Web Analytics Made Easy - Statcounter

Where to Eat in Rome: Places We Love

This is our personal guide to Rome’s best eats—from beloved classics to local gems worth seeking out.

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.

Before you eat your way through Rome, explore it the relaxed way — by golf cart! We loved it so much! ❤️

📍 Jump to the best Rome food spots we found

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

You couldn’t find a more Roman restaurant near the Vatican than Alla Rampa dei Gracchi.

Creamy pasta carbonara served at Alla Rampa dei Gracchi, a Roman restaurant near Vatican CityWe sat down at Alla Rampa dei Gracchi near the Vatican and enjoyed this incredible carbonara—the perfect lunch after a morning of sightseeing

We visited for lunch on a weekday, and the place was filled with locals—a sure sign that we had found somewhere truly authentic.

And we were not disappointed. We enjoyed an amazing carbonara, lasagne al ragù, saltimbocca alla romana, and a classic tiramisù to finish on a sweet note.

Everything we tried was a feast for the senses, from the first bite to the last.

The staff were warm, genuine, and welcoming, with friendly service that made the whole experience even better.

A wonderful spot for authentic food and definitely worth a visit if you’re near the Vatican.

👍 Our suggestion! Take the 9 AM Vatican Highlights Semi-Private Tour and then head to Alla Rampa dei Gracchi for a delicious lunch nearby.

Pinsa 'mpò - Pinseria Romana, Via dei Gracchi 7

Our favourite street-food spot near the Vatican!

This small eatery serves freshly baked Pinsa Romana—an oval-shaped pizza made with a mix of flours and topped with fresh ingredients that change daily, from buffalo mozzarella and pesto to sausages and zucchini flowers.

Just point to your favourite slice, and it’ll be ready in 3–4 minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch. Prices start at €6–8, and beer and soft drinks are available. Seating is limited, but takeaway is convenient.

Don’t miss the delicious supplì, either. We discovered this gem while staying at 🛏️ Eccelso Hotel (comfy room & friendly staff).

Bonci Pizzarium, Via della Meloria 43

Bonci Pizzarium 🍕 is famous for its creative toppings, high-quality ingredients, and thick, airy dough that is crispy on the outside and soft inside.

A slice of pizza al taglio from Pizzarium Bonci, topped with fresh ingredients on thick, airy dough

We discovered this gem during a Roman food tour and enjoyed it so much that we returned later for another taste.

Located close to the Vatican Museums, this popular spot is almost always busy, so expect to take a number and wait your turn. 

Our favourite was the pizza bianca filled with fragrant mortadella, known by locals as “mortazza” — one of our favourite Roman street food bites.

Dolcemascolo Roma, Viale Guiseppe Mazzini, 84

Hedera Gelateria, Borgo Pio 179

After exploring the Vatican, we recommend you stop by this charming place just a short stroll away. This is our favourite gelato spot when in Rome in summer!

where to eat in rome hedera gelateria

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!

We came across Hedera by chance while wandering the streets after our early morning small-group tour of the Vatican 😍 (loved it so much!)

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. Here are the ones that we love the most:

Ginger, Spagna, Via Borgognona, 43-46

If you're near the Spanish Steps and craving something lighter, Ginger on Via Borgognona is a stylish spot focused on fresh, organic ingredients.

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

Popular with both locals and visitors, it can get busy, but it's well worth the wait.

From 🛏️ Laurina 33, it's an easy walk, and you'll also find Ginger near the Pantheon and on Via del Corso.

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

At the top of Via del Corso, this place offers a lovely interior, great staff, and tasty food.

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

You can come here for anything — from maritozzi for breakfast to lunch dishes like pasta, saltimbocca, seafood risotto, or a whole pizza.

You can also grab a warm pizza bianca with mortadella any time of the day (a large slice cost us €9). Plus, they serve delicious gelato. The staff here is incredibly friendly.

We eat here after the LIV Tours golf cart tour of Rome, which ends near the Spanish Steps. It’s only a 5-minute walk from there.

Where to eat near Piazza Navona, Rome

Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most beautiful and lively squares, surrounded by elegant streets, historic landmarks, and plenty of places to eat.

While many restaurants around the piazza cater to tourists, a short walk away you'll find excellent trattorias, pizzerias, and gelaterias serving authentic Roman cuisine. Here are our favourite places to eat near Piazza Navona.

👉 Browse wonderful places to stay near Piazza Navona →


Rosamunda's, Via dei Coronari

We came across this small eatery while walking along Via dei Coronari in May 2026. It’s literally just a minute away from Piazza Navona.

This place serves delicious pizza al taglio, with a crunchy yet fluffy crust and generous toppings.

They warm up your slice, which makes the cheese perfectly melted and even more delicious. You can also grab a soda or water here to complete your quick meal.

We paid €8 for a large slice of pizza and a bottle of water, which felt quite affordable for such a touristy area. We chose the cheese and ham topping, but everything on display looked tempting.

👍 We recommend: A fun way to experience Italian food—make your own fettuccine, ravioli, and tiramisù just a few steps from the Piazza Navona.


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

I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza is a charming Sicilian pastry shop near Campo de’ Fiori, perfect for a sweet breakfast or afternoon treat.

We absolutely adored the smooth, flavorful cream filling Nonna Vincenza’s cannoli

They’re especially known for freshly filled cannoli, along with other traditional desserts like cassate, cornetti, and Minne di Sant’Agata. Their granitas are our top treat when visiting Rome in July and August. 🍧

Everything we tried was delicious and very affordable, and it’s also a great place to pick up edible souvenirs like amaretti, croccanti, or pistachio spread.

👍 Our tip: Our guide Roberta introduced us to this lovely spot during our Jewish Ghetto and Campo de’ Fiori food tour — we loved it!


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 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 the Neapolitan pizzas, which had a crispy crust and soft, fluffy center. They are large and filling, perfect for lunch or dinner.

The menu also includes pasta, risotto, salads, hand-cut ham with warm homemade bread, and desserts such as 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 is a traditional Roman trattoria serving authentic Emilia-Romagna cuisine.

The food is classic Italian at its best, with fresh pasta made on-site that you can often watch being prepared.

Highlights include a mixed platter of cold cuts (culatello, coppa, ham, squacquerone, Parmesan, and mortadella mousse), plus rich pasta dishes like tagliatelle, tortellini with ragù, and passatelli in broth.

We haven’t tried it ourselves yet as it was closed during our visit, but it’s high on our Rome food list.

Nearby, we can 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, the prices are reasonable!

👉 Read Also: What to Book Ahead for a Trip to Rome!


Where to eat in Testaccio, Rome

Traditional pasticceria in Testaccio neighborhood, Rome, with Italian pastries and local sweets

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 from Tasty Italian Travels




Within this webpage there are some affiliate links for products and services. For more details click here.