Rome, a city steeped in history and culture, offers a tantalizing feast for the senses, especially when it comes to its culinary scene. Finding the best restaurants in this vibrant city can be a challenge, with countless options vying for your attention. But fear not, food lovers! This comprehensive guide will lead you to Rome’s hidden gems, from traditional osterias to modern eateries, each offering a unique and unforgettable dining experience.
We’ve curated a list of the most captivating restaurants in Rome, ensuring something for every palate and budget. Whether you’re a vegetarian or an omnivore, a cautious diner or an adventurous eater, there’s a restaurant on this list waiting to tantalize your taste buds. Each restaurant has been meticulously selected by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local contributor who has personally experienced the dining experience.
We prioritize both high-end and affordable establishments, evaluating not only the standout dishes but also the location, service, and inclusivity and sustainability practices. Our list is constantly evolving, updated as new restaurants open their doors and established favorites refine their offerings.
Offal-tastic Delights: Checchino dal 1887
This restaurant is not for the faint of heart! Checchino dal 1887 embraces the art of offal cooking, making it a haven for adventurous eaters. If animal innards don’t appeal to you, there’s a vegetarian menu ready to please your palate. Start your journey with the veal head served with citrus peel, followed by the beef tripe cooked in pecorino, mint, and tomato sauce, a symphony of flavors. Vegetarians will find solace in the pecorino-and-sage bruschetta and the spaghetti with artichoke cream, mint, and parmesan. Don’t forget to indulge in the roast potatoes and chicory for a side dish that perfectly complements the main course. End your culinary adventure with the cool, wobbly panna cotta, a delightful dessert that leaves a lasting impression.
Sicilian Glamour: Giano at the W Rome
Step into a world of opulence and Sicilian charm at Giano, the glamorous eatery inside the W Rome. This restaurant exudes elegance with its velvet couches, low lighting, and wooden walls, creating an atmosphere that is both inviting and sophisticated. The brightly-colored plates add a touch of vibrancy to the Sicilian fare, which includes dishes like fennel and orange salad and pasta with fried eggplant, tomato and salted ricotta.
Giano’s cocktail list is equally impressive, boasting names like ‘wake up call’ and ‘working hard’, each crafted with an expert blend of ingredients. For a casual and fun experience, happy hour offers a tempting selection of snacks like fried calamari, sesame sandwiches with fried chickpeas, toast with anchovies, and tacos with Italian fillings. If you’re looking for a family-friendly brunch, Giano’s Sunday spread will delight with its buffet of grilled fish skewers, tomato and mozzarella rice balls, roasted lamb shank and couscous, and a selection of delectable desserts.
Wine and Creative Bites: Enotica L’antidoto
Enotica L’antidoto is the epitome of cool, an effortlessly stylish restaurant that draws a diverse crowd. The warmly-lit interior, featuring brick arches, exposed cement walls, and the original beam roof, creates a cozy and inviting ambiance. This is the place to enjoy a bottle or two of organic natural wines with friends, while savoring a creative menu of small plates.
The local crowd, including fashion types and yoga enthusiasts, gather at Enotica L’antidoto to share stories and connect over delicious food and wine. The team hosts monthly chef residencies, ensuring a constant flow of fresh and inventive cuisine. The dishes are meticulously crafted to complement the wines, with highlights like figs wrapped in delicate slices of lard and savory tarts with olives fennel and green beans. Even if you’re not ordering food, you’ll be treated to a complimentary bag of bread and cultured, salted butter, the perfect accompaniment to your chosen wine.
Michelin-Starred Magic: Pulejo
Pulejo is a culinary destination that has captured the hearts and stomachs of food enthusiasts in Rome. The restaurant attracts local foodies seeking a truly exceptional dining experience and curious tourists eager to sample the delights of a Michelin-starred establishment. The air hums with anticipation as guests dine in hushed tones, fully immersed in the culinary journey at hand.
Chef/owner Davide Pulejo’s menu blends classic Italian flavors with contemporary twists. Ravioli with tomato and roasted red pepper with parmesan, capers and oregano are a nod to tradition, while eel, grilled and topped with apple and watercress oil and duck served with chestnuts and sea urchins showcase the chef’s innovative spirit. You can order a la carte, but we recommend indulging in the 5- or 7-course tasting menu, a curated journey through the chef’s culinary artistry. Don’t leave without savoring the rosemary cake, laced with mandarin and vanilla, a decadent dessert that leaves a lasting impression.
Classic Italian Elegance: Bar San Calisto
Bar San Calisto is a timeless Italian gem, a testament to old-school charm and impeccable service. The expansive space, featuring dark, heavy wood contrasted by floral wallpaper and big brass mirrors, evokes a sense of grandeur and history. Bow-tied baristas pour traditional Neapolitan coffee, cappuccino and espresso, with a macchiato available upon request.
Before 10 in the morning, waiters in white waistcoats ferry plates piled high with glistening pastries, fresh from the oven, to the discerning clientele. The pastries, made in-house, range from delicate Neapolitan flaky pastries filled with lemon zest and ricotta, to plump doughnuts oozing with golden custard. Croissants, both plain and filled with pistachio cream or Nutella, are also a tempting choice. Handmade chocolates, including orange peel dipped in chocolate and a selection of boozy truffles, add a touch of sweetness to the experience. At lunchtime, a selection of light counter meals, available to eat in or takeaway, changes daily, with highlights like vitello tonnato and zucchini parmigiana with a side of couscous salad.
Modern Roman Charm: Trecca
Trecca is a young Roman restaurant that defies the typical modern osteria aesthetic, seamlessly blending modernity with tradition. The spacious and inviting interior features a brown-tiled checkered floor, pendant lighting, marble-topped tables, and a vintage Roman terracotta sink, creating a unique and captivating ambiance. The short, well-thought-out menu is packed with delicious creations. Start with the fried chicken comb, crunchy and perfectly salted.
Follow it up with the suckling veal intestine skewers, tossed in breadcrumbs and skewered with rosemary, or stick to the familiar with the pork belly and a side of radicchio. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the pasta dishes, including carbonara and amatriciana, are sure to please. The taglioni pasta with chicken livers and butter is a standout, a testament to the chef’s culinary prowess. But Trecca is not a place for the faint of heart. The off-cuts, prepared with exceptional skill, are a must-try for adventurous eaters. For the brave, there’s a dedicated section on the menu for ‘refined palates’, a selection of dishes that push culinary boundaries. If you’re unsure what to order, ask the waiter for his daily recommendations, you won’t be disappointed.
