Top Restaurants in Rome, Italy

Rome is a city popular not only for its rich history but for its delicious cuisine as well.

From traditional trattorias to modern fine dining establishments, Rome offers a wide variety of culinary experiences that cater to all tastes and budgets. 

In this article, we from TouristsInsider will take a look at the top 10 restaurants in Rome. 

Criteria for Selection

To find the best restaurants in Rome, Italy, we from TouristsInsider made solid research, based on:

• Our Personal Experience,
• Food Quality,
• Atmosphere,
• Value for Money,
• Unique Selling Points,
• Type of Cuisine,
• Location.

Best Restaurants in Rome

1. La Pergola

• Location: Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, 00136 Rome
• Cuisine: Contemporary Italian
• Atmosphere: Elegant and sophisticated
• Service: Exceptional
• Signature dishes: Roast pigeon, chocolate sphere with passion fruit and mango, foie gras ravioli with black truffle
• Unique selling points: Michelin three-star rating, panoramic views of Rome, extensive wine list

La Pergola is located on the top floor of the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel. So, it offers a majestic view of the city.

The staff consists of professional waiters and sommeliers that are really keen on their jobs.

1. Pagliaccio

• Location: Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 129a, 00186 Rome
• Cuisine: Contemporary Italian
• Atmosphere: Elegant and intimate
• Service: Attentive and friendly
• Signature dishes: Lobster with lime and basil, foie gras with rhubarb and yogurt, ricotta ravioli with artichokes
• Unique selling points: Michelin two-star rating, innovative flavor combinations, tasting menus

Il Pagliaccio is another top-rated restaurant in Rome, with a Michelin two-star rating. The restaurant has an elegant and intimate atmosphere. It’s a cozy restaurant that has a base of 30 guests.

1. Roscioli

• Location: Via dei Giubbonari, 21/22, 00186 Rome
• Cuisine: Traditional Italian
• Atmosphere: Casual and lively
• Service: Friendly and efficient
• Signature dishes: Cacio e Pepe
• Unique selling points: Wide selection of cheeses and cured meats, excellent wine list, casual and convivial atmosphere

Roscioli is a popular restaurant in Rome that offers excellent food and a wide selection of cheese. The restaurant is located in the heart of the historic center of Rome, just a few steps away from Campo de Fiori.

1. Da Enzo al 29

• Location: Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Rome
• Cuisine: Traditional Roman
• Atmosphere: Rustic and cozy
• Service: Warm and welcoming
• Signature dishes: Coda alla vaccinara, spaghetti alla carbonara, abbacchio al forno
• Unique selling points: Authentic Roman cuisine, family-run restaurant, affordable prices

Da Enzo al 29 is a family-run restaurant in Trastevere that offers authentic Roman cuisine at affordable prices. The food is traditional Roman, with a focus on offal and meat dishes such as coda alla vaccinara, abbacchio al forno, and trippa alla Romana. The pasta dishes, such as spaghetti alla carbonara and bucatini all amatriciana, are also excellent. The restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike, so reservations are recommended.

1. Pizzeria La Montecarlo

• Location: Via Flaminia, 468, 00191 Rome
• Cuisine: Pizza
• Atmosphere: Casual and lively
• Service: Fast and friendly
• Signature dishes: Pizza margherita, pizza diavola, pizza con porchetta
• Unique selling points: Excellent pizza, affordable prices, family-friendly atmosphere

Pizzeria La Montecarlo is a popular pizza restaurant in Rome. It has a fast and friendly staff. The pizza is Neapolitan-style, with a thin and crispy crust and high-quality toppings. The Margherita, diavola, and pizza con porchetta are some of the most popular dishes. The restaurant also offers other traditional Italian dishes such as lasagna and tiramisu.

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   Osteria del Pegno

• Location: Via del Banco di Santo Spirito, 74, 00186 Rome
• Cuisine: Traditional Italian
• Atmosphere: Elegant and refined
• Service: Attentive and professional
• Signature dishes: Spaghetti cacio e pepe, tagliolini con tartufo nero, tonno in crosta di pistacchi
• Unique selling points: Excellent food and service, intimate atmosphere, extensive wine list

Osteria del Pegno is an elegant and refined restaurant in Rome that offers excellent food and service. Some of the signature dishes include spaghetti cacio e pepe, tagliolini con tartufo nero, and tonno in crosta di pistacchi. Osteria del Pegno is perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

1. Emma Pizzeria

• Location: Via Monte della Farina, 28, 00186 Rome
• Cuisine: Pizza
• Atmosphere: Modern and stylish
• Service: Fast and efficient
• Signature dishes: Pizza margherita, pizza bufala, pizza con mortadella
• Unique selling points: Excellent pizza, modern atmosphere, affordable prices

Emma Pizzeria is at the same time modern but offers costly pizza options. The restaurant has a bright and colorful interior with an open kitchen. The pizza is Neapolitan-style, with a thin and crispy crust and high-quality toppings. The Margherita, bufala, and pizza con mortadella are some of the most popular dishes.

1. La Matriciana

• Location: Via del Viminale, 44, 00184 Rome
• Cuisine: Traditional Roman
• Atmosphere: Casual and cozy
• Service: Friendly and attentive
• Signature dishes: Bucatini all'amatriciana, carbonara, saltimbocca alla romana
• Unique selling points: Authentic Roman cuisine, affordable prices, cozy atmosphere

La Matriciana is a cozy and casual restaurant in Rome that offers authentic Roman cuisine at affordable prices. The food is traditional Roman, with a focus on pasta dishes such as bucatini all amatriciana and carbonara. The saltimbocca alla Romana, a dish made with veal, prosciutto, and sage, is also a popular choice. The restaurant is frequented by locals and tourists alike.

1. Tavernaccia da Bruno

• Location: Via Giovanni da Empoli, 37, 00154 Rome
• Cuisine: Traditional Roman
• Atmosphere: Rustic and charming
• Service: Warm and welcoming
• Signature dishes: Cacio e pepe, trippa alla romana, saltimbocca alla romana
• Unique selling points: Authentic Roman cuisine, family-run restaurant, charming atmosphere

Tavernaccia da Bruno is a family-run restaurant, specializing in traditional Roman cuisine. The restaurant has a rustic interior, with brick walls and wooden tables and chairs. The cacio e pepe, a pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper is one of the dishes you must try when you go there. Tavernaccia da Bruno is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

1. Sora Lella

• Location: Piazza dei Quiriti, 4, 00192 Rome
• Cuisine: Traditional Roman
• Atmosphere: Classic and elegant
• Service: Professional and attentive
• Signature dishes: Spaghetti alla carbonara, saltimbocca alla romana, abbacchio al forno
• Unique selling points: Authentic Roman cuisine, panoramic view of the Tiber River, elegant atmosphere, live music

Sora Lella is a classic Roman restaurant located on Tiber Island, offering traditional cuisine with a panoramic view of the Tiber River. The spaghetti alla carbonara and the saltimbocca alla Romana are two of the restaurant's signature dishes, but the abbacchio al forno, a roasted lamb dish, is also worth trying. Sora Lella also offers live music in the evenings, adding to the overall experience.

Conclusion

There you have it, the top 10 restaurants in Rome that offer exceptional food, atmosphere, and service. 

From the traditional Roman dishes at La Matriciana and Tavernaccia da Bruno to the modern twist on pizza at Emma Pizzeria, there is something for everyone's taste. 

These restaurants have proven their worth by standing the test of time, and their authenticity and passion for food shine through in every dish they serve. So go ahead and indulge in the delicious cuisine and soak up the unique Roman atmosphere!

FAQs

❓ Is it necessary to make a reservation at a restaurant in Rome?

If you are about to visit Rome in the peak season, you should make reservations at restaurants, as you won’t be able to find free seats without one.

❓ Do restaurants in Rome serve vegetarian and vegan options?

Yes, most restaurants in Rome have vegetarian and vegan options on their menus. But, you need to ask the staff what ingredients each dish has, just to be sure.

❓ What is the dress code for dining in Rome?

You don’t need to follow a dress code for dining in Rome, Italy. But, it is considered inappropriate if you are wearing tank tops, flip-flops, or short skirts.

❓ Are tips expected at restaurants in Rome?

Tipping is not mandatory in Rome, but it's common to leave a tip of around 10-20%