Roman cuisine is undoubtedly my favorite among Italy’s regional foods. Give me a plate of carbonara pasta, a bite of suppli, or a slice of pizza al taglio and I’m a happy woman.
I’ve visited Italy’s capital many times over the past 15 years and my most memorable meals in Rome share a couple of things: they have a more local crowd and make fantastic food. These restaurants always serve up fresh ingredients, flavorful dishes, and an authentic experience.
This list includes my favorite cafes, bakeries, gelato shops, pizzerias, and restaurants in Rome that never disappoint.
Cafes & Bakeries
Biscottificio Innocenti – This small gem of a bakery is located in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood. It’s run by a lovely woman who is the original owner’s granddaughter. They make some of the best biscotti (cookies) in all of Italy. I recommend sampling a selection of their flavors – they are all good! My favorites are the hazelnut and fruit-filled biscotti. Website / Location
Roscioli Caffe – Good spot for a traditional Italian breakfast – coffee paired with a stuffed pastry. I love their cream-filled brioche and cornettos. It can get busy, so be prepared to wait for a table. Website / Location
Caffe Peru – A laid back cafe and bar. Great for a quick coffee stop in the morning. They have a large outdoor seating area, which is nice in the summer. Location
Caffe Portoghesi – A typical cafe with a few tables outside and standing room inside. Both their coffee and pastries are delicious. If you stop by at lunch, the sandwiches are a solid choice. It has a very local feel. Location
Gelato
Come il Latte – My husband and I set out to find the best gelato in Rome and Come il Latte is easily our top pick. It’s a bit of a jaunt to get here and not really close to major attractions, but it’s worth it. The gelato has a smooth texture and well-balanced flavors that really pack a punch, thanks to the high-quality ingredients used. Location
Gelato del Teatro – Just down the street from Piazza Navona, this gelato shop has been a favorite of ours for years. What really makes it stand out are the unique flavor combinations, such as pear and cheese or raspberry and sage. Website / Location
Gelateria Cremilla – One of our go-to gelato spots, conveniently located not too far from the Vatican. The gelato is stored in pozzetti, which keeps it at the perfect temperature to maintain its texture and prevent melting or freezing. The flavors are delicious and the texture is superb. Highly recommended. Website / Location
Pizza
Casa Manco – Head to Mercato Testaccio, one of Rome’s hidden gems, for the city’s best pizza al taglio. Made fresh right in front of you, the crust is perfection and the toppings are bold. You can cut as large or small as a piece you want, I recommend trying an assortment of flavors. Website / Location
Forno Campo de’ Fiori – My go-to spot for pizza al taglio in central Rome. I make sure to stop by a couple of times whenever I visit. I like to keep it simple here and order the marinara. Just across the street, they also own a sandwich shop with a fantastic selection for lunch. Website / Location
Emma Pizzeria – If you’re looking to try traditional Roman-style pizza, this is the place to go. The toppings are fresh, the crust is the perfect balance of crunchy and slightly chewy, making it a great all-around spot. Location
L’Archetto – We needed a quick place to eat before heading to Vatican City, and L’Archetto was perfect. Great Roman-style pizza, nice outdoor sitting, and quick service. Website / Location
Giacomelli – Run by a friendly Italian family, this pizzeria feels very local. We stayed nearby during one of our trips and went twice because we loved it so much. Website / Location
Restaurants
Rocco Ristorante – One of my favorite dining experiences in Rome. The dishes changes regularly based on seasonal ingredients and availability. The menu is handwritten on a black chalkboard inside and thoughtfully put together. I ordered a potato pasta soup, something I had never had before, but haven’t stopped thinking about since. The meatballs were delicious and appetizers were refreshing. It was truly a memorable meal. Just a heads up: making a reservation can be challenging. I had to call several times over a few days before I got ahold of them. Location
La Matriciana – One of the best restaurants in Rome. It combines old world charm with typical Roman cuisine. Order the Amatriciana – savory, hearty, and memorable. We also enjoyed the Tonnato and a seasonal mushroom pasta dish, which was our favorite dish of the three. Don’t skip dessert. Website / Location
Da Gina al Parlamento – We decided to try this place last minute, arriving right at opening time in hopes of snagging a table without a reservation. We got lucky and were the last walk-ins to get one. Hidden away on a small street in the heart of Rome, this meal turned out to be one of our favorites. The pasta dishes were excellent, but the real star was the Pollo Alla Romana – a flavorful chicken dish stewed with peppers and olives. Absolutely delicious. Location
Piatto Romano – A bit out of the way, but worth it for a more local dining experience. I started with a plate of fried zucchini flowers with garlic and oil. I’ll admit, it didn’t look the most appetizing, but the flavor was light and delicious. It’s an easy dish to share with two or three people. The tagliolini with porcini mushrooms was unlike any I’ve had in Italy – it reminded me of a Japanese noodle dish. When it arrived, I was a bit surprised by its appearance, but as a lover of anything with porcini mushrooms, I can say this dish did not disappoint. Location
Da Enzo al 29 – This is one of the most popular restaurants in Rome and for good reason. Da Enzo is known for their carbonara and its arguably the best you’ll ever have. I also love their meatballs and amatriciana. They do not take reservations, so it’s best to arrive 15-30 minutes before opening to snag a table. Otherwise, be prepared to wait. Website / Location
Al Pompiere – We visited this restaurant on a warm October day while exploring the Jewish Quarter. Despite its high-end appearance with white tablecloths and elegant decor, the food has the comforting feel of home cooking. We ordered the Taglioni al Limone, a creamy dish with a refreshing hint of lemon – a nice change from the typically heavier Roman pastas. The Taglioline Al Romana was also fantastic. Website / Location
Trattoria Perilli – This traditional eatery serves up classic Roman dishes like carbonara, cacio e pepe, and amatriciana. The portions here are generous – I could have easily shared my bowl with someone else. The amatriciana was excellent. Website / Location
Ristorante La Campana – This is apparently Rome’s oldest restaurant, dating back to the 16th century, so we had to give it a try. We opted for a couple of classics – carbonara and cacio e pepe. While the meal was solid, it wasn’t the most memorable. Still, it’s a great spot for lunch. Don’t miss out on their fried artichokes. Website / Location
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina –This restaurant is extremely popular, so be sure to reserve a table weeks in advance, especially during the high season. Their menu features very traditional but excellent dishes. I recommend trying the cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and meatballs. Website / Location
Enoteca L’Antidoto – A cool natural wine bar in Trastevere with a nice selection of small plates. Note that wine is available by the bottle only. Website / Location
Rome Food Tours & Cooking Classes
Anytime I travel, I like to book a food tour or cooking class. It’s a great way to get a taste of the regional cuisine and learn how to cook a few local dishes yourself. Here are a few options in Rome:
Cooking Classes
- Home Cooking in Testaccio: Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana, Carbonara
- Bruschetta, Fettuccine, Gnocchi, Tiramisù Cooking Class in Rome
Food Tours
Making A Reservation
Booking a table in Italy can be a bit tricky. You’ll often need to call directly, as online reservations are almost non-existent, and it’s sometimes hard to get someone to answer. Be patient and keep trying, at least that’s what I tell myself!
The language barrier can also be a challenge for non-Italian speakers. I usually start the phone call with a bit of Italian and then ask if they speak English. If they don’t, have Google Translate handy and give it a go in Italian. When all else fails, ask your hotel to make the reservation for you – or just let them handle it from the start!
Here are a few additional tips:
- Book in advance: Popular spots fill up quickly, so it’s best to call at least 2-4 weeks in advance to secure a table.
- Try last-minute options: If you decide on a place last minute, you can always arrive just before it opens. Some restaurants hold a couple of tables for walk-ins, especially for smaller parties. We’ve done this a few times in Italy, but it’s harder in big cities like Florence. Reservations really are necessary.
Tips for Eating Out in Italy
Eating out in another country can feel a bit confusing at times. Here are a few tips to help you feel more at ease with Italian dining customs.
- Tipping isn’t required in Italy, but if you enjoyed your meal or service, any tip is appreciated. A small amount—typically 10-15%—is perfectly fine.
- Most restaurants charge a coperto, a small per-person fee that covers bread, linens, and tableware. You’ll usually see this fee, ranging from €2–€5, printed on the front of the menu.
- Italian menus are divided into appetizers, first courses, second courses, and desserts. Pasta is typically served as a first course (primo), while meat or fish dishes are second courses (secondo). You’re not expected to order both.
- Meals often last 1.5-3 hours. Don’t expect fast or quick service at restaurants. Italians expect people to take their time and enjoy the meal.
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This is so lovely! Thank you for putting this together. Can’t wait to eat my way through Rome!
Hi Lisa,
Of course, I hope you have the best trip to Rome!
– Jenoa