The Best Brunch in Rome

When people think of Italian food the mind often conjures up images of lunch and supper dishes filled with pasta, rich sauces, fresh vegetables, and cheese. Yet Rome is festooned with restaurants offering some of the best brunch experiences in all of Europe.

One could argue that no Rome food tour is complete without a few brunch experiences in the mix. It’s part of the reason why Eating Europe has such a strong presence in Rome, helping you make a first-hand connection with Rome’s food culture.  

What Makes Brunch in Rome Unique?

The Roman take on brunch has a different energy and slower pace experience. If you’re fresh off the plane, it’s a great way to acclimate to the leisurely pace of Italian life.

The best brunches in Rome focus on high-quality local ingredients like fresh ricotta, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and fresh seasonal vegetables. You usually find Italian specialties like burrata with fresh tomatoes, savory frittatas, and focaccia sandwiches.

Italian coffee culture is always represented at brunch with espressos, cappuccinos, or lattes made with rich, high-quality beans, with Italian pastries that go with them like cornetti, biscotti, zeppole, and pizzelle.

Some brunch spots offer American fare with Italian twists. This includes carbonara-inspired eggs benedict, breakfast pizzas, and waffles.

Coromandel

Photo credit: Coromandel

Coromandel is one of Rome’s most iconic brunch spots. It’s also situated close to major attractions like Piazza Navona, making it a convenient spot to fuel up before touring that part of the Eternal City.

The interior has a charming ambiance with the elegance of a classical European dining room. Yet it’s accented with whimsical décor that almost gives it an “Alice in Wonderland” vibe.   

Coromandel serves breakfast every day with a special brunch menu on weekends. Their brunch menu is an eclectic mix of Italian dishes, along with American fare like pancakes, eggs Benedict, French toast, and vegan waffles.

However, I think the secret gem here is the iced coffee with almond milk. I ordered one on a particularly warm morning and its brightness with a robust body really helped start my day off on the right foot.

Coromandel (€€) – Via di Monte Giordano, 60/61, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – Open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Open Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.

Vivi Bistrot

Photo credit: Vivi Bistrot

Vivi Bistrot has several locations around Rome that serve an outstanding brunch, but my favorite is in Piazza Navona. It’s near Villa Pamphili, which is an elegant park that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll if you happen to over-indulge at brunch.

The interior décor at Vivi Bistrot is warm and inviting. However, I think the place to be on a fair-weather day is the outdoor seating area. It’s dog-friendly and perfect for people-watching.  

Vivi Bistrot only offers brunch on weekends and features a range of pastries, fresh juices, and coffee, alongside savory options like scrambled eggs and even smoked salmon. They also have vegetarian options, including salads made from fresh, seasonal ingredients.

On my last visit, I chose the picnic option which let me choose the items I wanted for brunch. Then I took it to the park, which was the perfect start to my leisurely Sunday morning.

Vivi Bistrot (€€) – Piazza Navona, 2, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM. Closed on Monday.

Babington’s Tea Rooms

Photo credit: Babington’s Tea Rooms

You’ll find Babington’s Tea Rooms near the Spanish Steps. While it’s best known as an iconic English-style tearoom, its impeccable brunch service with a classic English breakfast is a secret gem in the Eternal City.

Babington’s decor reflects its history, which dates back to 1893. The entire dining room is adorned with antique furniture and museum-like portraits. It feels a little bit like the Victorian era was brought back to life with a vibe of elegance and distinctly British coziness.

The brunch menu at Babington’s is only offered on weekends. It’s quintessentially English, mixing breakfast staples with savory offerings like soups, salads, finger sandwiches, and quiches.

I couldn’t resist the chance to enjoy an elegant Roman take on the classic English breakfast. Except I flipped the script a little bit, by replacing the usual breakfast meats with smoked salmon. I felt that the smoky richness and tender flaky salmon elevated the brunch plate to the next level.

Babington’s Tea Room (€€€) – Piazza di Spagna, 23, 00187 Roma RM, Italy – Open Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Closed on Monday. 

Marigold Roma

Photo credit: Marigold Roma

Marigold Roma is a café and bakery located in Rome’s up-and-coming Ostiense district. It’s also close to the Pyramid of Cestius and the vibrant Mercato di Testaccio, making it a great place to fuel up before a long day on your feet exploring the area.

The interior of Marigold taps into Scandinavian minimalist décor. It has a lot of clean lines, with bright, strategically placed lighting that really helps wake you up and gets you ready for a refreshing meal.

Marigold’s brunch menu is only available on weekends and focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients that change with the season. Popular brunch options include vibrant salads, savory tartines, and hearty soups. Their in-house bakery makes a delightful sourdough bread and classic Roman pastries.

While I could rave about their scrambled eggs with avocado, fluffy egg-white pancakes, and tasty baked goods, I think the secret gem here is the sourdough bread. It’s a rare thing to find in Rome. I had it toasted and painted with rich grass-fed butter. It was so good; that I devoured two more orders.

Marigold Roma (€€) – Via Giovanni da Empoli, 37, 00154 Roma RM, Italy – Open Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Conclusion

There are tons of iconic brunch spots to include in your next Rome food tour. Places like Coromandel and the Babington tea rooms will transport you back in time to experience brunch with a touch of elegance. Whereas Marigold Roma offers you brunch with a taste of modernity.

If you only have time for one Roman brunch experience, my top choice is to get the picnic option at Vivi Bistrot, to enjoy a casual late morning in the park.

Sources

Coromandel. (n.d.). Breakfast and brunch in Rome. Retrieved from https://www.coromandelrome.com

Vivi Bistrot. (n.d.). Brunch at Piazza Navona and Villa Pamphili. Retrieved from https://www.vivibistrot.com

Babington’s Tea Rooms. (n.d.). English breakfast near the Spanish Steps. Retrieved from https://www.babingtons.com

Marigold Roma. (n.d.). Café and bakery in Ostiense district. Retrieved from https://www.marigoldroma.com

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Rome food tours and brunch recommendations. Retrieved from https://www.eatingeurope.com/rome