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
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Best Restaurants in Rome - Where to Eat Guide
Discover the best restaurants in Rome with our guide to the top 25 dining spots in Rome, Italy. Whether you're after authentic local cuisine, international flavours, street food, or fine dining, Rome's food scene caters to every palate and budget.
Top-rated restaurants in Rome include La Pergola, Il Pagliaccio, Imàgo, each known for standout dishes and memorable dining experiences that capture the flavours of Italy.
The best restaurants in Rome span everything from neighbourhood eateries and rooftop bars to upscale tasting menus. Eating well in Rome is part of the experience — take your time exploring different areas and cuisine styles rather than sticking to tourist hotspots.
Use our Rome restaurant guide below to filter by cuisine type, price range, and location. Whether you're searching for the best Italy food or international options, you'll find the right place to eat in Rome for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rome
What food is Rome famous for?
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.
Do I need reservations at restaurants in Rome?
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.
What is the average meal cost in Rome?
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 is one of Italy's most visited destinations, celebrated for Colosseum, Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain. The city draws travellers who come to experience its unique blend of history, culture, and modern life — a character shaped over centuries that few destinations in Europe can match. Whether you're planning a short city break or a longer trip, Rome has enough depth and variety to reward every type of visitor.
Our free Rome guide covers 15 attractions and points of interest, from iconic landmarks and historic sites to local markets, parks, and neighbourhood highlights. The city's top attractions span a broad range of interests — museum lovers will find world-class collections and gallery spaces, while those who prefer open-air exploration can discover historic quarters, waterfront districts, and green spaces that reveal Rome's everyday character. Most major sights are reachable on foot or by public transport, making it easy to combine several stops in a single day without needing to hire a car or join an organised tour.
The food scene in Rome is one of the city's enduring draws. Our guide features 25 handpicked restaurants and dining spots, ranging from street food stalls and neighbourhood eateries serving authentic Italy cuisine to mid-range bistros and higher-end dining with atmosphere and views. Eating well in Rome doesn't require a large budget — some of the most memorable meals come from simple local places that most visitors walk straight past. Taking the time to explore different areas and neighbourhoods quickly reveals how Rome's food culture reflects the broader personality of the city and its people.
Choosing where to stay shapes the entire experience of a Rome visit. Our guide includes 25 vetted accommodation options across the city's main districts, covering budget-friendly hostels, mid-range hotels, boutique properties, and apartments suited to longer stays or families. Staying centrally puts the main sights within easy walking distance, but choosing a quieter neighbourhood a little further out often delivers better value and a more authentic local feel. The right area depends on what matters most to you — whether that's access to key attractions, good public transport links, proximity to the best restaurants, or simply finding a part of Rome that fits your pace.
A few practical details worth knowing before you travel: the local language is Italian; the currency is EUR; the best time to visit is 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.. Getting around Rome is generally straightforward — most cities in Italy offer a reliable mix of metro, bus, and tram networks, with central areas compact enough to cover on foot. Local customs, tipping etiquette, safety advice, and money-saving strategies are all covered in the dedicated Rome travel tips section of this free guide, which is updated regularly to reflect current conditions on the ground.
