tomato sauce and a cube of mozzarella that stretches into a long string when you pull it apart. Romans call that “supplì al telefono,” because the string looks like an old telephone cord.
Carciofi (artichokes). Artichokes are a big deal in Rome, especially in spring. Try them two ways: carciofi alla romana, braised with garlic and mint, and carciofi alla giudia, deep-fried until crisp. The fried version is a specialty of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto.
Saltimbocca alla romana. If you order a secondo, this is the Roman classic: thin veal topped with prosciutto and sage, cooked in butter and white wine.
Maritozzo. For breakfast, look for this soft, sweet bun split open and stuffed with an absurd amount of whipped cream. Pair it with a cappuccino.
Gelato and tiramisu. You’ll find both all over the city (see our gelato picks below). Good gelato is stored in covered metal tins or kept flat in the case. Mounded, neon-colored gelato is usually a sign of artificial ingredients.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you only have time for one pasta, make it the dish a restaurant is known for. Many trattorias have a signature version of carbonara or cacio e pepe, and the staff is usually happy to point you to it.
Restaurants in Rome
Restaurants Near the Colosseum
La Prezzemolina. This is one of our favorite restaurants in Rome. They serve traditional Roman style pizza (pizza al taglio) in a wide range of flavors. It’s cheap, it’s fast, and it’s delicious! This is a great place to grab a bite to eat for lunch after visiting the Colosseum. No reservations necessary. Simply order at the counter and find an open table (expect it to be busy!).
La Prezzemolina
Pizza at La Prezzemolina
PRO TRAVEL TIP: Pizza al taglio translates to “pizza by the slice.” At street food pizzerias in Rome, such as La Prezzemolina, this is typically how pizza is sold, by the slice or by weight, rather than the whole pie.
Fuorinorma. This is another place to get a good, cheap bite near the Colosseum. They serve charcuterie boards, paninis, and wine.
The Court Mixology Bar. This cocktail bar sits on the ground floor of Palazzo Manfredi and has an amazing view of the Colosseum. They open at 6 pm and is worth a visit for drinks with a view of the Colosseum.
Restaurants in and around Piazza Navona
In Piazza Navona, outdoor cafes line the square, street performers put on a show all hours of the day, and there is a very good chance that you will be spending at least a few minutes here as you stroll through the historic heart of Rome.
Since this is such a touristy spot, the food can be overpriced and mediocre. It’s best to wander one to two blocks away from touristy places like this, in order to dine at a cheaper, yet more authentic restaurant.
Rather than just sitting down at a café on Piazza Navona (most of them get terrible reviews), here are a few recommendations that are a short walk from here.
Cafes on Piazza Navona
Bernini. This restaurant is the only one I would recommend on Piazza Navona. It has outdoor seating and gets good reviews. We tried to eat here on our first night in Rome but were not able to get a table.
La Piccola Cuccagna. Tim and I ate here on our most recent visit to Rome. It was our first night in Italy, we were staying at a hotel in Piazza Navona, and just wanted something quick and easy. This small restaurant sits just outside of Piazza Navona, on the southern end, on Via della Cuccagna. On the menu are traditional Italian pasta dishes. It’s nothing fancy, it is on the touristy side, but the food was good and we were able to get a table without a reservation.
La Piccola Cuccagna
Spaghetti Carbonara
Ponte e Parione. This restaurant gets rave reviews. It sits one block west of Piazza Navona, so you don’t have to walk far to get here. They serve homemade pasta dishes and people rave about the Carbonara.
Mr. 100 Tiramisu. This wine bar is also located near the southeast corner of Piazza Navona. On the menu are charcuterie platters and tiramisu in lots of unique flavors…and wine, of course!
Restaurants near Vatican City
Alice Pizza on Via delle Grazie. Just a short walk from Vatican City is another restaurant that sells Roman pizza. With fast service and cheap prices, this is one of the best cheap eats near Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica. We ate here at the advice of our guide after touring the Vatican. This is a chain so there is more than one location in Rome.
THE LOFT Colazione, Brunch & Pizza Dinner. This casual café on Via Leone IV is one of the best-reviewed brunch spots near Vatican City, and it’s the brunch spot we recommend in our 4 days in Rome itinerary. On the menu are breakfast plates, waffles, pancakes, and hearty panini, along with cappuccino and fresh juice. In the evening the menu switches to pizza. It’s a short walk from the Ottaviano metro stop and the Vatican Museums entrance, so it works well before an early-morning entry time or for lunch afterwards. We haven’t eaten here yet, but it’s at the top of our list for our next visit to Rome.
Scialla the Original Streetfood. On the menu is pizza, classic Italian pasta dishes, and desserts. This small restaurant gets rave reviews. We haven’t been here yet, but it is a place I would like to try on a return visit to Rome.
Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale. At this pasta factory, dine on pasta dishes, fresh vegetables, and wine. It’s a small restaurant that gets rave reviews. You may have to wait in line for a table, but prior guests state it’s worth it.
Ristorante dei Musei. This restaurant is a short walk from the entrance and exit into Vatican City. They serve pizza and pasta dishes with a small price tag.
Restaurants in Trastevere
Trastevere is one of the best neighborhoods in Rome to visit for the food. There are many very highly rated restaurants to choose from but here are three restaurants that get some of the best reviews.
Trastevere
Nannarella. This is our top pick for Trastevere. This is one of the highest rated restaurants in Rome. On the menu is homemade pasta cooked perfectly, meatballs, pizza, salad, and dessert. Prior guests state that this is their favorite restaurant in Rome. They also operate a sister restaurant in Trastevere, Tonnarello.
Enoteca Trastevere. This restaurant has been serving food in Trastevere since 1936. With a beautiful setting and delicious pastas paired with wine, this is one of the top restaurants in Trastevere.
Trapizzino. Want to try “stuffed pizza?” This invention of Stefano Callegari is a version of stuffed focaccia, filled with pizza sauce, cheese and toppings. This unique spin on pizza is well worth the try, especially if you prefer a quick, cheap eat or are visiting Rome with kids.
Rooftop Restaurants in Rome
Oro Bistrot. This is one of our favorite restaurants and rooftop bars in Rome. From here, you look across the Trajan Forum to the Altar of the Fatherland. At sunset, the views are breathtaking. You can visit Oro Bistrot just for a drink or make a reservation for the restaurant, both of which are located on the rooftop of Hotel NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali.
Oro Bistrot
The view from Oro Bistrot
Divinity Rooftop. This small rooftop bar and restaurant has a spectacular view of the corkscrew (the top of the Church of St. Ives at the Sapienza). It is located near the Pantheon. The food and drinks are excellent! It is located on top of the Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel and it has an outdoor restaurant and an outdoor bar/terrace.
Divinity Rooftop Restaurant
Divinity Rooftop terrace
AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari. Located near Piazza del Popolo, this rooftop restaurant and bar has a nice view across the rooftops to the Borghese Gardens and the Trinità dei Monti. We had lunch here and it was a quiet spot. The food was delicious. I ate the spaghettoni with clams in a buttery garlic sauce and Tim had pasta with tomato sauce and lobster. This is a great spot for lunch or sunset views with dinner and drinks.
AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari
The bar at AcquaRoof Terrazza Molinari
For more rooftop restaurants and bars in Rome, read our article Best Rooftop Bars in Rome ↓
Michelin Starred Restaurants in Rome
Imàgo. Imàgo is a Michelin-starred restaurant that is located on the upper floor of Hotel Hassler Roma. From this restaurant, you have stunning views across Rome. You look out over the Spanish Steps and can see famous landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica and Trinità dei Monti. The restaurant is indoors (it is not an open terrace) but the walls are mostly windows. For the best experience, reserve a table next to a window.
The view from Imàgo
Aroma. Aroma, which is located on the top floor of Palazzo Manfredi, has stunning views of the Colosseum. On the menu is classic Italian cuisine with a unique twist and their wine list focuses on champagne, with more than 600 labels.
Il Convivio Troiani. This is the most creative restaurant we dined in in Rome. The food, the service, and the elegant setting is superb. You can order dishes a la carte or order the five course or seven course tasting menu with wine pairings.
Il Convivio Troiani
Gelato in Rome
Restaurants selling gelato can be found throughout Rome but there are a few notable places to mention.
Venchi. This gelateria is a chain, so it can be found in other cities around the world. This is one of our favorite gelato shops, because you can get Nocciolo Supreme (a thick, chocolate hazelnut sauce) poured into the bottom of the cone and then topped with gelato. It doesn’t matter what flavor of gelato you get, that last bite of the cone is out of this world. They have a smaller choice of flavors than other shops we visited, but on the list is chocolate, vanilla, hazelnut, and Stracciatella, just to name a few. Whether you order a cone or a cup, it will look like a work of art once they hand it over.
Gelato at Venchi
Giolitti. There’s nothing fancy about this place, they just serve really good gelato. The pistachio seemed like a popular pick and it was delicious. Expect the longest wait in line here. If you can only pick one gelateria, this is the one we recommend.
Gelato at Giolitti
Gelateria Della Palma. This popular gelato shop has an overwhelming choice of flavors, some of them a bit bizarre. It also feels more chaotic here than the shops mentioned above. Pay first and then pick out your flavors after you pay.
Gelateria Della Palma
Restaurants in Rome: On a Map
How to Use This Map: Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest. To take this map with you, click the star next to the title of the map which adds it to your Google account. Next, within your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. This map title will now appear in your list.
Tips for Eating in Rome
Make a reservation for dinner. Many of the restaurants we listed take reservations. It’s a little more work before your trip, but for dinner in Rome, we recommend making a reservation, particularly for the rooftop restaurants and higher end restaurants. In this article, we give links to each restaurant so you can make your reservation.
Hours of Operation. Some restaurants will be open for lunch (roughly noon to 2:30), close for a few hours, and then reopen for dinner. I recommend checking the hours of places you are interested in, so you can time your meals. We’ve been in the unfortunate situation where we weren’t hungry until 3 and then couldn’t find a good place to eat.
Dinner starts at 7:00 pm. In Rome, dinner doesn’t typically start until 7:00 or 7:30 pm, but many Romans eat much later than this (around 9:00 pm). To get on schedule, plan on having lunch around 1:30 pm and dinner between 7:30 and 9:00 pm.
Expect a coperto on your bill. Most sit-down restaurants in Rome add a small cover charge per person, called the coperto. It covers bread and table service. This is normal and not a scam.
Tipping is not expected. Service is included in Italy, so you don’t need to tip the way you would in the US. If you had great service, it’s common to round up or leave a few euros on the table.
Water isn’t free. If you ask for water, you’ll be asked “naturale o frizzante?” (still or sparkling) and will get a bottle that is added to your bill. Tap water isn’t typically served at restaurants. Romans fill their bottles at the city’s nasoni, the public drinking fountains.
What should you order. When you look at a menu, you will see antipasti (appetizers), primi (first course), secondi (second or main course), contorni (side dishes), and dolci (dessert). You do not have to pick something from each category. We typically split an antipasti and then each order a first or second course. Unless you are very hungry, ordering both a first course and a second course is a lot of food.
Aperitivos in Rome. An aperitivo is a pre-dinner drink served with a few small snacks or charcuterie board. Drinks are usually a cocktail, such as an Aperol or Campari Spritz, a gin and tonic, or a glass of wine. One of our favorite things to do in Rome is to have an aperitivo at a rooftop bar, followed by dinner. It’s a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Aperitivo at Palm Court, Hotel Hassler Rome
Food Tours in Rome
In addition to sidewalk cafes, rooftop restaurants, pizzerias, and gelaterias, there are also a number of food tours in Rome. On these tours, learn about Italian cuisine, sample street foods, go wine tasting, or even take a cooking class.
Food Tours
Plan Your Trip to Rome
- Looking for a drink with a view? Our Best Rooftop Bars in Rome guide covers our favorite spots for an aperitivo at sunset.
- Building your Rome itinerary? Our 3 Days in Rome guide covers a realistic day-by-day plan for the Colosseum, the Vatican, the historic center, and the Appian Way.
- Short on time? Our 2 Days in Rome guide covers how to see the city’s biggest sights without crisscrossing town. Our One Day in Rome guide covers three ways to plan a single day.
- Choosing a neighborhood? Our Where to Stay in Rome guide covers the best areas and hotels for first-time visitors, plus where not to stay.
- Continuing on through Italy? Our 14 Day Italy Itinerary guide covers our favorite route from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Tuscany, the Cinque Terre, and Venice. For more ideas, browse our Italy Travel Guide.
If you have any questions about where to eat in Rome, or if you want to share your favorite restaurants, let us know in the comment section below.
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