You’ve worked up an appetite visiting the Pantheon but you’re not sure where to eat nearby. No problem! Our local guides (and life-long students of Roman cuisine) have created this list of the best restaurants near the Pantheon.
Pro Tip: It’s easier to organize your trip when you have all your resources in one place. Bookmark this post so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. See our guide to Rome for more planning resources, our top Rome tours for a memorable trip, and the top foods to try in Rome.
Top 10 Places To Eat Near the Pantheon
The streets and alleys surrounding the Pantheon are some of the coolest and most local-feeling in the center of Rome. They are much like the small pedestrian cobble-stone streets in Trastevere, but a little nicer and cleaner.
There is one main tourist path that runs from the Trevi Fountain through to the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. Break away from that path and you’ll discover some really cool places to have a meal.
Our picks are not in any particular order. They range from sandwich shops to high-end dining. You can also use the toggle menu below to navigate to our restaurant recommendations in other parts of Rome.
Looking for classic and authentic Italian food? Nobody can argue against the authenticity of this restaurant—it is the oldest restaurant in Rome! Clients would have included famed artists like Caravaggio and Fellini. The restaurant is just down the street from the Medici Palace, so you could assume they would have eaten here as well.
Expect extremely traditional Roman cuisine here: From the oxtail ragu, which is incredible, to black or white truffle pasta. They also have some interesting pear dishes on their menu. I recommend you share plates here and run as full of a gambit as you can. Given how established this place is, how could it not be one of the best restaurants near the Pantheon?
Only about two streets north of the Pantheon, this stop doubles as a gourmet shop and restaurant. The food here originates from the Italian region Emilia-Romagna. Many are amazed by the wide selection of cheeses, wines, tortellini, and Parma hams available.
Some of the highlights include its cave-like atmosphere and friendly staff. You won’t get the views or ambience of the Piazza Rotunda, but you will get much better and more interesting food. This is for adventurous eaters.
This group of shops and restaurants is owned and operated by a few chefs with Michelin star backgrounds. However, you won’t have to pay Michelin star prices here. It’s definitely more expensive than your average meal, but it’s really cool and worth the money.
The ambience of the restaurant is super modern with an open kitchen and prep area. Come here for lunch or dinner with a big appetite and an open mind. Reservations are recommended. I ate here recently and can say with confidence that this is by far one of the best restaurants near the Pantheon.
At Da Armando al Pantheon, customers must book a reservation ahead of time because the restaurant is generally pretty full. From their wide range of desserts (incomparable panna cotta) to their mouthwatering pasta dishes, Da Armando al Pantheon lives up to its high ratings and higher expectations of those who dine there.
This restaurant is not only known for its rich dishes but also its incomparable service. After eating here, you will understand why it’s one of the best restaurants near the Pantheon.
The head chef will often make an appearance during your meal to see how you’re doing and receive feedback. This restaurant is also a good gluten-free option.
People often refer to Pantha Rei as a hidden gem because it’s very close to the Pantheon but somewhat tucked away in an alley of the Piazza della Rotonda. This restaurant is particularly popular because of its amazing gluten-free pizza.
The combination of diverse food, incredible atmosphere, and amazing service makes it a no-brainer for anyone looking for fine dining nearby. Just steps away from the Pantheon, people often compliment its non-touristy feel and reasonably-priced wines.
I would describe this as tacky-delicious. The restaurant is decorated as you’d expect an Italian restaurant in your home country to be decorated, except it’s in Italy. What they lack in decor, they make up for in food quality and prices.
This little gem right in the center is always crowded and has really good food. It’s also packed with Italian professionals who come here for lunch. You probably won’t see as many locals at dinner since they likely don’t live in the area, but know that this place is loved by local business people.
Pietro Al Pantheon has two words for you: fresh truffles. If you love truffles, you must order the black truffle pasta.Maybe even order a few pasta dishes and share.
It’s a cool place with good food. The interior has a really cool old-school vibe. They do the tacky serve-your-dish-in-the-pan thing, which many restaurants catering to visitors do, but it’s fun and the food doesn’t disappoint.
If you’re looking to get your veggies in, order the insalata mista. This dish is a colorful bouquet of yellow peppers, tomatoes, cucumber, zucchini, carrots, arugula, anchovies, and even squash blossoms.
€€-€€€ | Casual | Some Outdoor Seating | Reservation Recommended
Ristorante La Tavernetta 48 is tucked away within the heart of Rome and well worth seeking out. Go with their mussels in wine, herbs, and chorizo, or the grilled lamb chops. You’ll understand after eating here why this is one of the best restaurants near the Pantheon.
It’s known for its excellent value and great attention to detail. The central air conditioning makes for a comfortable atmosphere, especially in the dreadfully humid summer months. Make a reservation—this is a dining experience you won’t want to miss.
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Looking for breakfast or a coffee near the Pantheon? Sant’Eustachio is the place to get it. They are known for making the best coffee in the city and they have a method of adding sugar into the coffee for you with la frusta!
You’ll have to look that one up, but the best way to understand is to rock up here one morning, grab a table, and order a coffee with a cornetto. Of all the restaurants near the Pantheon, this is a Rome must.
If you want to get gelato near the Pantheon, you have all the options in the world. There are institutions like Della Palma, Giolitti, and San Crispino next door.
That said, we recommend Cremeria Monteforte. It’s small, there are no massive queues or crowds to get your treat, and it is right next to the Pantheon. Come here for their really good coconut gelato. At the end of the day, the choice is yours.
Reservations: You can and it probably will work, but most inexpensive restaurants treat reservations loosely due to the number of no-shows. Ask for a glass of wine while you wait.
Service: Don’t get up in arms if it takes a while for the waiter to come over or if you can’t get their attention. Enjoy your time, there’s no rush.
Tipping: A few euros per person is great. If you want to give 10 – 20% be our guest, but it’s not necessary. That said, everyone likes more money.
Go on a Local Food Tour in Rome
Love food and travel? Then a food tour is for you! It’s a fantastic way to spend an evening exploring the city and its local cuisine in authentic restaurants. Who doesn’t dream of eating Italian food in Italy, right?
You’ll be joined by a passionate local guide who not only knows what to eat and where to get it but also speaks the lingo. An absolute must for foodies, a local food tour is the best way to the heart (and stomach) of local food culture.
Tour the local food scene of Rome’s trendy Trastevere or go on an evening cocktail tour passing by the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and more!
Really interesting articles here.