Best Restaurants in Rome: Where to Eat Like a Local
Rome is a city defined by its hunger. The local food scene avoids the complexity of northern Italian cuisine in favor of bold, ingredient-driven simplicity. You will find a heavy focus on Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and secondary cuts of meat. The city is split between traditional trattorias that haven’t changed their menus in fifty years and a new wave of contemporary chefs rethinking Roman classics. Success here requires knowing the difference between a tourist trap and an authentic kitchen. This guide cuts through the noise to show you the best restaurants in Rome.
Must-try dishes in Rome
Before booking a table, you need to know what to order. These five dishes are the backbone of Roman identity.
- Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe: Thick, egg-based pasta tossed with Pecorino Romano and toasted black pepper. It relies entirely on technique to create a creamy sauce without using cream.
- Carbonara: The ultimate Roman pasta made with guanciale (cured pork cheek), egg yolks, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. Authentic versions never include garlic or onions.
- Amatriciana: A rich sauce of tomato, guanciale, and chili flakes, typically served with hollow bucatini pasta.
- Carciofi alla Giudia: Deep-fried Jewish-style artichokes that look like golden sunflowers and taste like nutty potato chips.
- Suppli: A street food staple consisting of a fried rice ball stuffed with ragu and a melting mozzarella core.
- Saltimbocca alla Romana: Veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage, sautéed in white wine and butter.
Best restaurants for a splurge
When you want a high-end experience, Rome delivers with historic views and Michelin-starred technicality.
La Pergola (Monte Mario)
Located atop the Rome Cavalieri hotel, this is Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Chef Heinz Beck creates avant-garde Mediterranean dishes with surgical precision. The wine cellar holds 60,000 bottles and the dining room overlooks the entire city skyline. It is the ultimate choice for a landmark celebration where price is no object.
Imàgo (Spanish Steps)
Situated on the 6th floor of the Hotel Hassler, Imàgo offers a panoramic view of the city’s domes and rooftops. The Michelin-starred menu focuses on creative interpretations of Italian flavors with a modern, international twist. It is sophisticated, quiet, and perfect for those who want world-class service alongside a view of the Spanish Steps.
Pierluigi (Centro Storico)
Pierluigi is the city’s premier destination for high-end seafood. Located in a quiet piazza near Campo de' Fiori, the outdoor seating is one of the most coveted spots in Rome. Order the raw crudo platter or the salt-crusted catch of the day. It is a frequent haunt for celebrities and politicians who value fresh ingredients and discretion.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
These are the workhorse establishments of the Roman dining scene—dependable, loud, and focused on traditional recipes.
Armando al Pantheon (Centro Storico)
Located just steps from the Pantheon, this restaurant defies the "tourist trap" rule for the area. It has been family-run since 1961. The space is small and wood-paneled, serving some of the best Abbacchio a Scottadito (grilled lamb chops) in the city. You need to book weeks in advance to secure a table.
Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere)
This is a no-frills trattoria on a quiet corner of Trastevere. Despite the long lines, the food remains consistently excellent. Their Carbonara is often cited as the city’s best, and their Burrata with sun-dried tomatoes is essential. They don't take dinner reservations for small groups, so arrive 30 minutes before they open.
Cesare al Casaletto (Gianicolense)
This is a local favorite located at the end of the Line 8 tram. It is worth the short trek out of the center for the fried starters and the extensive wine list. The Polpette di Bollito (slow-cooked beef croquettes) and the Gricia pasta are standout items. It offers a refined take on the traditional trattoria experience.
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina (Centro Storico)
Part deli, part wine bar, part restaurant, Roscioli is an institution. You eat surrounded by shelves of high-end olive oil and cured meats. Their Amatriciana uses top-tier smoked guanciale and artisanal pasta. It is cramped, busy, and serves some of the highest-quality ingredients found anywhere in Italy.
Best cheap eats and street food
If you are wondering where to eat in Rome on a budget, look for "Pizza al Taglio" (by the slice) and specialty snack shops.
Pizzarium (Prati)
Gabriele Bonci changed the pizza game here by using sourdough bases and experimental toppings. You order by weight—just point to how much you want, and they snip it with scissors. The toppings change daily based on seasonal produce. It is located near the Vatican and is standing-room only.
Trapizzino (Testaccio)
The Trapizzino is a hybrid between a pizza and a sandwich. It’s a triangular pocket of thick, fluffy pizza bread stuffed with classic Roman stews like oxtail or meatballs. It is cheap, portable, and extremely filling. The original location is in Testaccio, but they have several branches across the city.
Antico Forno Roscioli (Centro Storico)
This historic bakery serves the best Pizza Bianca in Rome. It is simple flatbread brushed with olive oil and salt. For a few euros, you can get a slice folded over thin ribbons of mortadella. It is the quintessential Roman lunch-on-the-go. Look for the crowd of locals standing outside on Via dei Chiavari.
Supplizio (Centro Storico)
This shop is dedicated almost entirely to the supplì. While most pizzerias serve frozen versions, Supplizio hand-crafts theirs with high-quality rice and traditional sauces. Try the classic ragu or the more modern butter and anchovy version. It’s a perfect pit stop while walking between Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori.
Best breakfast and brunch
Roman breakfast is usually a quick affair involving standing at a bar, but these spots offer something more substantial.
Pasticceria Regoli (Esquilino)
Regoli has been serving Roman pastries since 1916. Forget the eggs; order a Maritozzo. It is a soft brioche bun sliced open and filled with an aggressive amount of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Get there early, as they sell out of the best pastries by mid-morning.
Marigold (Ostiense)
For those craving a contemporary brunch, Marigold is the best option. It is a micro-bakery and restaurant that serves sourdough, avocado toast, and excellent filter coffee. The vibe is Scandinavian-meets-Italian, and it is a favorite for the city’s creative community. The pastries are baked fresh every hour.
Faro - Luminari del Caffè (Piazza Alessandria)
Faro is the leader of Rome’s specialty coffee movement. If you are tired of the bitter, dark-roast espresso found at every corner bar, come here for single-origin beans and precise brewing. They also offer a modern breakfast menu featuring pancakes, eggs, and high-quality pastries in a bright, airy space.
Best rooftop or view dining
Rome is best viewed from above. These spots pair the best restaurants in Rome with unbeatable vistas.
Aroma (Colosseum)
Aroma offers what is arguably the most famous view in Rome. The dining terrace sits directly across from the Colosseum, close enough to feel like you could touch the stones. The food is Michelin-starred and contemporary. While expensive, the view at sunset is impossible to beat for a romantic dinner.
Terrazza Borromini (Piazza Navona)
This restaurant and bar is tucked into the side of the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone. You dine on a terrace overlooking Piazza Navona and the Four Rivers Fountain. The menu focuses on Roman classics. It is one of the most cinematic dining environments in the city, especially during the "blue hour."
Best food neighborhoods to wander
If you want to find your own hidden gems, head to these three districts.
- Testaccio: The original "slaughterhouse" district and the birthplace of many Roman meat dishes. It features a great covered market and a high density of non-touristy trattorias.
- Trastevere: Yes, it is touristy, but the backstreets still hold incredible bakeries and historic wine bars. Stick to the south side of Viale di Trastevere for a more local vibe.
- Prati: Located near the Vatican, this is an upscale residential neighborhood. It is home to some of the city's best gourmet food shops, modern bistros, and high-end cocktail bars.
Note: Hours and reservation requirements frequently change; check restaurant websites before visiting.