Rome Restaurants

In Rome, the Eternal(ly culinarily conservative) City, simple yet traditional cuisine reigns supreme. Most chefs prefer to follow the mantra of freshness over fuss, and simplicity of flavor and preparation over complex cooking techniques.

Rome has been known since antiquity for its grand feasts and banquets, and dining out has alway been a favorite Roman pastime. Until recently, the city's buongustaii (gourmands) would have been the first to tell you that Rome is distinguished more by its enthusiasm for eating out than for a multitude of world-class restaurants—but this is changing. There is an ever-growing promotion of slow-food practices, a focus on sustainably and locally sourced produce. The economic crisis has forced the food industry in Rome to adopt innovative ways to maintain a clientele who are increasingly looking to dine out but want to spend less. The result has been the rise of "street food" restaurants, selling everything from inexpensive and novel takes on the classic supplì (Roman fried-rice balls) to sandwich shops that use a variety of organic ingredients.

Generally speaking, Romans like Roman food, and that’s what you’ll find in many of the city’s trattorias and wine bars. For the most part, today’s chefs cling to the traditional and excel at what has taken hundreds, sometimes thousands, of years to perfect. This is why the basic trattoria menu is more or less the same wherever you go. And it's why even the top Roman chefs feature their versions of simple trattoria classics like carbonara, and why those who attempt to offer it in a "deconstructed" or slightly varied way will often come under criticism. To a great extent, Rome is still a town where the Italian equivalent of "What are you in the mood for?" still gets the answer, "Pizza or pasta."

Nevertheless, Rome is the capital of Italy, and because people move here from every corner of the Italian peninsula, there are more variations on the Italian theme in Rome than you'd find elsewhere in Italy: Sicilian, Tuscan, Pugliese, Bolognese, Marchegiano, Sardinian, and northern Italian regional cuisines are all represented. And reflecting the increasingly cosmopolitan nature of the city, you'll find a growing number of good-quality international foods here as well—particularly Japanese, Indian, and Ethiopian.

Oddly enough, though, for a nation that prides itself on la bella figura ("looking good"), most Romans don't fuss about music, personal space, lighting, or decor. After all, who needs flashy interior design when so much of Roman life takes place outdoors, when dining alfresco in Rome can take place in the middle of a glorious ancient site or a centuries-old piazza?

Sort by: 46 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 1. Antico Arco

    $$$ | Trastevere

    Founded by three friends with a passion for wine and fine food, Antico Arco attracts diners from Rome and beyond with its refined culinary inventiveness. The location on top of the Janiculum Hill makes for a charming setting, and inside, the dining rooms are plush, modern spaces, with whitewashed brick walls, dark floors, and black velvet chairs. Its wine cellar houses over 1,200 labels, all nestled in the cantina carved into the ruins of the catacombs of San Pancrazio.

    Piazzale Aurelio 7, Rome, Latium, 00152, Italy
    06-5815274

    Known For

    • Changing seasonal menu
    • Molten chocolate soufflé cake
    • Extensive wine celler

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues., Reservations essential
  • 2. Da Enzo

    $ | Trastevere

    In the quieter part of Trastevere, the family-run Da Enzo is everything you would imagine a classic Roman trattoria to be. There are just a few tables, but diners from around the world line up to eat here—a testament to the quality of the food. Because it's so small and does not accept reservations, there's almost invariably a wait, so arrive early for a better shot at speedy service.

    Via dei Vascellari 29, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
    06-5812260

    Known For

    • Cacio e pepe (pasta with pecorino-cheese sauce and black pepper), carbonara, and other Roman classics
    • Boisterous, authentic atmosphere
    • Small space with long waits

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and 2 wks in Aug., No reservations
  • 3. Fatamorgana

    $ | Monti

    A short walk from the Roman Forum, this small Roman chain serves excellent gelato, including familiar favorites and adventurous flavors such as Gorgonzola, olive, and tobacco. A bench outside offers relief after a day of walking.

    Piazza degli Zingari 5, Rome, Latium, Italy
    06-48906855
  • 4. Flavio al Velavevodetto

    $$ | Testaccio

    It's everything you're looking for in a true Roman eating experience: authentic, in a historic setting, and filled with Italians eating good food at good prices. In this very romani di Roma (Rome of the Romans) neighborhood, surrounded by discos and bars, you can enjoy classic local dishes, from vegetable antipasto to cacio e pepe (said to be the best version in the city) and lamb chops.

    Via di Monte Testaccio 97, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
    06-5744194

    Known For

    • Authentic Roman atmosphere and food
    • Outdoor covered terrace in summer
    • Polpette di bollito (fried breaded meatballs)

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential
  • 5. Glass Hostaria

    $$$$ | Trastevere

    After 14 years in Austin, Texas, chef Cristina Bowerman returned to Rome to reconnect with her Italian roots, and her cooking is as innovative as the building she works in (Glass has received numerous recognitions for its design as well as its expertly executed cuisine). The menu, which changes frequently, features dishes like a standout steak tartare and lobster polenta with yuba.

    Vicolo del 'Cinque 58, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
    06-58335903

    Known For

    • Vegetarian tasting menu
    • Plates inspired by Italy from north to south
    • More than 600 types of wine

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Tues., and 2 wks in July. No lunch Wed.–Fri., Reservations essential
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Il Marchese

    $$ | Piazza di Spagna

    This rustic-meets-glamorous bistro attracts locals for its flawless execution of Roman classics (many served photogenically in metal cooking pans) as well as original dishes. Its bar is known among amaro connoisseurs for having the largest selection in Rome, and the bitter liquors are the stars of the expertly crafted cocktail menu.

    Via di Ripetta 162, Rome, Latium, 00186, Italy
    06-90218872

    Known For

    • Beautiful design
    • Well-executed classics
    • Extensive selection of amaros and great cocktails
  • 7. Marigold

    $ | Testaccio

    Run by a husband-and-wife team (she's Danish, he's Italian), this hip restaurant has a Scandinavian-meets-Italian design and menu. It draws a young, international crowd who come for the sourdough, cinnamon buns, and veggie-forward dishes. While brunch is the runaway favorite, the savory lunch dishes (served Wednesday to Friday) are standouts as well. All bread and pastries are baked in-house, ingredients are sourced locally, and only natural wines and specialty coffee are served.

    Via Giovanni da Empoli 37, Rome, Latium, 00154, Italy
    06-87725679

    Known For

    • Breads and other baked goods
    • Weekend brunch
    • Minimalist design

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., 3 wks in Aug., and 2 wks in Dec. No dinner
  • 8. Moma

    $$$ | Piazza di Spagna

    In front of the American embassy and a favorite of the design trendoisie, Michelin-starred Moma attracts well-heeled businessmen at lunch but turns into a more intimate affair for dinner. The kitchen turns out hits as it creates alta cucina (haute cuisine) made using Italian ingredients sourced from small producers. The menu changes seasonally, but might include dishes like chamomile risotto with smoked eel, honey, and oregano or pumpkin cappelletti with amaretti and provolone cheese fondue. At lunch, the more casual bistro area has fresh pressed juices and made-to-order sandwiches.

    Via San Basilio 42/43, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
    06-42011798

    Known For

    • Pasta with a twist
    • Creative presentation
    • Affordable fine dining

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat., Reservations essential
  • 9. VyTA Enoteca Regionale del Lazio

    $$ | Piazza di Spagna

    This sleek wine bar and restaurant is just a short walk from the Spanish Steps, and its modern design looks the part among the fashion-forward streets. However, it's unique in that its owners collaborate with the Regionale del Lazio (the state within which Rome sits), so the menu showcases regional products—from the cheeses to the wines to the bottled water. Come for a glass of excellent Lazio wine, and share a plate or two if you don't want a full meal.

    Via Frattina 94, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
    06-98184507

    Known For

    • Chic contemporary style
    • Excellent carbonara
    • Extensive list of local wines

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 10. Antico Caffè Greco

    $ | Piazza di Spagna | Coffee

    The red-velvet chairs and marble tables of Rome's oldest café have seen the likes of Byron, Shelley, Keats, Goethe, and Casanova. Locals love basking in the more than 250 years of history held within its dark-wood walls lined with antique artwork; tourists appreciate its location amid the shopping madness of upscale Via Condotti. Drink your coffee at the counter for a much less expensive experience.

    Via dei Condotti 86, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
    06-6791700

    Known For

    • Lavish historic design
    • Perfect espresso
    • Crystal goblets and high prices to match
    View Tours and Activities
  • 11. Babington's Tea Rooms

    $$ | Piazza di Spagna

    At the left foot of the Spanish Steps, this family-run restaurant has catered to the refined tea and scone cravings of travelers since 1893. The blends are carefully designed and can be brought to your homey table accompanied by a tower of tiny sandwiches, a fully loaded salad, or a risotto dish. Linger over a slice of homemade cake, and ask the server about the history of the tearooms.

    Piazza di Spagna 23, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
    06-6786027

    Known For

    • Unique (and pricey) loose leaf teas
    • Homemade scones
    • Cozy, historic atmosphere

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 12. Baccano

    $$$ | Piazza di Spagna

    There are plenty of options for good food at reasonable prices around the Trevi Fountain, but this large brasserie—open for lunch, dinner, and everything in between—is a great bet. Although it emphasizes seafood, the extensive menu has something for everyone, from salads to pasta and entrées. For lunch, the lobster roll is a fan favorite. The full bar has an impressive list of poured or mixed drinks.

    Via delle Muratte 23, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
    06-69941166

    Known For

    • Oyster bar
    • Excellent carbonara
    • Classic international cocktails
  • 13. Baylon Cafe

    $ | Trastevere | Coffee

    With eclectic vintage decor, colorful mismatched tables and chairs, and free Wi-Fi, this low-key neighborhood hot spot lures lots of expats and American travelers. In the evenings, order an aperitivo and you can accompany it with a variety of small plates brought to you at minimal cost. The outdoor tables offer prime people-watching.

    Via di San Francesco a Ripa 151, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
    06-5814275

    Known For

    • Lots of vegetarian and vegan options
    • Lively dining terrace
    • Prime people-watching
  • 14. Biscottificio Innocenti

    $ | Trastevere

    People from all over Rome come to this family-run bakery that's been turning out delicious desserts since 1920. Try the brutti ma buoni ("ugly but good") almond cookies or anything with chocolate or jam. Stefania runs the place with her daughters, Michela and Manuela, and says her fondest memories of the bakery are from when she was a child, watching her father operate the 1950s oven, still in use today.

    Via della Luce 21, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
    06-5803926

    Known For

    • Torta Sacher
    • Savory snacks for an on-the-go bite
    • Light-as-air profiteroles

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed mid-July–Aug., and Sun. in early July and Sept.
  • 15. Biscottificio Innocenti

    $ | Trastevere

    The scent of cookies wafts out into the street as you approach this family-run bakery, where a small team makes sweet treats the old-school way in a massive oven bought in the 1960s. There are dozens of varieties of baked goods, mostly sweet but some savory. Try the brutti ma buoni and anything made with almond paste or covered in chocolate.

    Via della Luce 21, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
    06-5803926

    Known For

    • Old-school family-run bakery
    • Dozens of varieties of baked goods
    • Brutti ma buoni ("ugly but good") cookies

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed 2 wks in Aug.
  • 16. Caffè Canova-Tadolini

    $ | Piazza di Spagna | Coffee

    On chic Via del Babuino, the former studio of Neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova and his student, Adamo Tadolini, is now an atmospheric spot for coffee or a snack. Opt for the budget-friendly option of taking your coffee at the bar while admiring the enormous plaster copies of the maestros' work, or pay more for table service and sit amid vast sculptures. Food is run-of-the-mill, but the setting is splendid.

    Via del Babuino 150/A, Rome, Latium, 00186, Italy
    06-32110702

    Known For

    • Museum-like setting
    • Respectable aperitivo snacks for the price
    • Slow and serious service
  • 17. Caffè di Marzio

    $ | Trastevere | Coffee

    Over a coffee or a cocktail, sit and gaze upon Santa Maria in Trastevere's glistening golden facade and the busy piazza rom a perch at Caffè di Marzio. The outdoor seating is lovely, but the interior is warm and welcoming, too.

    Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere 15, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
    06-5816095

    Known For

    • Prime piazza views
    • Sunny outdoor seating
    • American-style breakfast

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: 3 wks in Jan.
  • 18. Caffè Romano

    $$$ | Piazza di Spagna

    With orario continuato, or nonstop operating hours (noon till late at night), this sleek spot in the Hotel d'Inghilterra caters to jet-setters and hotel guests. The creative global menu can mean international misfires, so it's best to select from among the authentic Northern Italian meat and Southern Italian seafood dishes such as boar with polenta, seafood soup, or classic pastas. The tempting outdoor tables are close together, but perhaps you won't mind eavesdropping on your luxurious neighbor.

    Via Borgongna 4M, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
    06-69981500

    Known For

    • Enviable outdoor seating
    • Truffle pasta
    • Signature Caesar salad with prawns
  • 19. Checchino dal 1887

    $$ | Testaccio

    Literally carved into the side of a hill made up of ancient shards of amphorae, this upscale, family-run establishment has an exceptional wine cellar and stellar contemporary cocktails that incorporate traditional local ingredients. One of the first restaurants to open near Testaccio's (now long-closed) slaughterhouse, it still serves classic offal dishes—though the white-jacketed waiters are happy to suggest other options.

    Via di Monte Testaccio 30, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
    06-5743816

    Known For

    • Old-school Roman cooking
    • Old-school Roman waiters
    • Coda alla vaccinara (Roman-style oxtail)

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., Aug., and 1 wk at Christmas, Reservations essential
  • 20. Da Ivo

    $$ | Trastevere

    This always crowded pizzeria opens early and closes late, and in between it's packed with locals, tourists, and sports fans who know they can watch the Roma soccer team play on big, flat-screen TVs. The selection of pizzas is large, with delicious mains available as well. The coveted street-side tables are a great spot from which to view Trastevere's people parade. The service can be slow, so don't go for a quick meal.

    Via di San Francesco a Ripa 158, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
    06-5817082

    Known For

    • Mixed-vegetables pizza
    • Sports-friendly atmosphere
    • Long, leisurely meals

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and 2 wks in Jan. No lunch.

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video