What to Eat in Rome: Best Food to Eat in Rome

Rome is a food lover’s paradise, boasting a vast array of culinary options to suit any taste and budget. From classic Italian trattorias to trendy wine bars, the Eternal City has it all. Whether you crave traditional Roman cuisine or international flavors, there are plenty of fantastic restaurants, cafes, and food markets to explore. This guide will help you plan your gastronomic adventure in Rome, highlighting some of the best places to eat, from hidden gems to popular tourist spots. So if you’re wondering what to eat in Rome, read on to learn more. 

Top Italian Restaurants in Rome

If you’re wondering where to eat in Rome, make sure to add these four Italian restaurants to your list:

Luciano Cucina Italiana

Located in the heart of Rome, near Campo de’ Fiori, Luciano is a must-visit Italian restaurant. Famous for its Carbonara, a typical Roman pasta dish made with eggs, guanciale, and fresh parmesan, Luciano also serves other classic pasta dishes. To secure a table, it’s best to call and make a reservation. If you plan to walk-in, arrive early when they open, and you might be able to snag a table.

Aroma Restaurant

For an exclusive dining experience, head to Aroma restaurant, a 1 Michelin Star restaurant located inside the 5-star Palazzo Manfredi hotel in Rome. With a breathtaking view of the Colosseum, this restaurant serves classic Italian dishes from its À La Carte menu, or you can opt for a tasting menu with wine pairings. The tasting menus start from 100 euros per person, making it the perfect place for a special occasion. Remember to book your table in advance. This is definitely one of the best restaurants with a view in Rome if you’re open to spending on an extravagant meal in the eternal city. 

Armando al Pantheon

Situated right by the Pantheon, Armando al Pantheon offers a view of the ancient wonder while you enjoy your meal. It serves a wide range of Italian dishes, including classic plates of pasta, main dishes, sides, and salads, at reasonable prices. Reservations are highly recommended to secure the best spot. This is definitely one of the best restaurants with a view in Rome if you’re on a budget. 

Tonnarello

If you’re in the Trastevere neighborhood, don’t miss Tonnarello. This highly-rated Italian restaurant is a favorite among both locals and tourists and offers a range of typical Italian dishes at affordable prices. While reservations are recommended, it’s also possible to walk-in. However, be prepared to wait in line, which may not be ideal if you’re traveling with kids. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Trastevere that is also reasonably priced. 

Best Osterias and Trattorias in Rome

If you’re wondering where to eat in Rome, make sure to check out some of my favorite osterias and trattorias in the Eternal City:

Osteria da Fortunata

One of the best osterias in Rome, Osteria da Fortunata, is famous on Instagram for its fresh pasta and typical Italian pasta dishes. Located in the city center, near Campo de’ Fiori, you can either walk-in or call ahead to make a reservation.

Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Located in Vicolo dei Serpenti, close to the central train station Termini, Trattoria Vecchia Roma is a favorite trattoria among both locals and tourists. The house amatriciana, cooked in a wheel of cheese, is a must-try dish. Make sure to check the opening hours and reserve a table before you go.

Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 is another great option located in the city center of Rome. It serves a range of local Roman dishes and is known for its artichokes. Check their website for more information on the menu, opening hours, and contact details.

Street Food To Try in Rome:

While the pizza and pasta will keep you full through the day, make sure to save room for some of the street food too. I recently went on a street food tour in the Jewish Quarter of Rome and had a blast trying over 8 unique street food items, learning how to make a spritz on a private rooftop, and trying some delicious Italian craft beer. I highly recommend booking this experience while you're in Rome, as you get to try different Roman snacks while learning about the history of the quarter.

But if you can't make the tour, here are some of the places to visit for the best street food in Rome:

Trapizzino

This street food joint offers a unique type of pizza pocket filled with a variety of savory Italian sauces, such as chicken cacciatora, eggplant parmigiana, and beef tongue with green sauce. The pocket itself is made with pizza dough that’s been cooked and then fried until crispy, creating a deliciously crunchy texture. I highly recommend trying it out at one of the many Trapizzino establishments in the city.

Bonci

Bonci is a well-known pizzeria in Rome that offers a wide variety of slice pizzas. They use only high-quality ingredients and offer many different toppings, from classic margherita to more adventurous options like gorgonzola and pear. You can order your pizza by weight, and it’s a great budget-friendly option for a quick and delicious meal on-the-go.

Mercato Centrale di Roma

If you're spending a few days in Rome, make sure to add this market in Termini to your bucket list. This is an indoor food market that offers a variety of food options, including fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods. You’ll find many local vendors selling traditional Roman dishes like pasta, supplì (fried rice balls), and porchetta (roast pork). It’s a great place to grab a quick and affordable meal, and you can also pick up some delicious local ingredients to take home.

Testaccio Market

Another popular food market in Rome, Testaccio offers a similar range of options to Mercato Centrale. Here you can find everything from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses, as well as plenty of street food stalls selling classic Roman dishes like tripe, fried artichokes, and supplì. You can join a food tour of the Testaccio market to learn all about Roman food while trying the best dishes the market has to offer.

Where to Find the Best Gelato in Rome:

La Romana 

This gelateria is famous for its creamy, rich gelato and a wide variety of flavors. They use only high-quality ingredients and have been making gelato in Rome since 1947. Some of their most popular flavors include pistachio, hazelnut, and chocolate. This is one of my favourite gelaterias in the city, so make sure to look up the La Romana nearest to you. 

Gelateria Cremilla 

This artisanal gelateria offers a unique take on gelato, with flavors like ricotta and fig, ricotta and pear, and mascarpone and caramel. They use only natural ingredients and make their gelato fresh every day.

Gioletti 

This historic gelateria has been serving gelato in Rome since 1890. They offer a variety of classic flavors, as well as some more unique options like cactus fruit and prickly pear. The gelato is made fresh daily with natural ingredients.

Frigidarium 

Frigidarium is known for its generous portions and deliciously creamy gelato. They have a wide variety of flavors to choose from, including some less common options like green tea and sesame. One of their most popular treats is the “gianduiotto,” a chocolate-covered gelato on a stick.

In addition to trying the best gelato in Rome, you might also want to consider taking a gelato-making class. Several gelaterias and cooking schools in Rome offer classes where you can learn how to make your own gelato from scratch and discover the secrets behind this delicious dessert. And if you're in the mood for some Tiramisu instead, I'm sharing more on where to find the best Tiramisu here.

If you need help with your holiday planning, make sure to check out some Rome itineraries and holiday ideas before you go.