One of the travel highlights of any trip to Italy is the food. With that in mind, we’ve picked out the best restaurants in Rome that you should try. Italian food is a varied and hearty cuisine that combines fresh, rich ingredients with surprisingly light flavors. So, whether you’re a classic pasta and pizza lover or a huge fan of creamy desserts, these restaurants in Rome should be on your hit list.
Best restaurants in Rome, Italy
1. Bono Bottega Nostrana San Pietro
While most of us know that Italy is famous for pizza, it’s also possible to get an incredible sandwich in Rome. One of the best restaurants in Rome that specialize in satisfying sandwiches is Bono Bottega Nostrana San Pietro. It is located just a short walk from St. Peter’s Basilica, making it a perfect place to refuel after some serious sightseeing. The brand also has other locations at popular tourist spots around the city, so you can always go back for more if you love it.
Their sandwiches are served on chunky, crusty fresh bread, which is renowned for being some of the best in Rome. Then you get to the fillings. Bono Bottega specializes in delicious yet simple fillings and gives them their own unique twist. Try a clean and classic mortadella ham and cheese sandwich with a spicy mustard sauce or a creamy mozzarella baguette with broccoli chutney – delicious.
2. Per Me
Looking for somewhere special to eat out in Rome? Whether you’re on a romantic weekend away or are in town with a client you want to impress, Per Me by Giulio Terrinoni is a dazzling spot to visit. The restaurant has a Michelin rosette, and the a la carte menu is classic and simple, drawing deep on its Italian roots for inspiration. Per Me focuses heavily on seafood, with delicacies like sea urchin and bottarga roe regularly finding their way onto the menu.
The restaurant also offers tasting menus and prioritizes using local and seasonal ingredients for a more sustainable business model. Not the biggest fish fan? Never fear. Per Me also offers incredible vegetarian options and unique meat dishes that are bursting with flavor.
3. Pasta in Corso
What would an Italy trip be without trying some scrumptious pasta? One of the best restaurants in Rome for fresh pasta dishes is Pasta in Corso, which is located around a 15-minute walk from the Pantheon. Designed like a pasta bar, Pasta in Corso has a counter with a variety of fresh pasta on display and a range of authentic Roman sauces and toppings to accompany it.
The restaurant is known for its quick service and lively, bustling atmosphere. There’s also a great range of traditional desserts on offer and options for gluten-free diners – perfect for solo patrons or small groups.
4. Rosamunda’s
Some travelers just don’t feel that a trip to Rome is complete without tasting at least one delicious, authentic pizza. After all, pizza is one of the most famous foods in the world and the best restaurants in Rome often feature some version of it on their menus. If you’re a serious pizza lover, then Rosamunda’s is one spot you shouldn’t miss. Rosamunda’s is a pizza restaurant and bakery that prides itself on creating mouth-watering dough and bread.
Diners at Rosamunda’s can enjoy freshly made classic pizzas, like Margherita or mushroom, as well as some unique house specials. Fresh pasta is also available, and you can grab a beer while you eat. If you plan to go here, however, be aware that Rosamunda’s only opens from 11am-6pm. Perfect for a casual lunch or late-afternoon snack.
5. Il Fiore All’Occhiello Bistrot
Fine dining is almost a must when you visit Rome, and few places do fine dining better than Il Fiore All’Occhiello Bistrot. This restaurant serves a truly classic Roman menu, with some modern twists to keep things fresh.
They are also known for their spectacular wine list, which makes pairing your meal with a vintage even more fun. Menu staples include pasta cooked with fresh seafood, Roman-style dumplings, and tender pork belly.
They also have an enticing dessert menu that features classics like Sicilian cheesecake and decadent fruit tarts, perfect when you want to treat yourself to something special in Rome.
6. Roscioli
One of the staple dishes associated with Italian cuisine is the meat and cheese platter. Roscioli has taken that concept and refined it into an art form. Using fresh local ingredients and carefully sourced produce, Roscioli is essentially a gourmet food store where visitors can sample the items before they shop.
The restaurant features a pastry shop, a vast wine cellar, and a huge selection of cured meats and cheeses.
7. Vulio
Alongside pizza, Italy is also home to another famous bread-based delicacy: bruschetta. That’s exactly what you can enjoy when you visit Vulio in Rome. Vulio is a small, intimate cafe that serves appetizing, freshly made bruschetta with a range of delicious toppings.
The produce is excellently sourced, meaning that the topping combos are absolutely bursting with flavor. You can also order a glass of Italian wine to enjoy with your meal.
8. La Gatta Mangiona
Located outside of the city center, in Monteverde, La Gatta Mangiona pizzeria is well worth the trip if you want to explore other parts of Rome. La Gatta Mangiona specializes in serving beautifully fresh, traditional Roman pizzas with unique and luxurious toppings. The topping menu changes regularly, according to which ingredients they have in stock that day.
La Gatta Mangiona is also a great place to visit if you want to try the Roman street food delicacy ‘suppli’, which is usually a deep-fried rice ball stuffed with mozzarella cheese. La Gatta Mangiona is known for making high-quality authentic suppli, so it’s somewhere to put on your list if you want to eat like a local.
9. Boa Sorte Sushi
Feeling adventurous when in Rome? Boa Sorte Sushi offers a fusion of Italian produce and Japanese cooking styles to create incredible sushi dishes. From beautiful maki rolls to poke balls, Boa Sorte has options to delight serious sushi fans and entice first-timers. You can even order an entire platter of sushi if you order in advance. The restaurant is located close to the city center, near the Pantheon, great if you want to take a night off from pasta and try something different in Rome.
10. Bull Steak
As well as beautiful pasta, pizzas and fresh seafood, Rome is also home to numerous fantastic steakhouses serving premium quality meat. If you love a meat feast, Bull Steak is one of the best steakhouses in Rome, with a legacy of serving high-quality produce and perfectly cooked meat. Diners at Bull Steak can go all out with a Fiorentina steak or a juicy fillet. The menu also features the traditional Italian first course, including carbonara, soup and gnocchi dishes.
The steaks can be paired with fine red wines to enhance their flavor. Bull Steak is also well known for its tempting fried sides, and takeaway options are available, which works well for those staying nearby in self-catered accommodation.
Dining in Rome is always an experience, whether you choose an established venue or a secluded hole in the wall. From traditional Roman pizzas to marvelous seafood, you’ll never be far from fabulous places to eat. Our list of the best restaurants in Rome is a great starting point for anyone who is new to the city or who wants to explore recommendations for classic Roman food. Once you’ve found your feet, you can start to branch out and discover your new favorite Roman dishes.
