From Historic Trattorias to Michelin-Starred Rooftops
Rome is a city defined by timeless flavor. Beyond its grand monuments and ancient ruins lies a culinary landscape where simple, high-quality ingredients are transformed into pure magic. From steaming plates of carbonara in historic Jewish Ghetto trattorias to innovative tasting menus perched above the Colosseum, Rome offers a feast for every palate.
Whether you are looking for an unpretentious neighborhood bistro, an exclusive wine bar, or an unforgettable Michelin-starred dinner, this guide categorizes the Eternal City’s absolute best dining spots by style and neighborhood to make your journey effortless.
Michelin Starred & High-End Flagships
For travelers seeking pinnacle culinary technique, world-class wine pairings, and panoramic views over ancient monuments, these benchmark institutions deliver Rome’s finest dining experiences.
Ristorante Aroma (Colosseum / Monti)
Perched directly across from the Colosseum on the rooftop of Palazzo Manfredi, this Michelin-starred flagship offers spectacular, uninterrupted views of ancient Rome paired with refined, modern Italian tasting menus.
Imàgo (Piazza di Spagna)
Located on the top floor of the iconic Hotel Hassler at the head of the Spanish Steps, this Michelin-starred venue serves inventive, contemporary cuisine framed by panoramic views across the city skyline.
Ristorante Il Pagliaccio (Navona / Campo de' Fiori)
Holding two Michelin stars, Chef Anthony Genovese delivers an intimate, highly creative culinary journey that seamlessly fuses classical Italian technique with subtle Asian influences.
Il Sanlorenzo (Campo de' Fiori)
Widely regarded as the finest seafood restaurant in central Rome, specializing in pristine, wild-caught fish brought daily from the Lazio coast, raw shellfish platters, and an exceptional tasting menu.
Historic Institutions & Classic Roman Trattorias
No trip to Rome is complete without experiencing authentic Roman classics like cacio e pepe, amatriciana, spaghetti alla gricia, and coda alla vaccinara (braised oxtail).
Armando al Pantheon (Pantheon)
A legendary Roman institution operating just steps from the Pantheon since 1961, beloved for serving flawless classics like spaghetti alla gricia, pasta e ceci (Fridays only), and traditional Roman desserts. Note: Reservations go live 30 days in advance and book out immediately.
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (Campo de' Fiori)
Part gourmet deli, part wine bar, and part world-class restaurant, Roscioli is famous for serving the best burrata in town, world-renowned carbonara, and incredible cured meats paired with an extensive wine cellar.
Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto (Monteverde)
Tucked away from the main tourist trail at the end of the 8 tram line, this beloved local shrine serves legendary fried appetizers, fluffy gnocchi, and fall-off-the-bone coda alla vaccinara.
Trattoria al Moro (Trevi)
A historic, elevated restaurant near the Trevi Fountain known for classic Roman hospitality, seasonal mushroom dishes, fine wines, and exceptional handmade pastas.
Colline Emiliane (Barberini / Trevi)
A family-owned institution open since 1931, specializing in authentic, comforting dishes from the Emilia-Romagna region, including hand-rolled tagliatelle alla bolognese, pumpkin tortelli, and cured prosciutto.
La Torricella (Testaccio)
A neighborhood favorite in the foodie district of Testaccio, serving dependable Roman classics, fresh seafood pastas, roasted turbot, and local organ specialties.
Ristorante Tullio (Barberini)
A prestigious, old-school Roman steakhouse and trattoria celebrated for top-tier Tuscan grilled meats, white truffles, and flawless classic service.
Checco Er Carettiere (Trastevere)
A traditional, sprawling Trastevere staple serving hearty Roman comfort food, fresh seafood, and classic pasta dishes in a lively atmosphere.
Jewish Ghetto & Kosher Specialties
Rome's historic Jewish Quarter (Sant'Angelo) is home to one of the city's most distinct, historic culinary traditions, famous for crisp carciofi alla giudia (deep-fried artichokes).
Casalino Osteria Kosher (Jewish Ghetto)
A cozy kosher restaurant on the main street of the historic ghetto, serving traditional fried artichokes, seasonal vegetables, baked fish, and classic kosher Roman dishes.
C'e' Pasta...e Pasta (Jewish Ghetto)
An unpretentious cafeteria-style local spot famous for fresh, handmade Kosher Roman-Jewish pasta dishes, fried delicacies, and quick lunches.
Porchetteria La Rinascita (Jewish Ghetto)
A perfect grab-and-go stop for authentic porchetta paninis, featuring slow-roasted, herb-crusted pork stuffed into crusty Roman bread.
Artisanal Pizzerias & Street Food
Roman pizza comes in two distinct styles: paper-thin, crispy scrocchiarella round pies, or thick, airy pizza al taglio served by the slice.
Bonci Pizzarium (Vatican / Prati)
Master baker Gabriele Bonci’s world-famous pizza al taglio joint, renowned for slow-fermented organic doughs topped with creative, seasonal gourmet ingredients and incredible supplì (fried rice balls).
Seu Pizza Illuminati (Trastevere)
A stylish, modern pizzeria serving innovative, award-winning Neapolitan-style pies featuring light, puffy crusts and creative, gourmet ingredient pairings.
Da Remo (Testaccio)
The ultimate classic Testaccio pizzeria, serving super-thin, crispy, wood-fired Roman-style round pizzas in a buzzing, energetic neighborhood setting.
Trapizzino (Testaccio & Multiple Locations)
Famous for inventing the trapizzino: a triangular pocket of warm, fluffy pizza bread stuffed with rich Roman stews like chicken cacciatore, braised ox tongue, or meatballs.
Casa Manco (Testaccio Market)
An exceptional stall inside the Testaccio Market serving airy, long-ferment pizza alla pala dough topped with fresh zucchini flowers, stracciatella, or anchovies.
La Gatta Mangiona (Monteverde)
A craft beer and pizza institution known for an impressive collection of whiskies, artisanal beers, decadent fried starters, and inventive seasonal pies.
Cocktail Bars, Speakeasies, & Wine Bars
When the sun sets over the piazzas, Rome’s nightlife offers everything from historic wine bars to hidden speakeasies.
The Jerry Thomas Project (Navona)
Rome's pioneer speakeasy, requiring a secret password for entry into an intimate, 1920s-style lounge serving world-class, bespoke craft cocktails.
Note: Advanced bookings are mandatory.Wisdomless Innovation (Navona)
A quirky, luxurious cocktail lounge and salon hidden near Piazza Navona, designed like a cabinet of curiosities filled with antiquarian art.
Enoteca il Piccolo dal 1980 (Navona)
A beloved, tiny neighborhood wine bar where guests crowd onto outdoor cobblestone steps to enjoy natural Italian wines, casual grazing platters, and local energy.
Il Goccetto (Navona / Campo de' Fiori)
A legendary, cult-favorite wine bar housed under a historic 15th-century ceiling, boasting dozens of rotating wines by the glass and authentic antipasti.
L'Angolo Divino Enoteca Vineria (Campo de' Fiori)
An atmospheric, family-run wine sanctuary offering an incredible selection of natural, biodynamic, and boutique Italian labels.
Argot Speakeasy (Campo de' Fiori)
A cozy subterranean speakeasy hidden behind a private club entrance, offering warm vintage decor and handcrafted cocktails.
Artisanal Gelato & Sweet Treats
Real Italian gelato is crafted in small batches using natural, high-quality ingredients without artificial colors, whipped air, or heavy preservatives.
Gelateria del Teatro (Navona)
Located near Piazza Navona, this charming shop crafts fresh gelato daily in an open laboratory, famous for seasonal flavors like Amalfi lemon, Sicilian pistachio, and raspberry with fresh sage.
Gori Gelato (Montesacro)
Founded by master gelatiere Claudio Torcè-trained siblings, serving pure, artisanal gelato featuring unusual flavors like buckwheat, whortleberry, and pumpkin seed.
Torcè (Aventino / Circus Maximus)
A haven for true gelato purists, offering over 100 natural, additive-free flavors including gourmet chocolate variations, organic nut pastes, and dairy-free options.
Neve di Latte (Flaminio)
Located near the MAXXI Museum, this modern gelateria uses biodynamic milk, raw organic sugar, and premier single-origin chocolates to produce velvety gelato.
Caffè Sant'Eustachio (Pantheon)
An iconic coffee institution open since 1938, famous for its secret, extra-creamy espresso shots brewed using water fed directly from an ancient aqueduct.
Moriondo & Gariglio (Pantheon)
Rome's oldest historic chocolate shop, famous for hand-crafted pralines, candied chestnuts (marrons glacés), and traditional sweets.
Luxury Accommodations for Food & Wine Lovers
To complete your Italian escape, we recommend staying at premier luxury properties that place world-class dining, exceptional service, and historic locations right at your doorstep.
Hotel Hassler Roma
Perched atop the Spanish Steps, this iconic family-owned landmark is home to the Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant Imàgo and provides unmatched access to Rome's finest luxury boutiques and historic dining.
Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:
Daily full breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom.
$100 USD equivalent hotel dining or spa credit per stay.
Room upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability.
Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
Palazzo Manfredi
A boutique luxury palace located directly beside the Colosseum, housing the Michelin-starred Ristorante Aroma and offering stunning historic views.
Perks I can add for my Bessties at this hotel:
Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom.
$100 USD equivalent hotel credit per stay.
Upgrade upon arrival, subject to availability.
Early check-in and late check-out, subject to availability.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
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