Safety Score
7/10
Currency
EUR
Language
Italian
Timezone
Europe/Rome
About Rome
Rome, the Eternal City, breathes history and culture at every corner. As the capital of Italy, it uniquely blends antiquity and modernity, with ancient ruins nestled amidst vibrant city life. The city's charm, culinary delights, and artistic richness make it a must-visit destination for travelers worldwide.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September and October) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the city's outdoor historical sites and enjoying alfresco dining.
Best Restaurants in Rome, Italy
Where to Eat in Rome - Dining Guide
La Pergola
Fagotelli La Pergola
Rome’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant, offering an unparalleled panoramic view and world-class culinary art.
- +Unrivaled city views
- +Museum-grade art decor
- +Exquisite wine cellar
- -Extremely expensive
- -Book months in advance
Il Pagliaccio
Fusion Tasting Menu
A two-Michelin-starred sanctuary of creativity blending Italian ingredients with bold, international influences.
- +Intimate atmosphere
- +Highly creative techniques
- +Top-tier service
- -Fixed menus only
- -Limited seating
Imàgo
Glazed Sweetbreads
A Michelin-starred rooftop gem atop the Spanish Steps offering sophisticated, modern takes on Roman classics.
- +Stunning skyline views
- +Romantic setting
- +Impeccable service
- -High price point
- -Formal dress code
Aroma
Cacio e Pepe with Shaved Truffle
Boasts arguably the best view in the world, directly overlooking the Colosseum from a glass-enclosed terrace.
- +Unbeatable Colosseum view
- +Elegant presentation
- +Extensive wine list
- -Premium "view" pricing
- -Tourist-heavy area
Glass Hostaria
Modern Ravioli
Chef Cristina Bowerman’s ultra-modern, Michelin-starred space stands in stark contrast to its rustic Trastevere location.
- +Innovative flavor pairings
- +Sleek modern design
- +Renowned female chef
- -Portions can be small
- -Trastevere crowds outside
Da Enzo al 29
Burrata with Sun-dried Tomatoes
A tiny, legendary trattoria that epitomizes Roman soul food with high-quality, farm-sourced ingredients.
- +Authentic local flavor
- +Excellent Carbonara
- +Lively atmosphere
- -No reservations
- -Long wait times daily
Armando al Pantheon
Spaghetti alla Gricia
An institution since 1961, serving pristine Roman classics just steps away from the Pantheon.
- +Unbeatable central location
- +Historic family-run vibe
- +Consistent quality
- -Impossible to book last minute
- -Small dining room
Roscioli Salumeria
Rigatoni alla Carbonara
Part deli, part restaurant, this world-famous spot is widely considered to serve the best Carbonara in the city.
- +Top-tier ingredient sourcing
- +Incredible cheese selection
- +Bustling energy
- -Cramped seating
- -Service can be rushed
SantoPalato
Offal & Traditional Stews
A retro-chic trattoria that has revived traditional Roman offal dishes for a new, trendy generation.
- +Best tripe in Rome
- +Retro-cool aesthetic
- +Passionate cooking
- -Location away from center
- -Reservations essential
Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
Fettuccine with Wild Boar
A warm, family-run favorite in the Monti neighborhood known for its welcoming service and hearty portions.
- +Hearty home cooking
- +Warm service
- +Great for families
- -Often fully booked
- -Busy Monti street
Flavio al Velavevodetto
Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe
Built into a hill of ancient Roman amphorae, this spot offers one of the most authentic dining atmospheres in Rome.
- +Unique historic setting
- +Excellent house wine
- +Traditional Testaccio vibe
- -Can be very noisy
- -Service is brisk
Pierluigi
Salt-Crusted Sea Bass
Rome’s most glamorous seafood destination, perfect for al fresco dining in a beautiful, quiet piazza.
- +Chic outdoor seating
- +Celebrity hotspot
- +Fresh daily catch
- -Very expensive wine
- -Posh atmosphere
Antico Arco
Saffron Risotto
Located atop the Janiculum Hill, this restaurant offers refined, inventive Italian cuisine in a sophisticated setting.
- +Romantic quiet location
- +Expert wine pairings
- +Modern refined menu
- -Steep walk to reach
- -Formal service
Moma
Roasted Lamb with Herbs
A Michelin-starred spot near Via Veneto that prides itself on sourcing directly from small local producers.
- +Pristine ingredients
- +Great business lunch
- +Central but quiet
- -Understated decor
- -Strict reservation policy
Pianostrada
Focaccia with Figs & Prosciutto
An all-female run kitchen serving creative Italian small plates in a stunning courtyard and open kitchen.
- +Beautiful garden courtyard
- +Open kitchen view
- +Stylish crowd
- -Higher price for small plates
- -Booking is a must
All'Oro
Coda alla Vaccinara Rocher
A playful, Michelin-starred take on Roman food where tradition meets avant-garde humor and design.
- +Whimsical presentation
- +Luxury hotel setting
- +Inventive flavor
- -Small portions
- -Quite expensive
Retrobottega
Foraged Vegetable Tasting
A contemporary laboratory of taste where foraged ingredients and zero-waste ethics define the daily menu.
- +Very modern & edgy
- +Counter seating
- +Unique ingredients
- -No choice on set menu
- -Can be experimental
Marzapane
Grilled Scallops with Lardo
A young, vibrant team pushing the boundaries of Italian flavors with a focus on fire and fermentation.
- +Hip atmosphere
- +Experimental flavors
- +Great cocktails
- -Loud music
- -Menu changes rapidly
Seu Pizza Illuminati
Gourmet Seasonal Pizza
Voted one of the best pizzerias in Italy, serving thick-crust "contemporary" pizza with wildly creative toppings.
- +Best modern pizza
- +Cool industrial decor
- +Great dessert pizzas
- -Trastevere-fringe location
- -Always fully booked
Emma Pizzeria
Thin Crust Roman Pizza
A high-end pizzeria that uses ingredients from the famous Roscioli deli, offering a gourmet thin-crust experience.
- +Excellent crust quality
- +Central location
- +Great outdoor tables
- -Service can be slow
- -Tables are very close
Il Tempio di Iside
Seafood Crudité
Widely regarded as the best seafood restaurant in Rome, focusing on incredibly fresh, raw Mediterranean fish.
- +Superlative fresh fish
- +Elegant white-tablecloth
- +Knowledgeable staff
- -High price tag
- -Requires early booking
Le Mani in Pasta
Sea Bass Carpaccio with Truffle
A cozy, bustling Trastevere spot that manages to feel like a hidden gem while serving world-class seafood pasta.
- +Warm authentic vibe
- +Generous portions
- +Exceptional seafood
- -Tightly packed tables
- -Difficult to find
Colline Emiliane
Handmade Tortellini
A shrine to the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna, famous for having the best handmade pasta and truffle dishes in Rome.
- +Best handmade pasta
- +Old-school charm
- +Reliable quality
- -Book weeks in advance
- -Small menu range
La Campana
Coda alla Vaccinara
Officially recognized as the oldest restaurant in Rome (est. 1518), serving history on a plate.
- +Five centuries of history
- +Timeless Roman decor
- +Classic recipes
- -Very traditional menu
- -Service can be formal
Il Margutta
Vegetarian Lasagna
Rome’s premier vegetarian art-restaurant, located on the city’s most beautiful artist street.
- +Beautiful artistic setting
- +Great brunch buffet
- +Creative veg options
- -Service can be uneven
- -Pricey for vegetarian
Business owner? Claim your listing or partner with us
Discover where to eat in Rome with our guide to the 25 best restaurants. Rome's food scene offers everything from authentic Italy cuisine to international flavors, street food to fine dining.
Popular dining spots include La Pergola, Il Pagliaccio, Imàgo, each offering unique culinary experiences.
Food is an essential part of any Rome experience. We recommend trying local specialties and exploring different neighborhoods for the best dining experiences in Rome.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rome
Rome is known for its unique culinary scene. Explore local specialties and regional dishes at our recommended restaurants above. From street food to fine dining, there's something for every taste.
For popular restaurants, especially for dinner, reservations are recommended. Many restaurants now accept online bookings. Casual spots and lunch service typically don't require reservations.
Meal costs vary widely in Rome. Budget options range from affordable street food to mid-range restaurants. Check our restaurant recommendations for options at different price points.
Explore More of Rome
About Rome, Italy
Rome, the Eternal City, layers 2,500 years of history beneath your feet. Ancient ruins stand alongside Renaissance churches and bustling trattorias. From the Colosseum to hidden piazzas, Rome offers an unparalleled journey through Western civilization's greatest achievements. Our curated guide features 15 must-see attractions, 25 recommended restaurants, 25 places to stay, carefully selected to help you make the most of your visit. Use Free City Guides to plan your perfect Rome itinerary, discover local favorites, and travel smarter with insider tips from experienced travelers.
