Let’s be real for a second. When you dream of eating in Rome, you’re not picturing a generic tourist trap with a picture menu.
You’re imagining a bustling, family-run spot where the pasta is handmade, the ingredients are impossibly fresh, and the atmosphere hums with generations of culinary passion. That Rome absolutely exists, but you have to know where to look.
The Eternal City’s food scene is a thrilling mix of timeless tradition and modern flair. This list is your golden ticket to the real deal.
We’ve hunted down the spots where locals book tables and visitors have “I can’t believe I ate that” moments. Get ready to discover the absolute best restaurants in Rome.
1. Roscioli
Roscioli is more than a restaurant; it’s a delicious universe. Part upscale salumeria, part wine cellar, part bakery, and part dining room, this place is a temple to quality. The atmosphere is chic yet buzzing, with tightly packed tables and walls lined with gourmet goods.
Their carbonara is the stuff of legend, made with guanciale and pecorino so good it’ll ruin all other versions for you. The selection of cheeses and cured items is breathtaking.
It’s a food lover’s paradise where you can taste the very best of Italy in one vibrant, unforgettable meal. Reservations are essential for this must visit restaurant in Rome.
2. Da Enzo al 29
Welcome to Trastevere at its most authentic. Da Enzo is a tiny, charming, and perpetually busy trattoria that delivers Roman classics with soul. The tables are close, the service is brusque but warm, and the menu is a hit parade of what you came for.
You absolutely must order their cacio e pepe and the carciofi alla romana (braised artichokes) when in season. It’s not fancy, but it’s perfect. Be prepared to wait, as they don’t take reservations.
But standing outside with a hopeful crowd in a cobbled Trastevere lane is part of the fun. It’s the quintessential Roman trattoria experience.
3. Marzapane
For a stunning break from tradition, head to Marzapane in the Nomentano district. This is where Roman cuisine meets serious modern creativity. The space is sleek and minimal, and the tasting menus are edible art that tells a story of the region.
Chef Domenico Stile uses hyper-local ingredients in unexpected ways. Think delicate smoked eel or lamb with wild herbs.
The presentation is breathtaking. It’s a splurge, but for a Michelin-starred journey into the future of Roman food, this is a premier fine dining restaurant in Rome.
4. Supplizio
Sometimes the best bites are the simple ones. Supplizio, from celebrity chef Arcangelo Dandini, is a small, stand-up spot near Piazza Navona that celebrates Rome’s iconic street food: the supplì. These are deep-fried rice balls, traditionally with a molten mozzarella center.
Here, they are elevated to an art form. Try the classic tomato and mozzarella, or venture into creative flavors. They also offer exquisite polpette (meatballs) and other fried delights.
It’s the perfect gourmet pit stop during a day of sightseeing—a quick, cheap, and utterly delicious Rome food experience.
5. Retrobottega
This is one of Rome’s most exciting and innovative dining concepts. Retrobottega is an open-kitchen laboratory where the chefs work in the center, and guests sit around them at counters. There are no hidden secrets here.
The menu is seasonal, playful, and focuses on exceptional ingredients. You might have a delicate crudo, handmade tortelli, or a stunning modern take on tiramisu.
The vibe is energetic and interactive. For a truly contemporary and engaging meal, this spot is a standout among modern Roman restaurants.
6. Flavio al Velavevodetto
Housed in a unique location within Monte Testaccio, an ancient hill made of broken pottery shards, Flavio offers fantastic food with a side of history. The setting is rustic and sprawling, with a warm, familial feel that’s perfect for groups.
Their pasta dishes, like the amatriciana and gricia, are robust and flavor-packed. They also grill spectacular meats and offer wonderful fried starters.
The energy is lively, the portions are generous, and you’ll leave deeply satisfied. It’s a classic, reliable restaurant in Rome for a hearty, authentic feast.
7. Osteria Bonelli
For a true, no-frills, local neighborhood gem, seek out Osteria Bonelli in the Centocelle district. This is where Romans go for a huge, affordable, and spectacularly good meal. The ambiance is simple, the tables are covered in checkered cloths, and the food is the star.
They are famous for their fried appetizers and their classic Roman pasta dishes. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it feels like you’ve been let in on a secret.
The trip to this residential area is well worth it for one of the most genuine dining experiences in the city.
8. Pianostrada
This charming, female-run eatery near Campo de’ Fiori is a favorite for lunch or a stylish aperitivo. The space is small and beautifully decorated, with a few tables and counter seating. It has a chic, boho vibe that feels fresh and welcoming.
They are famous for their spectacular gourmet burgers and creative small plates, but their pasta and desserts are also divine.
It’s a fantastic spot for vegetarians, with many brilliant plant-based options. For a lighter, trendy, and impeccably tasty meal, Pianostrada is a top restaurant in Rome.
9. Antico Arco
Perched on the Janiculum Hill with breathtaking views, Antico Arco offers a sophisticated and romantic setting. The cuisine is creative Italian with a strong focus on high-quality, seasonal ingredients. The wine list is exceptional.
Dishes are beautifully presented and full of intricate flavors. The tasting menu is a wonderful way to experience their craft. It’s the perfect choice for a special occasion dinner, combining elegant food with one of the best vistas in Rome. A truly memorable Rome dining destination.
10. Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto
A short tram ride from the center, this bustling family-run spot is a pilgrimage site for pasta lovers. The atmosphere is pure, joyful chaos, with large tables of locals and in-the-know visitors.
Their tonnarelli cacio e pepe is arguably the best in the city—creamy, peppery, and perfectly al dente. Their fried seasonal vegetables and grilled meats are also superb.
The prices are remarkably fair for the quality. For a definitive taste of Roman hospitality and classic dishes, this trattoria is a non-negotiable best place to eat in Rome.
11. Romeow Cat Bistro
This is one of the most unique and delightful spots in the city. Romeow is a vegan bistro that also serves as a sanctuary for rescue cats who roam the stylish, minimalist space. The food is creative, colorful, and proves plant-based cuisine can be luxurious.
From raw lasagna to decadent desserts, every dish is a work of art. The vibe is calm, chic, and wonderfully quirky. Even dedicated meat-eaters will be impressed. For an ethical, delicious, and utterly charming experience, this bistro is a must-visit.
12. Il Sanlorenzo
For the pinnacle of seafood in a landlocked city, head to Il Sanlorenzo near the Pantheon. This elegant, understated restaurant sources the finest fish daily from Italian markets. The vibe is discreet and professional.
You can enjoy pristine crudo, exquisite pasta with sea urchin or lobster, and simply grilled whole fish. The quality is uncompromising.
It’s a serene and luxurious escape from the carb-heavy Roman norm, offering a taste of the Mediterranean’s bounty.
13. Pizzarium Bonci
Gabriele Bonci is the master of Roman pizza al taglio (by the slice). His flagship Pizzarium, near the Vatican, is a small, standing-room-only counter that attracts constant lines. It’s worth every second of the wait.
The thick, airy crust is made from long-fermented dough and topped with stunningly creative combinations of seasonal, high-end ingredients.
Just point to what looks good, they’ll weigh it, and you’ll have a life-changing slice. It’s a fundamental Rome food experience.
14. Ristorante Aroma
Located atop the Palazzo Manfredi hotel, Aroma offers what might be the most famous restaurant view in the world: a direct, breathtaking panorama of the Colosseum. The setting is glamorous and the service is impeccable.
The Michelin-starred cuisine is modern Italian with stunning presentations. While the view is the initial draw, the food confidently holds its own.
Dining here at sunset is a once-in-a-lifetime splurge and the definition of a luxury restaurant in Rome.
15. Armando al Pantheon
A stone’s throw from the ancient temple, Armando has been serving classic Roman food since 1961. In a sea of tourist traps, this family-run institution is an oasis of quality and tradition. The wood-paneled walls are lined with photos of famous patrons.
Their pasta alla gricia and saltimbocca alla romana are executed flawlessly. It’s cozy, historic, and incredibly reliable.
Reservations are mandatory, often weeks in advance, which tells you everything you need to know about its revered status.
16. Mercato Testaccio
For a true taste of local life, skip the crowded central markets and head to Mercato Testaccio. This modern, covered market is where Romans do their daily shopping. Upstairs, you’ll find a fantastic food hall with stalls serving incredible, affordable meals.
Grab a seat at Mordi e Vai for the best sandwich of your life, or try other stalls for fresh pasta, fried fish, or vegan specialties. It’s vibrant, authentic, and lets you craft your own perfect Roman feast from the city’s best producers.
Conclusion
Rome’s culinary magic isn’t found in one perfect dish, but in the glorious range—from a humble fried supplì to a panoramic Michelin-starred meal. It’s about the passion in a steamy trattoria kitchen and the innovation in a sleek lab.
Your table in the Eternal City is waiting. Book those reservations, wander into that bustling market, and let your appetite lead the way.
This guide to the best restaurants to visit in Rome is just your first course. Now go taste la dolce vita for yourself. Buon appetito