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

During our visits to Rome, we found ourselves constantly asking the same question: where to eat in Rome without ending up in a tourist trap?

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

So, we did what any food-obsessed travellers would do—we asked locals, followed the smells, and explored side streets far from the crowds.

What we discovered was a list of incredible spots, from family-run trattorias to tiny bakeries that don’t even have a sign. This guide is a reflection of those experiences: where to eat in Rome if you want to eat like a Roman, not just like a visitor.

Whether you're in the mood for cacio e pepe, crispy supplì, or a glass of local wine in a quiet piazza, here’s exactly where to go.

With tips gathered from Roman chefs, market vendors, and longtime residents, here’s a local-style guide to eating in Rome. Buon appetito!

How Rome food tours help us discover hidden food gems

If you want to eat well and enjoy good company, a guided food tour in Rome is a great way to do it. Here are two Rome food tours we took and loved:

• A morning foodie walk in the Prati neighbourhood
• An evening food tour through the Jewish Ghetto

Check out our reviews of these Roman food tours, plus a few others we think are totally worth doing!

Where to eat near the Vatican -  Authentic Trattorias & Quick Bites

If you’re visiting the Vatican, skip the tourist traps and try these local favourites:

Alla Rampa dei Gracchi (Via dei Gracchi 90)

One of our favourite dining spots near the Vatican is Alla Rampa dei Gracchi. It’s a cosy, welcoming place that serves up honest, traditional Italian food—no frills, just great flavours. We loved everything 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 make 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 (Via dei Gracchi 7)

We came across this charming little pinseria just a few steps from Piazza del Risorgimento and the Vatican. They serve up delicious pinsas (a lighter, crispier cousin of pizza), with toppings that change daily. You get your own freshly baked pinsa in only 3-4 minutes (just pick the one you want).

Seating is limited, but they make it easy to take your meal to go with convenient packaging. We also tried their supplì, which was a tasty bonus! The service is friendly, efficient, and helpful.

Prices are super reasonable—usually between €6–8. You’ll find both meat and vegetarian options, and you can enjoy it all with a cold beer or soft drink.

Bonci Pizzarium (Via della Meloria 43)

Bonci Pizzarium (Via della Meloria 43) is one of our favourite spots for pizza la taglio, and this Roman street food is one of a kind from there. It’s a little off the typical tourist path, but absolutely worth the detour for true pizza lovers.

The pizzas here are nothing short of spectacular, with a thick, airy dough that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside. What really sets them apart are the bold, creative topping combinations—and there’s no shortage of vegetarian options to choose from.

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!

Where to eat near the Spanish Steps

Near the Spanish Steps, you’ll find a mix of charming trattorias, hidden wine bars, and classic Roman restaurants—perfect for a tasty break after shopping or sightseeing.

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 (ginger.roma.it), a stylish, health-focused spot on Via Borgognona. It’s all about organic ingredients and vibrant flavors, perfect when you need a break from heavier Roman fare.

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—flavorful, 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.

Where to eat near Campo de' Fiori

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

We adore this pasticceria siciliana (Sicilian pastry shop), just a short walk from Campo de' Fiori. It’s the perfect spot for a sweet Italian breakfast or to satisfy your sweet tooth throughout the day.

The place is divided into two areas: one with a pastry display counter filled with tempting treats, and another with cozy tables for sitting down, surrounded by charming cupboards stocked with foodie gifts.

We especially love their cannoli (available in two sizes), but they also offer a wide range of traditional Sicilian sweets—Minne di Sant'Agata, cassate, cornetti, frutta martorana (marzipan sweets)... The prices are quite affordable, making indulgence all the more tempting.

Whenever we visit I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza, we make sure to stock up on edible souvenirs like croccanti, pistachio spreads, and amaretti cookies.

This place is absolutely worth a stop if you’re exploring the historic center of Rome.

Dining Near Via Veneto and Villa Borghese

Around Via Veneto and Villa Borghese, you'll find plenty of great places to eat—from cozy trattorias to stylish cafés—perfect for a relaxed meal or aperitivo after a walk through the park.

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 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 flavor.

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 during 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!

Best Places to Eat in Testaccio: Authentic Roman Cuisine

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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