Where to Eat in Rome: Best Trattorias, Forni, Pasticcerie & Gelaterie

Wondering where to eat in Rome?

Here’s our personal guide to the best places to eat in the city!

Find restaurants away from the tourist areas where you can taste real Roman food

Rome is filled with countless restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and trattorias on almost every corner.

With so many choices, deciding where to eat can feel overwhelming, especially if you're hoping to experience authentic Roman cuisine.

Jump to the best Rome food spots we found:

• Near the Vatican / Prati
• Near Piazza di Spagna
• Around Piazza Navona
• Near Campo de' Fiori
• Barberini / Via Veneto / Villa Borghese
• In Testaccio

Where to eat in Rome in Prati, near Vatican

Throughout the Prati neighbourhood, stretching north from the Vatican, you'll find some of the most authentic places to eat in Rome, as this is primarily a residential area.

From trattorias and eateries to pasticcerie, there is no shortage of great food spots.

Alla Rampa dei Gracchi, Via dei Gracchi 90

Authentic Roman cuisine near the Vatican!

We visited for lunch on a weekday, and the restaurant was full of locals—a sure sign of a truly authentic spot.

The carbonara, made with rich, savory guanciale, the lasagne al ragù, and the saltimbocca alla romana were delicious, and the tiramisù was the perfect finish.

The staff were warm and welcoming.

Definitely worth a visit!

Pinsa 'mpò - Pinseria Romana, Via dei Gracchi 7

Our favourite street-food spot near the Vatican!

Delicious Pinsa Romana with fresh, changing toppings, ready in just 3–4 minutes—perfect for a quick lunch.

Prices are affordable (€6–8), and the supplì are a must-try! Seating is limited, but takeaway is easy and convenient.

A little gem we discovered during our stay at Eccelso Hotel.

Bonci Pizzarium, Via della Meloria 43

Bonci Pizzarium 🍕 is a must-visit near the Vatican Museums!

Famous for its creative toppings, quality ingredients, and deliciously airy, crispy pizza dough.

We loved it so much during our Roman food tour that we came back for more!

Our favourite was the pizza bianca with mortadella (“mortazza”), a classic Roman street-food delight.

It’s usually busy, so expect a short wait, but it’s absolutely worth it!

Hedera Gelateria, Borgo Pio 179

A lovely little gem just a short walk from St Peter's Square!

🍦 We discovered Hedera by chance after our early morning Vatican tour and loved it so much that it became our favourite gelato spot in Rome.

The pistachio and dark chocolate combo is a must-try!

Their Sicilian cannoli and tiramisù are also delicious, and the service is just as lovely. Definitely worth a visit, especially on a hot summer day! 😍

Where to eat near Piazza di Spagna, Rome

The are near the Piazza di Spagna is mostly touristic, but still you'll find good places to eat.

We suggest you to skip the places on the main streets but go into tiny side streets where the best places hide.

Ginger, Spagna, Via Borgognona, 43-46

If you’re near the Spanish Steps and want something fresh and light, Ginger on Via Borgognona is a great choice.

We loved the octopus carpaccio with lime mayo and the grilled fish with cherry tomatoes, olives, and oregano. Their sandwiches are also excellent.

It can get busy, but the food is worth the wait.

It’s an easy walk from Laurina 33 (a small, cosy hotel where we stayed), and there are also Ginger locations near the Pantheon and on Via del Corso.

Brillo Restaurant, Via della Fontanella 15, Via del Corso 11/13

A true Roman favourite: warm pizza bianca filled with fragrant mortadella, or “mortazza” as locals call it

Great spot at the top of Via del Corso, near Piazza del Popolo.

Friendly staff, nice interior, and tasty food. You can get everything from maritozzi and pasta to pizza, pizza bianca with mortadella (€9 for a large slice), and delicious gelato.

We stopped here after our LIV Tours golf cart tour, just a 5-minute walk from the Spanish Steps.

Where to eat near Piazza Navona, Rome

Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most beautiful squares, full of life, with historic buildings, charming streets, and plenty of places to eat.

Some restaurants nearby are touristy, but just a short walk away, you’ll find great trattorias, pizzerias, and gelaterias serving delicious Roman food.

Rosamunda's, Via dei Coronari

We found this little eatery while walking along Via dei Coronari, just a minute from Piazza Navona.

They serve delicious pizza al taglio with a crispy, fluffy crust and generous toppings.

They warm up your slice, so the cheese is perfectly melted. We paid €8 for a large slice with ham and cheese and a bottle of water, which we thought was good value for the area.

A great spot for a quick, tasty bite while exploring Rome!

Where to eat near Campo de' Fiori, Rome

The area around the Campo de' Fiori is a true historic centre.

Eating here is easy with many family-owned venues, serving delicious pastas, baked goods, and other authentic Roman dishes.

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

We first discovered this lovely Sicilian pastry shop on a food tour in Campo de’ Fiori a couple of years ago (thanks, Roberta!).

Since then, we’ve been coming back for their delicious cannoli and coffee.

They also have traditional Sicilian treats like cassata, cornetti, and Minne di Sant’Agata.

In August, their granitas are our favourite way to cool off!

Everything we’ve tried has been delicious and affordable.

I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza is also a great place to pick up edible souvenirs like amaretti, croccanti, and pistachio spread, which makes a perfect filling for pancakes at home!

Where to eat near Barberini / Via Veneto / Villa Borghese

The area around Piazza Barberini and along Via Veneto is a highly touristy area, but you’ll still find many great restaurants, pizzerias, and gelaterias, mostly on side streets. As you walk north of Via Veneto, the area becomes more residential.

We stayed here a couple of times and found these places to eat.

Al Forno della Soffitta, Via Piave 62

We discovered this lovely pizzeria while staying at Magica Luna Hotel, not far from Piazza Fiume and Villa Borghese. A real hidden gem!

We tried the Neapolitan pizzas, which were huge and filling, with a crispy crust and a soft, fluffy centre.

We couldn’t finish them, but the staff kindly packed the leftovers for us to take away. The menu also includes pasta, risotto, salads, and delicious desserts like tiramisù.

Prices are reasonable, and the staff are very friendly and attentive.

Colline Emiliane, Via degli Avignonesi, 22

This traditional Emilia-Romagna restaurant serves homemade tagliatelle with meat ragù, passatelli in broth, and platters of cold cuts and cheeses.

They make their fresh pasta in-house!

We’ve tried to visit a couple of times, but unfortunately, it was always around New Year when they were closed for the holidays.

It’s still high on our Rome food list, and we hope to try it next time. Be sure to book a table in advance!

If you’re staying nearby, we also recommend The Radical Hotel Rome, where we had a great stay.

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, you won’t break the bank!

Where to eat in Testaccio, Rome

Testaccio is a Rome neighbourhood you have to make an effort to visit—you won’t just pass by it by chance.

This residential area is known for its authentic food and local atmosphere.

Come here to eat like a Roman: enjoy a meal in a traditional trattoria, sip an espresso with a cornetto at a local café, grab a slice of pizza al taglio, or try a classic carbonara.

It’s one of the best places in Rome to experience everyday local life.

👉 Taste your way through Testaccio with a foodie tour ⟶

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.

Pasticceria Barberini, Via Marmorata, 41

Pasticceria Barberini is a charming neighbourhood pastry shop on busy Via Marmorata, and we loved stopping by for a sweet breakfast or a little afternoon treat.

The counter is filled with delicious options, from flaky cornetti (we adore the one with crema pasticcera) and maritozzi to beautiful pastries and seasonal specialties.

If you want to take something home, their cakes are also worth trying—plus, don’t miss their gelato, especially on a warm Roman day! 🍦

More stories from Tasty Italian Travels

Visiting Rome on a Budget

Best Time to Visit Rome: A Complete Guide

Where to Stay in Rome: Our Top Picks

Best Colosseum Tours in Rome

Handpicked Italian Tours

Welcome to Tasty Italian Travels

A little corner for Italy lovers, sharing our travels, favourite places, food finds, and moments that keep us coming back