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Rome · Where to Eat

Best Restaurants in Rome

Rome skyline with the Colosseum

One of the great food capitals of the world. Roman cuisine relies on a handful of ingredients and centuries of tradition.

On this page
  1. Top Restaurants
  2. Quick Picks
  3. What to Order
  4. Best Areas
  5. Local Tips

Rome is one of the great food capitals of the world. Meals here are not rushed experiences, they are long conversations over pasta, wine, and simple ingredients prepared with care. Roman cuisine relies on a handful of ingredients and centuries of culinary tradition. Pecorino Romano, guanciale, olive oil, and fresh pasta appear across the city. Recipes are simple, but technique matters.

Top Restaurants in Rome

Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (Historic Centre)

Refined Roman classics and one of the city's most famous carbonaras.

Roscioli is widely considered one of the best restaurants in Rome for traditional cuisine with a refined approach. Located near Campo de' Fiori, it combines a restaurant, wine bar, and delicatessen in one lively space. Shelves of wine, cheeses, and cured meats surround the dining room. The carbonara is famous throughout the city thanks to its balance of Pecorino Romano and crispy guanciale. The menu also features excellent antipasti and fresh pasta dishes.

~€40 to €50 per person

Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere)

Authentic Roman trattoria cooking.

Da Enzo al 29 is a small neighbourhood restaurant that has become one of the most loved traditional trattorias in the city. Located in Trastevere, it focuses on classic Roman dishes prepared with care. The cacio e pepe and amatriciana are standout choices, and the fried artichokes are among the best in Rome. The dining room is small and often busy, which adds to the lively atmosphere.

~€20 to €30 per person

Armando al Pantheon (Pantheon District)

Traditional Roman cuisine in the historic centre.

Armando al Pantheon has served classic Roman food for decades. Despite its location near one of the city's most famous landmarks, it has remained loyal to traditional cooking. Popular dishes include pasta alla gricia and roasted lamb. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, making it one of the top spots in Rome for travellers who want excellent food in the historic centre.

~€35 to €45 per person

Felice a Testaccio (Testaccio)

The city's most famous cacio e pepe.

Felice a Testaccio is a Roman institution. Its signature cacio e pepe is mixed tableside and finished inside a wheel of Pecorino Romano. The restaurant itself feels elegant but relaxed. Many Romans consider it an essential stop for anyone exploring the best places in Rome for traditional cuisine.

~€30 to €40 per person

Pizzarium Bonci (Prati)

Rome's best pizza by the slice.

Located near the Vatican, Pizzarium Bonci is famous for its creative pizza al taglio. Customers choose slices from a counter filled with different toppings. The dough is airy and crisp thanks to careful fermentation. Toppings often change to highlight seasonal ingredients.

~€10 to €15 per person

Da Cesare al Casaletto (Monteverde)

Authentic Roman dining away from tourist crowds.

Da Cesare al Casaletto is a local favourite located outside the busiest tourist districts. The menu focuses on traditional Roman recipes prepared with quality ingredients. Fried appetisers such as suppli and zucchini flowers are excellent. Classic pasta dishes remain true to Roman tradition. The relaxed neighbourhood setting makes it one of the best restaurants in Rome for travellers who want a local experience.

~€25 to €35 per person

Il Pagliaccio (Historic Centre)

Michelin-starred Italian fine dining.

Il Pagliaccio offers a completely different style of dining compared to traditional Roman trattorias. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves tasting menus that combine Italian ingredients with international influences. The experience is carefully curated and the dining room feels elegant.

Tasting menus from ~€150 per person

SantoPalato (San Giovanni)

Modern Roman cuisine rooted in tradition.

SantoPalato represents a new generation of Roman restaurants. The kitchen focuses on traditional recipes prepared with excellent ingredients and careful technique. The menu includes classic pasta dishes as well as Roman specialities such as tripe and oxtail. The restaurant has a lively atmosphere and attracts many local diners.

~€30 to €40 per person

Osteria Fernanda (Ostiense)

Creative interpretations of Roman cuisine.

Osteria Fernanda offers a modern approach to Roman cooking. The menu changes regularly and focuses on seasonal ingredients. The interior feels contemporary and stylish. Travellers who want to explore a different side of the city's culinary scene often consider it one of the top spots in Rome.

~€40 to €60 per person

Quick Picks

Best traditional trattoriaDa Enzo al 29
Best classic Roman pastaFelice a Testaccio
Best pizza by the slicePizzarium Bonci
Best fine dining experienceIl Pagliaccio
Best modern Roman cuisineSantoPalato
Best neighbourhood restaurantDa Cesare al Casaletto

What to Order in Rome

Carbonara

Pasta with egg, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and guanciale.

Cacio e Pepe

Pasta with Pecorino Romano and black pepper.

Amatriciana

Tomato sauce with guanciale and Pecorino Romano.

Gricia

A pasta dish made with guanciale and Pecorino Romano.

Saltimbocca

Veal cooked with prosciutto and sage.

Best Areas in Rome for Restaurants

Trastevere

One of the most popular dining areas in the city. Its narrow streets are filled with traditional trattorias and lively restaurants.

Testaccio

Often considered the culinary heart of Rome and remains popular with locals.

Historic Centre

Offers many excellent restaurants, especially around Campo de' Fiori and the Pantheon.

Prati

Known for relaxed neighbourhood restaurants and excellent pizza spots.

Local Tips for Dining in Rome

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