Rome is a city where history, culture, and food intertwine in the most delightful ways. From the cobbled streets of Trastevere to the majestic piazzas of the Historic Center, each neighborhood offers a distinct culinary flavor. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the 35 best restaurants in Rome, broken down by neighborhood, each offering something unique and authentic. Whether you’re searching for a cozy trattoria or a modern dining experience, this list has you covered. A signature dish is recommended at each spot to help you fully immerse in the Roman culinary scene.
TIP: Don’t forget to check out our guide for eating in Italy.
1. Trastevere
Known for its bohemian charm and buzzing nightlife, Trastevere offers some of the most authentic dining experiences in Rome.
- Da Enzo al 29
A beloved local institution, Da Enzo is known for its simple but perfectly executed Roman classics. Its tiny interior is always packed with locals and tourists alike.
Order: Cacio e pepe
Website - Osteria Trattoria Da Dada
A hidden gem with a homey atmosphere, offering hearty Roman dishes in generous portions. A great stop for comfort food.
Order: Amatriciana
Website - Hosteria del Moro
A lively spot with a charming outdoor area, perfect for enjoying classic Roman dishes like saltimbocca while watching the world go by.
Order: Saltimbocca alla Romana
Website - Taverna Trilussa
Famous for its pasta dishes, especially served in traditional copper pans, this elegant yet rustic eatery is a Trastevere favorite.
Order: Fettuccine Alfredo
Website - Antica Osteria Rugantino
Offering an old-school Roman vibe, this trattoria serves classic dishes in a cozy, traditional setting.
Order: Rigatoni alla Pajata
Website
2. Monti
This trendy neighborhood near the Colosseum is known for its vibrant energy and great dining spots, blending tradition with contemporary twists.
- La Carbonara
A historic restaurant that has been serving some of the best carbonara in Rome for over a century. Its vintage charm is hard to beat.
Order: Carbonara
Website - Cuoco & Camicia
Modern and innovative, this trattoria focuses on seasonal and organic ingredients, making it a standout in the area.
Order: Gnocchi with shellfish
Website - Trattoria il Tettarello
Known for its crispy Roman pizza and generous pasta dishes, Il Tettarello is a casual, family-friendly spot with a loyal local following.
Order: Pizza Margherita
Website - Temakinho Monti
A lively fusion of Italian and Japanese flavors, Temakinho specializes in sushi rolls with a Brazilian twist, perfect for something unique.
Order: Temaki with shrimp and avocado
Website - Ai Tre Scalini
A buzzing wine bar that doubles as a trattoria, offering an impressive selection of Italian wines alongside delicious small plates and classic Roman fare.
Order: Porchetta
Website
3. Campo de’ Fiori
This iconic square, famous for its morning market and vibrant nightlife, is surrounded by some of Rome’s best traditional restaurants.
- Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina
A true foodie paradise, part gourmet deli, part restaurant. The focus here is on the best-quality Italian ingredients, from cheeses to cured meats.
Order: Tagliolini with black truffle
Website - Antica Hostaria Romanesca
A classic Roman trattoria with outdoor seating right on Campo de’ Fiori. It’s perfect for a traditional Roman meal while people-watching.
Order: Trippa alla Romana
Website - Ristorante Ditirambo
Offering inventive dishes made with seasonal ingredients, this charming restaurant near Campo de’ Fiori is known for its contemporary take on Italian classics.
Order: Fettuccine with mushrooms and black truffle
Website - Hostaria Farnese
Located on a quiet street near the square, this cozy restaurant serves excellent pasta dishes in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Order: Bucatini all’Amatriciana
Website - La Carbonara Campo de’ Fiori
No relation to the Monti institution, this restaurant offers its own take on Roman classics in a slightly more upscale environment.
Order: Spaghetti alla carbonara
Website
4. Centro Storico (Historic Center)
Home to Rome’s most famous landmarks, including the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, this area is rich in dining options that mix history with flavor.
- Armando al Pantheon
Just steps from the Pantheon, this historic restaurant serves authentic Roman dishes in a cozy, wood-paneled dining room.
Order: Veal saltimbocca
Website - Ristorante Santa Lucia
A hidden gem near Piazza Navona, this elegant restaurant features a beautiful garden and a menu of Roman and Mediterranean dishes.
Order: Bucatini all’Amatriciana
Website - La Tavernetta 48
This small, family-run trattoria is located near the Trevi Fountain and is known for its simple but flavorful Roman cooking.
Order: Pasta alla Gricia
Website - La Matricianella
An old-school trattoria specializing in Roman classics like carciofi alla giudia (fried artichokes) and traditional pasta dishes.
Order: Rigatoni alla Matriciana
Website - Cul de Sac
One of Rome’s oldest wine bars, offering a huge selection of wines alongside a menu of regional Italian dishes, right off Piazza Navona.
Order: Duck ragù
Website
5. Vatican / Prati
This quieter, upscale neighborhood near the Vatican Museums offers a more refined dining experience, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
- Ristorante dei Musei
Located just steps from the Vatican Museums, this cozy restaurant serves traditional Roman dishes and is perfect for a quick bite after a day of culture.
Order: Lasagna alla Bolognese
Website - Romeo Chef & Baker
A chic and modern dining spot that offers creative, contemporary Italian cuisine with an attached bakery and gourmet market.
Order: Roasted pork belly
Website - Pizzarium
A must-visit for pizza lovers, this famous pizzeria by Gabriele Bonci serves some of the best pizza al taglio (by the slice) in Rome, with gourmet toppings.
Order: Pizza with potato and rosemary
Website - La Pergola
Located within the Rome Cavalieri Hotel, La Pergola is Rome’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant, offering exquisite fine dining with panoramic views.
Order: Fagottelli La Pergola
Website - Osteria delle Commari
A charming trattoria offering Roman comfort food with a touch of modern flair, located near the Vatican walls.
Order: Coda alla vaccinara
Website
6. Piazza Navona / Pantheon
These two iconic landmarks are surrounded by elegant, classic Roman restaurants where you can dine with a view of some of Rome’s most beautiful squares.
- La Fiaschetta
A cozy, family-run restaurant just off Piazza Navona. It’s perfect for a quiet meal, away from the crowds, with a focus on hearty Roman dishes.
Order: Rigatoni alla Carbonara
Website - Pietro Valentini Ristorante
Known for its fresh seafood and homemade pasta, this charming restaurant is tucked away on a side street near the Pantheon.
Order: Linguine with clams*
Website - Maccheroni
Located in a lively corner near Piazza Navona, Maccheroni offers a menu full of Roman staples, served in a rustic, energetic environment.
Order: Spaghetti alla carbonara
Website - Osteria del Sostegno
Hidden down a narrow alley near the Pantheon, this intimate osteria serves delicious Roman classics in a charming, intimate setting.
Order: Saltimbocca alla Romana
Website - Alfredo alla Scrofa
Home of the world-famous Fettuccine Alfredo, this historic restaurant has been serving creamy pasta to celebrities and tourists since 1914.
Order: Fettuccine Alfredo
Website
7. Trevi / Spanish Steps
The bustling area around the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps is home to some of Rome’s most picturesque and well-loved dining spots.
- Ristorante Alla Rampa
Located near the Spanish Steps, this trattoria is known for its seafood and Roman classics, served in an elegant yet casual setting.
Order: Spaghetti alla vongole
Website - Il Chianti Vineria
Just steps from the Trevi Fountain, this Tuscan-style restaurant offers rustic dishes and an extensive wine list in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Order: Ribollita
Website - Ristorante Crispi 19
A hidden gem near the Spanish Steps, Crispi 19 offers a refined menu focused on fresh seafood and modern Italian cuisine in an elegant setting.
Order: Black cod with potatoes
Website - La Prosciutteria Trevi
Specializing in Italian cured meats and cheeses, this popular spot offers delicious platters perfect for sharing, along with a selection of wines.
Order: Prosciutto platter
Website - Ristorante Sora Lucia
A classic Roman trattoria near the Trevi Fountain, Sora Lucia is known for its traditional pasta dishes and charming, old-world atmosphere.
Order: Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe
Website
With these 50 restaurants, you’re now equipped to explore the rich culinary landscape of Rome’s most iconic neighborhoods. Whether you’re indulging in traditional Roman dishes like carbonara or discovering modern Italian cuisine, your Roman dining experience will be nothing short of extraordinary. Buon appetito!
