The 8 Best Restaurants In Rome

The Italian capital’s out-of-this-world cuisine is well-documented by now, but which of the so-called best restaurants in Rome really are the cream of the crop?

As with any food-based list, everyone’s take on the city’s top-tier eateries will look a little different. Having spent years of my life residing in Rome, I’d like to think I’m well-qualified to share my picks by now.

If you’ve ever been on one of my Rome food tours, you’ll know how passionate I am about the Eternal City’s restaurant scene. This enthusiasm prompted me to create this guide to the best restaurants in Rome in the hopes it’ll inspire your own culinary adventure. Let’s get started!

Armando al Pantheon

 

Photo credit: Armando al Pantheon

Despite what we’re often led to believe, there are still some locally-loved restaurants in Rome located close to tourist attractions. Armando al Pantheon is a prime example of such an establishment, holding onto its authentic charm while lying steps from the Pantheon.

This setting speaks for itself: dark wooden panels lining the walls, shelves cluttered with assorted wine bottles, and a chef making pasta by hand on-site. This set-up could look contrived in some restaurants, but this family-run spot has been decorated this way since the 1960s!

Various Roman classics and specialties make up most of the menu, making it almost impossible to choose between the stracciatella romana, carbonara, and amatriciana. In the end, the pasta dishes sounded far too dreamy to resist, so I decided on the amatriciana.

I seemed to be one of many customers ordering the amatriciana, which meant it arrived pretty quickly. The beauty of this dish was in its simplicity: salty guanciale, juicy tomatoes, spicy black pepper, and al dente rigatoni topped with a dusting of sharp pecorino.

Armando al Pantheon (€€) – Salita de’ Crescenzi, 31, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm and closed every Sunday

Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

Photo credit: Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

Mix a restaurant with a wine bar, deli, and bakery, and you’ll get Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina. This enchanting little spot first caught my eye as I was strolling from Campo de’ Fiori to the Jewish ghetto, and I stopped to take a look at their wine selection.

I quickly spotted the tables sitting between the vast shelves of wine bottles and fridges packed with cheeses and cured meats. I instantly fell in love with this place and its old-world allure. Within seconds, I’d decided to stay and grab some lunch.

The length of the menu took me by surprise. Extensive menus are usually a red flag for me, but everything sounded so delicious I was prepared to take my chances. After spending too much time toying between the two gnocchi dishes, I went for the pesto, bottarga, and fava bean option.

Considering this dish consisted of so many distinct flavors, I was curious as to how they would all come together. Just enough bottarga was used, which meant the intense umami flavors weren’t all-consuming.

Every bite combined nutty, mushy fava beans and sweet spring onions wrapped up in the super-soft gnocchi. My favorite element of this incredibly flavorful dish was the almond pesto, which had all the punch of the traditional pine nut version but felt a little lighter.

Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (€€€) – Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – Open every day from 12:30 pm to 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm

Cantina e Cucina

Photo credit: Cantina e Cucina

Cantina e Cucina might be the most adorable spot on this list. It’s situated around the corner from Piazza Navona. I walked past this place too many times over the years before joining the ever-present line.

Before sampling the food, I had a good feeling about this osteria. The staff provided everyone in line with a glass of prosecco and greeted every customer with a smile despite how busy they were trying to keep the tables turning over.

After 20 minutes, I got a table in the back corner of the restaurant. This place was a typical old-school Roman haunt, with its brick walls, hanging ornaments, and homely ambiance.

When I visited, I wasn’t craving pizza or pasta, so I opted for some classic Roman dishes: deep-fried artichoke to start, followed by saltimbocca alla Romana.

The Roman-style artichokes were perfectly crispy at the top and buttery on the bottom, with a meaty texture. After finishing the artichokes, the waitress arrived with the saltimbocca, consisting of veal in a layer of prosciutto and sage.

I just adored how the tender, delicate veal completely contrasted with the chewy and salty prosciutto. Though the meat stole the show, the gentle hints of musky sage and acidic white wine marinade took the flavors to the next level.

Cantina e Cucina (€€) – Via del Governo Vecchio, 87, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – open every Monday to Thursday from 11:00 am to 11:30 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 am to 12:00 am, and every Sunday from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm

La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

Photo credit: La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali isn’t just one of the top foodie spots in Monti; it’s easily among the best restaurants in Rome for me. It’s a short walk from the Colosseum and Roman Forum, so I always recommend it to friends visiting the city for the first time.

I don’t eat here half as much as I’d like to, simply because it’s pretty tough to get a table without making a reservation. The interior alone is reason enough to visit, and I’m always captivated by how elegant yet rustic it feels inside, with its high ceilings and understated furnishings.

Their cacio e pepe recipe has been in the making for four generations, and it’s easily one of my favorite takes on this dish in the city. While I’ve heard rave reviews about their tripe and spaghetti alla gricia, I can’t look past the cacio e pepe with black truffle.

I still remember the first time I tried it, as if it was yesterday. As soon as the waiter turned up with this bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness, the smell of pungent pepper and earthy black truffles had my mouth watering.

Even more incredible was the grassy and tangy taste of pecorino and the silky-smooth spaghetti.

La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (€€) – Via della Madonna dei Monti, 9, 00184 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Wednesday to Monday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and closed every Tuesday

SantoPalato

Photo credit: SantoPalato

SantoPalato is as good as any city center restaurant, but due to its location, it’s much more under the radar. This local trattoria lies in Rome’s Appio Latino quarter and is somewhere I would never have discovered except for a recommendation from a friend living nearby.

This place is the definition of a no-frills, super-authentic eatery. The floor is covered with classic Italian tiles, the two-tone walls are peppered with photo frames, and dark wooden tables and chairs fill every corner.

It’d been a while since I’d ordered a carbonara when I stopped by, which made my decision-making process a breeze. Getting through the wine list was a little more time-consuming, but the sommelier came to the rescue and suggested I pair my meal with a glass of Pinot Noir.

There was a bit of a wait, but once I tucked into the carbonara, it was worth every minute. I loved how the wine’s fruity notes balanced the deep, savory flavors of the pancetta and the richness of the egg yolk.

I’ve been a carbonara fanatic for as long as I can remember, but combining it with the clean flavors of an acidic red brought this dish to new heights.

SantoPalato (€€) – Piazza Tarquinia, 4 a/b, 00183 Roma RM, Italy, Open every day from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm

Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Photo credit: Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

A Trastevere institution, Trattoria Da Enzo al 29, was one of the first restaurants in Rome that left a lasting impression on me. My dining experience here opened my eyes to how diverse Roman food is.

There’s a quaint indoor seating area with vintage-inspired decor and old-fashioned tables, but I was more drawn to the al fresco options. The springtime sun was out in force, so I pulled up a wooden chair and took in the bustling Roman streets from the cobblestone seating area.

I wanted to try something I don’t usually go for, so I settled on the Roman-style beef tripe. It was teamed with tomatoes, mint, and pecorino, which seemed like an intriguing combination.

Before this meal, I hadn’t been particularly fond of tripe, but its mildness was the perfect base for the zingy tomatoes and slightly smoky pecorino. With the cooling hints of mint shining through, each bite was a harmonious line-up of flavors.

Not long after I’d finished, I craved something confectionary. When my sweet tooth kicks in, I find myself wanting tiramisu or gelato.

My buddy and I decided to split a tiramisu. Even though it was rather small in size, just a few mouthfuls of the dense, sugary mascarpone and coffee-soaked ladyfingers were enough to keep my cravings at bay.

Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 (€€) – Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy, Open every Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 12:15 pm to 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm and closed every Friday and Sunday

Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale

I rarely find myself around the Prati area near the Vatican. That was before I discovered Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale recently, and now I’m itching to venture back there already.

This place had so much character, from the plant-covered pale yellow facade to the timeless decor. When I arrived at lunchtime, I got a table right away, but I’ve since learned that lengthy lines form outside almost every evening. Having tried their tasty local fare, I can understand why.

It’d been a while since I’d sampled some Roman meatballs with tomato sauce, which made my decision a whole lot easier. After the waiter mentioned that the portion was quite small, I added a Caprese salad to my order to start.

First up was the salad, which was as fresh and wholesome as ever. The consistency of fleshy tomatoes against the springy texture of the mozzarella just never gets old.

Shortly after, a plate of drool-worthy meatballs arrived, smothered in a rich tomato sauce. These may have been the most delectable meatballs I’ve ever tried.

Perfectly tender but robust in flavor, the meat packed a punch on its own. However, it was the thick sauce, with its hint of chili and garlic, that had me debating whether I should order another portion!

Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale (€€) – Borgo Pio, 186, 00193 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday and Tuesday from 11:45 am to 9:00 pm, Wednesday to Saturday from 11:40 am to 9:30 pm, and Sunday from 11:40 am to 5:40 pm

Il Convivio Troiani

Photo credit: Il Convivio Troiani

Many of the best restaurants in Rome are casual, family-style establishments. In saying that, I’m partial to a visit to a more upmarket eatery now and again, and Il Convivio Troiani in Villaggio Olimpico might be my new favorite.

This Michelin-starred joint has a simple but refined dining area with ambient lighting, pristine white furniture, and gorgeous hand-painted murals. The team here created a sleek and sophisticated setting without sacrificing its distinctive Roman quirks and aesthetic.

I went for the five-course tasting menu, which had a range of dishes to choose from. The exceptional staff provided wonderfully detailed descriptions and suggestions, making the process super straightforward.

In all honesty, there wasn’t a single dish I didn’t enjoy when I visited, but the pan-seared octopus and ricotta goat cheese pappardelle were undoubtedly the highlights.

A velvety raspberry cream and crunchy green apple chunks accompanied the octopus. Not only was this a beautiful blend of textures, but the bitter and sweet tones of the fruit paired back the slightly briny tinge from the octopus.

The addition of flavorful fruits continued into the pappardelle, infused with a hint of citrussy pomelo to brighten the bold flavors. This gave the dish just enough of a lift without taking away from the tart and grainy goat’s cheese and meaty porcini mushrooms.

Il Convivio Troiani (€€€) – Vicolo dei Soldati, 31, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday to Saturday from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm, and closed every Sunday

Conclusion

This rundown of the finest foodie spots in Rome will help you steer clear of all the quintessential tourist traps and mediocre eateries.

My perception of what makes a good restaurant has changed since I first called this city home. When I first arrived, I used to think every second place I ate at deserved a position on this list; however, one decade and several hundred restaurants later, only some of the best deserve this title.