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10 Essential Rome Restaurants for Pizza and Pasta

Rome Restaurants + Bars
by Elisabeth Sherman Feb 15, 2023

If you’re traveling to Rome, you already know that Italy is the European capital of good food. Forget thousands of years of history, and some of the most awe-inspiring ruins you’ll ever encounter – decadent pasta dishes and the best red wine in the world is what Rome is known for. Of course, people travel to Rome to tour the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel, but on those leisurely days spent exploring neighborhoods like Trastevere, the best thing to do in Rome is settle in for a meal, and linger at your table over a bottle of wine, people watching.

Going out to dinner in Rome is just as essential as exploring the city’s many outdoor destinations and parks. It’s just as necessary as taking a selfie at the Trevi Fountain. But with so many enticing dishes and legendary restaurants in Rome, you might need help deciding where to eat. Here are the best restaurants in Rome that everyone needs to try – book a table at one for each night of your vacation. And for an after-dinner night cap, don’t forget to try out these luxury hotel bars in Rome.

Il Gabriello

This cavernous space near the Spanish Steps is romantic and cozy. Serving wines from the Lazio region, Il Gabriello specializes in Roman pasta dishes, of course. The exposed brick archway and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling add to the intimate atmosphere. Risotto with shrimp and spaghetti flecked with chunks of bacon are stand out dishes.

Il Gabriello: Via Vittoria, 51, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Prices: $$

Ambrosia Rooftop Restaurant & Bar

For breathtaking views of the city, head to the rooftop terrace at this restaurant. Located inside the Hotel Artemide, the restaurant specializes in pasta dishes like ravioli, gnocchi, and fettuccine. The chocolate cake is a must-try for dessert. To experience the true majesty of Rome’s skyline, head to the terrace for an aperol spritz at sunset.

Ambrosia Rooftop Restaurant & Bar: Via Nazionale, 22/Int.B, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Price: $$$

Trattoria Monti

Located just steps from the iconic Piazza Vittorio, Trattoria Monti serves marchegiano cuisine – food from the Le Marche region of Italy. You’ll find pasta, game birds, rabbit, and fish on the menu. Regularly recommended by guide books, Trattoria Monti is an unfussy space that serves memorable food. Reservations are essential.

Trattoria Monti: Via di S. Vito, 13, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Price: $$

Ristorante Tema

In the Rione Monti – a district that has existed in the city in some form or another since the days of ancient Rome –  Ristorante Tema serves dishes like mussels, carbonara, and lobster. At the end of the meal, enjoy complimentary limoncello and sour cherry liquor. Guests will be impressed by the friendly service and long wine list.

Ristorante Tema: Via Panisperna, 96/98, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Price: $$

Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

This combination restaurant and grocery store in Rome is one of the city’s most famous restaurants. One side sells high end cheeses, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and other items, while the restaurant has gained notoriety for its cacio e pepe, salumi platters, burrata, and carbonara. The intimate seating area means you have to squeeze in amongst people buying groceries from the deli counter – but this atmosphere only adds to the charm. Located near the Trevi Fountain, Roscioli is easy to find if you’re sightseeing.

Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina: Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Price: $$$

Fraschetteria

This tiny restaurant is the definition of intimate: it seats just 15 people. You’ll find a mix of both locals and tourists here, which should hint at its authenticity. Lasagne and mushroom and truffle pasta feel like home cooked meals – there’s no stuffy upscale dining vibes here. This is another spot where reservations are a necessity.

Fraschetteria: Via dei Cappuccini, 26, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Price: $$

La Pergola

With sweeping views of the city, La Pergola is easily one of the most beautiful restaurants in Rome. Located inside the Rome Cavalieri hotel, La Pergola has three Michelin stars. The exceptional cuisine here is accompanied by an elegant atmosphere: the dining room is quiet, and fresh flowers add a decorative touch. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience that is the height of class and refinement, make a reservation here.

La Pergola: Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, 00136 Roma RM, Italy
Price: $$$$

Rifugio Romano

Offering pizza and pasta, the big draw to Rifugio Romano is that there is a menu comprised entirely of vegan options. The cozy indoor dining room is lined with wine bottles, and there’s seating on the sidewalk too, giving it that classic Roman trattoria feel. Tables are usually packed, so if you don’t make a reservation beforehand expect a long wait time.

Rifugio Romano: Via Volturno, 39/41, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Price: $$

Ristorante Giulia

This stunning space, with tiled floors, chandeliers, and plus brown leather booths, Ristorante Giulia is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Rome. The restaurant is two floors, with a vine covered terrace facing the Ponte Sisto. The elegant wood cocktail bar, with neat rows of liquor bottles again mirrored walls, will likely catch your eye, too. Diners can choose either a curated tasting menu, or order from the full menu.

Ristorante Giulia: Lungotevere dei Tebaldi, 4/4a, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Price: $$$$

Poldo e Gianna Osteria

Expect top quality wines out of the wine cellar at this charming restaurant. The carbonara is one of the restaurant’s most beloved dishes, but the bruschetta and zucchini lasagna are worth trying, too. The outdoor seating under a canopy is especially romantic. Without a reservation, you’re likely to get turned away, as a line usually forms out the door by the time the restaurant opens.

Poldo e Gianna Osteria: Vicolo Rosini, 6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Price: $$

Where to stay in Rome

museums in rome - ruins in the italian city

Photo: S.Borisov/Shutterstock

Rome is a walking city. You’re going to spend a lot of time sightseeing, exploring museums, staring at art, and wandering arrow cobblestone streets. At the end of the day, your tired feet are going to need somewhere to rest – preferably with a spectacular view of the city. These highly rated Rome Airbnbs are stylish, cozy, and close to everything exciting in Rome. Here’s where to book a stay.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Home near Piazza del Popolo

pool and deck outside airbnb in rome

Photo: Airbnb

The stylish backyard – complete with a lemon tree, vine covered walls, and a pool – at this vacation home should be enough to tempt you to book a stay. However, the comfortable bedrooms suited for both adults and children, exposed brick in the sun filled dining room, and its proximity to the Piazza del Popolo will make staying here a dream come true.

Book Now

Home with balcony in Trastevere

trastavere-rome-airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

Tucked into a secluded corner of the hip Trastevere neighborhood, this cheerful yellow and vine covered home is cozy and romantic. The art covered walls and charming balcony speak to both Roman style and comfort. With its small kitchen and table for two this home is perfect for a couple, plus you’ll be within walking distance of some of the best restaurants in Rome.

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Apartment with view of the Colosseum

dining table overlooking colosseum at iflat airbnb in rome

Photo: Airbnb

Filled with natural light, this elegant apartment offers an unobstructed view of the Colosseum from the dining room. With three bedrooms and a loft space, along with hardwood floors and high ceilings, this apartment is spacious and so filled with fresh air and sunlight streaming in from one of the many floor to ceiling windows that you might be tempted to hang out there all day with a glass of Italian wine.

Book Now

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