7th Floor Terrace, Hotel Hassler

With one of the most panoramic terraces in Rome, the 7th floor of the Hotel Hassler Roma is a serene spot for lunch, dinner or aperitivo.

tables with white tablecloths on a cobblestoned street

Al Moro

In a hidden location, on a narrow cobblestone street near the Trevi fountain, this authentic trattoria is one a favorite of Alberto Moncanda, the owner of three boutique hotels. “Al Moro, is a well-known trattoria; well-known for its delicious food and grumpy owners. Film director Federico Fellini, an Al Moro regular, gave the elder Moro a part in his film Satyricon...My favorite dishes are the pasta al Moro ( a light version of carbonara) and scampi al Moro, which is also very light and delicious. I prefer this restaurant for dinner.”

Editors' Picks

Al Pompiere

A neighborhood favorite in Rome’s Jewish ghetto, Al Pompiere beckons with an old-world atmosphere and classic Roman cuisine.
dimly lit restaurant interior

All’Oro

Near Piazza del Popolo, All'Oro is not to be missed for authentic Roman cuisine served in an airy modern dining room.
Editors' Picks

Antica Pesa

Located in the heart of Trastevere, this elegant trattoria has been a favorite of local foodies and visitors for nearly a century. The chic candlelit dining room with fresco-adorned walls opens to a leafy terrace that’s lovely for al fresco dining. With a menu of trattoria classics like grilled octopus and homemade tagliolini, the restaurant also boasts a superb wine list.

Antico Arco

With a magical setting, especially for a warm summer night, Antico Arco is perched high up in Trastevere’s Janiculum Hill. The menu is creative Italian, and dishes are based on local ingredients mamma might have used, with a more contemporary flair. The menu is seasonal, but lightness is a consistent theme. Wine aficionados will love the robust wine list, but for those less familiar the restaurant is equipped with a knowledgeable sommelier.

Editors' Picks

Ar Galletto Roma

In Piazza Farnese, Ristorante Ar Galletto is an upscale Roman restaurant serving pasta, meats, antipasti and local wines. Relaxing blues and jazz tunes play in the background, and seasonal menu items include spaghetti with clams, beef tartare, stuffed squid and buffalo mozzarella with parma ham. Recommended by an Indagare insider.

Arancio d’Oro

You won’t find many tourists at this casual trattoria located in a quiet side street in Rome’s Historic District. All pasta is handmade, and gluten-free options are available. The staff is also unpretentious and friendly.

pasta with cheese

Armando al Pantheon

At this excellent trattoria near the Pantheon, the traditional Roman cuisine is always fantastic and due to its reputation and proximity to popular attractions, book well in advance for lunch or dinner. A recent renovation has left the space more beautiful than ever.

Editors' Picks

Aroma

Aroma restaurant occupies the roof terrace of Palazzo Manfredi and is located across the street from ancient Rome’s most important monument: the Colosseum. The views from this lofty perch are simply stunning. I had a memorable lunch here, staring out across the ancient brick structure, its smooth curves familiar yet spectacular from this vantage point. Even more romantic must be dinner, when the sun sets behind the monument (and now, thanks to new opening hours until 11 p.m., you can even try stopping by post-dessert to see the Colosseum afterwards). The cuisine is creative, seasonal Italian, with a wonderful selection of seafood and a nice wine list. Open for lunch and dinner daily.

restaurant interior with floral chairs

Babette

This restaurant, named after the film Babette’s Feast, is recommended by fashion designer Soledad Twombly, who suggests it for lunch when you can get a table in the leafy courtyard.

Biscottificio Innocenti

Located on the narrow streets of Trastevere sits Biscottificio Innocenti, a neighborhood staple, run by the Sesto family since the 1920s. Already from the outside, customers are lured in by the irresistible smell of butter and powdered sugar. The interiors look like a throwback in time, especially the charming, pale-yellow oven that has been churning out delicious baked goods since the 1950s. Innocenti is most famous for melt-in-your-mouth biscotti. A box of the baked goods makes a great memento to take home.

Editors' Picks

Bubi's Ristorante

Near the Piazza del Popolo, Bubi’s is a small kitchen and bar with indoor and outdoor dining areas serving traditional Roman dishes, salads, and a few international dishes (including popular burgers). Surrounded by lush greenery on a private road, Bubi’s is a good choice for a relaxing meal with friends or family. Try the gnocchi with clams and basil pesto, crunchy octopus, or beef mille-feuille with artichokes. Recommended by an Indagare insider.

Caffè Capitolino

The terrace of the Caffarelli palace at the Capitoline Museum, is a good spot to know about if you’re touring the Colosseum and are in need of a quiet, calm break for lunch. Separated from the panoramic terrace with sweeping city views by leafy planters, the restaurant serves sandwiches, salads and pasta dishes (it’s decent but you come here for the setting not the food). There is table service until 3 p.m., so you can also come by for a coffee and cake in the early afternoon.

Caffè Novecento

On Via Del Governo Vecchio, Caffè Novecento is a coffee shop and tea room with indoor and outdoor seating. Breakfast includes cinnamon rolls, avocado toast, and pancakes among lots of other items, and lunch and dinner include soups, salads and sandwiches. Recommended by an Indagare insider.

outdoor dining on the cobblestones in Rome

Canova

As Paris has Café de Flore and London has the Wolseley, so Rome has Canova. A grand, historic watering hole in a prime location for watching the world stroll by and to enjoy a cup of coffee, morning pastry, sandwich or light meal. It draws the loyal locals as well as the well-heeled travelers staying at the nearby Hotel de Russie. You can choose to sit outside at tables facing Piazza del Popolo or inside, which has spiffed up interiors, but pays homage to the past with photos of past celebs who frequently visited like Fellini.

Casa Bleve

Romans come to this enoteca for the private-club atmosphere and the extraordinary wines accompanied by such delicacies as smoked turkey wrapped around truffle-infused ricotta. You may be awed by the dining room, but ask to go downstairs to view the cellars, where the massive stone walls date from the first century BC.

glass restaurant exterior

Casa Coppelle

Famed interior designer Jacques Garcia has created intimate, sleek dining spaces where the chef serves a fresh take on a classic Roman menu.

Cesare al Casaletto

This trattoria is the passion project of a local foodie couple and has become one of the city’s best classic eateries, as well as a favorite of Indagare Insider Katie Parla (read more of her Rome favorites in our Q&A). Standout dishes include fried seafood, homemade pasta and pizza.

Cesare al Pellegrino

Trattoria Da Cesare in Via del Pellegrino serves Roman comfort food classics, plus rotating dishes that change weekly based on the market. Recommended by an Indagare insider

Checchino Dal 1887

Those craving traditional Roman offal (oxtail, brains, and the like) should make a reservation at this old-world favorite in a hidden corner of Testaccio. As the name implies, the place is deeply historical and dates back to the era when Rome’s slaughterhouse was active across the street, hence the offal-heavy menu.

terrace with red and white furniture

Cielo Terrace & Restaurant, Hotel de la Ville

Hotel guests and non-hotel guests alike come for the quintessential view of Rome, from Saint Peter's dome to the distant hills.

Co.So.

Located in a hidden corner of the Pigneto district, Co.So is the place to go for creative cocktails in a retro-chic setting. The bar itself is very small, with a 1960’s-inspired design featuring colorful walls and plastic stools. In addition to cocktails (like the Carbonara Sour, a combination of infused vodka, egg white, lemon juice and black pepper), snacks are also offered, including fresh popcorn and candy.

Da Fortunato

Open since 1975, Da Fortunato has long been a Rome favorite thanks its old-world atmosphere, terrace that offers views of the Pantheon and Roman fare.

Da Remo

The best place in town for authentic thin-crusted pizza romana, Remo is a Testaccio institution, with a prime location on the district’s main piazza. You can sit at wonky tables balanced on the pavement, or in the cavernous interior, overseen by AS Roma team photos. A park with swings right across the road makes this a great place to eat with kids.

tables with white tablecloths beneath a beige awning

Dal Bolognese

A favorite of Rome’s jet set, Dal Bolognese has an unbeatable view right onto Piazza del Popolo, so it comes as no surprise that the restaurant is always booked. Arrive early (8:15pm is their first reservation) to get a table. Diners at this restaurant are here more for the VIP scene and people watching than for the food. When ordering, remember simplicity is key; go for veal cutlets or the tagliatelle alla Bolognese, the signature dish. Expect a chic scene of everyone from politicians to young actors and lithe models vying for one of the few sidewalk tables. Note: reservations must be made far in advance.

Editors' Picks
Facade at Dal Cavalier Gino, Rome, Italy - Courtesy Giulio Thuburn

Dal Cavalier Gino

Just around the corner from the Camera dei Deputati (lower house of Parliament) and in walking distance to the Pantheon, this Roman trattoria is as old school as they come. It pays to book ahead of time as you will find the place filled with the city’s politicians who come for the nostalgia induced by its classical Roman menu. Try the restaurant’s famous cacio e pepe.

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