The 20 Best Restaurants in Rome

Pizzarium, Gabriele Bonci's tiny pizza-al-taglio counter near the Vatican, is a pilgrimage for pizza lovers: airy 72-hour dough, inventive seasonal toppings, sold by weight. No seating to speak of, eat standing. Point at what you want, they cut and reheat. Around €20-30 per kilo. Worth crossing town for.

Da Enzo al 29 is the cult tiny trattoria in Trastevere serving benchmark Roman classics with quality ingredients. No reservations for walk-in tables: turn up 30-60 minutes before opening or expect a long queue. Closed Sunday. Cash-friendly, cramped, and genuinely worth the wait for carbonara and fried starters.

One of Rome's most acclaimed fine-dining restaurants, with a Michelin star and a front-of-house experience led by Alessandro Pipero that is genuinely world-class. Chef Ciro Scamardella's cuisine is rooted in Italian tradition but executed with precision and creativity. The tasting menu is a serious commitment in time and money but delivers at the highest level Rome offers.

A beloved Roman osteria on Via del Pellegrino known for handmade pasta—carbonara and fettuccine all'amatriciana are standouts—with a covered terrace that draws locals rather than tourists. The food quality and fair pricing are consistently praised, but service can be uneven: some staff are attentive (Olindo is mentioned by name), while others may disappear mid-meal or seem reluctant.

A beloved Roman trattoria packed with locals eating authentic, perfectly executed dishes at remarkably fair prices. Must-tries include the carbonara, supplì, carciofi alla romana, and veal—but arrive early or book ahead, as tables fill up quickly and walk-ins often can't get in.

A hidden gem tucked into a tiny alley near the Pantheon that has been serving Roman and Italian classics to a loyal local clientele for decades. The menu is short and changes with the seasons, and the wine list is well-chosen. It's easy to walk past the unmarked entrance — look for the small sign and trust the locals who fill it nightly.

Known locally as 'l'Obitorio' (the morgue) for its long marble tables, this is one of Trastevere's most authentic and enduring pizza institutions. The thin Roman pies come out fast and hot from a wood-fired oven, and the suppli are excellent starters. It's cash only, always packed, and the communal seating means you'll be elbow-to-elbow with Romans — exactly as it should be.

A beloved sandwich and charcuterie spot near Trevi Fountain where they make their own fresh ciabatta and source high-quality cured meats and cheeses. Order their signature sandwiches—the prosciutto is particularly praised—or go for the grazing board to sample local options. No real caveats emerge from reviews, though it's popular enough that repeat visits suggest it's worth planning for.

Trapizzino's Testaccio original is where the now-famous street food was born: a triangular pocket of pizza-bianca dough stuffed with Roman braises like pollo alla cacciatora or polpette. Cheap, under €10 each, open daily noon to midnight. Grab a couple with a craft beer. Casual, authentic, and genuinely delicious.

Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina is a deli-restaurant hybrid near Campo de' Fiori, prized for exceptional carbonara, cured meats, cheeses, and a serious wine list. It's Michelin-noted, small, and books out fast; reserve ahead, card required to hold the table. Not cheap, but a standout for Roman ingredients done impeccably.

The definitive spot for Rome's beloved fried rice balls — supplì al telefono — with a perfectly crispy exterior and molten mozzarella center. The Trastevere location is the most convenient, with a short queue that moves fast. Also excellent for pizza al taglio; this is essential Roman street food done right.

Set into the side of Monte Testaccio — a hill made of ancient Roman amphora shards — this is one of the best places in Rome for traditional offal-forward Roman cuisine. The rigatoni con pajata and coda alla vaccinara are exceptional. The setting is unique and the atmosphere is genuinely local, though it can get crowded on weekends.

A Roman pizza legend on a narrow alley near Campo de' Fiori, serving thin-crust Roman pies since 1960. The pizza is simple, crispy, and satisfying — order the classic margherita or a bianca with prosciutto. Queues are long and the service is famously brusque, but it's a genuine piece of Roman food culture.

Otello is a beloved Roman trattoria in Trastevere serving rustic Italian classics in a warm, energetic setting. Order the carbonara, tonnarelli with meatballs, lasagna, or pizza—all executed with care—and follow your waiter's recommendations. Note that many menu items are pork-based, so vegetarian and non-pork options may feel limited.

A beloved family-run trattoria in central Rome serving genuine homemade Emilia-Romagna cuisine—think green lasagna, tortellini en brodo, and handmade pasta—in a warm, unpretentious atmosphere that feels authentically local rather than touristy. The tiramisu is exceptional and worth saving room for. Book ahead: they regularly turn away walk-ins, even at lunch.

A classic Trastevere trattoria that has been feeding the neighborhood for generations with honest Roman pasta and grilled meats. The outdoor tables on the cobblestone street are magical in summer. It's popular with tourists but the kitchen stays true to tradition — the amatriciana and gricia are reliably excellent.

A neighborhood trattoria in central Rome serving well-executed Italian classics with notably generous portions and attentive service. The lasagna and carbonara are standouts, along with the pork cheek pasta and chicken with peppers. Note that pizzas are only available in the evening, not at lunch.

A storied Roman trattoria since 1917 specializing in carbonara—reviewers consistently call it the best they've ever had, praising its creamy texture and savory depth. The fried artichoke flowers and tiramisu are equally memorable, service is attentive (Mario and Antonio get specific praise), and prices are moderate. Note that there's a coperto (cover charge) of €3.50 per person, and bread basket charges may apply.

A tiny, highly-rated pinsa and pasta spot steps from Trevi Fountain, where the dough is soft and pillowy and the classic Roman dishes like carbonara and Gricia are executed with care. The Aperol Spritz and wine selection are solid, service is warm, and prices are reasonable for the location—but expect a queue, especially on weekends and peak hours, though it moves quickly.

A charming trattoria near Piazza Navona with exposed brick, wood ceilings, and authentic Roman cooking. Order the carbonara, lasagna, rosemary focaccia, or meatballs—all consistently praised. Fair warning: it gets busy and service can be distracted during peak times, though staff remain warm and welcoming.