Rome : wine and dine
Food lovers unite. Welcome to the land of authentic Italian cuisine, where you’ll find the best pizza, pasta and aperitifs in Italy (in our opinion). These are our current favourite restaurants to wine and dine across Rome. Our list of Romes best restaurants spans style, vibe, and of course cuisine, so no matter how long your trip or where you are in the city, you're covered. You’ll be spoilt for choice. Also, if you consume so much pasta you can’t possibly fit in anymore, we’ve added a few alternatives to keep things interesting.
The land of fresh home-made pasta. After ordering (we got the famous caccio & peppe of course) you can see the staff sat hand-making the pasta before it’s cooked - so fresh. The food was delicious, the vibes were cosy and warm and the cheesecake was to die for. This place is always busy so you might have to queue, but it’ll be worth it.. it’s popular for a reason.
Via del Pellegrino, 11/12, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
In the heart of Trastevere, Mimi e Coco serves an amazing platter of small bites, bruschetta, olives and delicious wines right beside one of the most charming alleys; where drying laundry sways in the wind and soothing buskers play live music on antique instruments along the street. The carbonara and their hand made biscottis here was the highlight but all of the food looked insane.
Via della Scala, 1 Roma, Italy
Set on top of the iconic Palazzo Fendi, Zuma Rome covers two entire floors, with both a stylish indoor restaurant and a beautiful rooftop terrace. The cool interiors are made up of natural resources — wood, bamboo, granite and stone — alongside steel and floor-to-ceiling glass. The bamboo lantern, pastel colours and curved pink corridor really add to that exotic Zuma atmosphere. Order endless sushi, sashimi & sake and dine al fresco on the beautiful roof terrace with breathtaking views of the Spanish Steps and the Barcaccia fountain. If you’re looking for a break from all of the pizza and pasta dishes, go here.
Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 48, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
A picturesque little eatery located on a quieter street in Trastevere, Da Enzo is one of the more characteristic trattorias in Rome and draws a crowd for its authentic dishes and handful of outdoor tables. Eating here feels like a family gathering, full of laughter (hopefully) and happiness. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu but the meatballs and the tiramisu from here were show stopping – make sure to show up early, or you’re in for a long wait.
Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Another little pearl in the heart of Trastevere. This place is another popular hotspot and yet again, for good reason. Serving an endless selection of delicious classic Italian dishes - we highly recommend the Tonnarello Carbonara. Dine al fresco on the tables outside on the street to soak in the authentic Italians atmosphere - usually complete with an acoustic guitar. It was like a scene from Lady and the Tramp. Accompany dinner with a bottle of their Citto Toscana red wine and you won’t be disappointed.
V. della Paglia, 1/2/3, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
This whole in the wall restaurant feels like a stylish Italian farmhouse, with brick and stone interiors from floor to ceiling and an open deli stacked with endless cheeses and hams. Their menu is extensive but order from the chalkboard of fresh daily dishes if you want to switch things up. A lively atmospheric spot in a charming location, with charming interior and complete with delicious food - you can’t go wrong.
Via Bergamo, 18, 00198 Roma RM, Italy
Dining for the elite. This outdoor courtyard and restaurant venue is show-stopping. In the courtyard of the Hotel De Russie, one of the most beautiful hotels in Rome, set within an outdoor patio in the centre of the hotel you’ll find this chic spot to enjoy a dinner and a spritz. Dine on contemporary Italian dishes and sip on a Stravinskij house punch whilst surrounded by huge poplar trees in a true fairytale-esque setting, especially when the lights go down in the evening, this place feels even more magical. An oasis hidden in the midst of the city which is definitely an exclusive place but so an unforgettable experience. The place to be and be seen.
Hotel de Russie, Via del Babuino, 9, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Trattoria da Teo
A family-run restaurant overlooking the piazza that serves traditional Roman cuisine complete with 1950s film posters and bottles of chianti on the walls. This charming spot seems super popular amongst locals which is always a good sign and to no surprise because the atmosphere is charming, the setting feels like a movie and their pasta alla carbonara and all’amatriciana were delicious. The space is small and intimate we definitely make a reservation because a table at Da Teo is worth fighting for. This spot is the answer to your quintessential Roman trattoria.
Piazza dei Ponziani, 7A, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
A “small jewel” amongst the cobbled streets of Rome in this stylish neighbourhood dining destination on the ground floor of Hotel de La Ville. Inside, the chic checkerboard floor is mixed with velvety red chair cushions, and sumptuous wallpaper generating an air of sophistication and old-world charm which emulates a traditional Roman trattoria, serving a daily menu of modern Italian favourites in the chicest of surroundings.
Via Sistina, 69, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Pizza lovers unite for this unique and show stopping pizzeria amongst the bustling streets of Trastevere. Pizza Illuminati isn't your typical old-school pizzeria but more contemporary, with neon lights and a minimalist décor complete with Saarinen-style furniture and contemporary art.
The food is the focal point here of course, offering dozens of mouthwatering Neapolitan pizzas - or pies as many like to call them due to their thick crust and deep pan serving - from classics like Margherita to more innovative varieties featuring ingredients like liqourice and eggnog; expect the works. This is everyone’s favourite pizzeria, so book ahead for these decadent Neapolitan pies.
Via Angelo Bargoni, 10 - 18, 00153 Roma RM, Italy