Where to Eat in Rome: Our Personal Guide to the City’s Best Local Eats

Golden, crispy, and full of flavour—this fried artichoke was a highlight of our evening food tour through Rome’s Jewish Ghetto and Campo de' Fiori

Wondering where to eat in Rome?

With so many restaurants, eateries, and pastry shops on every corner, it can be overwhelming—especially when you’re craving something truly Roman.

We visit Rome regularly and always try to find genuinely authentic places to eat, from family-run trattorias and signless bakeries to hole-in-the-wall pizza spots.

Below are the places we love to eat in Rome—and always return to for another great meal.

👉 For good company and amazing food, book a foodie tour in Rome. We really enjoyed our morning foodie walk through Prati (excellent reviews)!

Alla Rampa dei Gracchi (Via dei Gracchi 90)

The classic Roman restaurant in Prati, not far from the Vatican (the excellent Eccelso hotel is nearby), serves honest, traditional Italian food. Locals fill the place at lunchtime, which is always a good sign of authenticity.

We loved everything here, from their rich pasta carbonara to the comforting meat lasagne and perfectly layered Parmigiana di melanzane. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, their steak and saltimbocca alla romana are excellent choices. And don’t skip dessert — the tiramisù is as close to perfect as it gets.

They also have a great wine list, and the staff really enhance the experience: warm, professional, and always ready with a joke or a recommendation. After a long day exploring the Vatican, this spot feels like a well-earned treat.

Pinsa 'mpò - Pinseria romana (Via dei Gracchi 7)

Pinsa M’po is our favourite go-to snack place in the Vatican area.

This small eatery serves freshly baked Pinse Romane, similar to pizza but oval-shaped and made with a mix of healthy flours. The topping combinations change daily (cherry tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, pesto, sausages, ham, zucchini flowers, and more).

Just point to the pinsa you want, and it will be ready in only 3–4 minutes — perfect for a quick grab-and-go lunch. Prices start from €6–8. Beer and other cold drinks are also available.

Seating is limited, but they offer convenient takeaway packaging, making it easy to eat on the go. We also tried their supplì, which was a delicious bonus snack.

👉 If you’re staying nearby, you can check accommodation options here.

Bonci Pizzarium (Via della Meloria 43)

What sets this pizza place apart from others in Rome are the creative toppings, fresh ingredients, and slightly higher prices.

In our opinion, the higher cost is well deserved, as the toppings are the richest we’ve seen anywhere. The pizzas also feature a thick, airy dough — crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

A slice of pizza al taglio makes for a perfect light lunch.

The place is located not far from the Vatican Museums and is always packed (you need to take a paper ticket, which they announce). We discovered Bonci Pizzarium on a foodie walk we took with the Roman food tour and loved so much.

We especially enjoyed their pizza bianca (a flat Roman bread similar to focaccia) topped with a generous amount of mortadella slices.

👌 Taste your way through Rome on this foodie tour

Hedera Gelateria (Borgo Pio 179)

After exploring the Vatican, we recommend you stop by this charming place just a short stroll away. We sampled some of the best gelato in Rome here.

Their flavour selection is excellent, and we highly suggest the pistachio and dark chocolate combo. Besides gelato, don’t miss out on their authentic Sicilian cannoli or tiramisù. The service here is equally wonderful!

Ginger (Via Borgognona, 43-46)

If you're near the Spanish Steps and looking for something fresh and a bit lighter, we highly recommend Ginger, a stylish, health-focused spot on Via Borgognona.

It’s all about organic ingredients and vibrant flavours, perfect when you need a break from heavier Roman fare. From Laurina 33 you can easily reach this place.

We especially loved their octopus carpaccio with lime mayo, a refreshing palate cleanser, and the grilled fish with cherry tomatoes, olives, chard, and oregano—simple, clean, and delicious. Their sandwiches are also worth trying—flavourful, filling, and made with quality ingredients.

Ginger is popular with both locals and tourists, so don’t be surprised if there’s a line—but trust us, it’s worth the wait. You'll find them also on other locations - near the Pantheon and on Via del Corso 173.

👌 Colosseum Express Tour (Semi-Private)

I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza (Via dell'Arco del Monte, 98)

I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza is a must-visit if you’re exploring the area around Campo de’ Fiori. This charming pasticceria siciliana is just a short walk away and offers a perfect stop for a sweet Italian breakfast or a mid-day treat.

The shop is divided into two cosy sections: one side features a beautiful display of traditional Sicilian pastries, while the other has inviting tables surrounded by shelves of foodie gifts — a great place to sit down and soak in the atmosphere.

We especially loved their cannoli, which come in two sizes and are freshly filled on the spot. But don't stop there — they offer a wide range of authentic Sicilian sweets like Minne di Sant'Agata, cassate, cornetti, and frutta martorana (those beautiful marzipan fruits).

Everything was delicious, and surprisingly affordable, which made it even harder to resist trying more.

Before leaving, we always grab some edible souvenirs — croccanti, amaretti cookies, or a jar of pistachio spread make perfect gifts.

Al Forno della Soffitta (Via Piave 62)

We discovered this cosy pizzeria/restaurant, not too far from Piazza Fiume and Villa Borghesse, when staying at Magica Luna Hotel. It's a hidden gem!

We tried here Neapolitan pizzas with a perfect crispy crust and soft interior. They are huge, more than enough for full lunch or dinner. They serve also various pastas, risottos, salads, hand-cut hams (served with warm homemade bread), desserts like tiramisù. 

The prices are reasonable, and the staff is extremely attentive and easy to communicate with. We'll be back here for sure! A restaurant not to be missed if you like real Italian cuisine 🇮🇹.

Colline Emiliane (Via degli Avignonesi, 22)

Tucked between the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Barberini, Colline Emiliane showcases the rich culinary heritage of Emilia-Romagna — think delicate tortellini in brodo, handmade tagliatelle alla bolognese, and melt-in-your-mouth Culatello ham.

The food here is traditional Italian at its finest: lovingly prepared and bursting with flavour.

We’ve heard nothing but praise for this place, but unfortunately, we still haven’t had the chance to visit — it was closed around the holiday season when we tried to go. It’s definitely on our dining bucket list for Rome.

Faro - Caffè Specialty (Via Piave 55)

We found this spot with a cosy vibe after a nice stroll from the elegant Galleria Borghese. It’s perfect for a cappuccino and cornetto (the pastries are irresistibly fresh and yummy). Their maritozzi are so soft and tasty!

There's a variety of coffee options to choose from. The friendly and welcoming team here makes this spot a fantastic choice for breakfast or a sweet treat after lunch or dinner. Plus, the prices are reasonable!

Flavio al Velavevodetto (Via di Monte Testaccio, 97)

Not far from the Testaccio market and nestled into the slope of Monte Testaccio — the hill made from millions of ancient Roman terracotta shards — Flavio al Velavevodetto draws a mostly local crowd.

They come for beloved Roman staples like fried meatballs, carciofi alla romana, and a standout cacio e pepe. The service tends to be relaxed, so embrace the slow pace and settle in for an unhurried meal.

For dessert, don’t miss the handmade ciambelle al vino — crisp little wine cookies traditionally dipped in red. Be sure to reserve ahead by phone or email to avoid missing out.

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