When I think of Italy my mouth starts to water and my stomach starts to grumble! Just writing this blog, I had to stop and go cook some pasta. I also made bruschetta to have before it…and, truth be told, I’m seriously considering ordering a pizza right now. But the first time I was in Rome, I didn’t have delectable dining experiences. I ate some rather cardboard-tasting pizza and bland pasta on too many occasions. I left the country a little puzzled about its reputation as a food wonderland and certainly didn’t miss its cuisine when I returned to the States. That first trip I counted only one really good meal. Where was the creamy gelato? The chewy yet airy pizza cooked near a wood fire? Al dente pasta made with fatty, delicious guanciale? Balls of risotto stuffed with cheese and fried to golden perfection? Sadly, I left with those questions lingering.
Never one to fail though, I decided to continue eating until I found the best places to eat in Rome. It was tough work…but someone had to do it. Thankfully, I found great eateries and it’s been buon appetito ever since. That first visit may have been a miss, but now I can share several wonderful Rome restaurants with you. And the best part? Most of them are located in the city center so you won’t have to go far for a good meal. It’s true that many of Rome’s best dining choices are in little neighborhoods outside the center, but after a long day of sightseeing you probably don’t want to stray too far from your lodging.
Warning: you’re more likely to find Rome restaurants catering to tourists in areas where foreigners tend to congregate than you would if you visited restaurants in areas where locals live. But good culinary experiences can be had in the centro storico of Rome and its surrounding areas. Here are some of what I think are the best restaurants in Rome.
Gelato: There are two gelaterias in Rome that compete for my top honor—Giolitti and Gelateria del Teatro. Both places serve creamy gelato that bursts with flavor. The fresh ingredients used in their gelato shine through. The dark chocolate at Gelateria del Teatro is the bee’s knees. But I also love the dark chocolate (fondente) at Giolitti, too. As an added bonus, the version of it at Giolitti is dairy-free. Caramelized fig is another favorite of mine, as are coffee, caramel, and peach. Giolitti has a great patisserie and coffee shop, so if you would like a pastry with your ice cream I would recommend going there. They serve up sfogliatella that is amazing—light layers of flaky, buttery pastry shaped like a shell and filled with a sweet ricotta mixture. Heaven!
Pizza & baked goods: One way to enjoy pizza Roma is by the slice (al taglio). At some eateries, you will encounter huge rectangular pizzas where you order a segment by weight. You can order 200 grams for a snack or if you’re getting more than one kind; have them whack off more for a meal-sized portion. And by whack off, I mean they take a big knife and…whack…slice off a hunk of pizza which is then folded in paper for you to take away and enjoy. Antico Forno Roscioli serves up some of the best in town. They also have delicious baked goods, since this is the oven (forno) branch of the many Roscioli eateries, which include a formal restaurant and a deli. I also highly recommend Pizza Florida by Largo Argentina. This restaurant is a little more nondescript. They have a couple tables at the front, but are really a take-away place. They have a good selection of various types of pizza to order by the weight and cheap prices per 100 grams. Grab several different varieties and walk across the street to enjoy the ruins where Julius Caesar was stabbed—now a cat sanctuary.
Another way to order a pizza is by the pie. In Italy, an entire round pizza is one serving size. The most famous is the Margherita which is simply made with tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella—sometimes there is a sprig of basil. There are plenty of other concoctions to try though. Remember that peperoni does not indicate meat, it means bell peppers, so if you want a spicy meat on your pizza, then order one with salame piccante. If you just want sausage—(and, really, who doesn’t?)—then order a pizza with salsiccia. Pizzeria da Baffetto, which isn’t far from Campo de’ Fiori, serves up pizza with wafer-thin crusts. I’ve had never seen crusts this thin before! If you’re looking for a crust that is a little more plentiful, head over to the Monti area (not far from Colosseum) to visit alle Carrette. They are serving up some of the best pizza in Rome at good prices. As a bonus, they have a lovely space out back with outdoor seating.
Pizza bianca is a “crispy on the outside and soft on the inside” bread that makes a great snack on its own or a nice meal when served as a panino. Some of the best pizza bianca in Rome can be found at Forno Campo de Fiori. The bread is delectable and the sandwiches are fantastic. My favorite kind is made with mortadella (thinly-sliced Italian bologna) served on pizza bianca. The meat to bread ratio is perfection and they use top quality goods (important when there are only two ingredients). The price is really reasonable, too. Grab some fruit from the market in the middle of Campo de’ Fiori and you have an amazing lunch.
Pasta & Other Italian Goodies
For an evening out, Jon and I will sometimes make reservations at Piccolo Arancio. Located on a small side street near the Trevi Fountain we find the service impeccable and the food tasty. The pasta has been consistently good, as is the fried artichoke for a starter, and the servers there do a great job of pairing wines with your meal. A bottle of wine from Frascati was a delicious accompaniment to our meal. Reservations are generally necessary, but you can make them online.
Built into the side of a mountain constructed of shards of ancient wine jugs, Flavio al Velavevodetto in Testaccio serves up the best Amatriciana pasta that I’ve ever had in Rome. Perfectly al dente rigatoni is dressed with sauce comprised of salty guanciale, sweet tomatoes, and mild Pecorino cheese. It’s simply delightful. The restaurant is a bit of a walk on foot, so I recommend taking the metro to the Pyramide station and walking from there. There are plenty of neat things around, like the Museum of the Walls (you can walk atop the ancient walls for free!) and the Protestant Cemetery.
While in Testaccio, you may want to check out the market there. Mercato di Testaccio has stall upon stall filled with delicious meats, cheeses, produce, and baked goods. Vendors sell clothes, accessories, housewares, and personal products, too, but the food is what shines. There are many delectable-looking food stands serving everything from hamburgers to barbecue, but I’m never there for American food. I want the Italian sandwich which foodies praise—a panino from Mordi e Vai. There are no seats at this stand whose name means “bite and go.” There isn’t an orderly line either, so be prepared to make yourself known if you want to eat. I order the “allesso di scottona alla picchiapo” sandwich. It’s a mouthful…literally! Tender beef (I think it’s brisket) stewed in a sweet tomato sauce on pillowy bread hits the spot every time. I would go back over and over for this panino.
For authentic Roman food at decent prices, I adore Alfreda e Ada. This is my favorite restaurant in all of the city! They serve a couple of pasta dishes every night, a few meat dishes, and some sides. Everything they serve is seasonal. My favorites are the beef rolls and the chicken rolls. Jon and I usually split a pasta for starters, each get a meat dish, and split a side dish—like chicory. The wine is decently-priced, too. Be there at least 20 minutes before they open in order to get a table (they don’t take reservations), because there isn’t much seating and people start lining up early. Space is at a premium so be prepared to sit with strangers if you don’t have enough people in your party to fill a table.
Sometimes a person can get tired of Italian food. Gasp! It sounds pazzo, but it’s true. When you’re looking for something a little different, I recommend the Chinese restaurant, Citta in Fiore, in the hip neighborhood of Monti. Go there for lunch for the real deal. The restaurant has a fixed-price lunch menu where you choose an appetizer, main course, and side with a drink. They have the best steamed dumplings I’ve had anywhere in the world.
If you’re in the area of the Colosseum, it can be difficult to find good food, but I like the pasta and meat dishes at Trattoria Pizzeria Luzzi. They serve a good pasta, succulent chicken, nice vegetable dishes, and hearty bread. Their pizza is on the cheesy side, but has good sauce and nice crust. If you like a lot of cheese on your pizza, you will probably enjoy it. Jon and I are minimalists when it comes to our pizza toppings, so it’s not our favorite, but it’s okay given the touristy area. The prices are fair, too. (There are two restaurants by this name near each other–they are not the same in quality; I enjoy the one at the corner of via Celimontana and via di San Giovanni in Laterano.)
When at the Vatican, you may want to stop by Hostaria Dino & Toni. The food is amazing and the service is an experience like no other. We weren’t presented a menu, but instead were offered different choices for each course according to what the chef was cooking that day. The pasta gricia and pasta amatriciana were perfection with guanciale and Pecorino making a silky sauce for rigatoni. We also enjoyed an antipasto platter of meats, fried foods, and breads. A fried artichoke made for another tasty nibble. We were too full for the second course or dessert, but they looked great too.
If you’re in Rome during spring, you have to try Jewish artichokes (carciofi alla giudia). These fried artichokes are silky and delicate—not resembling the prickly kind served in the States. Nonna Betta, in the Jewish Quarter, serves up some of the best. I love their delicate, flaky fried fish, too. The restaurant is a little more expensive than some of the other eateries on this list, so you may just want to have antipasto there.
You won’t find a lot of actual street food in Rome (food being sold on the street), but that doesn’t mean they don’t have it. You just need to look inside a shop for it. One of my favorites is a fried ball of rice called suppli, also known as arancini in other areas of Italy. Supplizio serves up the regular kind with mozzarella in the middle, as well as different versions like carbonara or cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper). One is a filling snack, while a couple could make a like meal, especially with some meatballs (polpette).
These are just a few of my favorite Rome restaurants, but I’m continuously uncovering more great dining experience in the Eternal City. Do you know of a great place to eat in Rome? Please share it!
Amy French, Ph.D., is the voice behind Roaming Historian. A professional historian and seasoned traveler, she shares stories that blend history and travel to give readers a deeper understanding of the places they explore.
Updated 2026/2027 guide: https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/07/20/best-restaurants-in-rome/
Taste Rome Like a Local
One of the best ways to discover a city’s culinary traditions is on a guided food tour. Rather than wondering which restaurants are worth your time, you’ll be led by a local expert who knows where Romans actually eat while learning the history behind the dishes that have made the Eternal City famous.
My top recommendation is LivTours’ “Food Tour of Rome,” a semi-private experience limited to just six guests. Along the way you’ll enjoy Italian wine, antipasti, pizza al taglio, traditional Roman pasta, and authentic gelato while exploring some of Rome’s most beloved neighborhoods. Your guide doesn’t just introduce you to exceptional food—they also share the fascinating history, culture, and traditions that make Roman cuisine so distinctive. It’s one of the best ways to experience both the flavors and stories of Rome in a single evening.
Roaming Historian readers receive 10% off two or more LivTours experiences with the code AMYRH10. Use my affiliate link to book your tour and start tasting Rome like a local. https://livtours.com/tours/food-tour-of-rome-italy-semi-private-experience?af_code=E1DDN61
Learn to Cook Like a Roman
If tasting authentic Roman cuisine leaves you wanting more, why not learn to make it yourself? LivTours’ hands-on cooking classes are taught in a state-of-the-art cooking school by a renowned chef from MasterChef Italia and are limited to just six participants, creating an intimate and interactive experience. You’ll prepare classic Roman recipes using fresh, high-quality ingredients while learning the techniques and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Better yet, you’ll enjoy everything you create alongside Italian wine—and you’ll leave with the confidence to recreate your favorite Roman dishes at home.
Whether you’re a passionate home cook or simply looking for a memorable experience in Rome, there’s a class for every foodie:
- Pasta Making, Tiramisù & Wine – Learn to make fresh pasta from scratch, prepare a classic tiramisù, enjoy a traditional aperitivo, and sit down to a meal paired with Italian wine. You’ll even receive the recipes so you can recreate the experience back home. Book here: https://livtours.com/tours/pasta-making-tiramisu-wine-semi-private-cooking-experience-in-rome?af_code=E1DDN61
- Homemade Roman Pizza & Supplì – Discover how to prepare authentic Roman-style pizza al taglio, crispy supplì, and focaccia before enjoying your creations with wine and limoncello. And for dessert there is Nutella dough pockets! It’s a fantastic introduction to two of Rome’s most beloved street foods. Book here: https://livtours.com/tours/homemade-roman-style-pizza-suppli-semi-private-cooking-class?af_code=E1DDN61
- Gnocchi Making & Roman Market Visit – Begin with a visit to a traditional Roman market to select fresh ingredients before learning to make pillowy homemade gnocchi under the guidance of a MasterChef Italia chef. It’s the perfect blend of sightseeing, shopping, and cooking. Book here: https://livtours.com/tours/gnocchi-making-class-with-authentic-roman-market-visit-semi-private?af_code=E1DDN61
Roaming Historian readers receive 10% off two or more LivTours experiences with the code AMYRH10. Whether you choose a food tour, a cooking class, or both, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for Roman cuisine—and memories that last far longer than a single meal.
Experience Rome’s Sights and Flavors Together/Golf Cart Aperitivo Tour
One of my favorite ways to experience Rome is to combine its incredible landmarks with its equally unforgettable food and drink culture. If you’re looking for a unique evening activity, I highly recommend LivTours’ Golf Cart & Drinks Evening Tour of Rome. This small-group experience (limited to just six guests) takes you through Rome’s beautifully illuminated streets, stopping at iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona while introducing you to the beloved Italian tradition of aperitivo. Along the way you’ll enjoy Prosecco, local wines, craft beer, and authentic Roman snacks before finishing the evening ready for dinner in one of Rome’s fantastic neighborhoods. It’s the perfect way to orient yourself to the city, discover local recommendations from your guide, and experience the Eternal City’s history and culinary culture in a single unforgettable evening.
Book here to combine sightseeing, history, and authentic Roman food culture in just three hours. Use code AMYRH10 to save 10% off 2+ tours: https://livtours.com/tours/golf-cart-and-drinks-evening-tour-of-rome-semi-private?af_code=E1DDN61
Frequently Asked Questions About Eating in Rome
What food is Rome famous for?
Rome is best known for its four classic pasta dishes: cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana, and gricia. The city is also famous for thin, crispy Roman-style pizza, creamy artisanal gelato, supplì (fried rice balls with mozzarella), carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes), and porchetta. Whether you’re dining in a traditional trattoria or grabbing street food between sightseeing stops, these dishes are essential to any visit to the Eternal City.
What are the best restaurants in Rome?
The best restaurant depends on what you’re looking for. For authentic Roman pasta, I highly recommend Flavio al Velavevodetto, da Edy, and Matricianella. If you’re craving pizza, Emma, Papo e Lula, and Alle Carrette are excellent choices. For gelato, don’t miss Giolitti, Gelateria del Gracchi, or Fatamorgana. Throughout this guide, I’ve organized my favorite restaurants by neighborhood to help you find great food wherever you’re sightseeing.
Where do locals eat in Rome?
Many Romans head to neighborhoods such as Testaccio, Monti, and the Jewish Ghetto for traditional cuisine. While popular tourist areas like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain have their share of mediocre restaurants, there are also excellent hidden gems if you know where to look. Venturing just a few streets away from the busiest piazzas often leads to better food, lower prices, and a more authentic atmosphere.
Is it expensive to eat in Rome?
Dining in Rome can fit almost any budget. You can enjoy pizza al taglio, supplì, or a panino for just a few euros, while a traditional trattoria meal with pasta, wine, and dessert is typically quite affordable compared to many major European cities. Fine dining restaurants naturally cost more, but Rome offers excellent value if you choose carefully.
Do I need restaurant reservations in Rome?
For popular restaurants, especially at dinner, reservations are highly recommended. This is particularly true during the spring, summer, and fall tourist seasons. Smaller family-run trattorias often fill quickly, while some restaurants, such as Alfreda e Ada, do not accept reservations at all, making it important to arrive before opening if you hope to get a table.
What time do Romans eat dinner?
Romans generally eat dinner later than many North Americans. Restaurants often begin serving dinner around 7:00 p.m., but many locals don’t arrive until 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. If you prefer a quieter experience or don’t have a reservation, arriving shortly after opening can make it easier to find a table.
Should I tip in Rome?
Tipping is appreciated but not expected in the same way it is in the United States. Many restaurants include a coperto (cover charge) or servizio (service charge) on the bill. If service is exceptional, leaving a few extra euros or rounding up the bill is a thoughtful gesture, but large percentage-based tips are generally unnecessary. Here is my guide “Do You Tip in Italy?” https://roaminghistorian.com/2026/03/03/guide-to-tipping-in-italy/
What is the difference between Roman pizza and Neapolitan pizza?
Roman pizza is known for its thin, crispy crust, while Neapolitan pizza has a soft, airy crust with thick, puffy edges. Rome is also famous for pizza al taglio, or pizza by the slice, which is baked in large rectangular trays and sold by weight. Both styles are delicious, but they offer very different dining experiences.
What should I avoid ordering in Rome?
Avoid restaurants with aggressive hosts trying to lure customers inside, menus featuring hundreds of dishes, or photos of every item. Authentic Roman restaurants usually have smaller menus focused on seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes. If you’re unsure where to eat, check out my guide on how to avoid tourist trap restaurants in Rome before choosing a restaurant.
Are food tours in Rome worth it?
Absolutely. If you love food, this is a must in Rome. A good food tour introduces you to authentic Roman specialties while sharing the history behind each neighborhood and dish. They’re an excellent way to discover hidden restaurants, sample local favorites, and learn about Roman cuisine from knowledgeable guides. If it’s your first visit to Rome, a food tour is one of the best ways to begin exploring the city’s remarkable culinary traditions.
Viator top Rome food tours: https://www.viator.com/Rome-tours/Food-Tours/d511-g6-c80?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
GetYourGuide food tour: https://www.getyourguide.com/rome-l33/rome-trastevere-campo-de-fiori-street-food-walking-tour-t460750/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher
What is the best food tour in Rome?
I am a huge fan of LivTours and the Tour Guy when it comes to Roman food tours. Both companies take you to authentic local spots for pasta, cured meats, wine, and gelato—plus you’ll learn the stories behind every bite from expert guides. These tours consistently get rave reviews and often sell out, so it’s smart to book ahead. There are several options.
LivTours “Food Tour of Rome” semi-private experience (use code AMYRH10): https://livtours.com/tours/food-tour-of-rome-italy-semi-private-experience?af_code=E1DDN61
Roman Guy/Tour Guy food tours: https://tidd.ly/48sQxdR
What is the best cooking class in Rome?
I think any of the cooking classes led by LivTours can’t be beat. They’re led by a MasterChef Italia chef and have small groups, so you’ll get personal attention while tasting authentic Roman dishes and learning to cook them yourself. Check availability here: https://livtours.com/destinations/rome-tours?af_code=E1DDN61 and don’t forget to use my code AMYRH10 to save 10% off 2 or more tours.
Viator Rome Food—Trastevere, street food, Campo di Fiori and more: https://www.viator.com/Rome-tours/Food-Tours/d511-g6-c80?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector
Traveling Soon? Trusted Tour & Travel Partners
Planning your trip? Here are our trusted travel partners — thoughtfully chosen for quality, reliability, and exceptional experiences.
- LivTours (high-quality semi-private and private European tours led by expert guides)
Save 10% with code AMYRH10 (valid on two or more tours).
https://livtours.com?af_code=E1DDN61 - The Tour Guy (engaging small group & private European tours)
https://tidd.ly/3J78sNi - Viator (compare thousands of tours, day trips, and experiences worldwide)
https://www.viator.com/?pid=P00161535&mcid=42383&medium=link&medium_version=selector - GetYourGuide (flexible booking options for tours, attractions, and local experiences)
https://www.getyourguide.com/?partner_id=CMSFGKK&utm_medium=online_publisher - Shore Excursions Group (high-quality shore excursions with lower prices and return-to-ship guarantees.)
https://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1634209&data=roaminghistorian@gmail.com - Expedia (flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages)
https://expedia.com/affiliate/p7ZcFsz - Hotels.com (book hotels globally and earn free nights through their rewards program)
https://www.hotels.com/affiliate/rdDAFaG - VRBO (private homes and unique stays ideal for families and longer trips)
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https://www.travelinsurance.com/?utm_source=pap&a_aid=65590b3a60c44
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