The Eternal City is famous for its casual trattorias – think cured meats, deli counters, and pizza by the slice – called cucina povera, or “poor man’s cuisine”. Though there’s nothing sub-standard about the incredible flavours and seasonal ingredients that sing to your taste buds as the sun sets over the Campidoglio.
From Michelin star delicacies to classic recipes passed down through generations, you’ll find something to suit your tastes here.
Devour your way through the city with this handy guide, starting with our 10 best places to eat in Rome.
The 10 best restaurants in Rome
- CiPASSO Vineria Bistrot
- Roscioli
- Barred
- Marigold
- Seu Pizza Illuminati
- Verve Restaurant
- Pizza E Mozzarella
- Pane E Salame
- Imàgo
- Mimi e Coco
CiPASSO Vineria Bistrot
Address: Via Dell' Orso 71, 00186 Rome, Italy
Venture slightly off the beaten track to CiPASSO Vineria Bistrot, and you’ll discover why this elegant eatery is TripAdvisor’s number one Rome restaurant. Aside from its creative menu of delectable dishes (we love the octopus starter and smoked swordfish main), diners gush about the bistro’s exquisite wine list and stellar service. Room for dessert? CiPASSO Vineria Bistrot is famous among locals and tourists for its mouth-watering tiramisu.
Be sure to get there early as there are no reservations. And don’t be put off if there’s a bit of a queue either – just leave your name, grab a drink and come back – it will be worth the wait.
Roscioli
Address: Via Dei Giubbonari 21, 00186 Rome, Italy
Tucked away in Rome’s historic centre, Roscioli is a household name that’s owned by the city’s most famous baking family. With an extravagant menu of cheese, cured meats, and heavenly pasta dishes, Roscioli is famous for its creative use of ingredients. Oh, and its spectacular wine list is second-to-none if you want something to wash it all down with. It’s safe to say that if you’re looking for simple food and a familiar ambience, Roscioli probably isn’t for you. But that’s why we think other eateries pale in comparison.
This classic Roman haunt is adored by locals, tourists, and international culinary experts alike, so it’s worth booking quite far in advance to secure your spot.
Barred
Address: Via Cesena 30, 00182 Rome, Italy
Barred started out as an idea by two brothers with a passion for food and a commitment to great service. Fast forward a few years and this hipster hotspot is famous for its menu of seasonal dishes, each with their own creative twist. Enjoy a glass from the eatery’s famous orange wine selection and take in the rustic aesthetic, before tucking into something delicious. Drinks-wise, Barred comes into its own with an eclectic gin-based cocktail menu and a selection of craft beers to boot.
Marigold
Address: Via Giovanni da Empoli 37, 00154 Rome, Italy
Marigold’s doors officially opened in December 2008, making it a newcomer to the Rome dining scene. But what this minimalistic Scandi-inspired diner lacks in years it more than makes up for in creativity. The menu at Marigold changes daily and is crafted from the finest organic seasonal ingredients, all foraged from small businesses across the city.
Marigold is one of our favourite spots in Rome. But be warned: once you’ve sampled their avocado on toast with poached eggs and cinnamon swirls, it might just ruin all other brunches forever.
Seu Pizza Illuminati
Address: Via Angelo Bargoni 10 - 18, 00153 Rome, Italy
Want to try some of the best pizzas in Rome? Since 2017, chef Pier Daniele Seu has been wowing the public with his, frankly, incredible pizzas. In 2018, he opened Seu Pizza Illuminati, and this modern eatery has been continuously recognised as the city’s number one pizzeria ever since. Baked to mouth-watering perfection, the pizzas here are classic Italian, with an ultra-thin base and light, puffy crust – delicious!
Classic pizza lovers will find all their favourites on the menu, but if you want to try something a bit more creative, you’ll discover a range of tempting unorthodox ingredients like smoked salmon (our fave!) and purple lettuce.
Verve Restaurant
Address: Via Giulia 131 within the D.O.M Hotel, 00186 Rome, Italy
Often referred to as Rome’s ‘hidden gem’, the food at Verve not only tastes incredible but looks so good it could be considered art. Located within the DOM hotel in central Rome, the restaurant has its own roof terrace, making for a romantic and tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city below. Now, onto the food itself: Verve specialises in a tasting menu, so diners get to experience a wealth of different flavours and textures, all crafted from the finest ingredients.
Fancy a tipple? Verve is connected to the Deer Club, a well-established cocktail bar in Rome.
Pizza e Mozzarella
Address: Via di Pie' di Marmo 32, 00186 Rome, Italy
Located a few minutes’ walk from the Pantheon, Pizza E Mozzarella is a tiny blink-and-you-miss-it pizzeria that’s the epitome of casual Italian dining. Perfect for eating in or just grabbing a slice to munch as you explore the city, this family-run eatery boasts some of the best pizzas in Rome, and that’s saying something!
Go for a classic with a thin-base Margherita, try something new with a potato pizza, or choose from the selection of toppings available and create your own. There’s also great beer selection to wash it all down with, which is just one of many reasons why we return here again and again.
Pane E Salame
Address: Via di Santa Maria in Via 19, 00187 Rome, Italy
If you have a hankering for some authentic Italian street food during your trip, a visit to Pane E Salame is a must. Famed for its mouth-watering paninis and cheese platters, this no-fuss café is perfect for grabbing a quick bite to eat during a day of sightseeing.
Cheap and cheerful, Pane E Salame is known across the city for serving generous portions of antipasti - perfect for budget lunching in Rome. You’ll find a selection of salads, cheese, sandwiches, and cured meats, or you can order a sharing platter with a bit of everything.
Imàgo
Address: Piazza della Trinità Dei Monti 6, Hassler Roma Hotel, 00187 Rome, Italy
Michelin star, check. Panoramic view of the city, check. Carefully crafted menu from the finest ingredients, check. Imàgo is a fine dining extravaganza that’s always dressed to impress. Located at the top of the Spanish Steps in the famous Hotel Hassier, diners here are treated to an unrivalled vision of The Eternal City. Many of Rome’s most ancient and iconic landmarks can be seen whilst you’re tucking into some of the restaurant’s exquisite dishes – see if you can spot the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Campidoglio, and the Pantheon.
But it’s not all about the views. Imàgo’s menu fuses classic Italian flavours with refined Japanese elements – resulting in some unique yet seriously tasty servings. We loved the spaghetti, cetriolo di mare, ricci e pecorino (sea cucumber, sea urchins, and pecorino cheese). You’re welcome.
Mimi e Coco
Address: Via del Governo Vecchio 72, 00186 Rome, Italy
With a range of delicious food, friendly waiters, and a simply fabulous wine list, Mimi e Coco is one of Rome’s most well-loved restaurants. This place is a must-visit for any lovers of classic Italian cuisine as it’s famous across the city for its hearty dishes – think spaghetti alla carbonara, ricotta ravioli, and lasagne.
Located on a quiet street just a few steps from Piazza Navona, this traditional eatery treats diners to an authentic Italian dining experience without breaking the bank.
Michelin star restaurants in Rome
La Pergola – Three Michelin Stars
Located in the spectacular Rome Cavalieri, La Pergola has fine dining down to a tee. Let’s start with the space itself: La Pergola boasts an unparalleled view across Rome, so you can take in some of the world’s most celebrated landmarks as you tuck into an award-winning dish. Tear yourself away from the windows and you’ll discover that La Pergola is trimmed with rare tapestries and original paintings – in fact, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d strolled into an upmarket gallery or museum at first glance.
Food-wise, it will come as no surprise that La Pergola’s menu is out of this world. Choose from a selection of creative à la carte dishes or indulge in a 10-course taster menu. There’s something to suit all tastes here, but the sea bass and friggitelli are known to be incredible.
Il Pagliaccio – Two Michelin Stars
Known for serving classic Italian dishes with modern twists, Il Pagliaccio is owned by chef Anthony Genovese. Genovese was born to Calabrian parents and developed his craft and passion for food whilst living in Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand, and you can notice these exotic influences across the restaurant’s creative menu.
Diners can go all-out with an eight or ten-course tasting menu, or select a three-course option at lunchtime.
Hostaria Acquolina – One Michelin Star
Seafood fans, rejoice! This one’s for you. Hostaria Acquolina is consistently voted as the best seafood restaurant in Rome, and with its diverse menu, stellar service, and delightful ambience it’s easy to see why.
Crafted from freshly caught cuisine, the menu here is all about blending classic seafood with bursts of flavour and texture. Think eel with vinegar and lentils, and cuttlefish with pine nut and orange. And it’s not all about the food, Hostaria Acquolina is just as famous for its cocktails as it is for its cooking – we love the Tampico for a citrusy treat.
Famous Restaurants in Rome
Aroma
Not only does Aroma have its own Michelin star, but it’s also famous for its unparalleled view of the Colosseum. Diners both indoors and out on the balcony can watch the sunset over the ancient landmark, as they enjoy some heavenly pasta or sip some bubbles. So, it’s the perfect place to get a spectacular holiday photo.
Diners at Aroma can choose between a creative à la carte or go all-out with a tasting menu. Our highlights include the crispy paprika octopus on bread lemon cream and the oxtail-stuffed ravioli. Want something to wash it all down with? Aroma is renowned for its champagne. Bottoms up!
Minerva Roof Garden at Grand Hotel de la Minerve
Nestled in the heart of the city in one of Rome’s grandest hotels, the Minerva Roof Garden boasts a fabulous view of the Pantheon and an even better selection of food and drinks. Let’s start with the location: it’s one of the best restaurants near the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps, so it’s a great place to stop and eat after exploring these landmarks.
The head chef Antonio Flaco is a world-traveller whose passion for modern cuisine shines through in the menu. Every dish is made using fresh, authentic ingredients and is presented in such a way it almost looks too good to eat. Almost.
Il Fungo Quattordicesimo Piano
Il Fungo Quattordicesimo Piano is famous for its unique aesthetic that stands out from the surrounding architecture. But take the lift to the 14th floor, and you’ll discover one of Rome’s most elegant spaces, complete with mouth-watering cuisine and a 360-degree view of the Eternal City below.
When it comes to food, Il Fungo Quattordicesimo Piano serves a variety of tempting dishes with a focus on seafood. Try the ravioli with scampi cream or the tagliolini with mushrooms and sea urchins – you won’t be disappointed. Room for dessert? We couldn’t get enough of the mouth-watering homemade sorbets for a fresh and fruity end to the meal.
Getting around Rome
Getting around Rome is easy if you know how. The best way to really experience everything its neighbourhoods has to offer is to set off on foot. Walking through Rome gives you time to discover hidden gems and architecture that you wouldn’t necessarily notice otherwise.
However, Rome is pretty big, so using public transport is a must if you want to see everything. The metro has three lines that run diagonally across the city and has stops near the main attractions. Buy a daily or weekly metro pass to save money and time during your trip. Want to hop on the metro? It’s open from 05:30 to 23:30 during the week and until 01:30 on weekends.
Another way to get around Rome is by bus. Due to the limitations of the metro, buses are especially useful if you want to explore more than just the city centre and its main landmarks. Rome currently has 338 day buses and 22 night buses, and tickets can easily be purchased at newsstands, convenience stores, and metro stations.
Taking the train to Rome?
You can easily reach Rome by train from any major city in Italy thanks to the frequent high-speed rail connections operated by Trenitalia and Italo. The most popular routes are from Venice to Rome (3h 15m), Milan to Rome (3h 10m), Florence to Rome (1h 18m) and Naples to Rome (1h 08m).
Need more information about travelling to Rome by train? Check out our dedicated page to trains to Rome.