Quick answers — eating in Rome
- Best restaurant overall
- La Pergola
- Best value
- Osteria della Trippa (€35-€55 / $40-$60)
- Strongest cuisines
- Italian, Modern European
- Dishes to try
- Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana, Supplì, Carciofi alla Giudìa
- Booking window
- For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many use online booking systems like TheFork or directly via their website.
Booking well in advance, particularly for starred restaurants, is essential; 2-3 months is often advised for weekends. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to formal, with jackets often recommended for men at two- and three-starred venues. Tipping 10-15% for exceptional service is customary, especially in higher-end establishments. Dinner hours generally begin around 7:30 PM, with most kitchens closing by 10:00 PM.
Italian
Best Italian restaurants in Rome
Italian kitchens abroad split into two camps: the classic trattoria doing pasta, fish and a short wine list, and the modern dining rooms treating Italian produce with tasting-menu precision.
La Pergola
Three MICHELIN StarsModern Italian · Monte Mario · €300-€350 / $325-$380
Heinz Beck
Perched atop the Rome Cavalieri, La Pergola offers breathtaking city views and the refined culinary artistry of Heinz Beck. His innovative approach elevates classic Italian ingredients with precision and creativity, resulting in dishes that are both intellectually stimulating and deeply satisfying. The luxurious dining room perfectly complements the exquisite gastronomic journey.
Order: Fagottelli 'La Pergola', Scallops with Red Turnip, Artichoke and Black Truffle
Il Pagliaccio
Two MICHELIN StarsContemporary Italian with Asian Influence · Regola · €220-€280 / $240-$300
Anthony Genovese
Anthony Genovese's Il Pagliaccio delivers a truly unique culinary experience in an intimate, elegant setting. His cuisine masterfully weaves Italian foundations with delicate Asian inflections, creating dishes of profound depth, balance, and unexpected flavor combinations. The tasting menus are an artful exploration of textures and aromas, consistently pushing boundaries.
Order: Ravioli Cacio e Pepe with Red Prawns, Sea Urchin and Coriander; Pigeon with Cherries and Balsamic Vinegar
Aroma Restaurant
One MICHELIN StarClassic Italian · Monti · €180-€250 / $195-$270
Giuseppe Di Iorio
Located on the terrace of Palazzo Manfredi, Aroma offers spectacular views of the Colosseum, providing an unparalleled backdrop for its refined Italian cuisine. Chef Di Iorio focuses on high-quality, seasonal ingredients, crafting elegant dishes that honor tradition while presenting them with contemporary finesse. It's a truly memorable Roman dining experience.
Order: Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe with Red Prawns, Roman-style Artichoke and Truffle
Idylio by Apreda
One MICHELIN StarCreative Italian · Ludovisi · €160-€220 / $175-$240
Francesco Apreda
Within The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Idylio showcases Francesco Apreda's innovative approach to Italian cooking. His dishes are characterized by bold flavors, unexpected ingredient pairings, and influences from his global travels, particularly Asia. The elegant, modern dining room provides a sophisticated stage for his imaginative culinary narratives.
Order: Tandoori Chicken Cappuccino, 'Carbonara' Tortelli with Black Pepper and Guanciale
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Rome
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Zia Restaurant
One MICHELIN StarModern European · Trastevere · €130-€180 / $140-$195
Antonio Ziantoni
Antonio Ziantoni's Zia, nestled in Trastevere, offers a contemporary dining experience with a focus on technique and surprising flavor combinations. His cooking is precise, artistic, and deeply considered, transforming seemingly simple ingredients into complex and memorable creations. The minimalist yet warm interior perfectly reflects the culinary philosophy.
Order: Sweetbreads with Saffron and Almonds, Risotto with Smoked Eel and Green Apple
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Rome
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina
Enjoy exceptional Roman classics like Carbonara or Cacio e Pepe, alongside superb artisanal cheeses and cured meats from their deli counter. Expect to pay around €25-€40 per person for a satisfying meal.
Da Enzo al 29
A beloved Trastevere institution, famous for authentic Roman dishes served in a bustling, no-frills setting. Their Cacio e Pepe and fried artichokes are legendary. Main courses typically range from €12-€18.
Supplì Roma
An iconic spot for supplì, Rome's fried rice balls, available in various flavors, and excellent pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice). Perfect for a quick, delicious, and incredibly cheap snack. Expect €2-€5 per piece.
Trapizzino
Invented by Stefano Callegari, Trapizzino offers a unique street food experience: pizza bianca pockets generously filled with classic Roman stews like coda alla vaccinara or pollo alla cacciatora. Each costs around €4-€5.
Mercato Centrale Roma
Located at Termini Station, this food hall hosts various high-quality vendors offering everything from Roman pasta and pizza to Trapizzini, gelato, and artisanal burgers. Great for a quick, diverse meal, with options from €10-€20.
Local dishes
What to eat in Rome
Cacio e Pepe
A deceptively simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pasta water, creating a creamy, emulsified sauce. It's a staple of Roman cuisine and must be tried at a traditional trattoria like Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina for an authentic experience.
Amatriciana
A rich and savory pasta sauce originating from Amatrice but perfected in Rome, featuring guanciale (cured pork jowl), Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and sometimes tomato. It's a hearty and deeply satisfying dish, best enjoyed at a rustic trattoria in Trastevere like Da Enzo al 29.
Supplì
Roman fried rice balls, typically filled with tomato sauce, rice, and a piece of mozzarella. When broken open, the melted mozzarella stretches like a telephone cord, hence the name 'supplì al telefono'. They are perfect as a snack or appetizer, widely available at pizzerias and fried food stands.
Carciofi alla Giudìa
Jewish-style fried artichokes, a specialty of Rome's Jewish Ghetto. Whole artichokes are deep-fried until the outer leaves are crispy and the inside is tender, resembling a blooming flower. They are a delightful seasonal appetizer, wonderfully savory and crunchy, found at restaurants like Giggetto al Portico d'Ottavia.
Saltimbocca alla Romana
Translating to 'jumps in the mouth,' this Roman classic consists of thin slices of veal topped with prosciutto and sage, pan-fried in white wine and butter. It's a flavorful and tender dish that perfectly captures the elegance of Roman cooking, often served in more upscale establishments.
Maritozzi con la Panna
Sweet buns, typically oval-shaped, cut open and generously filled with fresh whipped cream. Traditionally a Lenten treat, they are now enjoyed year-round, especially for breakfast or as a sweet snack. Find them at traditional bakeries (forni) or pastry shops throughout the city.
Pizza al Taglio
Pizza by the slice, served from large rectangular trays and sold by weight. It comes in a vast array of toppings, from simple margherita to more elaborate seasonal combinations, offering a quick and customizable meal option. Look for high-quality dough and fresh ingredients at local bakeries.
Ghiaccio
More than just ice cream, authentic Roman gelato is a creamy, intense frozen dessert made with natural ingredients. Look for gelaterias that store their gelato in covered metal tins, indicating freshness and traditional preparation. Giolitti and Fassi are historic establishments offering excellent choices.
How to book a table in Rome
- · For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many use online booking systems like TheFork or directly via their website.
- · Be aware that many high-end establishments require a credit card guarantee for reservations, with a penalty for no-shows or late cancellations, so check terms carefully.
- · Consider booking lunch at starred restaurants; it often offers a similar culinary experience at a significantly reduced price compared to dinner tasting menus.
- · Affordable trattorias and osterias may not take reservations or have limited availability. Arrive early, especially for dinner, to secure a table, or be prepared to wait.
FAQ
Rome restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Rome?
La Pergola in Monte Mario is the benchmark table — Modern Italian, led by Heinz Beck, three michelin stars, around €300-€350 / $325-$380 per person. Order the Fagottelli 'La Pergola', Scallops with Red Turnip, Artichoke and Black Truffle
Where is the best Italian restaurant in Rome?
La Pergola in Monte Mario is the Italian table to book in Rome (€300-€350 / $325-$380 per person). Other strong options: Il Pagliaccio, Aroma Restaurant, Idylio by Apreda.
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Rome?
Zia Restaurant in Trastevere is the modern European table to book in Rome (€130-€180 / $140-$195 per person).
Where can I eat well in Rome without spending a fortune?
Osteria della Trippa is the best-value table on this list at roughly €35-€55 / $40-$60 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina, Da Enzo al 29, Supplì Roma.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Rome?
For MICHELIN-starred restaurants, book 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend evenings. Many use online booking systems like TheFork or directly via their website. Be aware that many high-end establishments require a credit card guarantee for reservations, with a penalty for no-shows or late cancellations, so check terms carefully.
What food is Rome famous for?
Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana, Supplì, Carciofi alla Giudìa, Saltimbocca alla Romana — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A deceptively simple yet incredibly flavorful pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and pasta water, creating a creamy, emulsified sauce. It's a staple of Roman cuisine and must be tried at a traditional trattoria like Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina for an authentic experience.
Planning the rest of Rome?
The full Rome guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Rome travel guide