The best restaurants in Rome

People always ask me for restaurant suggestions in Rome. It always occurs to me that I don’t actually have a proper list of my all-time favorite eateries in the Eternal City. But my list of the best restaurants in Rome is far overdue. So ladies and gents, here’s my list of where to eat in Rome, divided by neighbourhood. From fresh seafood restaurants to yummy pizzerias, here we go! You’ll find my absolute favorites marked by an asterisk.

Restaurants in the centro storico

Due Ladroni*

Piazza Nicosia, 24
+39 066861013
Italian with focus on seafood
€50+

I love this seafood restaurant footsteps from Piazza Navona. The indoor is elegant and traditional but there’s also a lovely outdoor area, perfect for those balmy summer nights. The food is delicious, with a mix of everything from meat to pasta and seafood, but the focus is on fish. They have great daily specials so make sure to order one of those yummy pasta dishes (the one with crab is top notch). The seabass is also fantastic and the oysters or tuna tartare with avocado are perfect to start off your meal.

Il Marchese*

Via di Ripetta, 162
+390690218872
Italian and Roman cuisine with a twist
€50+

Il Marchese doubles as a trendy restaurant and a cocktail bar, with a special focus on amaros (it’s the biggest amaro bar in Europe)! So in addition to being a great place to dine, you can also stop by for aperitivo or drinks and be delighted by their signature cocktails and amaro selection. The food is great, especially the carbonara which I think is one of my favorites in Rome. Super creamy! I was told the cacio and pepe is also great, the amatriciana not so much though. I also rate their tiramisu as one of my favorites in the city (and I’m a very harsh judge when it comes to tiramisu since mine is delicious)! Apart from the usual Roman pastas you can find meat and seafood dishes. The wine selection is wonderful, we tried a regional red wine that we loved. Super recommended.

Hamasei

Via della Mercede, 35/36
+39 066792134
Traditional Japanese restaurant
€50+

Footsteps from Piazza di Spagna and Fontana di Trevi, you’ll find one of Rome’s best Japanese restaurants–Hamasei. Known as an institution in Rome, Hamasei serves exceptional sushi, sashimi and also delicious Japanese cooked dishes such as noodles, meat and seafood. The sushi and sashimi are as fresh as they get, the urafutomaki and the sashimi morikomi are remarkable, the tempura perfect and the other Japanese dishes top notch. For lunch, you’ll also find a great selection of bento boxes.

Osteria dell’Ingegno

Piazza di Pietra, 45
+39 06 678 0662
Italian restaurant with seasonal ingredients
€25+

This bistrot right in Piazza di Pietra is delightful. My friends Vincy and Giulia have been telling me about it for years and only recently I’ve had the chance to try it out. Genuine flavors, lovely service and outstanding food. They have a menu plus daily specials written on a black board. I’m not a fan of oxtrail ragout but the pappardelle alla coda alla vaccinara I tasted at Osteria dell’Ingegno completely made me change my mind. Fantastic. During the summer you may also dine in the outdoor tables right on Piazza di Pietra.

P.S. Recently I went back with some friends and we were disappointed by the food.

Enoteca Spiriti

Piazza di Pietra, 32
+39  0669190445
Italian restaurant
€40+

Enoteca Spiriti is a great wine bar and restaurant right on the picturesque Piazza di Pietra, footsteps from the Pantheon. It’s a lovely place for aperitivo or dinner if you order the right dishes. Must-tries are the cured meats and cheese board, the aubergine polpette, the tartares and the salmon tataki. They also have an excellent wine selection. The service is slow.

Osteria del Sostegno

Via delle Colonnelle, 5
+39 066793842
Roman cuisine
€40+

This is a great restaurant in Rome when it comes to classics. Simple dishes made with the highest quality ingredients is what sets this restaurant apart. Start off with the focaccine with olive patè and the bruschette with tomatoes. Not to mention the pollo alla cacciatora! Absolutely order the amatriciana. The wine selection is exceptional, and their hazelnut ice cream is something you can’t miss out on. Reservations are musts.

Zuma

Palazzo Fendi, Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 48
+39 06 9926 6622
Contemporary Japanese rest
€70+

Zuma doesn’t need any introductions. It’s known worldwide for its contemporary Japanese cuisine and I’m a big fan, having been to the one in Istanbul and London, too. My favorite one though, is Rome’s! Get yourself a reservation quite in advance or head for aperitivo time! Must-try? The spicy beef tenderloin!

Ginger Sapori e Salute

Via Borgognona 43-46 & Piazza Sant’Eustachio, 54-55
+39 0669940836 / +390668308559
Healthy restaurant
€25+

If you need a refreshing juice, smoothie or fruit extract, Ginger Sapori e Salute is the place to go. They also have some yummy pancakes for breakfast and great salads and healthy food options. In other words, if you’re looking for a healthy restaurant in Rome, this is the one to go to. There are two locations in the historic center, one near the Spanish Steps and the other near the Pantheon.

Hosteria del Mercato

Via Bocca di Leone, 46
+39 0669923705
Italian restaurant with healthy options
€25+

Great place for breakfast, lunch or aperitivo just a stone’s throw away from the Spanish Steps. Hosteria del Mercato doubles as a restaurant and market, where you can purchase organic food. Go for the yummy salads, the gourmet panini or the cured meats and cheese board for aperitivo. The location and the food won’t disappoint!

Vivi Bistrot

Piazza Navona, 2
+39 066833779
Healthy restaurant
€25+

Everyone knows that most restaurants that line up on Piazza Navona are tourist traps. But Vivi Bistrot is the exception! Not only is the food good, the location is fantastic and a great spot for lunch. From the outdoor seating,  you have an open window on Piazza Navona. So what to order? Vivi Bistrot serves salads, burgers, pasta and gluten-free dishes as well as a juice bar menu!

Restaurants in Trastevere

Le Mani in Pasta*

Via dei Genovesi, 37
+39065816017
Roman osteria
30+

Get ready for a real traditional-style trattoria experience in Trastevere. Le Mani in Pasta is a very small trattoria set on two floors with a warm ambiance and super friendly service. The kitchen is very small so keep in mind it could take a little before you get served. The must order? The seabass carpaccio with truffles!

Da Teo*

Piazza dei Ponziani, 7
+39065818355
Roman trattoria
25+

Trattoria Da Teo is one of my favorite trattorias in Rome. Located in the less touristy part of Trastevere, this trattoria has some great Roman specialties. The carbonara and the gricia are top-notch, but let’s not forget about the pasta with ricciola and cherry tomatoes; the pasta ai carciofi during artichoke season and the calamari with artichokes! The restaurant is very simple (as are all trattorias) with a friendly service and there’s also a lovely outdoor area.

Ai Bozzi da Giovanni

Piazza Giuditta Tavani Arquati
+3906 581 6640
Seafood
40+

For a yummy seafood lunch or dinner head to this charming restaurant in Trastevere. The menu is a mix between seafood and meat dishes, with a focus on seafood. Absolutely start with the tuna tartare or the octopus salad, divine. Then go for the prawn risotto with truffles, the grilled calamari or the tuna teriyaki. The wine selection is great too and the service is friendly and professional. They have both an indoor and outdoor area. A must.

Seu Pizza Illuminati

Via Angelo Bargoni, 10-18
+39065883384
Pizzeria
25+

Eggs

Via Natale del Grande, 52
+3906587281
Italian restaurant
40+

Looking for a more contemporary haunt that doesn’t look like a trattoria? Eggs is the perfect place to go! As you might’ve guessed, Eggs’ concept focuses on the use of eggs, in all its kinds, sizes and cooking techniques. If you’re a carbonara lover, there’s a whole menu dedicated to 10 different carbonaras.

Da Enzo al 29

Via Dei Vascellari, 29
+39065812260
Roman trattoria
20+

Da Enzo is a very small trattoria in Trastevere with both indoor and outdoor seating. You can’t make reservations except for 7.30pm dinner reservations, so you can imagine the long line that forms outside. The pastas are exceptional, the fried antipasti perfect and the traditional Roman meat dishes top notch. If you don’t mind waiting in line, this one’s worth it.

L’elementare

Via Benedetta 23
+39065894016
Roman pizza
20+

If it’s a Roman pizza you’re after, l’Elementare is the place to go. Located in the bustling Trastevere, this is the place to enjoy some yummy fritti, a thin and crispy Roman-style pizza paired with some great craft beers. You’ll find classic pizzas as well as more creative options. The atmosphere is laid-back and the staff is friendly.

Restaurants in Northern Rome

Nojo*

Viale di Tor di Quinto, 35
+39063330946
Japanese fusion restaurant
50+

For a trendy ambiance and great Japanese fusion cuisine in the Ponte Milvio neighbourhood, Nojo is the one to go to. Order one of the yummy sushi roles, my personal favorites being the Nojo Roll and the Hamachi Roll. But not before you start off with the black cod wonton or the duck gyoza. To pair with your food you’ll find great cocktails and a wonderful wine selection.

Duke’s*

Viale Parioli, 200
+390680662455
International gourmet restaurant
60+

This is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Rome. Located in the Parioli neighbourhood, Duke’s offers up amazing cuisine paired with some of the best cocktails in the city. Have a taste of their tuna or angus tartare, their exquisite timberland quail or kingfish tataki, or go for the incredible rib-eye steak. To pair with dinner, a great international wine selection, from wines from California, Chile, New Zealand and more awaits you. If you can’t make it for dinner, go for aperitivo from 7pm to 8.30pm to have everything 50% off!

Kilo

Via Tirso, 30 & Via della Lega Lombarda, 28-30
+390664781752 / +390637896886
Meat restaurant
30+

If you’re craving some top-quality meat, Kilo is definitely one of the best restaurants in Rome. Located in the Parioli neighbourhood, this restaurant is famed for its meat cuts and trendy vibe. Kilo only serves “first cuts”: fillet, rib steak and loin steak are served by weight and cooked on the grill with the only addition of coarse salt, so that the flavour and taste are never altered. You can personally choose your meat cut and have them cook it for you. Otherwise, there are great meat skewers you can order. And definitely don’t miss out on the truffle meatballs! Desserts are also quite good. Reserve in advance.

Macello

Via Flaminia, 451
+39063337020
Meat restaurant
30+

If it’s a good steak out you’re after, Macello is the place to go. Serving a wide variety of quality meat cuts that range from beef to chicken and pork, it’s truly a great find for us carnivores. But what they’re most popular for is their rotating skewer system! Macello serves 14 different types of meats right on your table on skewers! You can choose from skewers with filet, steak, chicken, salsiccia and many others, each accompanied by a sauce. There’s also wine or beer recommended for each one! Reservations are essential.

Panificio Nazzareno

Piazzale di Ponte Milvio, 35
+390633220720
All day restaurant with Italian specialties + pizza
€25+

Sitting right on Piazzale di Ponte Milvio, Panificio Nazzareno is perfect spot to go by for aperitivo in Ponte Milvio, with their yummy cured meats and cheese boards. But they’re also a great spot for lunch or dinner. They serve Italian cuisine with a mix of dishes from different regions. As of right now they’re focusing on Roman dishes, but you can also find other dishes like their famous salmon tartare. It’s a casual place with good food and wine. And in the summertime, their garden with string lights is super cute.

Restaurants in Prati/Borgo

Sant’Isidoro Pizza & Bolle*

Via Oslavia, 41
+390689822607
Pizzeria
25+

This pizzeria in Prati is love at first sight. Not just a regular pizzeria, Sant’Isidoro has a clear concept in mind: pairing the perfect sparkling wine to pizza. I know, I know, I’ve always thought that beer was the perfect pairing for pizza, but turns out I was wrong. From Prosecco to Franciacorta, get ready for a great selection of bubbles to pair with your Neapolitan style pizzas. Order the carbonara supplì to start followed by the classic margherita with buffalo mozzarella, the amatriciana pizza, the gambero di mazzara pizza or the three tomatoes pizza.

Sorpasso

Via Properzio, 31-33
+390689024554
Italian restaurant with charcuterie specialties
40+

Tucked away on a small side street of Via Crescenzio, footsteps from Via Cola di Rienzo and Piazza Cavour, you’ll find this charming shabby-chic locale. Cozy, intimate and trendy are the adjectives that best describe this fashionable all-day-all-night venue frequented all hours of the day. From yummy lunches and dinners to delicious aperitivos sipping velvety red wines and tasting knife-cut cured meats and cheeses, Il Sorpasso is the place for any time of the day. Reserve in advance as it’s always packed!

Osteria Nuvolari

Via degli Ombrellari, 10
+390668803018
Roman cuisine in contemporary setting
35+

Osteria Nuvolari is one of the cutest restaurants you’ll stumble upon. Situated in the Borgo neighborhood just a stone’s throw away from the Prati neighborhood, it’s a goody Roman restaurant in a cozy and contemporary setting. Start off with one of their focaccias and cured meats and cheese boards from their open charcuterie station. We then went for an amatriciana pasta, a special of the day, a.k.a. cacio e pepe gnocchi with truffle shavings, and tagliolini pasta with guanciale, pecorino and artichokes. Everything was delicious. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate their extensive wine selection with wines from different Italian regions from outstanding wineries. Desserts are also yummy. There’s also an outdoor space.

Taki

Piazza Cavour(Prati)
 +39 06 320 1750
 Traditional Japanese
 €60+

If you’re looking for a contemporary setting and delicious traditional Japanese cuisine, Taki is it. Located on Piazza Cavour, the restaurant is set on two floors and has a sleek design. The restaurant has dimmed lights, an elegant atmosphere and a fantastic menu that offers hot and cold Japanese dishes. They even have the Wagyu steak from the famed Hida region – phenomenal. Absolutely try the ebi gyoza, the classic yakiudon and marinated salmon with ponzu sauce. Everything is truly delicious, they also have an outstanding wine selection with Italian and international wines. Sake lovers, you’ll also find hot and cold sakes – we opted for a tasting of three different sakes. A great place to impress for a date!

Almatò

Via Augusto Riboty, 20/c
+390668803018
Gourmet Italian cuisine with an oriental twist
60+

If you want to indulge in a fine-dining experience then Almatò is the place. The chef, Tommaso, is a friend of mine’s boyfriend and he and his partners opened the restaurant in 2020. While having to close just one month after opening due to the pandemic, nothing has stopped them from accomplishing their goals since reopening. In fact, the restaurant made it to the 2022 Michelin Guide! Almatò is great wines, great service, and great food. I opted for the 7-course tasting menu. The stars of the show were the tagliatelle Thai and the spaghetti vongole 2.0 (yes, I love carbs).  But the menu changes seasonally so you’ll always find something new.

Restaurants in Campo de’ Fiori

Pianostrada*

Via delle Zoccolette, 22
+390689572296
Gourmet Italian restaurant
70+

Surely one of the best restaurants in Rome, Pianostrada is where you go for a trendy night out to taste  outstanding Italian cuisine with a twist. Four sisters are the brainchild of this restaurant near Campo de’ Fiori. They’re known for their creative food menu and trendy location. Absolutely order one of their street food panini! They also have an indoor courtyard that’s super charming and also heated in wintertime (yay)!

Osteria Da Fortunata

Via del Pellegrino, 11-12
+390660667391
Roman osteria
30+

This restaurant has to be on your list of traditional Roman restaurants. Situated in Campo dei Fiori, on a corner overlooking the piazza, Osteria da Fortunata serves yummy Roman cuisine. The must-try? The pastas, which are homemade every day. Go for the exquisite carbonara or gricia, while if you’re a vegetarian, the cacio e pepe is a must! There’s also a few outdoor tables for the nice summer months. No reservations allowed.

Taverna Lucifero*

Via del Monte della Farina, 43
+390668805536
Italian restaurant
€50+

Love, love, LOVE this restaurant. Cozy atmosphere, friendly service and fantastic wines. The menu is extensive, with a focus on truffles, cheese, pastas and high quality meat. Order the fondue with truffle shavings and the bourguignonne. Don’t forget to reserve quite in advance, this place is always full.

Pierluigi

Piazza de ricci, 144
+39066861302
Seafood restaurant
€70+

Just a stone’s throw away from Campo de’ Fiori and Piazza Farnese, you’ll find Pierluigi in the beautiful squared Piazza dei Ricci. Absolutely reserve your table outside, right on the piazza, where you can breathe a Roman atmosphere. Order from fresh seafood dishes, from appetizers such as homemade pressed octopus and the spectacular catalana salad with tiger prawns, rucola and cherry tomatoes to main courses such as spaghetti ai crostacei.

Luciano Cucina Italiana

Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 18
390651531465
Italian restaurant
€40+

A friend of mine had told me they serve the best carbonara in Rome at this restaurant footsteps from Piazza Campo de’ Fiori. Turns out, my expectations were quite high and weren’t met. However, I have to say the carbonara was still very good, but what made me put this restaurant on my list of restaurants in Rome is their amazing Ligurian-style stuffed anchovies with ricotta cheese, mint, marjoram and lemon. Heavenly and light, a must order!

Antico Forno Roscioli

Via dei Chiavari, 34
+39066865621
Pizza al taglio
€5+

While it isn’t a restaurant, if you want to taste one of the best pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) in Rome, you need to get yourself to Antico Forno Roscioli. Just a stone’s throw away from the piazza, Roscioli is known everyone for its fabulous pizza, quality ingredients and many restaurants in Rome. I’d suggest stopping here for a slice of heavenly pizza bianca, pizza rossa or pizza con patate for a quick lunch.

Forno Campo de’ Fiori

Campo De’ Fiori, 22
+390668806662
Pizza al taglio
€5+

This is another heavenly pizza al taglio place that sits right on Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, next to the famed Carbonara restaurant. A slice of their pizza al taglio will leave you craving for more. You’ve been warned.

Restaurants in Testaccio

Flavio al Velavevodetto

Via di Monte Testaccio, 97
+39065744194
Roman trattoria
25+

In the past years, this restaurant has received the reputation of one of the best Roman cuisine restaurants in the Eternal City. And I have to agree. The tonnarelli cacio e pepe are to die for, the gricia is exceptional, and if you like meat, definitely try the polpette di bollito! The wine selection is also top quality, and includes 200 labels. Reservations are musts.

Felice a Testaccio

Via Mastro Giorgio, 29
+39065746800
Roman restaurant
35+

This historic restaurant in the Testaccio neighbourhood serves top-quality traditional Roman cuisine. While it’s known as an institution for its Roman cuisine, the atmosphere is not the one of a typical Roman trattoria. It’s more chic and the traditional design mixes with some modern details to  create a cozy and relaxed setting. Definitely don’t miss out on the heavenly tonnarelli cacio e pepe or the abbacchio al forno. Make reservations in advance.

Restaurants in Monteverde

La Gatta Mangiona

Via Federico Ozanam, 30
+39065346702
No frills Pizzeria
€20+

Just above Trastevere in the Monteverde neighbourhood, get ready to taste one of the best pizzerias in Rome. Ever since its opening in 1999, pizzaiolo Giancarlo Casa has been experimenting with gourmet pizza toppings. Try the pizza with robiola, oven-baked pumpkin, and lombo di maiale for a more gourmet option or go with the classic margherita with buffalo mozzarella. Either way, don’t forget to pair your pizza with one of the craft beers!

Trattoria del Pesce

Via Folco Portinari, 27
+390695945393
Seafood restaurant
70+

This cozy restaurant in the Monteverde neighbourhood is the perfect place to relax and indulge in a one of the best seafood offerings of the capital. Trattoria del Pesce serves top quality seafood personally selected every day from Italian fishing ports. Start off with the Grand crudo di mare, a selection of 6 different seafood cruditè, followed by a spigola al sale. They also have an excellent wine selection and a lovely service. A must-try in Monteverde!

Restaurants in Monti / Esquilino

Ottavio*

Via di S. Croce in Gerusalemme, 9
+39067028595
Seafood restaurant
€100+

Hands down the best seafood restaurant in Rome. An old school elegant restaurant in Rome’s San Giovanni area where you can taste the best the sea has to offer. Fresh seafood cruditè served with a simple olive oil and lemon sauce, outstanding astice and mazzancolle alla catalana (one of my favorite dishes ever) and fabulous first courses. Everything here is an A-lister, from the service, to the food and wine selection (wow).

Tempio di Iside

Via Pietro Verri, 11
+390677204025
Seafood restaurant
€100+

A stone’s throw away from the Colosseum, il Tempio di Iside is my second favorite seafood restaurant in Rome. The seafood cruditè is top notch and their cooked dishes are unbelievably good. If you’re into oysters, this is the place for you. Don’t leave without trying the delicious pasta with prawns and pecorino. I know it doesn’t sound that awesome but it really is. End your meal with the fruttini di gelato!

Hasekura

Via dei Serpenti, 27
+3906483648
Traditional Japanese restaurant
€40+

This small and cozy restaurant serves authentic Japanese cuisine in the Monti neighbourhood. Great sashimi, great sushi and great cooked options, too. Don’t leave without having their choko-wasabi ice-cream! The restaurant has less than 10 tables to serve, creating a sort of “neighbourhood” restaurant vibe. The decor is a blend between a modern and classic Japanese style. A great find.

Fafiuchè

Via della Madonna dei Monti, 28
+39066990968
Wine bar and bistrot
€35+

Wine lovers, put this place on your list. Right in the Monti neighbourhood, this wine bar and bistrot is the perfect place to taste some Piedmontese specialties in a cozy ambiance. Not just Piedmontese food, Piedmontese wine, too, and lots of it. Definitely let the owners help you out in your wine selection. Pair your food with some yummy fondue, cheese and beef tartare!

Zia Rosetta

Via urbana, 54
+390631052516
Rosette gourmet + healthy options
€10+

If you’ve just finished visiting the Colosseum or you find yourself in the Monti neighbourhood on the hunt for a quick lunch, Zia Rosetta is it. A super small eatery, Zia Rosetta prepares delicious rosettas (a type of Roman bread) with yummy pairings. Aside from the rosettas you can also order delicious salads, fruit smoothies and cooked dishes!