Finding delicious food in Rome can be a challenge amidst the tourist traps. Don’t fret! This list offers a curated selection of the city’s best restaurants, catering to all tastes and preferences. Each restaurant on this list has been independently chosen by Condé Nast Traveler editors and reviewed by a local expert. We consider both high-end and budget-friendly eateries, focusing on unique dishes, location, service, and sustainability. As new restaurants emerge and existing ones evolve, this list will be updated to keep you informed.
Offal-tastic Delights at Checchino dal 1887
This restaurant is a haven for those who love offal, with a menu that’s truly “offal-tastic.” If you’re not a fan of animal innards, the vegetarian options are equally delicious. Kick off your culinary adventure with the veal head, adorned with citrus peel, followed by the beef tripe, slow-cooked in a rich sauce of pecorino, mint, and tomato. Vegetarians will relish the pecorino-and-sage bruschetta and the spaghetti with artichoke cream. Don’t forget the roast potatoes and chicory for a side of flavor-packed goodness, and conclude your meal with the creamy panna cotta.
A Taste of Sicily at Giano
Step into the opulent Giano, nestled within the W Rome hotel. This glamorous eatery boasts velvet couches, soft lighting, and wooden walls, transporting you to a world of Sicilian culinary delights. The cocktail menu is just as enticing, with concoctions like the “Wake Up Call” and the “Working Hard.” The menu showcases Sicilian flavors, with dishes like fennel and orange salad, and pasta with fried eggplant, tomato, and salted ricotta. For a light bite, indulge in their happy hour menu featuring fried calamari, sesame sandwiches, and tacos with Italian fillings. On Sundays, families flock to their popular brunch, featuring a buffet of grilled fish skewers, couscous, and delicious desserts.
Wine and Dine at Enotica L’antidoto
Enotica L’antidoto exudes cool vibes with its brick arches, exposed cement walls, and original beam roof. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends for a bottle (or two) of organic natural wines and small plates. This restaurant attracts a mix of locals, fashionistas, and yoga enthusiasts who appreciate the authentic and relaxed atmosphere. Each month, the team hosts a rotating chef residency, ensuring a constantly evolving menu. The dishes are crafted to complement the wines, with options like figs wrapped in lard and savory tarts with olives, fennel, and green beans. Don’t miss the fried egg sandwich, a surprising but delicious offering, made with toasted sourdough, rocket, and anchovies.
Michelin-Starred Excellence at Pulejo
Pulejo is the talk of the town among Rome’s food aficionados. This one-starred Michelin restaurant draws in both local foodies and curious tourists. The hushed atmosphere and meticulous presentation add to the dining experience. Chef/owner Davide Pulejo’s menu blends classic Italian dishes, like ravioli with tomato and roasted red pepper, with modern twists, such as eel with apple and watercress oil, and duck with chestnuts and sea urchins. While you can order a la carte, the 5- or 7-course tasting menu is an exceptional experience. Don’t leave without trying the decadent rosemary cake, infused with mandarin and vanilla.
Traditional Italian Charm at Caffè Frattini
Caffè Frattini embodies the classic Italian charm of old-school Rome. The dark wood, floral wallpaper, and brass mirrors create an elegant and expansive space. The baristas pour traditional Neapolitan coffee, offering both cappuccino and espresso. Early mornings are a delight, with waiters in white waistcoats serving up fresh pastries. Every treat, from the delicate Neapolitan pastries to the plump doughnuts, is made in-house. The menu changes daily, but you can’t go wrong with the vitello tonnato and zucchini parmigiana.
Modern Italian Innovation at Trecca
Trecca is a modern Roman restaurant that feels both fresh and timeless. The brown-tiled checkered floor, pendant lighting, and marble-topped tables are balanced by a touch of ancient Roman charm with a terracotta sink. The concise menu is filled with creative and delicious dishes. Start with the crunchy fried chicken comb, followed by the succulent suckling veal intestine skewers, or stick to the classics with the pork belly and radicchio. For pasta lovers, the taglioni with chicken livers and butter is a standout. But Trecca is all about embracing the unexpected, so don’t be afraid to venture beyond the traditional.
