* Last updated in Fall of 2023 *
Rome - the heart of Italy, the emperor of pasta, the epicenter of some of the best food in the world. This past September my boyfriend and I did a big Italy trip. Throughout the trip we ate at some pretty amazing restaurants but nowhere came close to the food in Rome. It was literally knockout after knockout and by the end of the trip, it was safe to say that the food in Rome was some of the best meals/restaurants we experience during the entire trip! That is why I am devoting a whole travel blog post to just food in Rome - cuz man, you gotta try these places if you are traveling to Rome anytime soon.
Just a disclaimer before I begin - prepare to gain weight because the pasta in Rome is the bomb.com. Between my boyfriend and I, we ate 12 pastas within 4 days. If there was truffles on it, i wanted it! If there was a spicy sauce, you bet I was ordering it! Artichokes - don’t get me started! There is no wrong decision when it comes to pasta in Rome - pizza too if I’m being completely honest.
Okay are you ready to eat? Stupid question I know…
ROME FOOD GUIDE
Dinner at Taverna Trilussa in Rome
Taverna Trilussa - I literally died and went to pasta heaven! This place was so amazing! Talk about rustic Italian food, award winning pastas, death by truffle, great patio, mouthwatering fried artichokes, fantastic wine list, and a favourite of both locals and tourist alike. Although these restaurants are in no ranking order, this one definitely deserves to be at the top of my Rome food guide because it’s just that good!
Located in the heart of the Trastevere neighbourhood this place is buzzing with people. The restaurant’s inside is heartwarming with parma ham hanging from the ceiling against a backdrop of rustic wood finishings, while the patio is lined with ivy-covered trellises that give it wonderful evening energy.
Pasta is served in the same silver pans they are cooked it in, a simple presentation that enhances the experience.
Another great thing about this restaurant is that it’s in one of the best neighbourhoods to go out in. So after you finish your meal make sure to walk it off and explore the bars because there are tons of young people/places to party in the area after.
I recommend making a reservation unless you want to eat at 10 PM because otherwise it’s so busy and walk-ins won’t be able to get a table until then. Also since it is very busy expect service to be a little slower than average - definitely worth the wait though and a must when traveling to Rome!
Taverna Trilussa
Via del Politeama, 23/25, 00153 Roma
Tel: (+39) 06 5818918
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Our grilled whole fish for dinner at Ristorante le Mani in Rome
Ristorante le Mani in Pasta - Always packed, (and for good reason!) Osteria Le Mani in Pasta is an informal yet intimate neighbourhood joint beloved by both local and tourists alike. A reservation at this Trastevere hot spot is definitely recommended so plan ahead (the day before) or be prepared to be turned away from this traditional-style trattoria. Adam and I recently visited the restaurant in September of 2023 following our wedding in Tuscany and it was easily one of the best meals we had while in Rome. They serve exquisite Roman cuisine as well as yummy seafood, meat and pasta dishes from different Italian regions.
We got a table right beside the kitchen window so dinner came with a show! The chefs were very nice and playful and it was obvious that they use the highest quality ingredients and extremely fresh seafood. The portions are quite large and are also great for sharing. Adam and I ended up ordering a fresh artichoke salad, the Amatriciana (tomato and bacon) pasta, grilled whole fish and a bottle of Rosso di Montalcino, and left with no room in our bellies to spare. If I remember correctly, the bill also only came out to €120 (wine included) which, having just come from Croatia - felt like great value compared to the prices we were paying while there.
Osteria Le Mani in Pasta
Via dei Genovesi 37, 00153 Rome
Tel: (+39) 06 581 6017
Call for reservations!
Amatriciana (tomato and bacon) from Osteria le Mani in Rome
Lunch at Roscioli!
Roscioli - this gourmet grocery store is also home to an amazing restaurant. With a multi functional deli in the front and an unconventional restaurant in the back, this is a great spot to send your taste buds fluttering right to food heaven. With over 300 types of cheese, 150 varieties of cold cuts, and 1000+ bottles of wines to choose from - this place is a great spot to hit up for lunch. We had their burrata and practically fought over a plate of pata negra! Their pastas were also exceptional and their popularity indisputable. You had to wait outside for your table to be ready since the place was so small and packed with people. I would recommend making a reservation for lunch while you are in Rome or at least stopping by to grab a selection of meat, cheese, or at the very least some preserves and spreads to take home with you as the ultimate ‘food from Rome’ souvenir.
Roscioli
Via dei Giubbonari, 21 - 00186 Rome
Tel: (+39) 06 687 5287
Reservations: https://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/en/book-old/
Dinner at Renato e Luisa in Rome
Renato e Luisa - I would go back to this quaint, tucked-away restaurant any day of the week. Located across from Hotel dei Barbieri you would literally walk right past this place if you didn’t know what it was. Tucked down a cobblestone walking street this restaurant is a local gem and a great place to experience where they like to eat food in Rome. The restaurant consists of two small dining rooms with a small open kitchen in the back. Everything is served hot, fresh, and ready to eat! We had some great meat dishes along with some pastas and to be honest they were all really good. They weren’t shy with the truffles and their carbonara was to die for! Although it may lack in appearance, this little restaurant stole my heart from the first bite of food. Don’t even get me started on their desserts! Brava!
Renato e Luisa
Via dei Barbieri, 2500186 Roma, Italy
Tel: (+39) 06 686 9660
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Lunch at Urbana 47!
Urbana 47 - This contemporary eatery offers fresh handmade dishes using high-quality local ingredients. The restaurant itself at first may appear small but as you explore further inside opens up to quite a large room in the back. The modern industrial design is just as memorable as the food and features a lot of steel and wood accents.
We ordered a couple of different pizzas (for a change) and we were not disappointed. A great spot for lunch, we showed up without a reservation and got a table within 10 minutes.
Urbana 47
Via Urbana, 47, 00184 Roma
Tel: (+39) 06 47 884 006
Reservations: thefork.it
Inside Urbana 47
Trattoria Da Teo - This restaurant was recommended to me by a friend who lived in Rome. It is one of their personal favourites and happens to be a family owned and operated restaurants. Even though we had a reservation the restaurant was packed with locals and we had to wait for a table to vacate before we could sit down to order. Although a tad on the salty side, the food was delicious! The restaurant has tables inside but the real experience is to be had out on their ‘patio’. The restaurant is set in a corner of a small cobblestone square making for a quiet intimate setting. It is also only a 15-minute walk from the hip and trendy Trastevere neighborhood making it a great spot to enjoy some local food in Rome before heading out for a late-night of drinking.
Trattoria Da Teo
Piazza dei Ponziani, 7A, 00153 Roma
Tel: (+39) 06 581 8355
Reservations: quandoo.it
MORE PICTURES OF THE FOOD FROM ROME!
I hope you enjoyed this Rome Food guide as much as I enjoyed traveling to Rome! If you have any questions about food in Rome or want to recommend some delicious food from Rome you found (all Rome Foodie are welcome!) while there, feel free to leave them in the comments below!
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