Everybody loves a great culinary experience when visiting a new city, and Rome is no exception. Whether you’re looking for traditional Italian fare or something more innovative, the Eternal City has something to offer. To help you discover where to eat, we’ve put together a guide to the best restaurants in Rome, so you can dine like a true local.
Experience Traditional Roman Cuisine
Rome is home to some of the most traditional Italian food in the world. Here, you can taste classic dishes such as carbonara and suppli, which have ancient roots in the city. Here are some of the places you must visit to get a taste of the genuine Roman cuisine.
- Da Enzo
Da Enzo is one of the most popular and renowned trattorias in Rome. Here you will be welcomed with a smile and made to feel at home, as if you were visiting old friends. The menu at Da Enzo is packed with traditional dishes, from an exquisite suppli and creamy carbonara spaghetti to the ever-popular puntarelle salad. And let’s not forget their delicious desserts, such as tiramisu and Panna Cotta.
- Nonna Betta
Nonna Betta is a cozy family-run trattoria close to the Vatican, where you can find some of the most delicious Roman dishes. From creamy pasta alla carbonara, to freshly-baked pizza and traditional desserts such as tiramisu and sfogliatella, the menu here truly represents the best of traditional Roman cuisine. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the trattoria makes the experience even more enjoyable.
- Trattoria da Lucia
Trattoria da Lucia is a local favorite in the bustling Trastevere neighborhood. Here, you will find rustic home-style cooking with top-notch ingredients and exquisite flavors. The menu changes daily based on what local market vendors have to offer that day, but you can always count on dishes such as pasta alla carbonara, supplì and spaghetti vongole.
- Sora Mirella
Sora Mirella is a local favorite for traditional Roman cuisine. Here you will find fresh ingredients and delicious flavors, prepared to perfection. Highlights of the menu include the classic Roman dishes such as Carbonara, Amatriciana and the ever-popular suppli, as well as additional daily specials.
Taste Creative Italian Dishes
Rome is also home to some of the most innovative Italian restaurants. Here, you can find creative dishes with an Italian twist, inspired by both traditional and modern flavors. For something special, try one of the following places:
- Armando al Pantheon
Armando al Pantheon is one of the most renowned restaurants in Rome, with a world-class menu of inventive and delicious dishes. All the ingredients are fresh and of the highest quality, and the dishes are filled with tradition and creativity. Here you can sample dishes such as Carpaccio di Tonno con Anice, Panzerotti di Roma, and Crostone di Carne, all of which will tantalize your taste buds.
- Osteria di Monteverde
Osteria di Monteverde is the perfect spot for creative Italian cooking. The menu changes frequently based on seasonal ingredients, but you can always count on dishes such as Burrata con Peperonata Pecorino, Fregola al Nero di Seppia, and Ravioli del Coreano. All of these are prepared with seasonal ingredients mixed with classic Italian flavors.
- Il Margutta Ristorarte
Il Margutta Ristorarte is a modern Italian restaurant located in the heart of Rome. Here you will find a true gastronomic experience with dishes inspired by classic Italian flavors and a modern “avant-garde” touch. The menu features dishes such as Polenta Fritta, Servitello al Cacao and Tartara di Fegato d’Oca, all of which will be remembered for years to come.
- Il Grottino
Il Grottino is a family restaurant close to the Spanish Steps. Here you will find traditional Italian cuisine with a gourmet twist, such as Ravioli con Pane e Mortadella and Baccalà con Caponata. All of the dishes here are cooked with passion and top quality ingredients.
Indulge in Authentic Roman Street Food
Of course, it wouldn’t be a complete trip to Rome without indulging in some of the local street food. Here, you can try dishes such as suppli, pizza slices, prosciutto and cheese panini, or the ever-popular supplì al telefono. Here are some of the places where you can find the best Roman street food.
- Pizza Pazza
Pizza Pazza is widely considered to be one of the best places for pizza slices in Rome. Here, you can find classic Roman pizza with fresh and delicious ingredients, as well as more inventive options such as the pizza with gorgonzola and walnuts, or a four cheeses pizza.
- Suppli al Telefono
Suppli al Telefono is a popular spot for classic Roman suppli. This is a fried rice ball filled with tasty ingredients such as prosciutto, mozzarella, mushrooms, and so on. This spot is usually quite crowded, but it has some of the best suppli in the city.
- Trapizzino
Trapizzino is another popular spot for street food. Here, you can find pizza-like “triangles”, made with fresh ingredients such as mozzarella, vegetables and other toppings. These are perfect for a quick snack and a great alternative to classic pizza slices.
- Trapizzino 2.0
Trapizzino 2.0 is another spot for Roman pizza “triangles”, made with innovative flavors, from the classic mozzarella and tomato to more modern ones such as salmon and avocado. The quality of the ingredients is top-notch, so these triangles are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Discover Delicious Gelato
Dessert is an essential part of the Roman culinary experience, and gelato is a must. Here, you will find some of the richest and creamiest gelato in the world, in several flavors, from pistachio to stracciatella and even sparkling wine. Here are the places to go for the best gelato in the city.
- Ciampini
Ciampini has been making gelato since 1929, which makes it one of the most venerable gelato shops in Rome. Here you will find some truly excellent gelato, in flavors ranging from classic to more modern.
- Tre Scalini
Tre Scalini is an institution in Rome and probably the most famous gelato shop in the city. Here you will find an exquisite selection of flavors and an attentive staff eager to make sure you will have the best experience.
- Gelateria del Teatro
Gelateria del Teatro is a bit off the beaten track, but it is well worth the visit. In this gelato shop, you will find some truly delicious flavors, all locally-sourced with the freshest of ingredients.
- Gelateria dei Gracchi
Gelateria dei Gracchi is a real gem in the heart of Rome. Here you will find some of the richest and creamiest gelato in the city. You should try the viennetta and the basil gelato; both are simply excellent.
Treat Yourself to Fine Dining
Rome truly has something to offer for every taste. For something truly special, you should indulge in some fine-dining. Here are some of the best restaurants for an exquisite dinner.
- Metamorfosi
Metamorfosi is one of the most renowned restaurants in the city. It is run by chef Stefano Marzetti, who has created a menu with creative dishes and flavors inspired by ancient Roman tradition.
- La Pergola
La Pergola is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant in the Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. Here, you can find classic Italian flavors mixed with modern style and exquisite presentation.
- Il Convivio Troiani
Il Convivio Troiani is one of the most celebrated restaurants in Rome. Here, you will find classic Italian dishes with a contemporary gourmet touch, all presented with the utmost care and creativity.
- Glass Hostaria
Glass Hostaria is a two-Michelin-starred restaurant located in a 19th century palazzo. Here, you will find flavors of traditional Italian cuisine, combined with local Roman ingredients, for some truly innovative and exquisite dishes.
Discover the Eternal City Through its Food
Rome is a cultural and culinary hub, with excellent and unique cuisine that has been influencing the world for centuries. Here, you can find a truly unique and varied array of dishes, ranging from classic Roman cuisine to creative gourmet dishes. Whether you’re looking for traditional recipes or something more modern, you’re sure to find something that will tantalize
