Planning a trip to Rome, Italy but don’t know which restaurants are worth your time? Well you aren’t alone! Nothing is worse than planning the perfect itinerary and not knowing which restaurants are worth checking out. Whether you are looking for traditional Italian cuisine or a place that serves tourists and locals alike, there is something for you!
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Continue reading to find out which restaurants you need to visit in Rome, Italy!
Trastevere
Trastevere is one of the most unique neighborhoods in Rome and attracts natives and tourists alike. It’s home to multiple foreign universities and offers both lively day and night life. During the day you can roam the cobblestone streets or people watch in the Piazza di Santa Maria. At night, stop into one (or many) of the bustling bars, trattorias and nightclubs that fill the area. There are so many fantastic restaurants in Rome and many of them are in the Trastevere neighborhood!
Getting There: Walkable from city center or tram number 8.
Insider Tip: Consider bar hoping through the neighborhood after enjoying your dinner to experience all that the neighborhood has to offer!
Da Enzo al 29
Recommended by Olivia of Livguine.
As you wander along the cobblestones and past apartments covered in wisteria, head for Da Enzo al 29. It’s a simple trattoria that serves really good Roman classics. This small restaurant is always buzzing and there’s always a queue to get in. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor tables. The outdoor tables are in front of the restaurant where you can watch the hive of activity that is always buzzing in Trastevere.
You really can’t go wrong with any of the typical Roman dishes on the menu. Start with carciofi, or fried artichokes, which is a real speciality of the region and something you may not easily find in other parts of Italy. Next, order a bowl of Gricia pasta. It’s a typical pasta dish from Lazio made with guanciale, pecorino and black pepper and is utterly delicious. One more thing you should try here is the cicoria (dandelion greens) as a side dish. Roman cuisine celebrates bitter greens and they’re a refreshing accompaniment to the rich and hearty mains.
The only downside to being so good is that this trattoria is now well known, so be prepared to wait a while for a table or make a dinner reservation (they only accept 19:30 bookings!)
Dar Poeta
Recommended by Tegan of Why Not Walk.
Often considered one of the most iconic pizzerias in Rome, you should definitely prioritize a visit to Dar Poeta while you’re in the Eternal City.
Tucked onto a side street in the hip and busy Trastevere neighborhood, try to get a table outside for quality people-watching while you eat. Despite being one of the most famous pizzerias in Rome, the atmosphere remains very laid-back, and the prices are eminently reasonable, especially for the area. Some pizza flavors to consider are the Boscaiolo (with fior di latte mozzarella, mushroom, and sausage) or carbonara. You also can’t go wrong with a classic margherita. The crust at Dar Poeta is worth mentioning on its own, as it is crispy and always fresh.
Keep in mind that the interior of the restaurant is quite small, so the wait times can get long quickly! Consider planning to visit earlier in the evening, so you don’t encounter quite as long of a wait time.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona, in the center of the city, is built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian and mimics a similar form of the stadium! Today it is one of the most lively and busy squares in Rome. The Piazza is filled with fountains and you can often find street performers putting on performances. The Piazza is surrounded by restaurants and terraces, where you will often find many locals and tourists like enjoying drinks or delicious food!
Getting There: Many buses run nearby and is walkable from many tourist attractions though there isn’t a nearby metro stop.
Insider Tip: Wandering the square at night allows you to enjoy cooler temperatures, lesser crowds and the starry sky!
Da Francesco
Recommended by Samantha of The Wandering Wanderluster.
During the summer, the streets of Rome turn into “an outdoor living room,” a term widely used to describe the beautiful and famous square Piazza Navona. Piazza Navona is a hub for restaurants, bars and nightlife right in the heart of historical Rome.
While restaurants that surround the piazza can be a little on the pricier side, it is the backstreets that lead off of the square where some of Rome’s top eateries can be found. Da Francesco, located on the corner of Piazza del Fico, where true to its name an old Fig tree stands, is an osteria that serves traditional Roman dishes that can be paired with a wonderful selection of local wines from Lazio or nearby regions.
Dine al fresco out on the cobbled side street for an authentic Roman dining experience, enjoying the summer air and buzz of the city. A must try dish is the simple but very traditional spaghetti dish – Cacio e Pepe which if you’re on a budget, also happens to be an affordable meal for only 10 Euros!
Old Bear
Old Bear is situated in an alley close to Piazza Navona and is a restaurant you must visit when exploring Rome, Italy!
The restaurant looks like an old brewery and nothing on the menu will disappoint you. The menu weaves Spanish flavors and flair into their Italian classics. From the house made sangria to delicious pasta dishes like the Amatriciana or the Carbonara.
Consider enjoying a full Italian style meal here complete with appetizers, a pasta first course, meat second course and a delicious dessert.
Insider Tip: Consider sharing multiple appetizers, and either sharing a first or second course in order to try more dishes!
Old Bear has both indoor and outdoor seating though the outdoor seats tend to fill up quicker. Consider making a reservation so that you can ensure you have a table!
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in Rome filled with delicious food for a great price! The University of Rome is located within San Lorenzo so the neighborhood is increasingly being influenced by the student and young artist populations. Don’t miss exploring the street art!
Getting There: Walkable from Termini station with multiple bus stops throughout.
Insider Tip: Explore San Lorenzo when you are looking for a break from the main tourist centers!
Ristorante Pizzeria i Fratelli
Recommended by Martina and Jurgen of PlacesofJuma.
One of the best restaurants to eat at in Rome, especially for all who love authentic Italian food and amazing desserts is the Ristorante Pizzeria i Fratelli. This restaurant is situated in San Lorenzo, one of the coolest areas in Rome, and in addition to the fabulous kitchen, has fantastic local prices!
The best time to visit is definitely for lunch because they serve amazing daily lunch menus. Every day there is a new culinary surprise to choose from between meat or fish! You can even get a starter, main course, water and coffee for only 9-10 Euros!
But if you prefer having a pizza, this restaurant is the right place to visit in Rome! Many locals praise it as one of the best pizzerias in Italy – and really the taste is very unique. For dessert, you should definitely try the homemade Tiramisu – you won’t regret it!
All in all, the prices of I Fratelli are unbeatable, the food tastes fantastic, the atmosphere is excellent, and the waiters are super friendly. This restaurant is located a little away from the tourist center of Rome and is also very popular with the locals. A real hidden gem that you must visit when in Rome, Italy!
Ludovisi
Ludovisi is a very elegant and modern neighborhood in Rome and is where you will find the most expensive street in the city, Via Vittorio Veneto. With both the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain nearby as well as world class shopping, the neighborhood attracts both tourists and locals alike. Don’t forget to explore Villa Borghese and the Borghese gardens while you are in the area!
Getting There: Walkable from city center and popular tourist attractions and accessible via multiple bus routes.
Insider Tip: Due to popularity, it might be expensive to stay in this area. Consider staying elsewhere and just exploring all that the neighborhood has to offer if you’re looking to save money!
il Giardino at Hotel Eden
Recommended by Olivia of Girl with Blue Sails.
On the rooftop of the beautiful Hotel Eden sits Il Giardino, one of the restaurants you can’t miss in Rome. Located next to the luxurious Villa Borghese, this restaurant is the perfect place to visit after viewing the Borghese gardens. It’s also only about a ten-minute walk from other famous Roman landmarks like the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps.
The atmosphere at Il Giardino is breathtaking. Entering through the decadent Hotel Eden sets up the mood, and taking a step into this rooftop restaurant surrounded by large windows takes your breath away. The walls are painted an orange, coriander color, and, if timed with sunset, guests experience a red orange glow against the building, flowing into the restaurant. If visiting in the summer months, reserving a seat out on the patio is a must.
Highly recommended from the menu is the amatriciana mezzi rigatoni, a classic pasta entree with tomato sauce, pecorino cheese, and smoked bacon. Also featuring a terrific wine menu, Il Giardino has plenty of local wines to pair with its various offerings. Whether it’s your first night in Rome or your last, this gorgeous rooftop gem is an experience you don’t want to miss.
Monti
Looking for hidden gems in the middle of Rome? Explore the streets of the Monti neighborhood! After sightseeing at some of the most famous tourist attractions, explore the many boutiques and vintage shops, restaurants, and bars. Make sure that after visiting the Colosseum, you check out the other Roman ruins scattered throughout ancient Rome! The neighborhood also offers many art galleries and wine bars to explore.
Getting There: Metro stops Cavour or Colosseo or multiple bus lines.
Insider Tip: Monti prides itself on being Rome’s first neighborhood because it has existed since ancient times and is often referred to as Rione I.
La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
Recommended by Debbie of World Adventurists.
It is always wonderful when traveling to find a restaurant that feels authentic and homey. La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali offers just that, with delicious quality food that tastes homemade. The menu is large with a great variety of meat and pasta dishes that will make you want to return again to try more.
The focaccia with grilled roman bacon or with burrata cheese, or the meat combo plate are great starters. The Roman Classics and the Pasta Allesio are delicious. If you have room for dessert, the white chocolate soufflé and apple strudel are both mouthwatering. The wine list is extensive, and the house wine was perfectly acceptable too.
The service is very welcoming, upbeat, and professional. The staff seem to really want you to have a great dining experience. La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali is quite popular, so ensure you make a reservation in advance or you will probably be turned away.
La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali is located in the heart of Rione Monti, and a five-minute walk from the Colosseum. It is off of the busy streets of Rome, on a back street, so it may be a little tricky to find.
Esquilino
Esquilino is a central neighborhood centered around Termini train station that borders Monti and is filled with diverse and rich culture. The neighborhood is filled with bustling shops, restaurants and bars. It is also home to Mercato Esquilino, which is one of the busiest food markets in the city and is definitely worth a visit!
Getting There: The neighborhood surrounds Termini train station and is serviced by multiple bus lines.
Insider Tip: Arriving into Rome by train and have a few hours before checking into your accommodations? Thats the perfect time to wander around Esquilino.
Trattoria Vecchia Roma
Recommended by Claudia of Strictly Rome.
Trattoria Vecchia Roma is located in Via Ferruccio 12 B/C, not far from Vittorio Emanuele underground station, in the Esquilino District. As it is a popular place, make sure to book your table in advance.
This is a family run trattoria (eatery, in Italian) that’s been open since 1916 – that’s more than 100 years – and passed from one generation to the other. Given its location – it’s tucked away in a small alley in a lesser visited part of town – most of the clients are locals, though you can occasionally spot the odd tourist. This means that the food you get there is truly authentic.
The main features of the restaurant are an easygoing atmosphere and absolutely delicious food. Must-try include the carbonara pasta with fiori di zucca (zucchini flowers); fiori di zucca in pastella (zucchini flowers in a light batter, fried and served hot and crispy); spaghetti or tonnarelli cacio e pepe (the original mac and cheese), abbacchio alla scottadito (grilled lamb back ribs), coda alla vaccinara (oxtail served in a typical sauce).
Campo de’ Fiori
While Campo de’ Fiori is not actually a neighborhood in Rome, it is one of Rome’s most beloved public squares. Campo de’ Fiori means “field of flowers” and during the day, you’ll find a market engulf the piazza. At night, the area turns into a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to enjoy dinner and drinks. It is also within walking distance of popular spots like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Colosseum.
Getting There: Walking distance from other popular spots, serviced by many bus lines.
Insider Tip: Locals often refer to the area encompassing Campo de’ Fiori as “Campo.”
Osteria da Fortunata
Recommended by Samantha of S&A Getaway.
Located just a 10 minute walk from The Pantheon, in Campo de’ Fiori you will find a woman hand rolling pasta in the window of Osteria da Fortunata.
Specializing in warm Roman dishes, their Strozzapreti Carbonara is a must try – a classic Roman meal! Between the hand made pasta, pancetta and sauce you will fall in love with this delicious meal.
Although they are located in a touristy area of Rome, they do not cater to tourists. Most waiters do not speak fluent English and their handwritten menu is in Italian – but this just makes your experience more authentic, which is hard to find in the center of Rome.
It is highly recommended to get a reservation here for lunch or dinner, they are always packed with locals! Osteria da Fortunata is one of the few restaurants in Rome that do not close in the afternoon, so if you are having trouble confirming a reservation you should be able to walk in for a late lunch or early dinner.
Hopefully this list has inspired you and helped you determine which restaurants you need to visit in Rome, Italy! Have you been to any of these or have another favorite restaurant that should be on the list?
Share your experiences in the comments below!
So many incredible restaurants to try next time. Rome is full of so many tasty restaurants!!
Rome has so much to offer!! Thanks so much for contributing 🙂
I unfortunately haven’t been to Rome yet, but I’m glad I read your post as I saw a couple of places I would love to eat at!
Rome definitely has something for everyone!! Can’t wait for you to experience it!
Wow all of these look incredible! Definitely made me hungry and ready for a food tour around Italy 🙂
Sign me up for an Italian food tour – sounds delish!!
All of these restaurants look and sound amazing. I cannot wait to get back to Italy when it reopens. I still haven’t been to Rome yet, but it will be one of the first cities I visit when I get back to the country. 🙂
I can’t wait to explore other parts of Italy!! Can’t wait to get back again also!
Perfect timing!!!!! I am planning on visiting Rome this autumn. I am always wanting restaurant suggestions. I know Trestavere is a great foodie neighborhood. And yes the Roman artichokes are fantastic! Thanks for the list!
That sounds like it will be such a fun trip!! Let me know if you check out any of these places or discover any others worth adding!!
Omg so many great restaurants on this list! I used to live near Campo dei Fiori and miss all of the amazing food!!! Thanks for sharing.
That sounds incredible!!
Great recommendations! The foodie scene in Rome is fantastic, I would return to Rome for the food alone! Lovely post 🙂
Ugh me too!! Thanks so much 🙂