Have you read articles on the best restaurants in Rome and all you’re getting is fine dining and expensive restaurants? This list covers the best restaurants in Rome at every price point so you can decide where you want to eat for every occasion.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this article in your browser so you can circle back to it when you’re hungry in Rome. It will come in handy. Also, if you are looking for a memorable food experience check out our food tours in Rome and other cities.
The Best Restaurants and Places to Eat in Rome at Every Price Point for 2021
The word “best” has only one meaning; the best! That said, defining one best in a broad category like “best restaurant” is very difficult. For example, if you want the absolute best restaurant in the city it is likely la Pergola which is a three Michelin star restaurant that could easily cost you more for dinner than your entire hotel stay. That said, it would be hard to argue it is not the best because it is the best.
Therefore, we are listing two to three restaurant options in every price category from € to €€€€. This list contains the best tried and tested restaurants in Romeat each price range so there is something for everyone. We will start with the cheapest and finish with the most expensive.
Panificio Bonci
€ | Pizza Take Away | Kids | Vatican/Prati
This is considered one of the best pizza places, if not the best Pizza al Taglio in Rome. It is more of an institution than a pizza place. It is a bit of a hike from the Vatican Museums but worth it for a very creative post-Vatican tour quick meal.
It’s named Panificio Bonci after the owner, Gabriele Bonci. Panificio refers to it as a bread shop, which is literally the foundation of good pizza. This place is a must if you have the time to get over there during your sightseeing.
You may or may not find what you call “pizza” here. In Rome Pizza almost refers to the bread and not the tomato sauce and cheese melted on top. It takes time to understand it. Here you will find delicacies from another world – and damn good bread.
Address: Via Trionfale, 36
Hours: 8:30 am – 3 pm & 5 pm – 8:30 pm Monday – Saturday
Pastificio Guerra
€ | Street Food Pasta | Takeaway | Piazza del Popolo/Spanish Steps
This is on the best restaurants in Rome simply because you cannot get a better plate of pasta for the price in such a beautiful area; the Spanish Steps. A plate of pasta only costs 4€ for an abundant portion! Options you ask? One of two kinds of pasta they decided to make that day and most often vegetarian dishes since they cost less than meat.
Pasta comes in a plastic container with a fork, napkin, and plastic cup to take water out of a jug which is why they can charge such a low price. They sell a glass of table wine for a euro or so extra which will also come in a plastic cup that adds to the charm. If you are in the area and it’s lunchtime I recommend trying it. It is so cheap that you may not even realize you spend any money.
Address: Via della Croce, 8
Hours: Daily 1 pm – 9 pm
Ai Tre Scalini
€€ | Casual/Wine Bar | Outdoor Seating | Kids | Colosseum/Termini/Monti
Established in 1895, this little winery in the heart of Monti will conquer your heart with its movie-like, intimate atmosphere and an unbeatable selection of over 300 artisanal drinks between wine and beer. Like all the best traditional eateries in Rome, you’ll find the specialty of the day written on a blackboard, all made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Famous for the hanging vines which cover the wall and somewhat magically cross the street as well. You simply can’t miss this place.
For a great gastronomic experience, head there for happy hour and order a glass of red wine accompanied by a selection of their delectable finger food and snacks, such as Gorgonzola cheese with honey and walnuts, truffle sausages, ricotta di bufala with truffle honey and freshly cut prosciutto!
Address: Via Panisperna, 251, 00184 | Hours: Every day 12:00pm – 1:00am. | Website | Price: €€-€€€ | Tel: 06 4890 7495
Piccolo Buco
€€ | Casual | Kids | Trevi Fountain
The name of this restaurant is the small hole which is similar to the English saying “Hole in the wall”. The pizza is anything but that.
The restaurant is run by Romans but to me the pizza resembles a Napoletano style pizza with a thick crust. They cook it in an oven that is over a hundred years old. I don’t know why that is important, but it always is. The owners are actually from the Trevi Fountain area, which is rare because nobody lives there, and have saved us all from tourist trap armageddon.
This is my number 1 Trevi Fountain pick for a great, cheap, and fun meal near the Trevi Fountain and possibly the best pizza restaurant in Rome.
Address: Via del Lavatore, 91| Hours: 12 – 3pm Thurs – Sunday & 6:30 – 11 pm Tues – Sunday
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Retrobottega
€€€ | Adventurous | Pantheon/Piazza Navona
This group of shops and restaurants are owned and operated by a few chefs with Michelin star backgrounds. However, you won’t get Michelin star prices here. Definitely more expensive than your average meal but really cool and worth the money.
The ambiance of the restaurant is super modern with an open kitchen and prep. Come here for lunch or dinner with a big appetite and an open mind. Reservations are recommended.
Address: Via della Stelletta, 4
Hours: Tues – Sunday Noon – 11:30 pm
Antico Arco
€€€| Upscale/Fine Dining | Some Outdoor Seating | Trastevere/Monteverde
This restaurant arguably sits on the border of Trastevere and Monteverde which puts it on the border of the historical center. Antico Arco has earned a Michelin Plate due to their fantastic dishes and presentation. It is unlikely you will see another “out-of-towner” in this restaurant as it is a local favorite and just slightly outside the tourist center. That said, it is in an amazing area with incredible viewpoints which makes it a real treat!
You’ll want to take a taxi up unless you’re looking to be really hungry by the time you reach the top of Gianicolo. Walking down is definitely an option as you’ll pass by Acqua Paola and into Trastevere which boasts incredible views of Rome. This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Rome for the money you’ll spend. Its location also makes it a great experience – slightly outside the center and a truly romantic view!
Address: Piazza di S. Calisto, 5| Phone: +39 06 581 5378 | Daily: 11 am – 1 am | RSVP
Ristorante Ad Hoc
€€€ | Upscale Intimate | Spanish Steps/Piazza del Popolo
Do you love wine and cool restaurants? Ad Hoc is something you can definitely write home about. Enjoy a killer meal and an amazing bottle of wine in a super intimate setting. The combination of location, ambiance, food, and service makes it one of the best restaurants in Rome at its price point.
The name defines the menu. Often changing with variations. The dishes are artistic, clean, and delicious. You can’t say too much or too little about this place. Make a reservation for the cabana room.
Address: Via di Ripetta, 43 | Hours: Daily 6:30 – 10:30 pm
La Pergola***
€€€€ | Fine Dining | Breathtaking Views | Monte Mario/Vatican
La Pergola is considered to be in the institution of Italian dining. This three-star Michelin rated restaurant has continuously earned its crown year after year. Let’s put it this way, there are 137 three-star rated Michelin restaurants on Earth. 9 of those are in Italy and La Pergola is the only one in Rome. That is the reason why it is without argument the best restaurant in Rome. That said, one could argue that there are better restaurants per dollar spent.
If you are looking for a fancy night out for a very special occasion then you are in the right place. You’ll want to make an RSVP, Dress nice, bring your appetite and checkbook. This may be the best meal you ever have.
Address: Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101
Tel: +39 06 3509 2152 | RSVP
If you think your restaurant is the best in Rome or have tried a restaurant that you think should make this list, email us at [email protected]
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