Ultimate Foodie Guide: Best Places to Eat in Rome
Rome, the Eternal City, is a paradise for food lovers. Its culinary scene is as rich and diverse as its history, offering everything from traditional trattorias to modern Michelin-starred restaurants. If you’re planning a trip to Rome and want to experience the best of its cuisine, this guide will take you on a mouth-watering journey through the city’s top eateries. Let’s dive in and discover the best places to eat in Rome.
Quick Bites & Prosciutterias: Savoring Rome’s Finest Flavors
When you’re on the go but still want to indulge in Rome’s culinary delights, quick bites and prosciutterias are your best bet. These spots offer a perfect combination of convenience and quality, letting you taste the essence of Roman cuisine without a lengthy meal. Here are some top picks:
Prosciutteria Cantina dei Papi – Trevi
Located in the heart of Rome, Prosciutteria Cantina dei Papi – Trevi, which was previously known as La Prosciutteria is a haven for prosciutto lovers. This charming spot serves a variety of high-quality cured meats, cheeses, and paninis, making it an ideal place for a quick yet satisfying bite. The place is small with only a few tables, but the cozy ambiance is what makes it even more special.
Address: Via della Panetteria, 34 (steps away from Fontana di Trevi)
Specialty: Porchetta, Prosciutto and cheese platters
Price Range: €
Trapizzino
Known for its innovative take on traditional Roman street food, Trapizzino offers stuffed pizza pockets filled with savory stews and classic Roman dishes. It’s a quick, delicious option perfect for a midday snack or a light meal.
Address: Piazza Trilussa, 46 & Via Giovanni Branca, 88
Specialty: Trapizzino (stuffed pizza pockets)
Price Range: €
Pastificio Guerra
Pastificio Guerra is a popular spot for affordable, delicious pasta in Rome. Located near the Spanish Steps, it’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal on the go. The casual setting and friendly service make it a favorite among both locals and tourists. Two pasta dishes are offered daily, made fresh on-site and there is always a vegetarian option. Price per potion €5. Prepare to wait in a queue.
Address: Via della Croce, 8
Specialty: Freshly made pasta dishes
Price Range: €
L’Enoteca Antica: A Wine Lover’s Paradise Near the Spanish Steps
L’Enoteca Antica is a popular wine bar located near the Spanish Steps on Via della Croce in Rome. This beloved spot is a haven for wine enthusiasts, offering an extensive selection of fine wines in a charming and relaxed setting. Featuring a wooden counter, frescoes, and a high ceiling, the bar’s decor creates a warm and inviting environment, outdoor seating is also available.
Address: Via della Croce, 76B
Specialty: Fine wines and light bites
Price Range: €€
Hosteria del Mercato 1870
Hosteria del Mercato is a vibrant and inviting restaurant located in the heart of Rome. Known for its farm-to-table philosophy, this hosteria offers fresh, organic, and locally sourced dishes that celebrate the best of Italian cuisine. The cozy and stylish interior, with its rustic wooden furnishings and warm lighting, creates a welcoming and comfortable ambiance perfect for any meal. The outdoor seating area is great for people watching.
Address: Via Bocca di Leone, 46
Specialty: Farm-to-table Italian cuisine
Price Range: €€€
Authentic Italian Cuisine
Il Chianti Osteria Toscana: A Taste of Tuscany in Rome
Il Chianti Osteria Toscana brings the flavors of Tuscany to the heart of Rome. Located near the Trevi Fountain, this charming osteria offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal with friends or family.
I have enjoyed meals here on several occasions and always appreciate their delightful menu and cozy ambiance. The indoor area is adorned with wine racks, and the rustic decor transports you to the Tuscan countryside.
- Address: Via del Lavatore, 81/82
- Specialty: Tuscan cuisine as well as classic Roman dishes
- Price Range: €€€
Hosteria di Pietro: A Cozy Culinary Retreat in Rome
Hosteria di Pietro is a charming and intimate restaurant located in the historic heart of Rome and is one of the best restaurants in Rome to enjoy a quality meal. Known for its warm ambiance and traditional Italian cuisine, this hosteria offers a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of Roman hospitality. The menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes, including fresh pastas, hearty meat dishes, and seasonal vegetables, all prepared with the finest ingredients. The restaurant is particularly famous for its truffle dishes and is popular among the locals.
Address: Via di Gesù e Maria, 18
Specialty: Traditional Italian cuisine
Price Range: €€€
Deroma – Farine Romane
Deroma – Farine Romane is a fine dining gem specializing in authentic Italian cuisine. Located centrally, it’s easily accessible for both tourists and locals. The elegant interior, with stylish lighting and comfortable seating, creates a cozy ambiance perfect for romantic dinners or nights out with friends. The restaurant also features an outdoor seating area. It is also a great place to enjoy a morning cappuccino with a fresh croissant.
Address: Via Poli, 27
Specialty: A selection of home made pasta, steaks, selection of Italian cured meats
Price Range: €€
Trattoria Otello: Authentic Roman Dining Near the Spanish Steps
Otello alla Concordia is a cherished dining spot located near the Spanish Steps in Rome. Known for its authentic Roman cuisine and warm, welcoming atmosphere, this trattoria offers a delightful dining experience for both locals and tourists. It features classic Italian decor with checkered tablecloths and vintage photographs, enhancing the authentic dining experience. There is a lovely outdoor area, ideal for dining al fresco and soaking up the vibrant street life.
Address: Via Mario de’ Fiori, 40/A,
Specialty: Traditional Roman dishes like fried artichokes
Price Range: €€€
Bistro di Rienzo: A Delightful Culinary Retreat by the Pantheon
Bistro di Rienzo is a charming eatery located in the heart of Rome, right by the iconic Pantheon. Known for its inviting atmosphere and delectable Italian cuisine, this bistro offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pantheon while dining, adding a unique and memorable touch to your meal. The menu features a range of classic Italian dishes, from rich pastas and fresh seafood to savory meats and crisp salads, all prepared with high-quality ingredients. This restaurant is perfect for people-watching and soaking up the vibrant energy of the piazza, the outdoor seating area is a prime spot for enjoying a leisurely meal.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 8
Specialty: Classic Italian and Mediterranean dishes
Price Range: €€€
Verso Sera: A Cozy Escape in the Heart of Rome
Verso Sera is a charming restaurant located in the vibrant Campo de’ Fiori area of Rome. Known for its warm ambiance and delightful Italian cuisine, Verso Sera offers a cozy retreat where guests can enjoy a relaxed meal in the bustling heart of the city. The menu features a variety of traditional Italian dishes, including fresh pastas, savory meats, and delicious seafood, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
The outdoor seating area offers a fantastic view of Campo de’ Fiori, ideal for enjoying a meal while soaking in the lively atmosphere of one of Rome’s most famous squares.
Address: Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 24
Specialty: Traditional Italian and Mediterranean dishes
Price Range: €€€
La Franschetta di Maestro Giorgio: Rustic Elegance and Culinary Excellence
La Franschetta di Maestro Giorgio is a hidden gem located in the picturesque Trastevere neighborhood of Rome. This charming eatery is celebrated for its rustic ambiance and exquisite Italian cuisine, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic dining experience.
The menu features a range of traditional Italian dishes, each prepared with a modern touch. From homemade pastas and fresh seafood to succulent meats and seasonal vegetables, every dish is crafted with the finest ingredients.
Address: Via di San Cosimato, 6
Specialty: Traditional Italian dishes with a contemporary twist
Price Range: €€€
Il Giardino Romano: A Tranquil Oasis of Roman Cuisine
Il Giardino Romano is a serene dining destination nestled in the heart of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto. Known for its delightful Roman-Jewish cuisine and peaceful garden setting, this restaurant offers a unique and memorable culinary experience. The menu features traditional Roman-Jewish dishes, including specialties like Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style artichokes), Matzo Ball Soup, and Coda alla Vaccinara (oxtail stew), all prepared with authentic recipes and fresh ingredients.
Address: Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 18
Specialty: Roman-Jewish cuisine
Price Range: €€€
Ginger Sapori e Salute: Healthy Mediterranean Delights in Rome
Ginger is the go-to spot for those seeking a healthy and balanced Mediterranean diet. Located centrally with three locations to choose from, it offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast, a light snack, or a refined lunch or dinner, Ginger has you covered.
Address: Centro Storico, Via Borgognona, 43-44 | Piazza Sant’Eustachio 54 – 55 | Via del Corso 173
Specialty: Healthy Mediterranean cuisine
Price Range: €€
For the Sweet Tooth
Two Sizes: The Tiramisu Haven in Rome
Two Sizes is the ultimate destination for tiramisu lovers in Rome. Located in the vibrant Navona neighborhood, this cozy spot specializes in serving the beloved Italian dessert in two sizes, making it perfect for any appetite.
Address: Via del Governo Vecchio, 88
Specialty: Tiramisu in multiple flavors
Price Range: €
Fior di Luna: Artisanal Gelato Heaven in Trastevere
Fior di Luna is a gem nestled in the heart of Trastevere, Rome, renowned for its artisanal gelato. This charming gelateria offers a delightful array of flavors crafted with the highest quality ingredients. The gelato here is known for its incredibly creamy texture, achieved through meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Address: Via della Lungaretta, 96
Specialty: Artisanal gelato
Price Range: €
Sophisticated Dining Options
Baccano: A Modern Twist on Mediterranean Classics Near the Trevi Fountain
Baccano offers a vibrant dining experience just steps away from the Trevi Fountain in Rome. Known for its chic, bustling atmosphere and a modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine, Baccano blends the charm of a Parisian bistro with the flavors of the Italian coast. The stylish interior features marble countertops, whimsical hot air balloon silhouettes suspended from the ceiling, and vintage-inspired decor, creating a sophisticated and unique dining ambiance. Choose from an impressive selection of international and Italian wines, perfectly curated to complement the menu. Very attentive service.
Address: Via delle Muratte, 23
Specialty: Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist
Price Range: €€€
Life Ristorante and Wine Bar: Sophisticated Dining in the Heart of Rome
Life Ristorante and Wine Bar offers a refined dining experience in the heart of Rome, blending contemporary Italian cuisine with an extensive selection of fine wines. Located near the bustling Via Condotti, this elegant restaurant is perfect for those seeking a sophisticated meal in a stylish setting. Savor exquisite dishes like truffle risotto, fresh seafood, and perfectly cooked meats, each artfully presented and bursting with flavor. The restaurant is also known for its fantastic tasting menus – the Lobster or the Black truffle menu.
Address: Via della Vite, 28
Specialty: Contemporary Italian cuisine
Price Range: €€€
During my visit, I indulged in the Lobster tasting menu, a journey through the finest flavors of the sea:
Tasting of 3 Appetizers:
- Scampi Carpaccio with julienne of celery and lime fruit
- Sea Bass Carpaccio with black truffle
- Red King Prawns Carpaccio with avocado
- Wine Pairing: Etna Bianco Calderara – Doc – Cottanera (Sicilia)
First Course:
- Homemade Tagliolini Pasta with lobster and cherry tomatoes
- Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio – Doc – Livon (Friuli Venezia-Giulia)
Second Course:
- Grilled Lobster with a salad of avocado, daikon, and arugula
- Wine Pairing: Gavi La Scolca (Piedmont)
Dessert:
- Dolce Fatto in Casa: Crunchy puff pastry with pistachios, cream, and strawberries
- Wine Pairing: Passito di Moscato di Noto – Ra’ Is Igt – Baglio di Pianetto (Sicilia)
Casa Bleve: A Culinary Jewel in the Heart of Rome
Casa Bleve is an elegant and sophisticated restaurant situated in the heart of Rome. Known for its exquisite Italian cuisine and impressive wine selection, Casa Bleve offers a dining experience that combines culinary excellence with a charming and refined atmosphere. The menu features a variety of meticulously prepared dishes, including fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and succulent meats, all crafted with the finest ingredients. Casa Bleve boasts an extensive wine list, featuring a carefully curated selection of Italian and international wines to perfectly complement your meal. The restaurant’s interior exudes sophistication with its vaulted ceilings, elegant decor, and intimate ambiance, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or a romantic dinner.
Address: Via del Teatro Valle, 48/49
Specialty: High-end Italian cuisine
Price Range: €€€€
Sunday Brunch at W Rome: A Luxurious Culinary Experience at Giano (Michelin Guide recommended)
Giano at W Rome offers a lavish Sunday brunch ( 12-4pm) that has quickly become a highlight in the city’s vibrant dining scene. Conveniently situated in a quiet setting just behind Via Vittorio Veneto, this brunch experience combines gourmet cuisine with a stylish and relaxed atmosphere. The sleek, modern decor of W Rome, with its stylish furnishings and ambient lighting, creates a sophisticated yet comfortable setting perfect for a leisurely brunch. The attractive garden and comfortable cocktail bar shared with the hotel add to the charm.
Iconic dishes such as the spaghetto taratatà (with a tuna and bottarga sauce), the caponada, and the carpacci are highly recommended, as are desserts such as the reinterpreted millefoglie.
Under the guidance of Head Chef Ciccio Sultano and Executive Chef Nicola Zamperetti, the skillful and passionate culinary team at Giano combines fresh, flavorful ingredients to craft iconic dishes that transport you.
Address: Via Liguria, 26
Specialty: Luxurious Sunday brunch
Price Range: €€€€
Il Caffè at Bulgari Hotel: Elegance and Excellence in Rome
Il Caffè at the Bulgari Hotel in Rome is a sophisticated and elegant dining destination, offering a luxurious experience that perfectly complements the hotel’s renowned reputation. Located in the heart of Rome, Il Caffè provides an exquisite blend of Italian cuisine, exceptional service, and a chic atmosphere. The menu features a variety of gourmet Italian dishes, from freshly made pastas and risottos to succulent meat and seafood options, all prepared with the finest ingredients and meticulous attention to detail. The elegant interior, with its stylish decor, plush seating, and ambient lighting, creates a sophisticated and serene dining environment.
Address: Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 19
Specialty: High-end Italian cuisine and premium coffee
Price Range: €€€€
For Pizza Lovers
Bona Pizza: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza in Rome
Bona Pizza is a must-visit destination for pizza enthusiasts in Rome. With several central locations, this pizzeria is celebrated for its authentic Neapolitan-style pizza, made with fresh ingredients and baked to perfection in a traditional wood-fired oven.
Address: Via del Portico d’Ottavia – Jewish quarter, for other locations click here
Specialty: Neapolitan pizza
Price Range: €€
Alice Pizza: A Slice of Authentic Roman Flavor
If you are looking for the best pizza in Rome, Alice Pizza is a beloved pizzeria chain known for its delicious and authentic Roman-style pizza. With numerous locations across the city, it offers a convenient and tasty option for those looking to enjoy high-quality pizza by the slice. Choose from a wide array of toppings, including classic Margherita, rich quattro formaggi, and unique seasonal creations.The signature thin, crispy crust is a hallmark of Roman-style pizza, perfectly balancing texture and taste.
Address: Various locations across Rome
Specialty: Roman-style pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice)Price Range: €
Testaccio Market
For a more casual but equally delightful food experience, visit Testaccio Market. This vibrant market is a foodie’s dream, with numerous stalls offering everything from fresh produce to gourmet street food. Make sure to try Trapizzino, a delicious pocket of pizza dough filled with various Roman specialties.
Address: Via Aldo Manuzio, 66b
Specialty: Trapizzino
Price Range: €
Conclusion
Rome’s culinary landscape is a feast for the senses, offering a blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations. Whether you’re enjoying a slice of pizza or savoring a gourmet meal, the city’s food scene is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, pack your appetite and get ready to explore the best places to eat in Rome!
