Everything You Need to Know About Eating and Drinking Your Way Through Rome
Rome, a city steeped in history and culture, is a paradise for food lovers. Beyond its iconic landmarks and ancient ruins lies a vibrant culinary scene that tantalizes the taste buds. From traditional trattorias serving up classic Roman fare to trendy enotecas showcasing innovative dishes, the Eternal City offers an endless array of dining experiences. Whether you're seeking a casual bite or a sophisticated feast, Rome's diverse restaurant landscape is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate.
It is true that this city is full of amazing food. The highlights are the three Roman pastas (carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana) but there are dozens of other local specialties (see our guide to ordering from an Italian menu). The good news is that eating at restaurants in Rome is relatively cheap – if you go to where the locals eat, you can usually get a really delicious 2- or 3-course dinner including wine for around €20-25 per person, or around €10 for lunch. Given the quality of the cooking and the ingredients, that’s an absolute bargain.
Unfortunately, though, there are also some horrendous food joints in Rome that are set up to do nothing more than rip off unsuspecting travelers. Tourists generally have more money in their pockets than the locals are unfamiliar with what restaurants normally charge, and are sometimes less discerning about the food than people who live here.
Tourist traps charge high prices for poor food. In the short time you have in Rome, you don't want to eat badly. Learn how to avoid wasting money in the traps, and eat like a local.
The worst experience we have heard of in Rome was near Piazza Navona, a client being served a frozen supermarket spaghetti meal reheated in a microwave oven, and being charged nearly €30 just for that one plate of slop.
Below are six tips to help you spot obvious tourist traps and avoid them. Of course, not all of these warnings apply to every bad restaurant, and occasionally some good places have some of these attributes too, but below are some broad brush-strokes that can help you avoid the absolute worst end of the spectrum, and enjoy the higher-quality, lower price food that the locals do.
💁🏻♂️ Look out for people inviting you in
This is the absolute #1 giveaway. Any restaurant with any kind of reputation will never have to resort to hawkers outside trying to smooth-talk or flirt you into their premises. While there may be exceptions to the other signs, this one’s absolute 100%. As Douglas Adams once said: “it is a well-known fact that those people who must want to rule people are, ipso facto, those least suited to do it”. Similarly, if people are insisting you visit their restaurant, then by no means should you fulfill their request.
⛪️ Check if you are less than 200 yards from a famous attraction
This is an absolute certainty. Any restaurant that can afford to be near the Trevi Fountain or the Spanish Steps is going to have to charge an absolute fortune to pay the vast rent on their premises. Such restaurants could be in the fine dining category, of which there are several wonderful examples in Rome, but the majority are in the category of “gouge unsuspecting tourists for every penny we can get”. If you want to eat well for a fair price, head away from the major attractions. Every year there are outraged newspaper stories about people who got charged something like €65 for a bowl of ice cream because they sat down at a restaurant table in Piazza Navona.
🍕 See if the menus are laminated
This one’s a bit more controversial as there are few excellent establishments scattered around the city that have chosen the two-sided single-sheet laminated menu as the way to display their fare – particularly more modern establishments that are trying a new take on Roman classics – but the majority of good Italian restaurants are steeped in tradition and will present the menu (and wine list) in book format.
🇺🇸 Look for a menu in English outside
There’s nothing wrong with having English-language menus – sometimes even the most traditional trattoria has a translated menu that they can dig out of the back for you (though if the number of English menus in the establishment outweighs the Italian ones that is a bad sign), but displaying one outside says “we care more about tourists than Romans” – and they’ll likely price upwards and skimp on ingredients accordingly.
🇮🇹 Check if there are Italians in the restaurant
This one should be obvious. If every single table is full of a United Nations of tourists, and there’s not one word of Italian being spoken by the diners, then the owners are clearly not catering to local tastes.
🍝 See if there are pictures of the food
A habit beloved of fast food joints, not classy eateries. Ask yourself why any self-respecting Italian restaurant would need to show its local customers what a plate of rigatoni looks like?
🧂 Is there Salt and pepper on the table?
The last one is the most subtle. In Italian culture, it is expected that the seasoning of any dish is the job of the chef, not the diner. Therefore Italian restaurants rarely put salt on the table, and never put pepper on it. If you see salt and pepper on the table before you arrive, then the restaurant is definitely not intended for Italians. Let alone ketchup and so on.
To avoid such places, just walk down the lanes or alleyways near the major attractions to find somewhere that avoids any of the tell-tale signs on this page, and you will likely have a wonderful dining experience. Sometimes 5 minutes walk is all it will take: for example from Piazza Navona head for five minutes down Via dei Coronari or Via del Governo Vecchio for and dive into the alleyways and tiny piazzas there to find some amazing authentic hole-in-the-wall places.
If you really want to eat like a local, jump on public transport (or get a taxi) and travel three or more stops away from Termini. Find a random trattoria wherever you arrive you’ll be amazed at the price and quality. We recommend Da Enrico near Bologna metro station and Osteria Bonelli near the Berardi stop of the RMG streetcar line from Termini.
Rome's Finest: Our Handpicked Restaurant Guide
Our team has spent countless hours exploring Rome's culinary scene, forging relationships with local chefs and restaurateurs. We've dined in hidden trattorias, sampled dishes from street vendors, and indulged in fine dining experiences. This insider knowledge, combined with our passion for food and travel, allows us to curate an authentic and unforgettable gastronomic journey for you. Whether you're craving classic Roman pasta, wood-fired pizza, or innovative fusion cuisine, we've got you covered with our list of favorites
Hostaria Costanza - A must-visit for history buffs and food lovers alike. This charming trattoria is rumored to have once hosted the likes of Julius Caesar and Brutus, adding a touch of intrigue to its already delicious offerings. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of ancient Rome while savoring traditional Roman cuisine prepared with a modern twist. Their pasta dishes, in particular, are legendary. Nestled within the historic ruins of the Teatro di Pompeo, this charming osteria offers a captivating ambiance and a menu brimming with classic Roman dishes. Indulge in the rich flavors of traditional pasta, succulent grilled meats, and hearty stews, all prepared with the freshest local ingredients. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply craving a taste of Italy, Hostaria Costanza is a must-visit for any traveler exploring Rome's culinary scene. https://www.hostariacostanza.it/
Alle Carrette - After a morning exploring the grandeur of the Colosseum, refuel at Alle Carrette, a local favorite just steps away. This unassuming pizzeria packs a flavorful punch with its crispy, Roman-style pies. Don't be fooled by its casual atmosphere - the pizza here is pure perfection. With a bustling ambiance and a menu brimming with classic toppings, Alle Carrette offers a delicious and authentic taste of Rome that will leave you craving more. It's the perfect spot to recharge before continuing your Roman adventure.
Aroma - For an unforgettable culinary experience in Rome, look no further than Aroma Restaurant. Perched atop the prestigious Palazzo Manfredi Hotel, this Michelin-starred gem offers breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Colosseum. Chef Giuseppe di Iorio's exquisite menu celebrates traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Every dish is a masterpiece, making Aroma the epitome of fine dining in the Eternal City. While the restaurant's unrivaled location and culinary excellence make it the perfect choice for special occasions, be prepared to splurge. A seafood tagliolini or the seven-course tasting menu are culinary journeys worth savoring, but they come with a price tag to match. If you're seeking a truly lavish dining experience with an unbeatable backdrop, Aroma is an absolute must-visit. Open daily for dinner, also for lunch on Fri-Sat.-Sun. $$$-$$$$. Via Labicana 125, Rome. Phone +39 9761 5109. https://www.manfredihotels.com/en/aroma/
Armando Al Pantheon -This tiny restaurant, just steps from the Pantheon, is as authentic as they come! Open since 1961, they continue to serve up delicious, traditional Roman fare like homemade pastas alla carbonara (egg, bacon, Romano cheese, and lots of ground black pepper) and alla matriciana (guanciale bacon in a spicy tomato sauce with Romano cheese). Look beyond pasta for hearty Roman classics like pollo con peperoni and polpette (meatballs). Reservations by phone are essential, even at lunchtime. Closed Sun. $$-$$$. Salita de' Crescenzi 31, 00186 Rome. Phone: +39 066 8803034. https://www.armandoalpantheon.it/en/
Enoteca Corsi - This wine store and osteria is always bustling with customers for its daily menu of traditional Roman dishes like saltimbocca (a thin veal medallion with prosciutto and sage) and traditional pastas like gnocchi and carbonara. Decor is Roman enoteca straight out of the 1940s - walls lined with bottles from floor to ceiling, wooden chairs and tables, paper tablecloths, and limited elbow room. Good fun and great value. Closed Sat. dinner and all day Sun. Reservations not accepted except for large parties. No credit cards. $. Via del Gesù 87/88, Rome. Phone +39 06 679 0821. http://www.enotecacorsi.com.
La Rosetta - A famous restaurant just off the Pantheon and considered by many to be the finest seafood restaurant in Rome. Go expecting a culinary treat and a lengthy meal. Dinner is expensive; the food at lunch is just as good and the prices far more reasonable. Try the fish soup. Open Tues.-Sun. non-stop from noon-11:30pm; closed Mon. lunch. Reservations recommended. Dress up for dinner. $$$$. Via della Rosetta 8, Rome. Phone +39 06 686 1002. http://www.larosetta.com.
Pierluigi dal 1938 - Just steps from the Campo dei Fiori, Pierluigi is a beloved source for centuries-old Roman recipes, and is renowned for its fresh fish and seafood. Start with spaghetti con frutti di mare (spaghetti in seafood sauce), and then proceed to pesce al sale (fish baked in a salt crust) or calamari e gamberi fritti (fried squid and shrimp). Vegetarian specialties include pasta e fagioli (pasta and beans) and minestra di broccoli (broccoli soup). Be sure to eat outside in the warmer months - the location is beautiful! Reservations recommended. Closed Mon. $$$$. Piazza de' Ricci 144, 00186 Roma RM. Phone +39 06 686 8717. https://www.pierluigi.i
Osteria Margutta - Cobblestoned Via Margutta, lined with artisan shops and art dealers, is one of the most charming in central Rome, and Osteria Margutta’s vine-draped facade is a landmark on the street. Since 1974, it has fed famous artists, writers, directors, and actors such as Giorgio De Chirico, Pier Paolo Pasolini, Natalia Ginzburg, and Federico Fellini. Dine on traditional Roman recipes in this historic atmosphere. Reservations recommended, especially for an outdoor table. Closed Sun. dinner, Mon. at lunch. $$. Via Margutta 82, Rome. Phone +39 06 323 1025. http://www.osteriamargutta.it
La Pergola - A superb restaurant suspended above the Eternal City in the magnificent setting of the panoramic roof garden of the Hotel Cavalieri. Careful selection of the best-quality ingredients, successful culinary combinations, and an added dose of creativity all come together in Chef Heinz Beck’s exceptional 3-star Michelin cuisine (the only restaurant in Rome with three stars and one of 11 in the entire country). The excellent service leaves nothing to chance, especially when it comes to the personalized wine recommendations. Reservations essential. Open Tues.-Sat. for dinner. Closed Sun. and Mon. $$$$. Via Cadlolo 101, Rome. Phone +39 06 3509 2152. https://romecavalieri.com/la-pergola/
La Taverna del Ghetto Kosher - In the heart of the Jewish Quarter, this restaurant serves typical Jewish-Roman dishes. Kosher Italian cuisine is not well-known outside of Italy, but many Romans consider it the best example of the city's culinary traditions. If tortino di alicotti all'indivia (anchovy and endive casserole) is on the menu, be sure to order it. Open daily, 11:30am-11:30pm. $$-$$$. Via Portico d'Ottavia 8, Rome. Phone +39 06 6880 9771. http://www.latavernadelghetto.com
Antico Arco - Located at the tip of a hill above Trastevere, the gracious 18th century palace that houses the Antico Arco is the ideal venue for an elegant dinner overlooking the Eternal City. The sophisticated menu offers traditional dishes with a modern edge and impeccable presentation. Try the homemade tagliolini with shrimp, cantarelli mushrooms and thyme, or the carbonara con spaghetti “Verrigni” with black truffle. Reservations should be made a week in advance. Open noon-midnight; closed Tuesday. $$$. Piazzale Aurelio 7, Rome. Phone +39 06 581 5274. http://www.anticoarco.it
Le Jardin de Russie - Despite its French name, this restaurant serves decidedly Italian cuisine with a creative and contemporary flair. A meal in their verdant ‘secret garden’ at the foot of the Pincio hill is a memorable experience. There’s an extensive buffet at lunch time, and brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays. Open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. $$-$$$. Via del Babuino 9, Rome. Phone +39 06 3288 8870. https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-de-russie/dining/le-jardin-de-russie/
Il Convivio Troiani - Situated in the maze of alleyways not far from Piazza Navona, this 1-star Michelin restaurant welcomes its guests in elegant, themed dining rooms – the Chiostro (cloister room), Loggia (the old entrance), Rimessa (carriage room) and the Galleria (art room). The menu features skillful reinterpretations of classic dishes from Lazio and Italy with the occasional imaginative twist, while the wine list offers a tempting selection of 3,600 wines, many available by the glass. Reservations recommended. Open for dinner; closed Sun. $$$. Vicolo dei Soldati 31, Rome. Phone +39 686 9432. https://www.ilconviviotroiani.it/en/
Felice a Testaccio - Open since 1936, Felice a Testaccio is a family-run restaurant located in the trendy yet lesser known Roman neighborhood of Testaccio. Locals crawl all over this area since it has some of the best restaurants, trattorie and osterie in town. Felice is one of the standouts and offers the Roman classics - tonnarelli cacio e pepe, spaghetti alla carbonara and saltimbocca - in a low-key environment, with a simple and tasteful dining room. Reservations are required and rarely accepted the day of the meal. $$-$$$. Via Mastro Giorgio 29, Rome. Phone +39 06 574 6800. https://www.feliceatestaccio.com/#
Angelina - This popular restaurant has two locations: a quaint tavern near the Trevi Fountain and a spacious restaurant with a rooftop terrace in Testaccio. Both offer one of the best Sunday brunches in Rome. Angelina doesn't close between lunch and dinner so it’s the perfect place for a late lunch or early dinner. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the whitewashed decor and green plants make it feel like a country home. The menu offers a dizzying selection of unique takes on traditional fare, from offal to T-bone Florentine steaks. $$. Testaccio location: Via Galvani 24, Rome. Phone +39 06 5728 3840. Trevi Fountain location: Via Poli 27, Rome. Phone +39 06 679 7274. http://www.ristoranteangelina.com/en/ristorante-angelina-a-testaccio.html
Trattoria Monti - An upmarket trattoria in the Monti district that is more difficult to get into than many top restaurants. The reasons for its popularity? Friendly service and ambience, excellent food and a huge wine list with reasonable markups. The cuisine, like the Camerucci family that runs the place, is from the region of Le Marche. Savor local treats like olive all'ascolana (huge green olives, stuffed with meat and fried) or the rich, baked pasta dish called vincisgrassi. There’s also fish from the Adriatic and black truffles in season. Reserve well in advance. Closed Sun. for dinner and all day Mon. $$. Via di San Vito 13, Rome. Phone +39 06 446 6573.
Etabli - Eatbli's culinary style mixes authentic Roman tradition and innovative creativity in dishes such as tonnarelli cacio e pepe, salmon tartare, and eggplant Parmesan. Vegans will delight in the tabbouleh salad or the medallions of black beans, mushrooms, and potatoes. It’s open nonstop for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is a favorite spot for an after-dinner drink in the heart of the Roman nightlife, just a 3-minute walk from Piazza Navona. Reservations recommended for dinner. $$. Vicolo delle Vacche 9, Rome. Phone +39 06 9761 6694. http://www.etabli.it.
Salumeria Roscioli - Four generations of Roscioli have worked in enogastronomy, starting with their bakery around the corner on Via dei Chiavari. In 2002, Alessandro and Pierluigi transformed the family grocery store into a multi-functional deli, unconventional restaurant, and rich and varied wine bar boasting 2,800 labels. Diners can choose to sit at high seats at the counter, at tables set up in front of the deli counter, in the long restaurant room, or downstairs in the wine cellar. Reservations are required and rarely accepted the day of the meal. $$-$$$. Via dei Giubbonari, 21, Rome. Phone: +39 06 687 5287. https://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/en/home-english/
Ristorante '34' dal 1968 - This small, reasonably-priced restaurant near the Spanish Steps is tucked between shops where big-name designers sell handbags and shoes. It serves up first-rate Roman dishes from a huge menu that promises to deliver “Italian cooking at 360 degrees.” Reservations recommended. $$. Via Mario de Fiori 34,, Rome. Phone +39 06 679 5091. http://www.ristoranteal34.
Taverna Trilussa - One-hundred-twelve years of history stands behind this bustling Trastevere eatery. It’s so Roman that the menu is written in the local dialect. A mix of Romans and tourists make up the crowd, served by an experienced and helpful waitstaff. Ravioli mimosa, the taverna's signature dish, has won various culinary awards. Two tasting menus are offered, too, and one of the wine lists focuses on underrated regional bottles from Lazio. Reservation recommended. Closed Sun. $$-$$$. Via del Politeama 23-25, Rome. Phone +39 06 581 8918. http://www.tavernatrilussa.com
Taverna Giulia - This lovely restaurant has been serving traditional Ligurian food on a quiet side street at the northern end of Via Giulia for over 70 years. Fresh basil for making the inimitable Genovese pesto comes from Prà, where the best basil is grown. It tops pastas such as trenette, gnocchi, lasagnette, and trofie. There’s even basil sorbet on the menu! Main courses include grilled fillet of beef with basil sauce and a good choice of fish dishes. Closed Sun. $$-$$$. Vicolo dell'Oro 23, Rome. Phone +39 06 686 9768. http://www.tavernagiulia.it.
Hostaria da Vincenzo - The friendly service at this busy seafood restaurant near Termini train station is surpassed only by the quality of the food. Ably run by the Crosti family for 50 years, Mamma Lina still makes all the egg pasta by hand (the desserts are homemade, too). Her husband, Vincenzo, can suggest a Sicilian or Sardinian dry white wine from the well-stocked cellar to accompany your meal. And if you order a whole fish like branzino (sea bass) or rombo (turbot) as a main course, the server will fillet the fish for you. Closed Sun. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Via Castelfidardo 4a, Rome. Phone +39 06 484 596. https://www.hostariadavincenzo.it/#
Hostaria Antica Roma - Situated amidst the greenery of the Appia Antica Regional Park, Hostaria Antica Roma is an ideal choice when visiting the Catacombs of San Callisto. History buffs will appreciate that one wall of the dining room is actually an ancient columbarium. The menu features ancient recipes like Pollo Oxizomum (roast chicken covered in fish sauce) or seasonal dishes such as peach tiramisù, served strictly during peach season. Book a table in the beautiful outdoor garden during the warmer seasons. Closed Sun. dinner and all day Mon. $$-$$$. Via Appia Antica 176, Rome. Phone 348-792-6955. https://www.facebook.com/apicio68/
Pizzeria Panattoni "Ai Marmi" - This pizzeria, probably the best-known in Rome, is called l'obitorio ("the morgue") because of its minimalist interior. Rectangular marble tables fill the large, white room. Despite the simple decor, it's packed most nights with lively crowds, often including celebrities. The wood-burning oven is in the corner so you can keep an eye on the pizza-making process. Open 6:30pm-midnight, closed Mon.. Reservations not accepted. No credit cards. $. Viale Trastevere 53-59, Rome. Phone +39 06 580 0919. https://www.facebook.com/aimarmi/
Pizzeria La Montecarlo - In summer, the alley outside this pizzeria not far from Piazza Navona is filled with tables of boisterous Romans. In winter, the crowds move indoors to gorge on thin and crispy pizzas and fritti misti: fried zucchini flowers, suppli (rice balls stuffed with mozzarella and tomato and fried) and olive ascolane (olives stuffed with pork and fried). Classic Roman pasta and meat specialties are on the menu, too. Open noon-midnight, closed Mon. No credit cards. $. Vicolo Savelli 13, Rome. Phone +39 06 686 1877. https://www.lamontecarlo.it/
Supplizio - The name of this place means "torment," a wordplay on supplì, the traditional Roman appetizer that owner and chef Arcangelo Dandini loves and fries up in several tasty versions like cacio & pepe or carbonara. Other street food items on the menu are crispy codfish fillets, meatless meatballs made with eggplant or anchovies, and smoked potato croquettes. Prices range from 2 euros to 8 euros per serving. Closed Sun. $. Via dei Banchi Vecchi 143. Phone +39 06 8987 1920. https://www.supplizioroma.it/en/
When in Rome, hit up a Rooftop Bar!
Bio Hotel Raphael - An intimate rooftop bar and restaurant where you can enjoy gourmet vegetarian and organic food and wines accompanied by a spectacular 360-degree-view of the rooftops of Rome.
Aroma Restaurant at Palazzo Manfredi - The one-star Michelin restaurant atop the luxurious Palazzo Manfredi boasts a close-up view of the Colosseum, along with fantastic gourmet food, both á la carte or as a full tasting menu. Pricey but sure to be a memory of a lifetime!
Terrazza Borromini at Eitch Hotel - A wing of the historic 17th century Pamphili Palace in Piazza Navona offers both a 4th floor rooftop restaurant and a 5th floor rooftop bar (nicknamed “La Grande Bellezza”) where you’ll be wowed by incredible views of the famous piazza below.
Hotel Forum Rooftop - Known for its great service and friendly atmosphere, this double-decker venue is a large roof garden restaurant and, on top of that, a small and cozy cocktail bar. The views of the Roman Forum from up here are unparalleled!
Tiziano Terrace at Monti Palace Hotel - Located in the trendy Monti neighborhood just a 10- minute walk from the Colosseum, the modern Tiziano Terrace is a stylish lounge bar that leads out to a charming open-air terrace with sweeping views over the Roman skyline.
47 Circus Roof Garden at Fortyseven Hotel - Decorated in a minimalist style, this airy roof garden is only open in the warmer months. There’s also a rooftop restaurant serving fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
As you can see, from the timeless trattorias serving classic Roman fare to the innovative eateries pushing culinary boundaries, Rome is a city that truly delights the palate. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a casual diner, there's a perfect restaurant waiting to be discovered. Let our travel experts craft a customized itinerary that includes the best dining experiences Rome has to offer. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable culinary adventure!
