Best places to eat in Rome
Tourist spots are just not the vibe anymore as they are always overcrowded with mediocre food. So the question remains, where do locals eat in Rome? Let’s find out!
Breakfast
What better way to start your day in Rome than with a delicious and authentic breakfast? Whether you’re craving a sweet pastry, a savory sandwich, or a hearty plate of pasta, Rome has something to satisfy every taste bud.
For breakfast our first and most important tip is to avoid locations selling a variety of omelets. These are super expensive and you won’t find food worth your money here. You can instead try one of these locations:
Il Gianfornaio:For a cup of cappuccino and a good cornetto, this cafe is your best friend. It has multiple locations across the city and is a great place with inexpensive food. For two people, you can dine for approximately 10 euros.
La Licata: offers a wide selection of Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, salads, and sandwiches. They also have a good selection of wine and beer. The food is made with fresh ingredients and is always cooked to perfection.
Antico Forno di Frascati: If you’re looking for a savory breakfast, this is the place to go. This traditional bakery is famous for its pizza bianca, a flatbread topped with mozzarella cheese, pancetta, and rosemary. They also have a variety of other savory pastries, such as mortadella and ricotta sandwiches, and pizzette, small pizzas topped with various ingredients.
Lunch / Dinner
Any of these locations work for lunch or dinner depending on what you are craving at the moment. We have covered pastas, pizza, fine dining, vegetarian and halal options for you to choose from. No matter your budget, you will find something here worth your time and money in Rome.
Let us start with pizza and where to find the perfect slice of savoury, mouth watering, topped with fresh mozzarella pizza which will ruin any from back home. Our first recommendation is:
Gino Sorbillo is a short walk from the Trevi fountain and here you should try their Napolitana pizza. It is affordable and appetizing!
Alice: Have you ever heard of pizza being sold by weight? Here’s the spot. Besides pizza you can also try a suppli (a fried ball of pasta) a classic Roman dish and can’t go wrong with.
Did someone say family-run restaurants?
Ristorante Dei Musei: right in front of the Vatican Museum, this restaurant has everything. Great food, great ambience, optimal location and easy on the wallet. We advise you to head over early before the lunch rush starts.
La Fraschetta di Sandro: for generations the Quattrocchi family has run this tiny tavern and they only serve wine produced on the family farm, located right outside of Rome. For food, go for the salami sandwiches, potatoes and marinated eggplant, or potent pecorino.
Felice a Testaccio: This Roman institution has been serving classic dishes like pasta alla gricia and saltimbocca for over 60 years. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the food is always delicious.
Trattoria Ceccarelli: This family-run restaurant has been serving traditional Roman cuisine for over 100 years. The menu features seasonal ingredients, and the dishes are prepared with love and care.
Sapori e Delizie: A haven for halal cuisine. This charming eatery boasts a warm and inviting ambiance, and their menu features a delectable selection of traditional Roman specialties, such as pasta alla gricia, saltimbocca, and tiramisu, all prepared with halal ingredients.
None of that processed ready made box pasta nonsense.
Pastificio Guerra: makes their pasta fresh each morning, and there are a wide variety of shapes and sizes to choose from. You can also order pasta dishes to go, so you can enjoy them in your hotel room.
Tonnarelo: A variety of pasta to pick from, not to mention this place also has great vegetarian options.
Saltimbocca Ristorante: did you say you want seafood pasta? Try the one here, it is absolutely delicious. This location is perfect for a date night.
If you are looking for a little bit of fine dining and a taste of luxury, book a table at:
La Pergola: This Michelin-starred restaurant is considered one of the best in the world. The tasting menu is a culinary adventure, with each dish showcasing the chef’s creativity and passion.
La Matriciana: The dining room of one of Rome‘s oldest restaurants is exquisite in an old-fashioned sense, and yet, despite its design and clientele, good food and a good time are the objectives after over 150 years. Try the bucatini all’amatriciana (a traditional Italian pasta).
For those seeking halal dining options, Rome presents a delightful array of restaurants that uphold Islamic dietary principles while showcasing the city’s culinary prowess.
Himalaya’s Kashmir: This family-run restaurant has been serving up flavorful dishes from the Indian subcontinent for over two decades. Their extensive menu also includes vegetarian options, all prepared with halal ingredients and infused with the rich spices of India.
Chicken Hut Cafe: If you’re craving some good old-fashioned fried chicken, Chicken Hut Cafe is the place to be. This casual eatery is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike, known for its crispy and succulent halal fried chicken. Their menu also includes a variety of burgers, wraps, and sides.
Shawarma Station: A vibrant restaurant specializing in authentic Lebanese cuisine. Their menu features a variety of tantalizing shawarma wraps, hummus platters, falafel sandwiches, and mezze platters, all prepared with halal ingredients and showcasing the vibrant flavors of Lebanese cuisine.
Ristorante Tanur: For a taste of classic Turkish cuisine, Ristorante Tanur is a delightful option. Their menu features a variety of kebabs, lahmacun, gözleme, and pide, all prepared with halal ingredients and showcasing the rich culinary traditions of Turkey.
Desserts
After each meal, desserts are a must and what better place to try gelatos and tiramisu than the heart of Italy?
Pompi: Hands down the best tiramisu in Rome if we do say so ourselves. Their menu has a variety of different options to pick from and none will disappoint you.
Gelateria La Romana: This gelato shop is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike. The gelato is made with fresh ingredients, and there are a wide variety of flavors to choose from.
Giolitti: a bit of a shift from gelato and tiramisu, try pastries like cornetti, sfogliatelle, and pasticcini. They are made fresh daily, and they are always flaky and delicious.
No matter what your budget or taste, you’re sure to find something to your liking in Rome‘s culinary scene. So buon appetito, and enjoy your meal!
An explorer at heart and a wordsmith by profession, discovered early on that her joys were found in blending the themes of travel and storytelling. With a background in creative writing and a passion for culture, she takes you to the soul of the destination. Join her as she spins tales of curious cultures for curious minds.
