A Foodie’s Guide: The Best Places to eat in Rome, Italy
Rome is known for its rich culinary tradition and delicious food, and this guide will take you on a journey through some of the city’s most popular and beloved restaurants and eateries. From traditional Roman dishes to international cuisine, you’ll find various options to suit every taste and budget.
From casual trattorias to elegant fine dining establishments, we’ve handpicked some of the best places to eat in Rome to experience the city’s true flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, this guide has got you covered.
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The food scene in Rome
Rome is – next to all its historical places – known for its rich culinary tradition and delicious food, which is heavily influenced by the city’s history, and it’s considered one of the most diverse and unique in the country.
One of the hallmarks of the Roman (and the Italian cuisine in general) is the use of simple, high-quality ingredients, bold flavors, and rustic simplicity. Local specialties include pasta dishes such as carbonara and amatriciana, made with fresh pasta, pancetta, and pecorino cheese.
Rome is also known for its wide variety of meat dishes, such as saltimbocca alla romana (veal cutlets with prosciutto and sage) and abbacchio alla scottadito (grilled lamb chops), seafood lovers, such as the traditional spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams) or fritto misto di pesce (mixed fried seafood).
Foodies visiting Rome will find a lot to explore and enjoy in the city’s culinary scene; we listed the best places to eat in rome below!
Places to eat in Rome
- Pastificio Guerra: Pastificio Guerra is a traditional Italian pasta factory in Rome that has been in business since 1824. They are known for their handmade pasta, made with high-quality durum wheat semolina, and their historical setting. They offer various pasta types and shapes, from classic spaghetti and fettuccine to more unusual shapes like fusilli and orecchiette, making it one of the best places to eat in Rome.
- Piccolo Buco: Piccolo Buco is a small and cozy trattoria in Rome, located in the trendy neighborhood of Trastevere. They serve traditional Roman cuisine and a variety of daily specials. The menu changes frequently, but you can expect to find classic Roman dishes like pasta carbonara and spaghetti alla gricia.
- Trattoria Settimio: Trattoria Settimio is a family-run trattoria in Rome, known for its traditional Roman cuisine and friendly atmosphere. The menu features a variety of traditional Roman dishes, such as pasta alla carbonara, amatriciana, and saltimbocca alla romana, as well as a variety of daily specials.
- Hostario Farnese: Hostario Farnese is a traditional Roman restaurant in the heart of Rome, located near the Pantheon. They serve classic Roman dishes, such as pasta alla carbonara, spaghetti alla gricia, and saltimbocca alla romana. The menu also includes a variety of meat and fish dishes, and the restaurant has a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
- Trattorio Della Stampa: Trattorio Della Stampa is a traditional Roman trattoria located near the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. They serve classic Roman dishes, such as pasta alla carbonara, spaghetti alla gricia, and saltimbocca alla romana, as well as a variety of daily specials.
- Colinne Emiliane: Colinne Emiliane is a restaurant in Rome that serves traditional Emilian cuisine, which is known for its hearty and comforting dishes. They offer a variety of pasta dishes, such as tagliatelle al ragù and tortellini in brodo, as well as meat dishes like cotechino and stinco di maiale.
- Hostario Romana: Hostario Romana is a traditional Roman trattoria located near the Pantheon. They serve classic Roman dishes such as pasta alla carbonara, spaghetti alla gricia, and saltimbocca alla romana. They also have a variety of meat and fish dishes and daily specials.
- Piccolo Arancio: A cozy, family-run restaurant located in the heart of Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood. Specializing in traditional Roman cuisine, this restaurant is known for its homemade pasta dishes and delicious meat and fish options. The menu changes seasonally to showcase the region’s freshest ingredients and traditional recipes – making it one of the best places to eat in Rome.
- Salumeria F.lli Ciavatta 1956: This traditional Roman delicatessen is renowned for its quality cured meats and cheeses. The shop is owned and operated by the Ciavatta family, who have been in the business for over 60 years. They take pride in sourcing the highest-quality products and maintaining traditional recipes.
- Babington’s Tea Room: One of the oldest and most charming tearooms in Rome, dating back to the 19th century. This historic tea room serves traditional English tea and pastries in a charming setting, complete with antique furnishings and a cozy atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing break from exploring the city.
- Pompi Tiramisu: Pompi Tiramisu is a well-known patisserie in Rome specializing in tiramisu. Pompi Tiramisu is known for its high-quality ingredients and creative variations of the classic dessert.
- Roscioli Caffé Pasticceria: Roscioli Caffé Pasticceria is a cafe and patisserie located in the heart of Rome, known for its delicious pastries and cakes. They also serve traditional Italian coffee and aperitifs.
staying in Rome for culinary purposes
Booking a hotel or Airbnb in the Testaccio neighborhood is a tip for staying in Rome for culinary purposes. This area is known for its food markets and traditional Roman cuisine, and is a great place to sample local dishes like tripe, carbonara, and saltimbocca. Staying in Testaccio also makes you close to some of the city’s best bars and nightclubs, so you can enjoy a night out after a day of exploring Rome’s culinary scene.
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