15 perfect restaurants in Rome, Italy

Embarking on a culinary journey in Rome is like stepping into a feast-loving marathon. Let your taste buds sprint through the cobbled streets and discover unforgettable gastronomic gems. From intimate trattorias serving mouthwatering pasta to quirky pizzerias crafting crispy masterpieces, this article unveils the top 15 restaurants that will make your stomach dance, your heart sing, and your wallet give an appreciative smirk. Bon appétit and don't forget to wear stretchy pants!

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1. Armando al Pantheon

4.4 (1441)

Salita de' Crescenzi, 31, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Welcome to Armando al Pantheon, where food meets legendary history! Located just a stone's throw away from Rome's iconic Pantheon, this cozy trattoria will make you feel like Julius Caesar himself. Indulge in their mouthwatering pasta dishes while contemplating the question that has puzzled historians for centuries: did Caesar prefer carbonara or Cacio e Pepe? Prepare to have your taste buds serenaded by the culinary symphony of Armando al Pantheon. Their heavenly dishes will transport you back in time, making you wonder if the ancient gods themselves had a hand in crafting these delectable delicacies. Be sure to try their signature dish, the "Pantheon Pasta," a combination so divine you'll probably see Michelangelo himself shedding a tear of culinary joy.

www.armandoalpantheon.it

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2. Pizzarium

4.2 (9942)

Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma RM, Italy

Welcome to Pizzarium, where pizza dreams come true in Rome! This tiny pizzeria, affectionately known as a pizza al taglio heaven, will have you swooning over its delectable slices. Be prepared to face pizza dilemmas, with mesmerizing toppings like salty prosciutto, zesty arugula, and ooey-gooey cheese, making it nearly impossible to choose just one. Luckily, their rectangular slices make it easy to sample an assortment and find your pizza soulmate.

www.bonci.it

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3. Osteria Bonelli

4.5 (4307)

Viale dell'Acquedotto Alessandrino, 172/174, 00177 Roma RM, Italy

Nestled in the heart of Rome, Osteria Bonelli is a culinary oasis that will quickly teleport your taste buds to the land of gastronomic delights. This delightful eatery is known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, where the hustle and bustle of Rome seem to magically melt away the moment you step inside. Prepare to be dazzled by their mouthwatering pasta dishes, because honestly, they might just have a secret deal with the Pasta Gods themselves. Trust me, a trip to Rome is incomplete without a stop at Osteria Bonelli, where tantalizing flavors and good-natured banter await to sweep you off your feet.

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4. La Gatta Mangiona

4.1 (2631)

Via Federico Ozanam, 30-32, 00152 Roma RM, Italy

In the bustling city of Rome, tucked away in the cozy Trastevere neighborhood, lies a pizzeria so delightful, it will make you purr with happiness – La Gatta Mangiona. With a name meaning "The Hungry Cat," this charming spot is known for serving up pizzas that could make even the most discerning feline want to break out in a happy dance. The restaurant's quirky decor and friendly staff will make you feel right at home, while their adventurous toppings will make your taste buds do somersaults – just be careful not to accidentally meow while devouring their mouthwatering creations!

www.lagattamangiona.com

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5. Da Enzo Al 29

4.4 (5521)

Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Rome, Da Enzo Al 29 is a hidden gem that promises to tickle your taste buds and leave you rolling with culinary joy. This cozy trattoria with a quirky charm is the kind of place where you might find the chef shouting passionately amidst plates of pasta, just to make sure you hear your "buon appetito" loud and clear. The only problem you might encounter here is deciding between their melt-in-your-mouth carbonara, which could quite possibly change your life, or their heavenly homemade tiramisu that transcends time and space.

www.daenzoal29.com

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6. La Pergola

4.6 (1026)

Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, 00136 Roma RM, Italy

Nestled in the eternal city of Rome, the legendary La Pergola awaits culinary adventurers like a charming 3-Michelin-starred Grande Dame who is in a committed relationship with flavor. Prepare to have your taste buds serenaded by Chef Heinz Beck's impeccable creations, as each dish harmoniously dances on your tongue, leaving you wanting more like an encore from Pavarotti. The breathtaking terrace view of the Vatican City is almost as divine as their tiramisu, a heavenly pyrotechnic spectacle of mascarpone, espresso, and cocoa, guaranteed to make you say mmm-mamma mia!

www.romecavalieri.it

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7. Tonnarello

4.7 (55886)

Via della Paglia, 1/2/3, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Welcome to Tonnarello, a pasta lover's paradise nestled in the heart of Rome. This charming trattoria is a hidden gem where carb cravings are cured and waistbands are forgotten. Prepare to dance the tarantella with your taste buds as you indulge in their mouthwatering homemade pasta creations, each dish more enticing than the last. So, loosen that belt buckle, embrace the irresistible aroma wafting through the cozy space, and get ready to relish a pasta experience that will have your taste buds singing "That's amore!"

tonnarello.it

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8. Trattoria Da Teo

4.2 (2701)

Piazza dei Ponziani, 7A, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Welcome to Trattoria Da Teo, where the magical blend of mouthwatering Italian cuisine and eccentric charm will leave your taste buds doing a happy cha-cha. Situated in the heart of Rome, this hidden gem is the perfect spot to unbutton your pants and succumb to pasta-induced food coma. Mind you, the service might be as swift as a sloth on vacation, but trust me, once that plate of heavenly carbonara is in front of you, time will cease to exist.

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9. Antico Arco

4.6 (1044)

Piazzale Aurelio, 7, 00152 Roma RM, Italy

Tucked away in the charming neighborhood of Gianicolo, Antico Arco is a culinary oasis that will leave you feeling like you've won the lottery of taste buds. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey so extraordinary, you might mistake it for a magic carpet ride. With dishes crafted to perfection and a wine list that could make Bacchus himself blush, Antico Arco is hands down the holy grail for food-loving explorers in the eternal city.

www.anticoarco.it

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10. Il Pagliaccio

4.3 (421)

Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 129/a, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Nestled in the heart of Rome, Il Pagliaccio is a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds cracking smiles. With a name that literally translates to "The Clown," this Michelin-starred restaurant promises a circus of flavors that will have you laughing with gastronomic delight. Prepare to put on your foodie hat and enter a world where artistry meets exquisite ingredients, leaving you wondering if culinary acrobats were responsible for your mind-bogglingly delicious meal.

www.ristoranteilpagliaccio.com

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11. Grazia & Graziella

4.5 (6045)

Piazza Scipione Ammirato, 7, 00179 Roma RM, Italy

Welcome to Rome, where history and fashion collide in the chicest manner possible at Grazia & Graziella. This trendy boutique, nestled in the heart of the city, offers a delightful blend of Roman charm and high-end shopping experience. With its tastefully curated collections and Roman-inspired fashion-forward pieces, Grazia & Graziella effortlessly captures the essence of la dolce vita while also ensuring you look fabulous while strolling through the ancient streets of the Eternal City.

graziaegraziella.it

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12. Roscioli

4.4 (3626)

Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Welcome to Roscioli, the food mecca of Rome, where gluttony takes on a whole new meaning! Prepare yourself for an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave your taste buds salsa dancing. This family-run eatery is like a love child between a grocery store on steroids and a gourmet restaurant on a World Food Tour. Whether you're a food enthusiast or just a hungry soul, Roscioli will make your stomach rumble and your heart skip a beat.

www.salumeriaroscioli.com

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13. Felice a Testaccio

4.4 (6617)

Via Mastro Giorgio, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Tucked away in the charming neighborhood of Testaccio, you'll stumble across Felice, a trattoria that has stood the test of time, just like that old pair of jeans you refuse to throw away. With a rustic Italian charm that makes you feel like you've stumbled into your nonna's kitchen, Felice offers hearty Roman cuisine that will make your taste buds jump with joy, even if your waistline is slightly less enthusiastic. Grab a seat amongst the locals and prepare yourself for a delicious carb-loaded adventure that will leave you full to the brim and vowing to never wear skinny jeans again.

www.feliceatestaccio.com

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14. Salumeria Roscioli

4.4 (3626)

Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Located in the heart of Rome, Salumeria Roscioli is a gastronomic oasis that boasts an impressive selection of cured meats, cheese, and all things delicious. From the moment you step inside, your olfactory senses will be tantalized by the heavenly scent of cured prosciutto and aged Parmesan. Indulge in their scrumptious sandwiches or take a seat at one of their cozy tables, but be prepared to experience moments of involuntary food ecstasy that might embarrass your travel companions.

www.salumeriaroscioli.com

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15. DivinPeccato

4.1 (116)

Piazza della Rovere, 84, 00165 Roma RM, Italy

Tucked away in the heart of Rome, DivinPeccato is a hidden gem that combines heavenly delights with sinful indulgence. This hipster paradise offers an eclectic mix of divine cocktails and sinful bites that will leave your taste buds craving for redemption. Prepare to immerse yourself in a sensory experience as you savor their heavenly creations while discreetly asking forgiveness for your gluttonous sins.

www.divinpeccato.com

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Rome by plane is to fly into Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO), which is the main airport in Rome. Many major airlines such as Alitalia, Delta, and United offer direct flights to FCO from various cities around the world.

Car

Driving to Rome is possible, but it can be quite challenging as the traffic in the city can be hectic. If you do plan to drive, the Rome-Fiumicino Motorway offers a direct route from the airport to the city center.

Train

Traveling to Rome by train is an excellent option, with Roma Termini being the central railway station. You can take a high-speed train such as the Eurostar from cities like Milan or Naples.

Boat

Though Rome is not directly accessible by boat, you can take a cruise to the nearby port of Civitavecchia, which is around an hour's drive from Rome. From there, you can take a train or a bus to the city center.

Bus

Taking a bus is a cheaper alternative to travel to Rome. You can take a coach service such as FlixBus from various cities throughout Europe, with the bus stop located at Tiburtina Station in Rome.

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