10 Best Italian Restaurants in Rome
The ten best Italian restaurants in Rome, Italy are Armando al Pantheon, Roscioli, Da Enzo al 29, Il Pagliaccio, La Pergola, All’Oro, Trattoria da Teo, Pizzeria La Montecarlo, Pizzarium Bonci, and Retrobottega. Rome’s culinary identity is synonymous with Cucina Romana, a powerful and historic tradition served in its purest form. This ancient city’s establishments range from historic trattorias preserving ancient recipes to world-renowned, Michelin-starred destinations. La Pergola represents the pinnacle of formal luxury, while Armando al Pantheon offers a masterclass in Roman classics. The Roman food scene also includes revolutionary concepts like the gourmet pizza-by-the-slice from Pizzarium Bonci.
Well-known Italian restaurants Rome are found in historic neighborhoods, like the cobblestone streets of Trastevere and the areas surrounding the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. The settings vary from the fast-paced pizzerias and family-run trattorias to the serene and opulent fine-dining rooms with panoramic city views. A defining element of Roman dining is the strict adherence to seasonality, where menus change to feature ingredients like artichokes in the spring or porcini mushrooms in the fall. This connection to fresh local produce is a cornerstone of the city's food philosophy and can be seen in the daily offerings at markets like Campo de' Fiori.
To find the best Italian food in Rome, Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina presents a definitive experience, combining a gourmet delicatessen with a restaurant that has an obsessive focus on ingredient quality. For a more casual meal, Pizzarium Bonci is popular among locals, celebrated for elevating pizza al taglio to an art form. The ultimate fine-dining experience can be had at La Pergola, the city’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant. Many of the best Italian restaurants in Rome accommodate dietary needs, with dedicated gluten-free kitchens at places like Mama Eat and vegan options available at both traditional and modern eateries.
10 Best Italian Restaurants in Rome are listed below.
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1
Da Enzo al 29' (IT)Da Enzo al 29 is a small, family-run trattoria located in the Trastevere neighborhood. The restaurant is known for its authentic Roman comfort food served in a simple, rustic setting with outdoor tables on a charming cobblestone street. There is almost always a line of people waiting to be seated.- Item Prices 157
- Average Item Price €44.34
Type of Restaurant:Trattoria
Type of Food:Roman
Signature Dishes:Carciofo alla Giudia (Jewish-style Artichoke)Spaghetti alla CarbonaraPolpette al Sugo (Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)
Location:Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Special Feature:The restaurant does not take reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis, which contributes to the long queues outside its door.
What Makes It Special:Da Enzo al 29 is celebrated for offering a quintessential Trastevere dining experience with a menu that perfectly executes Roman classics using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
What Sets It Apart:Its strict no-reservations policy and its reputation for high-quality, no-frills Roman food at a reasonable price point make it a standout destination in the heavily touristed Trastevere area.
Operating Hours:Monday – Saturday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PMSunday: Closed
Price:€20 to €30 per person
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2
La Pergola (IT)La Pergola is a world-renowned restaurant located on the rooftop of the Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. It is the only three-Michelin-star restaurant in Rome, led by chef Heinz Beck. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the city, including St. Peter's Basilica, from its elegant dining room and terrace.- Item Prices 596
- Average Item Price €8.22
Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Modern European, Italian
Signature Dishes:The Water GardenFagotelli "La Pergola"Composition of Red Mullet
Location:Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, 00136 Roma RM, Italy
Special Feature:The restaurant holds three Michelin stars, the highest possible rating, a distinction it has maintained for many years. Its wine cellar contains over 70,000 bottles.
What Makes It Special:La Pergola provides an unparalleled luxury dining experience, combining the innovative cuisine of Heinz Beck, flawless service, a world-class art collection, and one of the most spectacular views of Rome.
What Sets It Apart:Its status as the city's sole three-Michelin-star restaurant, along with its opulent setting and the international reputation of its chef, makes it the definitive pinnacle of fine dining in Rome.
Operating Hours:Tuesday – Saturday: 7:30 PM – 11:30 PMSunday – Monday: Closed
Price:Over €100 per person
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3
Pizzarium Bonci (IT)Pizzarium Bonci is a world-famous pizza-by-the-slice (pizza al taglio) shop located near the Vatican. Founded by Gabriele Bonci, a figure known as the "Michelangelo of Pizza," the shop serves thick, airy, focaccia-like pizza with a constantly changing array of inventive and high-quality toppings.- Item Prices 14
- Average Item Price €6.55
Type of Restaurant:Pizzeria (Pizza al Taglio)
Type of Food:Gourmet Pizza by the Slice
Signature Dishes:Potato and Mozzarella PizzaA wide variety of seasonal toppings (e.g., Persimmon and Lardo, Artichoke and Foie Gras)Supplì (Fried Rice Balls)
Location:Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma RM, Italy
Special Feature:The dough is the star, made from a blend of organic stone-ground flours and fermented for up to 72 hours, resulting in a uniquely light and digestible crust.
What Makes It Special:Pizzarium is celebrated for revolutionizing pizza al taglio, elevating it from a simple street food to a gourmet product through superior dough and exceptional, creative toppings.
What Sets It Apart:The combination of Gabriele Bonci's legendary dough and the sheer creativity and quality of the toppings distinguishes Pizzarium from every other pizza al taglio establishment in Rome and beyond.
Operating Hours:Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PMMonday: Closed
Price:€10 to €20 per person
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4
Roscioli Salumeria con CucinaRoscioli Salumeria con Cucina is a multi-functional establishment near Campo de' Fiori that is part gourmet deli, part wine shop, and part restaurant. Diners are seated in a bustling, compact space surrounded by shelves of artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and fine wines. The menu features high-quality ingredients sourced from the deli.Type of Restaurant:Gourmet Deli-Restaurant
Type of Food:Roman, Italian
Signature Dishes:Spaghetti alla CarbonaraCacio e PepeBurrata with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Location:Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Special Feature:The restaurant is an extension of the historic Roscioli family brand, which includes a famous bakery (Antico Forno Roscioli) and a wine shop. The dining experience involves being surrounded by the products that are used in the kitchen.
What Makes It Special:Roscioli is known for its obsessive focus on ingredient quality, from the specific guanciale and pecorino used in its carbonara to its vast selection of artisanal products from all over Italy.
What Sets It Apart:The unique hybrid model of a world-class delicatessen integrated into a restaurant setting creates a dynamic and immersive food experience that is distinct from a traditional trattoria.
Operating Hours:Daily: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Price:€60 to €100 per person
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5
Armando al PantheonArmando al Pantheon is a historic Roman trattoria located steps from the Pantheon. Founded in 1961 by Armando Gargioli, the restaurant is now run by his sons and serves classic Roman cuisine with a strict adherence to traditional recipes and high-quality, seasonal ingredients from the Lazio region. The small, wood-paneled dining room creates an intimate and timeless atmosphere.Type of Restaurant:Trattoria
Type of Food:Roman
Signature Dishes:Spaghetti alla CarbonaraCoda alla Vaccinara (Oxtail Stew)Trippa alla Romana (Roman-style Tripe)
Location:Salita de' Crescenzi, 31, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Special Feature:The restaurant's location next to one of Rome's most ancient monuments provides a historic backdrop. Reservations are essential and must be made weeks or months in advance due to its small size and immense popularity.
What Makes It Special:Armando al Pantheon is celebrated for its consistent execution of authentic Roman dishes, preserving the city's culinary heritage. The restaurant is a member of the Slow Food association, signifying its dedication to quality and tradition.
What Sets It Apart:Its unwavering dedication to the five pillars of Roman cuisine (Gricia, Amatriciana, Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, and Pajata) without modern reinterpretations makes it a benchmark for traditional Roman cooking.
Operating Hours:Monday – Saturday: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:€40 to €70 per person
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6
All’Oro RestaurantAll'Oro is a Michelin-starred restaurant located within The H'All Tailor Suite hotel. Chef Riccardo Di Giacinto serves a modern, creative interpretation of classic Italian and Roman dishes. The dining room is luxurious and contemporary, with an adjoining garden for outdoor seating.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Modern Italian
Signature Dishes:"Rocher" of Oxtail VaccinaraTiramisù All'OroCarbonara "in suspension"
Location:Via Giuseppe Pisanelli, 25, 00196 Roma RM, Italy
Special Feature:The restaurant is known for its playful and deconstructed takes on traditional recipes, such as the oxtail stew presented as a savory chocolate-hazelnut truffle.
What Makes It Special:All'Oro is celebrated for its ability to transform rustic, traditional flavors into elegant and surprising fine-dining creations, demonstrating both technical skill and culinary creativity.
What Sets It Apart:The specific, whimsical reinterpretations of Roman classics are unique to Chef Di Giacinto, setting the restaurant apart from both traditional trattorias and other modern Italian establishments.
Operating Hours:Daily: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Price:Over €100 per person
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7
Trattoria da TeoTrattoria da Teo is a traditional Roman restaurant situated in a quiet piazza in Trastevere. It is a local favorite, known for serving authentic, homestyle Roman dishes in a lively and unpretentious atmosphere. The restaurant has a large, sought-after outdoor terrace.Type of Restaurant:Trattoria
Type of Food:Roman
Signature Dishes:Cacio e PepePollo con Peperoni (Chicken with Peppers)Fiori di Zucca Fritti (Fried Zucchini Flowers)
Location:Piazza dei Ponziani, 7a, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Special Feature:The restaurant's location in a less-trafficked part of Trastevere gives it a more local, neighborhood feel compared to the more tourist-centric spots in the area.
What Makes It Special:Trattoria da Teo is recognized for its consistent quality and its focus on seasonal Roman specialties, such as vignarola in the spring.
What Sets It Apart:Its reputation as a reliable and authentic neighborhood trattoria that is favored by Romans themselves distinguishes it from the many tourist traps found in Trastevere.
Operating Hours:Monday – Saturday: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM – 11:00 PMSunday: Closed
Price:€20 to €30 per person
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8
Pizzeria La MontecarloPizzeria La Montecarlo is a classic Roman pizzeria near Piazza Navona, known for its thin, crispy, Roman-style pizzas (pizza tonda). The atmosphere is loud, bustling, and no-frills, with paper placemats and fast service. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.Type of Restaurant:Pizzeria
Type of Food:Roman Pizza, Italian
Signature Dishes:Pizza La Montecarlo (Egg, Sausage, Olives)Pizza MargheritaFritti Misti (Mixed Fried Appetizers)
Location:Vicolo Savelli, 13, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Special Feature:The pizzeria is famous for its classic Roman ambiance, characterized by rapid-fire service, tightly packed tables, and a constant buzz of activity.
What Makes It Special:La Montecarlo offers a quintessential Roman pizzeria experience, focusing on the traditional crispy crust and classic toppings without pretense.
What Sets It Apart:Its unwavering adherence to the old-school Roman pizzeria model, including its chaotic energy and classic recipes, sets it apart from the growing number of Neapolitan-style and gourmet pizzerias in the city.
Operating Hours:Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AMMonday: Closed
Price:€10 to €20 per person
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Retrobottega -
10
Il PagliaccioIl Pagliaccio is a fine-dining restaurant near the Tiber River, holding two Michelin stars. Chef Anthony Genovese offers a cuisine that fuses Italian and Asian influences, presented through meticulously crafted tasting menus. The restaurant has an intimate and elegant atmosphere, with only 28 seats.Type of Restaurant:Fine Dining
Type of Food:Modern Italian, Fusion
Signature Dishes:Tasting Menus (e.g., "Circus," "Orme")Scallops, Black Cabbage, and BergamotAnatra e Carote (Duck and Carrots)
Location:Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 129/a, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Special Feature:The restaurant holds two Michelin stars, making it one of the most decorated and exclusive dining destinations in Rome. The open-view kitchen allows diners to observe the chefs at work.
What Makes It Special:Il Pagliaccio is recognized for its creative and sophisticated culinary journey, where Italian ingredients are prepared with international techniques, particularly from Asia.
What Sets It Apart:The distinct Italian-Asian fusion cuisine of Chef Anthony Genovese, combined with its two-Michelin-star status, places it in a different category from Rome's traditional trattorias and other fine-dining establishments.
Operating Hours:Tuesday – Friday: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PMSaturday: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PMSunday – Monday: Closed
Price:Over €100 per person
What Makes Italian Restaurants in Rome Famous?
Italian restaurants in Rome are famous for being the global epicenter of authentic Cucina Romana (Roman Cuisine), a distinct and historic culinary tradition. The city's fame comes from world-renowned pasta dishes like Carbonara and Amatriciana, and a long-standing "quinto quarto" tradition of using offal in celebrated recipes like oxtail stew (Coda alla Vaccinara). What sets the Roman food scene apart is its hyper-seasonal approach, with menus dictated by the availability of local ingredients like artichokes in the spring and porcini mushrooms in the fall. An Italian restaurant in Rome is not just serving Italian food - it is preserving and presenting a specific, powerful regional identity that has been shaped over centuries, making the city a pilgrimage site for culinary purists.
What Type of Italian Restaurant is Commonly Found in Rome?
Rome features a well-defined hierarchy of restaurant types, each offering a different experience, from quick street food to formal, multi-course meals. The list below details the most common types found throughout the city.
- Trattoria: A family-run establishment, less formal than a ristorante, serving traditional Roman dishes in a rustic, casual setting. Armando al Pantheon and Da Enzo al 29 are classic examples.
- Osteria: Historically a simple place serving wine and a few basic dishes, the term is now often used interchangeably with trattoria to signify a place with a focus on traditional, local food and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Pizzeria: An establishment specializing in pizza. In Rome, this includes places serving thin, crispy, round pizzas (pizza tonda) like Pizzeria La Montecarlo, as well as shops selling pizza by the slice (pizza al taglio) like Pizzarium Bonci.
- Ristorante: A more formal dining establishment with a broader menu, an extensive wine list, and professional service. This category includes the city's Michelin-starred fine-dining venues like La Pergola and Il Pagliaccio.
- Salumeria: A delicatessen that sells cured meats, cheeses, and other gourmet products. Some, like Roscioli, have evolved to include a kitchen and seating, functioning as a high-end restaurant.
Does Rome Have an Authentic Italian Restaurant?
Yes, Rome is the definitive home of authentic Roman restaurants, as the city itself is the origin point for the cuisine they serve. Establishments like Armando al Pantheon, Da Enzo al 29, and Trattoria da Teo are considered authentic because they are dedicated to preserving and flawlessly executing centuries-old recipes without alteration. Their authenticity is demonstrated in their strict use of traditional ingredients, such as guanciale instead of pancetta in Amatriciana, Pecorino Romano cheese, and seasonal vegetables sourced from the surrounding Lazio region. These restaurants act as culinary guardians, offering a direct taste of Rome’s gastronomic heritage.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Italian Restaurants in Rome?
The best Italian restaurants in Rome are known for their masterful execution of the city's foundational dishes, which are recognized and replicated worldwide. The most notable signature dishes are listed below.
- Spaghetti alla Carbonara: A world-famous pasta made with egg yolks, guanciale (cured pork jowl), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper.
- Bucatini all'Amatriciana: A tomato-based pasta sauce with guanciale and Pecorino Romano.
- Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe: A simple yet difficult-to-master dish of pasta, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper, emulsified with pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
- Coda alla Vaccinara: A rich, slow-cooked oxtail stew, often with a base of tomato, celery, and sometimes a hint of cocoa.
- Carciofi (Artichokes): Served in two traditional styles: "alla Romana" (braised with garlic and mint) and "alla Giudia" (deep-fried until crispy).
- Saltimbocca alla Romana: Thin veal cutlets topped with prosciutto and sage, pan-fried in white wine and butter.
Does Rome Enjoy Italian Food?
Yes, Rome is a city where Italian food is the very fabric of daily life and cultural identity. For Romans, food is not merely sustenance; it is a central part of social gatherings, family traditions, and fierce local pride. The daily routine is marked by culinary rituals, from the morning cappuccino and cornetto to the leisurely, multi-course Sunday lunch with family. Romans are deeply knowledgeable and opinionated about their cuisine, debating the correct way to make a carbonara or arguing over which neighborhood has the best supplì. This passionate, city-wide engagement with food confirms that Rome doesn't just enjoy Italian food—it defines and celebrates it.
Are There Vegan Options in Italian Restaurants in Rome?
Yes, vegan options are available in Italian restaurants in Rome, with dedicated plant-based establishments like Buddy Veggy, Ma Va'?, and Origano Campo de' Fiori. Traditional Roman cuisine also offers naturally vegan dishes. Classic vegetable side dishes (contorni) such as cicoria ripassata (sautéed chicory), patate al forno (roast potatoes), and carciofi alla romana (braised artichokes) are plant-based. Simple pastas like aglio, olio e peperoncino (garlic, oil, and chili) and arrabbiata are common vegan choices. Pizzerias frequently offer pizza rossa (pizza with tomato sauce, no cheese) topped with vegetables.
Do Italian Restaurants in Rome Offer Gluten-Free Options?
Yes, Italian restaurants in Rome offer gluten-free options, with many establishments certified by the Italian Celiac Association (AIC) for safe food preparation including Mama Eat, Voglia di Pizza, and La Soffitta Renovatio, provide extensive menus with separate kitchens to avoid cross-contamination. These places serve gluten-free versions of pizza, pasta, and classic Roman dishes. A large number of traditional trattorias also accommodate gluten-free diners by offering gluten-free pasta substitutes for their signature sauces.
What is the Average Meal Price for Italian Restaurants in Rome?
The average meal price for an Italian restaurant in Rome spans a wide spectrum, from under €20 for a casual meal to more than €300 for a fine-dining establishment. A quick, budget-friendly meal for one person, such as pizza by the slice and a beverage, costs between €10 and €20. A sit-down dinner at a traditional trattoria for a multi-course meal with wine falls in the range of €30 to €60 per person. For a meal at a high-end, Michelin-starred restaurant, prices for tasting menus begin around €200 and can rise above €300 per person, especially with the addition of wine.
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