Best Restaurants in Monti, Rome

Monti is often regarded as one of the best areas to stay in Rome, largely due to its proximity to the Colosseum and the Forum, but it’s also a mecca for foodies. It’s among the Italian capital’s oldest neighborhoods, so expect a wide array of cozy trattorias and traditional ristorantes interspersed with plenty of contemporary and trendy spots.

Long before I started my Rome food tours, I fell in love with the culinary offerings in the area and have paid a visit to many of the best restaurants in Monti, Rome. In this article, I’ll let you in on all my picks for the top spots, allowing you to dine like a local in this charming pocket of the Eternal City!

Why Dine in Monti?

One of the many great things about Monti is the variety of restaurants in the neighborhood. It’s a rather eclectic, bohemian-style district, and as such, seamlessly blends old-fashioned haunts with innovative venues specializing in modern or international food.

While the local and regional dishes are front and center, you won’t be limited to Italian food in Monti, making it a top-tier gastronomic area no matter what you’re craving.

Culinary Highlights of Monti

Whether you’re a first-timer or have visited Monti numerous times, savoring some local food specialties and dishes while you’re here is a must. On almost every street, you’ll find lovely eateries serving up carbonara, cacio e pepe, Roman-style pizza, and deep-fried artichokes, among a host of other favorites.

If you don’t fancy a sit-down meal in a swanky ristorante, there are also a slew of spots for quick eats and casual dining, such as sandwich shops, delis, and gelaterias. 

Should you find yourself hankering for something a little different, keep an eye out for places offering other alternative types of cuisines, such as sushi bars, burger joints, and kebab shops.

Best Restaurants in Monti: Our Top Picks

al42

Photo credit: al42

Chef Leopoldo Frigerio is the mastermind behind al42, a simple, compact spot that focuses on producing both traditional and elevated takes on Roman recipes. It’s almost impossible to avoid queuing here, but once you taste the rich, beefy lasagna, I think you’ll agree that it’s more than worth it!

al42 – 00184 Roma – Open every Monday and Wednesday to Sunday from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm, closed every Tuesday.

Cuoco & Camicia

Photo credit: Cuoco & Camicia

Cuoco & Camicia is one of the best restaurants in Monti, Rome, particularly for those who appreciate creative recipes and seasonal ingredients. The interior is sophisticated and refined, much like the ever-changing menu. I love their DIY tasting menu option, and I especially enjoyed the flaky cod doused in refreshing, tangy citrus teriyaki.

Cuoco & Camicia – 00184 Roma – Open every Monday to Friday from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, closed every Sunday.

Sciuè Sciuè Cucina

Photo credit: Sciuè Sciuè Cucina

Sciuè Sciuè Cucina first lured me in with its warm lighting, brick-covered walls, and elegant furnishings. The menu changes here quite often, so even if you’ve visited before, it’s worth returning to. I was instantly drawn to their quirky pasta dishes and went for the velvety fettuccine with smoky sausage, crunchy artichoke chips, and sweet leeks.

Sciuè Sciuè Cucina – 00184 Roma – Open every Monday to Saturday from 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm, closed every Sunday.

Sa Tanca Crostaceria

Photo credit: Sa Tanca Crostaceria

When it comes to the best restaurants for seafood in Monti,, Sa Tanca Crostaceria will always come out on top for me. The vintage interior sets it apart from other eateries in the area, as does the extensive menu of fresh catches. My friend and I shared one of the platters, which included briny oysters, succulent shrimp, and tender clams.

Sa Tanca Crostaceria – 00184 Roma – Open every Monday to Saturday from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm, closed every Sunday.

Pizzeria della Madonna dei Monti

Photo credit: Pizzeria della Madonna dei Monti

Monti has a slew of sensational pizza spots, but I keep finding myself going back to Pizzeria della Madonna dei Monti. There’s a handful of tables in this buzzing eatery, and if you’re lucky, you can secure a seat outside. If I could recommend just one pizza here, it has to be their amatriciana creation. It blends the crispy crust of Roman pizza with salty guanciale, sharp pecorino, and fresh mozzarella.

Pizzeria della Madonna dei Monti – 00184 Roma – Open every day from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.

La Taverna Dei Monti

La Taverna Dei Monti frequently ranks among the best restaurants in Monti, Rome, and it definitely lived up to the hype when I dined here. Inside, it’s bright and airy, with old-world furnishings and a superb team of servers. The food is just as exceptional, and I suggest trying the saltimbocca, consisting of buttery marinated veal with delicate prosciutto and piney sage.

La Taverna Dei Monti – 00184 Roma – Open every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, closed every Wednesday.

Tips for Dining Like a Local in Monti

• Most Monti restaurants are busiest between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm, which is when locals typically eat their evening meal.
• Steer clear of eateries closest to the Colosseum. While you may give up a view, you’ll usually find more authentic Roman cuisine just a few streets away.
• Walk down Via Leonina, Via della Madonna dei Monti, or Via Monte Polacco to discover taverne romane, hidden trattorias, and small shops serving traditional dishes.
• Enjoy a pre-meal drink like a spritz or negroni in a lively local bar. Aperitivo typically comes with snacks and sets the tone for a relaxed evening.
• Look for Roman staples like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana — ideally prepared using time-tested Roman recipes.
• Try pizza al taglio from a neighborhood bakery or food stand for a casual and delicious snack.
• Match your meal with regional wines such as a Soave with creamy carbonara or a Sangiovese with bold amatriciana. You can also ask a local food expert or your server for pairing tips.
• Spend a morning at the mercato rionale to see where locals buy fresh ingredients — a great way to understand Roman food culture from the ground up.
  

Conclusion 

Getting lost along the colorful streets of Monti is a pretty great way to spend your time, especially when you have so many incredible eateries within arm’s reach. With this list of my recommended restaurants in Monti, you’ll never be far from a quality Roman dining experience!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Rome food tours. Eating Europe. Retrieved June 5, 2025, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/rome/

Al42. (n.d.). Al42 – Italian street food. https://www.al42.it/

Cuoco e Camicia. (n.d.). Cuoco e Camicia. https://www.cuocoecamicia.it/

Sciue Sciue. (n.d.). Sciue Sciue Monti. https://www.sciuesciuemonti.com/

Satan Cacrostaceria. (n.d.). Satan Cacrostaceria. https://satancacrostaceria.it/en/

Pizzeria della Madonna dei Monti. (n.d.). Pizza della Madonna dei Monti. https://www.pizzadellamadonnadeimonti.it/

Tripadvisor. (n.d.). La Taverna dei Monti. Retrieved June 5, 2025, from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d758358-Reviews-La_Taverna_dei_Monti-Rome_Lazio.html