Best 4 Kosher Restaurants in Rome

The Jewish community has an enduring and deep-rooted relationship with the Eternal City. These two cultures have become intertwined, so much so that some of Rome’s signature dishes, such as carciofi alla giudìa, have Jewish origins.

I’ve dedicated some of my Rome food tours to exploring the cobbled streets of the Jewish Ghetto, which is a testament to its impact on the city’s culinary landscape. Trust me; you don’t have to be a kosher traveler to enjoy the delectable wonders in this enchanting neighborhood!

Below, I’ve detailed some of the finest kosher restaurants in Rome, most of which have received awards and recognition for their kosher offerings.

The Significance of Kosher Cuisine in Rome

Jews have played a role in Roman society since the second century BC. One of the darker chapters in the city’s history, the formation of the Jewish Ghetto, saw the Jewish community largely isolated from the rest of the population.

During this time, the Jews used the limited produce available to them to craft some delicious kosher dishes that combined Roman and Jewish flavors. In time, these creations grew to become some of the must-try staples for both kosher and non-kosher visitors to the city.

Top Kosher Restaurants in Rome

BaGhetto Ristorante

Photo credit: BaGhetto Ristorante

Situated in the Jewish Ghetto, BaGhetto is among Rome’s most popular strictly kosher restaurant locations, offering a blend of Jewish-Roman and Middle Eastern dishes.

I love how simple yet chic this spot is, and I was grateful to secure a table outside to enjoy the terrace’s lively vibe.

The team here makes some of the best carciofi alla giudìa I’ve ever tasted. There was just something about the contrast between the mild, tender center and crunchy exterior that led me to order a second serving!

BaGhetto Ristorante (€€) – Via del Portico D’Ottavia, 57,59,61,63,65, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, and every Saturday from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

Yotvata

Photo credit: Yotvata

Yotvata is tucked in a quiet corner of the Jewish Ghetto that specializes in mouthwatering fried dishes, a hallmark of Jewish-Roman cuisine.

It’s quite an understated spot, but the high ceilings, refined decor, and archways give it a touch of old-fashioned glamor.

I went for the assortment of fried goods and found myself particularly taken with the filetti di baccalà. The flavors and textures were superb, from the crispy golden batter to the buttery, savory fish hidden inside.

Yotvata (€€) – Piazza Cenci, 70, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and every Saturday from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm.

Renato al Ghetto

Photo credit: Renato al Ghetto

If I had to choose a favorite kosher restaurant in Rome, Renato al Ghetto in the Jewish Ghetto might just take the top spot.

The tasteful mix of old and new aesthetics in the dining area earned this eatery some brownie points right away, which translated to the menu and its combination of classic and contemporary dishes.

Their kosher tonnarelli carbonara was a delight from start to finish. I’m often dubious about alternatives to traditional recipes, but the umami flavors from the beef cheek and the richness of the egg yolk made an exquisite pairing.

Renato al Ghetto (€€) – Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 5, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and every Saturday from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm.

BellaCarne

Photo credit: BellaCarne

BellaCarne is another gem I stumbled upon in the Jewish Ghetto.

Although the sleek black furnishings and ambient lighting give it a sophisticated edge, the ever-so-helpful staff give this place its charming vibe.

The menu was a fusion of local specialties and Mediterranean staples, and I chose the couscous with beef and tomato stew. It wasn’t something I’d tried before, but the nutty couscous was a surprisingly tasty accompaniment to the hearty and zesty notes from the stew.

BellaCarne (€€) – Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 51, 00186 Roma RM, Italy – Open every Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, Friday from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and every Saturday from 8:30 pm to 10:45 pm.

Traditional Jewish-Roman Dishes to Try

Carciofi alla Giudìa: Arguably the most popular kosher dish of all and a beloved Italian food, these deep-fried artichokes are simple but oh-so-tasty. 

Amatriciana alla Giudia: This delightful dish is similar to traditional amatriciana but uses olive oil and beef rather than pecorino and guanciale.

Baccalà all’ebraica: This salted cod dish is served in several ways, but you’ll often find fried varieties in Rome.

Stracotto: Stracotto is one of the heartiest kosher dishes in Rome, consisting of stewed beef in a rich tomato sauce.

Concia di Zucchine: Fried foods are staples in Jewish-Roman cuisine, and concia is all about crispy zucchini topped with fresh herbs.

Pizza Ebraica: The name of this dish can be quite misleading, as pizza ebraicia is actually a cookie stuffed with candied fruit, nuts, and raisins.

Tips for Finding Kosher Food in Rome

• Many restaurants have kosher-style or kosher-inspired dishes but don’t necessarily have any certification. As such, it’s best to speak to the staff and ask about accreditations.
• Several kosher grocery stores operate in Rome should you prefer to do some cooking yourself or pick up any snacks.
• If you have a particular restaurant in mind for a pre-Shabbat meal, it’s a good idea to make a reservation.
• Finding seasonal products that are kosher can be a challenge, but you can enjoy them at many kosher restaurants in Rome.

Conclusion

Rome’s Jewish community is among the largest in Italy, meaning you’ll find all types of kosher restaurants here. Perhaps you want to experience Jewish-Roman cuisine, or maybe you’re looking for somewhere that accommodates kosher travelers; either way, there are some outstanding kosher restaurants in Rome you can’t skip!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Rome. Retrieved December 3, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/rome/

Ba’Ghetto. (n.d.). Ba’Ghetto. Retrieved December 3, 2024, from https://www.baghetto.com/en/

YoTavata. (n.d.). YoTavata. Retrieved December 3, 2024, from https://www.yotvata.it/eng/

Renato Al Ghetto. (n.d.). Renato Al Ghetto. Retrieved December 3, 2024, from https://www.renatoalghetto.com/

BellaCarne. (n.d.). BellaCarne. Retrieved December 3, 2024, from https://www.bellacarne.it/en/

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Best food in Italy. Retrieved December 3, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/guides/best-food-in-italy/