Rome, Italy
Rome’s 15 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)
The guide to Rome’s best restaurants
Looking for the best restaurants in Rome? Look no further – we’ve done the hard work for you (i.e., the eating) and compiled a list of the must-visit spots in the Eternal City. From the heart of Rome to the wider Lazio region, the dining scene is as rich and varied as Italy’s history. You’ll find everything from traditional trattorias serving classic Roman dishes to Michelin-starred restaurants pushing the boundaries of Italian cuisine. Whether you’re after a casual meal at a neighbourhood pizzeria, an indulgent tasting menu, or a trattoria rooted in tradition, these restaurants showcase the best of Rome. Buon appetito!
Top photography courtesy of Santo Palato
01
Il Pagliaccio
We love ourselves a bit of restaurant theatre and Il Pagliaccio delivers in spades. This two-Michelin-starred restaurant pairs moody navy walls and a checkerboard floor with Chef Anthony Genovese’s globally inspired creations. Drawing on his French upbringing, Calabrian heritage and stints in Japan, Malaysia and the UK, Genovese crafts unforgettable dishes like lamb with caviar and sea urchins or razor clams with Chinese noodles and tomato broth. The atmosphere is intimate, the service – led by Matteo Zappile – is flawless, and the tasting menus, including a vegetarian option, are masterfully curated. It’s an elegant, immersive experience that’s as much about art as it is about food.
Il Pagliaccio
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 129/a
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Il Pagliaccio
02
Salumeria Roscioli
Salumeria Roscioli is one of those places we’ve visited once and then can’t stop talking about – or returning to. Just off Campo de’ Fiori, it’s part deli, part restaurant, with walls lined by nearly 3,000 wines and shelves stacked with artisanal cheeses, cured meats and jars of sott’olio vegetables. The menu celebrates Italian tradition with standout dishes like burrata paired with Cantabrian anchovies, perfectly executed carbonara with crispy guanciale, and the Maialino del Chianti – pulled suckling pig served on crispy bread with pickled vegetables. Desserts include wine-soaked ciambelle cookies and a pistachio-dipped cannolo. Reservations are a must, and the warm, efficient service ensures this remains a beloved Roman institution.
Salumeria Roscioli
Via dei Giubbonari, 21
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Salumeria Roscioli
03
Armando al Pantheon
Armando al Pantheon, just steps from the Pantheon, has been a Roman institution since 1961, run by the Gargioli family for three generations. Its intimate dining room, with just 14 tables under exposed wooden beams and artfilled walls, fills quickly – so book ahead. The menu celebrates Roman tradition with dishes like cacio e pepe, rich with pecorino and black pepper, or their famous amatriciana, perfected with guanciale over six decades. Seasonal highlights like stewed artichokes with mint and garlic or Friday’s salted baccalà are must-tries. Pair your meal with a pick from the extensive wine list, and finish with their signature sour cherry tart or tiramisu. It’s cosy, timeless and quintessentially Roman – a must-visit in our book.
Armando al Pantheon
Salita de' Crescenzi, 31
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Armando al Pantheon
04
Da Cesare al Casaletto
Da Cesare al Casaletto, a cherished Roman trattoria, underwent a significant transformation in 2009 when Leonardo Vignoli and Maria Pia Cicconi took the helm. Their stewardship has elevated the establishment to a must-visit for those seeking authentic Roman cuisine. The menu features classic dishes like cacio e pepe and amatriciana, complemented by an array of fried starters such as eggplant croquettes and shredded beef balls. The wine list, curated by Vignoli, offers a selection of traditional and natural wines from Italy and France, all at reasonable prices. The ambiance is relaxed and welcoming, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak times, to fully enjoy this culinary gem.
Da Cesare al Casaletto
Via del Casaletto, 45
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Da Cesare al Casaletto
05
Seu Pizza Illuminati
Seu Pizza Illuminati turns pizza into a culinary statement. Located in Trastevere, this modern pizzeria, run by Pier Daniele Seu and Valeria Zuppardo, offers Neapolitan-style pies with bold, seasonal toppings. The menu includes standouts like amatriciana pizza with guanciale and pecorino or pesto trapanese with roasted tomatoes, almonds and fennel. Fried starters such as zucchini flowers stuffed with mozzarella and anchovy are expertly prepared. The light, airy dough is paired with a thoughtful drinks list featuring wine, champagne and IPAs. With its sleek interior and precise service, Seu Pizza Illuminati is a fresh take on a Roman staple.
Seu Pizza Illuminati
Via Angelo Bargoni, 10-18
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Seu Pizza Illuminati
06
Santo Palato
Santo Palato is where Rome’s old-school trattoria meets ubercool creativity. Chef Sarah Cicolini has made this tangerine-walled spot a go-to for foodies, with just eight tables inside and a chalkboard menu that changes daily. Known for her yolky carbonara, Cicolini doesn’t stop there – her trippa alla Romana is legendary and inventive mains like rabbit stuffed with liver, celery root and apple-mustard glaze showcase her bold style. Even classic dishes like spaghettone all’amatriciana and rigatoni alla carbonara are elevated here. The vibe is unpretentious, with young, hip staff guiding you through a menu built around seasonal market finds. Pair it all with funky organic wines, and you’ve got a dining experience that’s as cool as it is delicious.
Santo Palato
Piazza Tarquinia, 4 a/b
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Santo Palato
07
Zia
Michelin-starred restaurant Zia is led by chef Antonio Ziantoni. The interior is sleek and minimalistic, focusing on a contemporary design that enhances the intimate dining atmosphere. The cuisine combines Italian tradition with international influences, presenting refined dishes that are rooted in seasonality. Signature dishes include cold spaghetti and duck in a dolce e forte sauce. Zia’s bar offers a curated selection of fine wines, carefully chosen to complement the evolving menu. Our verdict is that Zia delivers a modern and comforting dining experience in true Italian style.
Zia
Via Goffredo Mameli, 45
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Zia
08
Idylio by Apreda
Idylio by Apreda, situated in The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, is led by Michelin-starred Chef Francesco Apreda, who blends his Neapolitan roots with spices and techniques from Japan, India and beyond. The restaurant offers three tasting menus: Firma Iconica highlights signature dishes like pasta in bianco with five roots and red mullet with radicchio and pajata jus; Speziale explores savoury balance without added salt through creations like escarole with pine nuts and matcha; Idylio’s Butterfly allows a customised mix of both menus. The 600-label wine list is overseen by sommelier Alessandro D’Andrea, pairing seamlessly with the intricate flavours. The sleek dining room features shimmering chandeliers, black and gold accents and floral silk prints. The service is precise and attentive, creating a dining experience built on detail and innovation.
Idylio by Apreda
Piazza dei Caprettari, 56/60
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Idylio by Apreda
09
Il Convivio Troiani
Established in the early 1990s by the Troiani brothers from the Marche region, Il Convivio Troiani is one of Rome’s most respected dining institutions. Tucked away in a quiet alley near Piazza Navona, the restaurant blends Lazio’s culinary traditions with imaginative reinterpretations. Chef Angelo leads the kitchen, crafting dishes like amatriciana alongside bold creations like a sweet take on carbonara. The extensive menu showcases Italy’s diverse flavours, balancing classic techniques with modern flair. The wine list is equally impressive, featuring around 3,600 labels, from fine vintages to a wide selection of wines by the glass. Giuseppe and Massimo oversee attentive service, ensuring a refined yet welcoming experience.
Il Convivio Troiani
Vicolo dei Soldati, 31
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Il Convivio Troiani
10
Acquolina
Elegant plating impresses us at Acquolina, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant tucked inside The First Arte hotel near Piazza del Popolo. Chef Daniele Lippi delivers bold, creative Italian cuisine across two tasting menus: one focused on seafood, with highlights like scampi linguine and red mullet with cherry and hibiscus, and a longer option that adds meat dishes to the mix. The flavours are as generous as they are refined, with aromatic herbs and barbecued touches adding depth. The dining room, adorned with original art, offers a serene atmosphere where every detail is designed to enhance the experience. After dinner, the Acquaroof bar’s views of Rome provide the perfect ending.
Acquolina
Via del Vantaggio, 14
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Acquolina
11
Trecca
Trecca, in Rome’s Ostiense district, is a modern trattoria that reinterprets traditional Roman cuisine. The interior features a checkered floor, marble-topped tables and pendant lighting, creating a nice and inviting atmosphere that visually is the stereotype of a cosy Italian kitchen.The menu focuses on “quinto quarto” dishes, utilising offal cuts to honour Roman culinary traditions. Signature offerings include rigatoni alla pajata, made with veal intestines, and bucatini all’amatriciana. The wine list emphasises natural selections, complementing the robust flavours of the dishes. Trecca’s consistent use of authentic ingredients and attentive service provides a distinctive dining experience that really appeals to us.
Trecca
Via Alessandro Severo, 220
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Trecca
12
Supplizio
Supplizio, situated in the Trastevere neigbourhood, is a street food establishment by chef Arcangelo Dandini, dedicated to traditional Roman cuisine. The interior resembles a rustic living room, featuring terracotta floors and masonry walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu centres on classic Roman street foods, notably the supplì—fried rice balls with various fillings, which we tend to have every time. And then most often just standing outside! Signature items include the Supplì Classico, made with meat, tomato, mozzarella and Parmigiano, and the Cacio & Pepe, combining pecorino romano, mozzarella and black pepper. Additional offerings are smoked potato croquettes and crispy cod fillets.
Supplizio
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 143
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Supplizio
13
Menabó
Located in Rome’s Prenestino-Centocelle district, Menabò Vino e Cucina is a bistro established by brothers Paolo and Daniele Camponeschi. While the interior’s minimalist approach, with wooden furnishings and an open kitchen, may feel a little austere, the menu does not disappoint. It focuses on seasonal, market-driven ingredients, which balances meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. Signature items include roasted liver and spaghetti alla Nerano. The curated but extensive wine list, emphasises natural and biodynamic selections.
Menabó
Via delle Palme, 44 D
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Menabó
14
Osteria Chian
Osteria Chiana offers a modern take on traditional Roman cuisine. The interior is a no-frills affair with dark wooden tables, polished tiled floors and burnt-ochre walls adorned with film posters and vintage Italian spirit advertisements. The vibe is stylish but unpretentious, and as with many of its counterparts, focus lies on the food rather than the furnishings! The menu includes classic dishes such as tonnarelli cacio e pepe and breaded lamb cutlets served with fried artichokes – both delicious. A selection of daily specials highlights seasonal ingredients. The wine list complements the menu, offering a variety of mostly Italian wines.
Osteria Chian
Address: Via Agri, 25
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Osteria Chian
15
Il Ristorante Niko Romito
Take the lift to the fifth floor of the Bulgari Hotel and you will find Il Ristorante – Niko Romito. The location offers striking views of the Mausoleum of Augustus. Designed with mahogany-panelled walls and curated artworks, the space exudes understated luxury. Chef Niko Romito reimagines Italian cuisine with a menu centred on simplicity and the essence of ingredients. Highlights include his celebrated spaghetti with tomato sauce and refined veal Milanese. A carefully curated wine list, featuring notable Italian and international labels, complements the dishes.
Il Ristorante Niko Romito
Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 10
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Il Ristorante Niko Romito
16
Giano
Located within the W Rome hotel, Giano Restaurant offers a modern interpretation of Sicilian cuisine. The interior features contemporary design elements, including velvet seating and an open kitchen. We find the vibe part rock and roll and part traditional elegance. Under the guidance of Chef Ciccio Sultano, the menu showcases dishes such as spaghetto taratatà, combining tuna and bottarga, and the traditional cannolo del Sultano for dessert. The restaurant shares a cocktail bar and garden with the hotel, which adds to the relaxed setting to enjoy an excellent meal. Giano’s commitment to authentic flavours and innovative presentations offers a distinctive dining experience in the heart of Rome.
Giano
Via Liguria, 28
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Giano
17
Da Cesare al Pellegrino
Da Cesare al Pellegrino is a traditional trattoria that honours Roman culinary heritage. And why change something that is so good? The interior features a rustic design with wooden furnishings and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The menu offers classic Roman dishes, including rigatoni con coda alla vaccinara – a slow-braised oxtail in a rich tomato stew – and spaghetti with veal sweetbreads and leeks. Daily specials highlight seasonal ingredients, ensuring a dynamic dining experience. The wine list complements the cuisine, featuring a selection of Italian wines.
Da Cesare al Pellegrino
Via del Pellegrino, 117
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Da Cesare al Pellegrino
18
Pantera
Pantera, located in Rome’s Garbatella district, is a pizzeria established by the brothers behind Trecca and Circoletto. The exterior features a simple sign reading ’Pizzeria,’ leading to a casual setting with outdoor seating along Circonvallazione Ostiense. The menu focuses on pizza al taglio – slices with toppings like salsa verde on pizza rossa and crispy potato. The crust is low and crunchy, embodying Rome’s scrocchiarella style. Additional offerings include suppli, notably the classic version with a crunchy exterior and melted mozzarella centre. The whole experience is laid back, cheap and cheerful and oh so good!
Pantera
Via Circonvallazione Ostiense, 153
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Pantera
19
Bar Bozza
Bar Bozza, located in Rome’s Ostiense district, occupies a former copy shop, retaining original red floors, doors and fixtures. The interior features a narrow, lively counter and limited seating, which contributes to the convivial atmosphere. The menu, by chef Fabio Macrì, offers a dynamic selection of tapas-style dishes that change frequently, with many vegetarian options. Notable items include the Bar Bozza egg – hard-boiled with miso, seaweed, sesame, and spring onion – and glazed pork belly with kimchi, peanuts, and chili. The wine list, selected by Mauro Lenci, focuses on natural, spontaneously fermented wines, complemented by their own label, FaiTù. An adjacent space offers craft beers and street food-inspired dishes.
Bar Bozza
Via Giulio Rocco, 27
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of Bar Bozza
20
53 Untitled
Located in Rome’s historic centre near Piazza Navona, 53 Untitled is a small, unpretentious restaurant with a few tables, offering a relaxed dining experience. The menu features both traditional and modern Italian dishes, occasionally incorporating Asian influences. Notable offerings include tapas-style ’morsi e morsetti’ (light bites), which can serve as appetisers or main courses, and a selection of pastas, salumi, cheeses and desserts. The wine list complements the menu, featuring a curated selection of Italian and international wines. Due to its limited seating and popularity, booking ahead is recommended.
53 Untitled
Via del Monte della Farina, 53
Rome
Italy
Photography courtesy of 53 Untitled
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