Rome is not just the Eternal City of ancient ruins and romantic cobbled streets—it’s also a gastronomic paradise that celebrates the full spectrum of Italian cuisine. In 2025, the city continues to thrive as a global food capital where age-old traditions meet bold innovation. Whether you’re craving a simple yet soul-satisfying Cacio e Pepe, artisanal gelato, or a sophisticated multi-course tasting menu, Rome delivers an unforgettable culinary journey at every turn.
Must-Try Authentic Italian Restaurants in Rome
From historic trattorias hidden in Trastevere’s alleys to Michelin-starred sanctuaries in Centro Storico, every restaurant here tells a story. Each bite captures Italy’s regional diversity—Sicilian seafood, Roman-Jewish specialties, Tuscan-style steaks, and Lazio’s rustic favorites. Whether you’re a budget-savvy foodie hunting for local favorites or a luxury diner seeking elevated flavors, Rome offers something for every palate and pocket.
🏛️ Classic Roman Trattorias: Timeless Favorites
These establishments have stood the test of time, serving classic Roman dishes with love and tradition.
1. Armando al Pantheon
A stone’s throw from the Pantheon, this trattoria is renowned for its carbonara and saltimbocca alla Romana.
2. Da Cesare al Casaletto
A local favorite, offering dishes like cacio e pepe and fried artichokes.
3. Roscioli
A deli-restaurant hybrid, perfect for sampling cured meats, cheeses, and traditional pastas.
4. Osteria Bonelli
Located near the Vatican, known for its hearty Roman fare and friendly service.
5. Colline Emiliane
Specializes in regional dishes from Emilia-Romagna, including tortellini and ragu.
🍕 Pizzerias: A Slice of Roman Heaven
No visit to Rome is complete without indulging in its iconic pizza.
6. Pizzeria La Montecarlo
Famous for its thin-crust pizzas and lively atmosphere.
7. Pizzarium Bonci
Gabriele Bonci’s renowned spot for gourmet pizza al taglio with inventive toppings.
8. Sforno
Offers a variety of pizzas, including the popular cacio e pepe pizza.
9. Trapizzino
A modern twist on traditional Roman street food, serving pizza pockets filled with classic stews.
🍝 Pasta Paradises: Twirl Your Way Through Rome
From rich sauces to delicate pastas, these spots are pasta perfection.
10. Da Enzo al 29
A Trastevere gem known for its classic Roman pastas and cozy ambiance.
11. Cacio e Pepe
As the name suggests, this place specializes in the creamy Roman classic.
12. Pipero
A Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative takes on traditional pasta dishes.
13. Osteria La Gensola
Combines seafood with Roman pasta traditions, offering dishes like spaghetti alle vongole.
14. Trattoria Monti
Known for its handmade pasta and seasonal ingredients.
🍷 Wine Bars & Enotecas: Sip and Savor in Rome
Discover Italy’s finest wines paired with delectable bites.
15. Il Goccetto
A historic wine bar offering a vast selection of Italian wines and small plates.
16. Enoteca Ferrara
Located in Trastevere, known for its extensive wine list and gourmet cuisine.
17. Trimani
Rome’s oldest wine shop, offering tastings and a bistro experience.
🥩 Meat Lovers’ Delights: Carnivore’s Corner
For those who appreciate a good steak or hearty meat dishes.
18. Antico Arco
Offers a contemporary twist on classic meat dishes in a stylish setting.
19. La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
Known for its grilled meats and traditional Roman dishes.
20. Osteria dell’Ingegno
Combines modern and traditional Italian flavors, with a focus on meat dishes.
🌱 Vegetarian & Vegan Finds: Plant-Based Pleasures
Rome caters to plant-based diets with these standout spots.
21. Rifugio Romano
Offers a wide range of vegetarian and vegan Italian dishes.
22. Ops!
A buffet-style restaurant with a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.
23. Ecru
Known for its raw vegan cuisine and organic ingredients.
🍨 Sweet Endings: Dessert Destinations
Cap off your meal with these delightful desserts.
24. Giolitti
One of Rome’s oldest gelaterias, offering a wide variety of flavors.
25. Pompi
Famous for its tiramisu and other classic Italian desserts.
26. La Casa del Tiramisu
Offers a variety of tiramisu flavors in a cozy setting.
🏨 Hotel Restaurants: Dining in Style
Experience luxury dining within Rome’s finest hotels.
27. Il Ristorante – Niko Romito (Bulgari Hotel)
A three-Michelin-starred chef offers refined Italian cuisine in an elegant setting.
28. La Pergola (Rome Cavalieri)
Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, offering panoramic views and exquisite dishes.
29. Imago (Hassler Roma)
Offers gourmet dining with a view of the Spanish Steps.
🛍️ Market Eateries: Fresh and Flavorful
Explore Rome’s markets for fresh, authentic meals.
30. Mercato Testaccio
A vibrant market offering a variety of street food and fresh produce.
31. Mercato Centrale
Features a range of eateries serving traditional Italian dishes.
32. Campo de’ Fiori
Known for its fresh produce and nearby eateries offering classic Roman dishes.
🗺️ Hidden Gems: Off the Beaten Path Restaurants in Rome
Discover lesser-known spots loved by locals.
33. Osteria dell’Ingegno
Combines modern and traditional Italian flavors in a unique setting.
34. Da Tonino
A family-run trattoria offering authentic Roman dishes.
35. Trattoria Bassetti
Known for its traditional Roman cuisine and cozy atmosphere.
🎉 Special Occasion Spots: Celebrate in Style
For those looking to mark a special occasion with exquisite dining.
36. La Pergola
Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, offering a luxurious dining experience.
37. Il Pagliaccio
A two-Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative cuisine.
38. La Rosetta
Offers fine dining with a focus on seafood and Italian classics.
🥂 Rooftop Restaurants: Dining with a View in Rome
Enjoy your meal with a side of stunning vistas.
39. Terrazza Borromini
Offers panoramic views of Rome’s skyline and classic Italian dishes.
40. La Grande Bellezza
Known for its rooftop setting and gourmet cuisine.
41. Aroma
Features views of the Colosseum and a refined Italian menu.
🧀 Cheese Lovers’ Paradise Restaurants in Rome
For those who can’t resist Italy’s finest cheeses.
42. Antico Forno Roscioli
Offers a selection of cheeses and traditional Roman dishes.
43. La Tradizione
Specializes in Italian cheeses and cured meats.
44. Formaggeria
A cheese shop offering a variety of Italian cheeses and accompaniments.
🍷 Wine Enthusiasts’ Haven Restaurants in Rome
For aficionados of Italian wines.
45. Enoteca Ferrara
Located in Trastevere, known for its extensive wine list and gourmet cuisine.
46. Il Goccetto
A historic wine bar offering a vast selection of Italian wines and small plates.
47. Trimani
Rome’s oldest wine shop, offering tastings and a bistro experience.
🥖 Street Food Stops Restaurants in Rome
Quick bites that pack a punch of flavor.
48. Supplizio
Specializes in suppli, traditional Roman rice balls.
49. Trapizzino
Offers pizza pockets filled with classic stews.
50. Forno Campo de’ Fiori
A bakery offering traditional Roman pizza and other baked goods.
🍽️ Family-Friendly Favorites Restaurants in Rome
Restaurants that cater to families with children.
51. Al Forno della Soffitta
Offers a variety of dishes in a family-friendly setting.
Tips for Dining in Rome
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Reservations: It’s advisable to book in advance, especially for popular spots.
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Timing: Lunch is typically served from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, and dinner from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
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Dress Code: Smart casual attire is recommended for fine dining establishments.
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Tipping: Service charge is often included, but leaving a small tip is appreciated.
Rome’s culinary landscape in 2025 offers a delightful mix of tradition and innovation. Whether you’re savoring a classic carbonara in a historic trattoria or indulging in a Michelin-starred tasting menu, the city’s restaurants promise an unforgettable dining experience. Buon appetito! 🍽️🍷
I’m Lily Wilson, a traveler, storyteller, and soul-searcher from the sun-kissed shores of Hawaii. At LilyOnTheGo.com, every journey begins with curiosity, courage, and a trusty carry-on. Travel, for me, has never been about ticking places off a bucket list. It’s about chasing sunrises in unfamiliar cities, sharing laughs with strangers who become friends.