Rome is the eternal city of art, architecture—and above all—flavor. While it’s easy to assume that every trattoria is a treasure trove of Roman cuisine, the influx of tourists means many places cater more to convenience than quality. That’s why this curated list of the best restaurants in Rome filters out the tourist traps and showcases only the truly standout spots. From old-school osterias to trendy restaurants in Rome, you’ll find the perfect place for every craving—whether you’re after traditional tonnarelli cacio e pepe, creative seafood dishes, or Michelin-starred dining with a view of the Colosseum.
1. Giano
Giano, a standout eatery inside W Rome, blends luxurious design with bold Sicilian flavors. Velvet seating, dim lighting, and wooden interiors create a refined yet inviting atmosphere. Known for its vibrant presentation, Giano’s menu features Sicilian staples like fennel and orange salad and pasta with fried eggplant, tomato, and salted ricotta. Creative cocktails—such as the espresso-infused ‘Wake Up Call’—add flair to the experience.
As one of the best restaurants in Rome, Giano also impresses with its generous happy hour offering snacks like fried calamari, chickpea sandwiches, and anchovy toast. Sundays are made special with a family-friendly brunch buffet, including grilled fish skewers, mozzarella rice balls, lamb shank, and couscous. Among the trendy restaurants Rome visitors flock to, Giano stands out for its mix of traditional cuisine, inventive drinks, and stylish ambiance that makes every meal memorable.
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2. Osteria Chiana
Osteria Chiana blends modern bistro charm with authentic Roman flavors, making it one of the best restaurants in Rome for seasonal dining. While the cacio e pepe with tonnarelli pasta is a staple, the real appeal lies in rotating dishes like breaded lamb cutlets paired with crispy fried artichokes or juicy meatballs topped with tomato and arugula. Sides such as sautéed chicory add a rustic touch. The garden setting offers an ideal spot to enjoy their creamy tiramisu under the stars. With its cozy yet refined ambiance, Osteria Chiana is perfect for those who appreciate comfort food elevated by thoughtful preparation and seasonal inspiration.
3. Seu Pizza Illuminati
A leader among trendy restaurants Rome foodies rave about, Seu Pizza Illuminati redefines the classic pizzeria experience. With its clean, minimalist décor and bold contemporary art, this hotspot delivers creative takes on traditional pies using top-quality local ingredients. From the delicate fritti to the indulgent deep-fried tramezzino sandwich, every bite reflects the chef’s innovation and attention to detail. Pizza options push boundaries, featuring unexpected yet balanced flavors that elevate the Roman pizza scene. Seu Pizza Illuminati isn’t just for pizza lovers—it’s a destination for those seeking originality, flavor, and modern culinary craftsmanship in the heart of the Eternal City.
4. La Matriciana dal 1870
A true Roman institution, La Matriciana dal 1870 is one of the best restaurants in Rome for authentic, time-honored cuisine. The menu features hearty antipasti like grilled scallops and truffle-topped fried eggs, followed by a standout bucatini all’Amatriciana made with pork cheek and pecorino.
Seafood lovers will enjoy the classic spaghetti alle vongole, loaded with garlic, parsley, and olive oil. Other highlights include grilled lamb cutlets (served scottadito) and veal saltimbocca alla Romana. Comforting side dishes such as mashed potatoes, sautéed chicory, and grilled vegetables round out the experience. Beloved by locals and in-the-know travelers alike, this gem is a celebration of Roman culinary heritage—elegant, unpretentious, and completely unforgettable.
5. Da Michele
Da Michele is a relaxed, no-frills eatery that’s earned its place among the top trendy restaurants Rome has for locals. Hidden away from tourist crowds, it draws a stylish Roman clientele with its handwritten chalkboard menu that changes daily. Begin with oysters or, if available, the fisherman’s risotto packed with fresh seafood. Grilled squid and mussel stew in a smoky wine-tomato base are among the unforgettable main courses. Desserts like airy tiramisu and panna cotta with wild strawberries and orange juice add a sweet finale. The casual, welcoming atmosphere and consistently excellent cooking make Da Michele a must for anyone seeking a true Roman dining experience.
6. Piatto Romano
Piatto Romano is a cozy, no-frills eatery where tradition takes center stage. Known for its strict adherence to Roman culinary customs, this spot serves gnocchi every Thursday and a variety of excellent fish dishes on Fridays. A standout is the salt cod, slow-cooked with dried fruit and onions—sweet, savory, and unforgettable. Equally impressive is the frittura mista, featuring fried prawns and calamari. For the adventurous, try the pajata: pasta tubes served in a rich, offal-based sauce. Desserts are refreshingly simple, like sugar-dusted strawberries or warm ricotta cake. It’s a quiet contender among the trendy restaurants Rome food lovers appreciate for authenticity over flash.
7. La Pergola
La Pergola stands proudly among the best restaurants in Rome, offering an unforgettable fine dining experience led by acclaimed chef Heinz Beck. The three-Michelin-starred restaurant serves an exquisite 10-course Mediterranean tasting menu, where standout dishes include saffron consommé with caviar, amberjack with eggplant and almonds, and lobster with licorice-spinach extract.
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While seafood dominates the menu, Beck’s famous “lamb on the Via Appia Antica” showcases his masterful approach to red meat. Elegant couples sip champagne, and a formal dress code adds to the upscale atmosphere. Each plate is artful and precise, making La Pergola a destination for culinary excellence and refinement in Rome.
8. Aroma Restaurant Rome
Perched on the rooftop of Palazzo Manfredi, Aroma Restaurant Rome offers breathtaking views of the Colosseum, creating a romantic and luxurious dining experience. Helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio, the menu features refined interpretations of Italian classics, all crafted with locally sourced ingredients. From delicate pasta dishes to indulgent desserts, each plate showcases precision and passion.
The wine selection, curated by sommelier Alessandro Crognale, includes over 600 labels with an emphasis on champagne, enhancing the fine-dining journey. With its intimate ambiance, panoramic setting, and exquisite cuisine, Aroma is ideal for weddings, private events, and unforgettable evenings in Rome. The terrace also hosts Aroma Bistrot, a more casual yet equally delicious option. Aroma stands out as a top destination for both global travelers and culinary enthusiasts. The combination of elegance, flavor, and iconic scenery makes it one of the best restaurants in Rome—an absolute must for any refined food lover.
9. Ciao Roma Restaurant
Located in Boston’s historic North End along the iconic Freedom Trail, Ciao Roma brings a taste of the Eternal City to New England. Overlooking North Square, the oldest public square in the U.S., this charming spot offers the city’s finest al fresco dining experience. Guests can enjoy fresh handmade pasta, traditional meat and seafood dishes, and an expertly curated Italian wine list alongside a full-service bar. Inspired by the atmosphere of trendy restaurants Rome is known for, Ciao Roma delivers authentic flavors in a relaxed, stylish setting.
10. Checchino dal 1887
Checchino dal 1887 is a bold choice for adventurous eaters, specializing in traditional Roman offal dishes. Start with veal head accented by citrus peel, then dive into beef tripe simmered in a savory blend of pecorino, mint, and tomato sauce. For those preferring vegetarian fare, highlights include sage-topped pecorino bruschetta and creamy spaghetti with artichoke, mint, and parmesan. Side dishes like roasted potatoes and sautéed chicory are flavorful complements, while the silky panna cotta provides a smooth, satisfying finish.
11. Agustarello a Testaccio
Tucked into the heart of Testaccio, Agustarello is a bustling eatery known for its traditional Roman cuisine and warm, communal vibe. This lively spot draws locals who crowd into its small space for hearty classics and comforting plates. Though not fancy, it’s the genuine flavors and atmosphere that earn it a loyal following. The food is rich, the portions generous, and the experience feels like home. If you’re looking to dine where locals gather and tradition thrives, Agustarello truly deserves its place among the best restaurants in Rome for a truly authentic experience.
12. Gli Esploratori Rome
Gli Esploratori is more than just a restaurant—it’s a vibrant cultural hub that draws Rome’s artistic and intellectual crowd. Inside this bookish space, you’ll find unique flavor combinations rarely seen in the Eternal City. Highlights include fettuccine with duck and orange, meatballs topped with salted ricotta and sesame pak choy, and a remarkable eggplant parmigiana with shrimp. While its atmosphere resembles a cozy library, the vibe is lively and inclusive. Unlike some other places, staff here warmly welcome tourists. For those seeking something offbeat yet inviting, this spot easily ranks among the best restaurants in Rome, rivaling any top resto Trastevere with its originality and heart.
13. INEO
INEO, tucked within Anantara Palazzo Naiadi, offers an exclusive dining experience in Rome with just 28 seats available. The space feels intimate and refined, with soft lighting and impeccable service. Executive Chef Heros De Agostinis brings a personal touch by combining Abruzzo and Eritrean flavors into imaginative dishes. Highlights include green curry risotto with scampi, black cod saltimbocca with vin jaune, and grilled lamb with mint yogurt sauce.
A standout dish is turbot with parsley root and black truffle, while the raspberry and rhubarb soufflé offers a sweet, elegant finish. INEO stands out for its rare flavor profiles, storytelling plates, and the quiet sophistication that defines elite Roman dining.
14. Orma
Orma is a culinary journey crafted by Chef Caceres, blending Colombian soul with Roman tradition through an inventive tasting menu. The eight-course experience features flavor-forward creations like apricots paired with olives, squid enhanced by tripe, and the stunning oyster ravioli. Meat lovers will savor the mutton with ‘nduja and liquorice bread, while dessert lovers will be wowed by baked plantains and other Colombian-inspired sweets. Service is impeccably discreet—waitstaff are attentive yet nearly invisible during the meal. Orma is ideal for food enthusiasts seeking bold, cross-cultural innovation. From the flavors to the finesse, it’s one of Rome’s most unforgettable fine dining encounters.
15. Dogma
Dogma is a rising star in Rome’s dining scene, located between Garbatella and Re di Roma in the lively Piazza Zama area. Since opening in 2022, this seafood-focused grill has become a destination thanks to Chef Gabriele di Lecce and sommelier Alessandra Serramondi. The minimalist décor—white walls, black tables—lets the food shine.
Grilled dishes like cod with chard and Casaletto honey, or anchovies with almonds and chicory, reflect a creative, modern edge. Pasta selections rotate based on freshness—expect delights like shrimp fettuccine or spaghetti with scampi and hazelnuts. With even desserts grilled to perfection, Dogma ranks among the best restaurants in Rome for contemporary seafood lovers.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best restaurants in Rome can feel overwhelming, but this guide ensures you’re only experiencing the culinary best of the Eternal City. Whether you crave rooftop glamour at Aroma Restaurant Rome, seafood magic at Dogma, or an immersive cultural experience at Gli Esploratori, there’s something for every taste and every mood.
From resto Trastevere favorites to trendy restaurants Rome foodies swear by, this list proves that the Eternal City is as much a feast for the palate as it is for the eyes. And if you find yourself outside Italy, Ciao Roma Restaurant will give you a taste of Rome’s magic in Boston.
Buon appetito!
