In the heart of Italy, Rome—the Eternal City—offers an exciting culinary landscape for its locals and international visitors. However, navigating through the bustling food scene to find authentic, non-touristy restaurants can often be daunting.
So, I’ve put together a comprehensive guide to Rome’s hidden culinary gems, taking into account reviews and suggestions gathered from social media platforms like Reddit and Twitter. So sit back and allow me to walk you through the city’s gastronomic backstreets, away from the throngs of tourists.
Rome’s Culinary Highlights
Below, you’ll find a selection of some of Rome’s most remarkable yet under-the-radar dining venues loved by locals.
Le Tavernelle
Best known for its cacio e pepe, a pasta dish with cheese and pepper, Le Tavernelle is a top-notch option for an authentic Roman culinary experience.
Luciano Cucina Italiana
This contemporary Roman cuisine hotspot offers exceptional carbonara, a masterpiece crafted by Luciano Monosilio.
Trattoria Da Enzo al 29
A hidden gem offering sidewalk seating and classic Roman dishes, including fried artichoke.
Fuorinorma
Located near the Colosseum Tours bus terminal, this charming sandwich shop offers a unique pairing of meat and fruit.
La Fata Turchina
Tucked away in the heart of Rome, La Fata Turchina combines traditional Italian cooking with a whimsical atmosphere.
Salumeria Roscioli con Cucina
This acclaimed deli-cum-restaurant has a wide selection of Italian charcuterie and cheeses, along with a mouth-watering menu of pasta dishes and pizzas.
Felice a Testaccio
A timeless classic, Felice a Testaccio has been serving delightful Roman cuisine since 1936, famous for its cacio e pepe.
SantoPalato
SantoPalato focuses on simple yet super delicious dishes. It specializes in offal and Roman-style cooking, with a reputation for exceptional pasta.
180grammi Pizzeria Romana
180grammi Pizzeria Romana stands out with their thin, crispy Roman-style pizza, and an impressive list of local craft beers.
Astemio
With its elegant interior and beautifully plated dishes, Astemio offers a refined dining experience. If you want to combine Italian tradition with modern food creations, this is the place for you.
Pasta in Corso
Pasta in Corso is renowned for its fresh pasta and sauces, served in a cozy, rustic setting.
Osteria da Fortunata
Osteria da Fortunata is a traditional Italian osteria famous for its hand-rolled pasta, served in a rustic, charming setting.
Enoteca e Taverna Capranica
Located in a historic building, Enoteca e Taverna Capranica offers a fine dining experience. You’ll love the impressive wine list and traditional Roman dishes.
Old Bear
Old Bear is known for its medieval atmosphere, serving hearty Italian meals in a unique setting that takes you back in time.
Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto
This local favorite, located in the Monteverde district, is known for its classic Roman dishes. I recommend the carbonara and cacio e pepe!
Ristorante Santa Cristina al Quirinale
Nestled near the Quirinal Palace, this restaurant offers a delightful array of Roman and Italian dishes, often frequented by politicians and diplomats.
Bonci Pizzarium
Known for its innovative toppings and quality ingredients, Bonci Pizzarium serves pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice) that’s both creative and authentic.
Pizzeria Da Baffetto
With its traditional Roman thin-crust pizza, Pizzeria Da Baffetto offers a no-frills, authentic Roman pizza experience that’s a must-try.
Er Buchetto
A traditional porchetta sandwich shop, Er Buchetto serves juicy, roasted pork sandwiches, a simple yet unforgettable Roman specialty.
Marco Martini Roma
This Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Chef Marco Martini, offers a modern take on Italian cuisine in a stylish, refined setting.
Trattoria Vecchia Roma
Famous for its traditional pasta dishes like Amatriciana and Carbonara, Trattoria Vecchia Roma is an institution in Roman dining.
Other Noteworthy Restaurants in Rome
Here is the list of other great spots, including some affordable restaurants in Rome:
|
Top Local Favorites in Rome |
Price Bracket |
Personal Observations |
|
Stazione di Posta |
$$$ |
Sophisticated, with an impressive tasting menu. Recommend choosing wine individually |
|
Casina Valadier |
$$$ |
Unrivaled location in Piazza del Popolo |
|
Enoteca Ferrara |
$$$ |
Ideal for a wholesome night of drinks |
|
Glass Hostaria |
$$ |
Modern and stylish, it leans more towards ‘Italian’ than ‘Roman’ |
|
Bistrot 64 |
$$ |
Fusion of Italian-Japanese. Unique but may not suit all |
|
Ottavio |
$$$ |
Quality seafood near Porta Maggiore (Larger Gate) |
|
Il Sardegna |
$$$ |
Another superior seafood option |
|
Felice a Testaccio |
$$ |
Truly authentic, excellent food |
|
Osteria dei Pazzi |
$$$ |
White truffle tagliatelle here is exceptional. Great selection of wines too |
|
Duke’s |
$$$ |
A classy place with exceptional steaks |
|
La Pergola |
$$$ |
Stunning views, extremely elegant |
|
Il Duca in Trastevere |
$$ |
Perfect for traditional Roman dishes |
|
La Gatabuia |
$$ |
Similar to Il Duca in Trastevere, but with more antiquity and charm |
|
Trattoria da Teo |
$$ |
Deep-fried calamari is a must-try |
|
Grazia e Graziella |
$$ |
Unpretentious, outstanding Roman cuisine, truly genuine |
|
Antica Trattoria da Carlone |
$$ |
‘Gricia’ and ‘coda all vaccinara’ are must-haves |
|
Impiccetta |
$$ |
Impressive wine selection, specializes in pasta and meat dishes |
|
Cajo e Gajo |
$$ |
Excellent carbonara with a vintage feel |
|
Da Franco |
$$ |
Another excellent choice for seafood |
|
La Tavernaccia |
$$ |
Genuine, savory, and rustic vibe |
|
Flaminio |
$$ |
Renowned for its deep-fried antipasti |
|
Acquolina |
$$ |
Top choice for seafood |
|
Flavio al Velavevodetto |
$$ |
Searching for the best carbonara in Rome? Look no further |
|
Nonna Betta |
$$ |
For carciofi alla giudia (deep-fried artichoke) originating from Rome’s Jewish community |
|
Retrobottega |
$$ |
Offers an amazing beef tartare |
|
Trattoria Monti |
$$ |
Ravioli filled with raw egg yolk – absolutely delicious! |
Useful Vocabulary for Dining in Rome
Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced traveler, here are some useful Italian words and phrases for food ordering in Rome. With these terms, you’ll get exactly what you want to eat, and maybe even impress the locals with your knowledge of Italian terms!
Lesser-Known Dishes
Roman Food Events
Apart from the regular dining options, several food events take place in Rome throughout the year. They provide an excellent opportunity to sample a variety of Italian dishes and beverages.
One event you’ll want to check out is the Roma Food Truck Festival, which gathers some of the best Italian food trucks in one location. Similarly, the annual Rome Pizza Festival is a must-visit for pizza lovers, where local pizzerias showcase their unique variations of this beloved dish.
The Taste of Roma is an annual culinary event where visitors can sample dishes from several renowned Roman chefs in one place. Meanwhile, the International Wine and Food Tasting event in Rome offers wine lovers a chance to taste various Italian wines, accompanied by matching food pairings.
Understanding Rome’s Food Culture
Roman cuisine is marked by its simplicity, focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients rather than complicated techniques or presentation. Many of the dishes you will find in Rome are rooted in cucina povera, or “poor kitchen,” a cooking style that originated from peasants making the most of the available ingredients.
One of the primary factors that distinguish Roman cuisine is its use of local and seasonal ingredients. For instance, artichokes are a big part of Roman cuisine, with the city even having two iconic dishes. These are the Carciofi alla Romana and Carciofi alla Giudia, based around this vegetable. Similarly, Roman cuisine makes extensive use of pecorino cheese, a hard, salty cheese made from sheep’s milk.
Another key aspect of Rome’s food culture is its tradition of communal dining. Meals in Rome are often leisurely affairs, lasting several hours, and they are seen as an important time for family and friends to gather and socialize. Eating delicious food with the people you love most, what could be better?
Food Blogs and Social Media Accounts To Follow for Rome’s Culinary Scene
Elizabeth Minchilli’s blog and Instagram account offer a wealth of information on Rome’s food scene, complete with restaurant recommendations and recipes. Similarly, Katie Parla’s blog and Instagram comprehensively guide eating and drinking in Rome.
On Twitter, @HeartRome offers a glimpse into Roman life and food culture, while @eminchilli shares daily food and travel updates from Rome and beyond. Moreover, several Reddit threads are dedicated to discussing the best places to eat and drink in Rome, offering recommendations from locals and tourists.
Sustainability Practices in Rome’s Restaurants
Sustainability has become an increasingly important aspect of Rome’s restaurant scene in recent years. Many eateries are now focusing on using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to ensure the freshness and quality of their dishes and reduce their carbon footprint.
Several restaurants in Rome have also adopted practices such as reducing food waste, recycling, and composting. For instance, Retrobottega, a restaurant in Rome’s historical center, is known for its zero-waste philosophy, using every part of its ingredients to minimize waste.
Furthermore, there has been a growing trend of restaurants in Rome offering vegetarian and vegan options on their menus, catering to the increasing number of diners seeking plant-based meals.
Food Delivery and Takeaway in Rome
While dining out in Rome is a unique experience, you may prefer to enjoy the city’s culinary delights from the comfort of your accommodation. There are several food delivery and takeaway services available in Rome.
Apps such as Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat have a wide range of restaurants on their platforms, from traditional Italian eateries to sushi spots and burger joints. Additionally, some of the restaurants listed in this guide, like Bonci Pizzarium and La Fata Turchina, offer takeaway services, allowing you to enjoy their dishes wherever you want.
With these options available, enjoying Rome’s culinary scene has never been easier or more convenient. So, whether you are in Rome for a few days or a few months, explore the city’s gastronomic landscape to the fullest. Buon appetito!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, I know your mouth’s watering and your stomach’s growling with the thought of all these restaurant possibilities. But before you go grabbing the nearest table, check out these FAQs.
1. Why is Rome called “The Eternal City”?
Rome is often called “The Eternal City,” a nickname from ancient Roman poets and authors. The idea behind the nickname is that no matter what happens in the world or how many other empires might rise and fall, Rome will go on forever. This nickname still holds today, given the city’s rich history and timeless charm.
2. What does “trattoria” mean?
A “trattoria” in Italy is a type of restaurant that is usually less formal than a “ristorante.” Trattorias often serve traditional Italian dishes, focusing on local and regional cuisine. They are usually family-run establishments with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
3. What is “porchetta”?
Porchetta is a savory, fatty, moist boneless pork roast of Italian culinary tradition. The pig’s body is gutted and deboned. Then, it’s carefully sorted into layers of stuffing, meat, and skin. The final step is to roll, spit, and roast it over wood. It’s often served as a filling in sandwiches, particularly in central Italy.
4. What is “bucatini”?
Bucatini is a type of pasta that is long like spaghetti but has a hole running through the center, making it a hollow tube. The name comes from the Italian word “buco,” which means hole. It’s particularly good with robust, hearty sauces like Amatriciana.
5. What does serving “alla spina” in Italy mean?
“Alla spina” in Italy means “on tap.” This phrase is typically used for beer, which is served directly from the keg, but it can also be used for wine served directly from the barrel.
Conclusion
With its timeless beauty, captivating history, and vibrant food scene, Rome is a city that continues to enchant locals and travelers alike.
Whether you’re dining in a high-end restaurant, grabbing a slice of pizza on the go, or discovering lesser-known dishes in a cozy trattoria, you’re bound to experience a culinary journey that will leave you wanting more. So explore the Eternal City, savor its flavors, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
