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$$$ | Trastevere |
Founded by three friends with a passion for wine and fine food, Antico Arco attracts diners from Rome and beyond with its refined culinary inventiveness. The location on top of the Janiculum Hill makes for a charming setting, and inside, the dining rooms are plush, modern spaces, with whitewashed brick walls, dark floors, and black velvet chairs. Its wine cellar houses over 1,200 labels, all nestled in the cantina carved into the ruins of the catacombs of San Pancrazio.
Piazzale Aurelio 7, Rome, Latium, 00152, Italy
Known For
- Changing seasonal menu
- Molten chocolate soufflé cake
- Extensive wine celler
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues., Reservations essential
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$ | Trastevere |
In the quieter part of Trastevere, the family-run Da Enzo is everything you would imagine a classic Roman trattoria to be. There are just a few tables, but diners from around the world line up to eat here—a testament to the quality of the food. Because it's so small and does not accept reservations, there's almost invariably a wait, so arrive early for a better shot at speedy service.
Via dei Vascellari 29, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
Known For
- Cacio e pepe (pasta with pecorino-cheese sauce and black pepper), carbonara, and other Roman classics
- Boisterous, authentic atmosphere
- Small space with long waits
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and 2 wks in Aug., No reservations
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$$ | Testaccio |
It's everything you're looking for in a true Roman eating experience: authentic, in a historic setting, and filled with Italians eating good food at good prices. In this very romani di Roma (Rome of the Romans) neighborhood, surrounded by discos and bars, you can enjoy classic local dishes, from vegetable antipasto to cacio e pepe (said to be the best version in the city) and lamb chops.
Via di Monte Testaccio 97, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
Known For
- Authentic Roman atmosphere and food
- Outdoor covered terrace in summer
- Polpette di bollito (fried breaded meatballs)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential
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$$$$ | Trastevere |
After 14 years in Austin, Texas, chef Cristina Bowerman returned to Rome to reconnect with her Italian roots, and her cooking is as innovative as the building she works in (Glass has received numerous recognitions for its design as well as its expertly executed cuisine). The menu, which changes frequently, features dishes like a standout steak tartare and lobster polenta with yuba.
Vicolo del 'Cinque 58, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
Known For
- Vegetarian tasting menu
- Plates inspired by Italy from north to south
- More than 600 types of wine
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Tues., and 2 wks in July. No lunch Wed.–Fri., Reservations essential
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$$ | Piazza di Spagna |
This rustic-meets-glamorous bistro attracts locals for its flawless execution of Roman classics (many served photogenically in metal cooking pans) as well as original dishes. Its bar is known among amaro connoisseurs for having the largest selection in Rome, and the bitter liquors are the stars of the expertly crafted cocktail menu.
Via di Ripetta 162, Rome, Latium, 00186, Italy
Known For
- Beautiful design
- Well-executed classics
- Extensive selection of amaros and great cocktails
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$$ | Piazza di Spagna |
In front of the American embassy and a favorite of the design trendoisie, Michelin-starred Moma attracts well-heeled businessmen at lunch but turns into a more intimate affair for dinner. The kitchen turns out hits as it creates alta cucina (haute cuisine) made using Italian ingredients sourced from small producers. The menu changes seasonally, but might include dishes like chamomile risotto with smoked eel, honey, and oregano or pumpkin cappelletti with amaretti and provolone cheese fondue. At lunch, the more casual bistro area has fresh pressed juices and made-to-order sandwiches.
Via San Basilio 42/43, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
Known For
- Pasta with a twist
- Creative presentation
- Affordable fine dining
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat., Reservations essential
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$$ | Piazza di Spagna |
This sleek wine bar and restaurant is just a short walk from the Spanish Steps, and its modern design looks the part among the fashion-forward streets. However, it's unique in that its owners collaborate with the Regionale del Lazio (the state within which Rome sits), so the menu showcases regional products—from the cheeses to the wines to the bottled water. Come for a glass of excellent Lazio wine, and share a plate or two if you don't want a full meal.
Via Frattina 94, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
Known For
- Chic contemporary style
- Excellent carbonara
- Extensive list of local wines
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$$ | Piazza di Spagna |
There are plenty of options for good food at reasonable prices around the Trevi Fountain, but this large brasserie—open for lunch, dinner, and everything in between—is a great bet. Although it emphasizes seafood, the extensive menu has something for everyone, from salads to pasta and entrées. For lunch, the lobster roll is a fan favorite. The full bar has an impressive list of poured or mixed drinks.
Via delle Muratte 23, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
Known For
- Oyster bar
- Excellent carbonara
- Classic international cocktails
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$ | Trastevere |
With eclectic vintage decor, colorful mismatched tables and chairs, and free Wi-Fi, this low-key neighborhood hot spot lures lots of expats and American travelers. In the evenings, order an aperitivo and you can accompany it with a variety of small plates brought to you at minimal cost. The outdoor tables offer prime people-watching.
Via di San Francesco a Ripa 151, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
Known For
- Lots of vegetarian and vegan options
- Lively dining terrace
- Prime people-watching
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$ | Piazza di Spagna |
On chic Via del Babuino, the former studio of Neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova and his student, Adamo Tadolini, is now an atmospheric spot for coffee or a snack. Opt for the budget-friendly option of taking your coffee at the bar while admiring the enormous plaster copies of the maestros' work, or pay more for table service and sit amid vast sculptures. Food is run-of-the-mill, but the setting is splendid.
Via del Babuino 150/A, Rome, Latium, 00186, Italy
Known For
- Museum-like setting
- Respectable aperitivo snacks for the price
- Slow and serious service
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$$$ | Piazza di Spagna |
With orario continuato, or nonstop operating hours (noon till late at night), this sleek spot in the Hotel d'Inghilterra caters to jet-setters and hotel guests. The creative global menu can mean international misfires, so it's best to select from among the authentic Northern Italian meat and Southern Italian seafood dishes such as boar with polenta, seafood soup, or classic pastas. The tempting outdoor tables are close together, but perhaps you won't mind eavesdropping on your luxurious neighbor.
Via Borgongna 4M, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
Known For
- Enviable outdoor seating
- Truffle pasta
- Signature Caesar salad with prawns
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$$ | Testaccio |
Literally carved into the side of a hill made up of ancient shards of amphorae, this upscale, family-run establishment has an exceptional wine cellar and stellar contemporary cocktails that incorporate traditional local ingredients. One of the first restaurants to open near Testaccio's (now long-closed) slaughterhouse, it still serves classic offal dishes—though the white-jacketed waiters are happy to suggest other options.
Via di Monte Testaccio 30, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
Known For
- Old-school Roman cooking
- Old-school Roman waiters
- Coda alla vaccinara (Roman-style oxtail)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues., Aug., and 1 wk at Christmas, Reservations essential
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$$ | Trastevere |
This always crowded pizzeria opens early and closes late, and in between it's packed with locals, tourists, and sports fans who know they can watch the Roma soccer team play on big, flat-screen TVs. The selection of pizzas is large, with delicious mains available as well. The coveted street-side tables are a great spot from which to view Trastevere's people parade. The service can be slow, so don't go for a quick meal.
Via di San Francesco a Ripa 158, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
Known For
- Mixed-vegetables pizza
- Sports-friendly atmosphere
- Long, leisurely meals
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and 2 wks in Jan. No lunch.
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$ | Trastevere |
There's no shortage of old-school trattorias in Trastevere, but this one has a strong following. Both locals and expats enjoy the brusque but "authentic" service and the hearty Roman fare; snag a table outside in warm weather for the true Roman experience of cobblestone-terrace dining.
Vicolo del Mattonato 2, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
Known For
- Bombolotti (a tubular pasta) all'amatriciana
- Spaghetti cacio e pepe
- Involtini (beef rolls)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Tues., and Aug. No lunch Wed.–Sat.
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$ | Trastevere |
Romans drive across town for great pizza from this neighborhood institution, which offers both thin-crust and thick-crust (alta) Neapolitan-style pies with any of the given toppings. It doesn't accept reservations, so arrive early or late, or expect to wait in line. Service from the owners and friendly waitstaff is smile-inducing. For food on the go, a smaller location on Via della Scala sells pizza by the slice.
Vicolo del Bologna 45, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
Known For
- "superformaggio" (i.e., cheese lover's) pizza
- Dessert calzone with Nutella and ricotta cheese
- Friendly service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$$$$ | Piazza di Spagna |
Excellence is at the forefront of everything at Imàgo, the Michelin-starred restaurant inside the legendary Hotel Hassler, now headed by young star chef Andrea Antonini. You can order à la carte, but this is the place to splurge on a tasting menu. Each carefully and meticulously created dish can be paired with an exceptional wine from the enviable cellar. Stay for a drink after the meal on the intimate rooftop terrace that has magical city views.
Piazza Trinità dei Monti 6, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
Known For
- Tempting tasting menus
- Innovative creations inspired by all of Italy
- Sweeping city views from rooftop terrace
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch, Reservations essential
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$$ | Trastevere |
Named after the Pink City in India, this restaurant serves high-quality curries in a large space just off the main Viale di Trastevere. It's a festive and fun destination if you're craving a change from Italian food. The portions are small but made for sharing, so you can order an assortment. There are tables outside when the weather is good.
Via di San Francesco a Ripa 56, Rome, Latium, 00153, Italy
Known For
- 10 varieties of chicken curry
- Tasting menus for two people
- Outside seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.
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$$ | Via Appia Antica |
In this circa-1804 farmhouse you can dine beside the fireplace in cool weather or in the garden under age-old vines in summer. Specialties include fillet of beef in a hazelnut sauce and fresh seafood. The atmosphere is friendly and intimate, but the vast property can also accommodate large parties.
Via Appia Antica 139, Rome, Latium, 00179, Italy
Known For
- Ancient wine cellar La Cantina
- Hand-painted frescoes
- Romantic setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch weekdays
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$$ | Testaccio |
This family-run institution has been serving seafood in the working-class Testaccio neighborhood for more than 40 years, and if you visit the local market early enough you might spot the owner selecting the freshest fish, which mainly arrives from Gaeta, south of Rome. The menu changes every day, but look for house specialties like paccheri (a very large, tubular pasta) with totani (baby calamari), pasta with telline (small clams), or the wondrously simple spaghetti with lobster. Start with appetizers from the cart that the waiter can wheel over to the table, or opt for the excellent moscardini fritti (fried, small squid). Although the menu has non-seafood Roman classics like cacio e pepe and pajata (intestines of an unweaned calf), this really is the place to order fish.
Via Evangelista Torricelli 2/12, Rome, Latium, Italy
Known For
- Fresh, local seafood
- Relaxed but refined setting with outdoor seating
- Polpette di pesce al sugo (fish balls in tomato sauce)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$$$$ | Piazza di Spagna |
Old-world elegance is the name of the game here—think white-jacketed waiters who attend to your every need, classic decor, and impeccable dishes, which are the most modern thing about this restaurant on the seventh floor of the Hotel Splendide Royal. Be sure to request a table on the terrace, which has panoramas of leafy Villa Borghese and the center of Rome.
Via di Porta Pinciana 14, Rome, Latium, 00187, Italy
Known For
- Romantic atmosphere
- Panoramic terrace
- Top-notch food and service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations essential