Italy is the country of one of the most beloved cuisines in the world. After all, who can do without authentic artisanal pasta or a delicious pizza? Therefore, it is difficult to go wrong when you are in Rome. But there are so many options of restaurants, pizzerias and trattorias that the tourist becomes confused. So we decided to make a list of 19 restaurants in Rome that are unmissable!
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19 restaurants in Rome
Aroma
With a Michelin star and a beautiful view of Rome (the Colosseum is right in front), Aroma is located on the rooftop of the luxurious Hotel Pallazzo Manfredi. Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio’s signature menu focuses on local ingredients. Also noteworthy is the wine cellar, with more than 600 labels!
End: Via Labicana, 125, 00184.
Emilian hills
Opened in 1931, this traditional restaurant offers cuisine from the Bologna region. One of those authentic small family businesses, without glamour, but you can hardly go wrong with the dishes, as everything is delicious! Furthermore, the pasta is made in the factory, rolled manually, and the raw materials are selected of excellent quality. Highlight, for example, the pumpkin tortelli and the tomato tagliatelle: perfect!
End: Via degliem Avignonesi, 22.
From Enzo to 29
Traditional trattoria from 1929, in the bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere, and now in the third generation of the family. The friendly Roberto, who is part of Enzo’s family, even took me to see the kitchen and the entire team. Small and a little confusing, there are no reservations and there are always queues of customers, so the tip is to arrive early! On the menu, the classics are flagships, such as the legitimate cheese and black pepper, which was magnificent. Indeed, this one is worth waiting for must go In Rome!
End: Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153.
From Vittorio
In the trendy Trastevere neighborhood, this friendly and authentic restaurant has been offering classic Italian dishes since 1988, but also with reinterpretations. Plus, there are great pizza options!
End: Via di San Cosimato, 14th.
The garden
Located at the top of the Hotel Eden Roma, which is part of the Dorchester Collection and where I was staying, the restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, and serves classic Italian cuisine, with healthy options. Chef Fabio Ciervo uses fresh, local ingredients. I ate the best artichoke soup of my life! There is also an imposing bar and a beautiful view of the city. The service is kind and there is an impressive bar. Furthermore, it is next door to the star-studded La Terrazza.
End: Via Ludovisi, 49, 00187.
The Real Alfredo
Traditional restaurant, from 1908, and where the real Fettuccine al Alfredo. Over the years, it has been frequented by famous people from all over the world, such as Frank Sinatra and even Pelé. Very touristy, but worth visiting once!
End: Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 30, 00186.
Imago
Considered one of the best restaurants in Rome, it is located in the Hotel Hassler and has a Michelin star! Led by chef Francesco Apreda, it offers contemporary Italian cuisine and has the advantage of having Rome at its feet. Elegant decor, soft music and a romantic atmosphere complete the ambiance!
End: Piazza Trinità dei Monti 6.
Ginger – Lay Court
Restaurant with a healthier feel, which has four locations around the city, but we went to the most recent of them, inside Corte Laica, at Palazzo Raggi. The 18th century building reopened after years of closure, and the atmosphere is beautiful, spacious, with high ceilings, a bar, and lit by skylights. Chefs Carlo Ruta and Sharon Landersz offer a menu with 80% vegetables, preferably organic, complemented by crudo options and always balanced in terms of nutrients. Additionally, it is open from breakfast to dinner.
End: Via del Corso, 173
Glass Hostaria
Haute cuisine in Rome! Opened in 2014 in the heart of Trastevere, it won a Michelin star. Led by chef Cristina Bowerman, it offers a modern approach to Italian cuisine, without leaving aside traditions. I ate an unforgettable foie gras ravioli! In addition to the à la carte, there is also a tasting menu, including vegetarian.
End: Vicolo del Cinque, 58, 0015.
Gusto
Opposite the good old Alfredo (which needs no adjectives and we’ll talk about them below) is this modern restaurant. Frequented by locals, it is charming and no less delicious! The menu is very varied, with bruschetta, pizza, pasta, and to top it off, it has a beautiful balcony, weather permitting. So, a super tip!
End: Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 9.
The Garden of Russia
Sophisticated restaurant at the Hotel de Russie, a classic of luxury hotel in Rome, which has one of the most sought after terraces in the city. With a refined and romantic atmosphere, the restaurant, nominated in Guia Michelinoffers a Italian gastronomycontemporary and creative, with dishes prepared by the star chef Fulvio Pierangelini. A highlight is the outdoor tables, arranged in a beautiful patio, surrounded by palm trees, plants and flowering stones.
End: Hotel de Russie, Via del Babuino, 9
Macaroni
Located in the heart of Rome, between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, the restaurant has an intimate atmosphere, with an open kitchen and outdoor tables during the summer. The menu features traditional Roman cuisine with specialties such as Tomato and bacon e Saltimbocca alla Romana, and fresh, quality products that vary according to the seasons. It’s certainly difficult to get the order wrong!
End: Piazza della Coppelle, 44.
River Port
This is a local recommendation! One of the few places where you don’t see tourists. In an old warehouse of 900 square meters, it includes a trattoria, a pizzeria, a bar, a lounge and a Street-food kitchen. Therefore, it is as good for having a drink before dinner as it is for a meal. In addition to good food, the place is charming and a point for the Romans, as it is off the tourist trail.
End: Via del Porto Fluviale, 22, 00154.
Backroom
Modern restaurant recommended by the Michelin Guide, which only serves a tasting menu. With a sophisticated atmosphere, the tables are communal and the service is exemplary. Due to its creativity and contemporary style, it really stands out among the restaurants in the historic center of Rome. I had a fantastic gastronomic experience, with delicate and well presented dishes! Furthermore, it is a conscious restaurant, which is committed to “zero waste” (zero waste).
End: Via della Stelletta, 4, 00186.
La Villetta restaurant since 1940
Another very traditional and family-friendly restaurant! With a beautiful view by the river and a cozy atmosphere, the menu features a mix of typical Roman recipes and more modern dishes.
End: Viale della Piramide Cestia, 53, 00153.
Tullio restaurant
Traditional trattoria, run by the same family since 1950, frequented by politicians, businesspeople and artists from all over the world. Now in its third generation, the menu values local and seasonal ingredients, with products coming from Tuscany, from small farmers, as well as fresh fish. Therefore, on the menu we find sausages, cold starters, pasta, fish, seafood and meat. The atmosphere is classic and elegant, with a nice outdoor area with tables on the sidewalk.
End: Via di S. Nicola da Tolentino, 26
Roscioli Salumeria and Winery
Recommended by the Michelin Guide, the exterior of the restaurant can even be deceiving, as it looks like a store. It’s a mix of a canteen, wine store, grocery store and bakery, which sells high quality items. But there are also small tables, where I had one of the most authentic gastronomic experiences in Rome! I ate foie gras carpaccio… Ah, reservations are essential. It certainly lives up to its reputation! In fact, this was a super recommendation from chef Janaína Rueda, from A Casa do Porco, in São Paulo.
End: Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186.
Signorvino
With some units throughout Italy, and three in Rome, Signorvino is an enoteca where, in addition to shopping, you can eat very well in an atmosphere reminiscent of a wine cellar. With a relaxed and charming atmosphere, I opted for the classic carbonara, which won my heart!
End: P.za Barberini, 12, 00187.
Sister Margaret
Historic Roman tractor shop, opened in 1927 in the heart of Rome’s historic center. The menu, which changes daily according to the availability of raw materials and seasonality of ingredients, features traditional Roman dishes. In other words, simple and delicious!
End: Piazza delle Cinque Scole, 30.
Text and photos by Renata Araujo.
