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

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.

Golden, crispy, and full of flavour—these fried artichokes are the highlight of the Gourmetaly foodie tour in Rome

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.

If you want to prepare a delicious pasta meal yourself, a Roman pasta class is a great choice—here are the ones that we love in Rome.

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

If you’d rather have a local guide show you the best spots (and skip the tourist traps), check out our guide on how to choose the perfect Rome food tour.

Alla Rampa dei Gracchi (Via dei Gracchi 90)

The classic Roman restaurant in Prati, not far from the Vatican, 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 street-food 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. We found this great food place when we stayed at 🛏️ Eccelso Hotel.

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.

See our picks for the best street food in Rome!

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!

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

Ginger, Spagna (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.

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

I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza is a lovely stop near Campo de’ Fiori, perfect for a sweet Italian breakfast or an afternoon treat.

This charming Sicilian pastry shop offers a beautiful selection of traditional desserts and a cosy space to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

Their cannoli, freshly filled to order and available in two sizes, are a must-try.

At Nonna Vincenza you'll also find other Sicilian classics like cassate, cornetti, Minne di Sant’Agata, and colourful frutta martorana. Everything we tried was delicious and surprisingly affordable.

Before leaving, don’t forget to pick up some edible souvenirs like amaretti, croccanti, or a jar of pistachio spread.

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 is one of the most authentic trattorias in Rome, serving traditional dishes from Emilia-Romagna.

The food here is classic Italian cuisine at its best — carefully prepared and full of flavour. As soon as you walk in, you can see the pasta being made fresh on the spot, which makes the experience even more special.

Guests especially enjoy the mixed appetizer with a selection of cold cuts: culatello, coppa, ham, squacquerone, Parmesan cheese, and a tasty mortadella mousse.

Be sure to try some of their pasta dishes too, like tagliatelle or tortellini with rich ragù sauce, or passatelli served in broth.

We’ve only heard wonderful things about this restaurant, but sadly we haven’t had the chance to try it yet — it was closed for the holidays when we visited. It’s definitely on our Rome food bucket list.

If you’re looking for a place to settle nearby, we can definitely recommend 🛏️ The Radical Hotel Rome — we had a wonderful stay there.

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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