Amore Roma: Best Places to Eat in Rome

There is always so much to tell about a city (especially a city like Rome), that is why I separate my articles into 3 very useful parts:

Part 1: Transport and Accommodation in Rome

Part 2: Top Places to See in Rome

Part 3: Best Places to Eat in Rome

Extra: Best Coffee & Desserts in Rome

Where to eat in Rome?

Two years ago I visited Italy in August and my mission was to find the best authentic Italian restaurant, however it failed terribly. I have felt for ‘Tourist menus’ and as I found out most Italians take holidays in August and close their cafes. But this time in Rome I’ve tried delicious Italian food in great places run by the friendliest people. My advice in Rome is to get out of the city centre and explore the cuisine!

Tip: In high season always book your restaurant in advance, otherwise you risk not getting a seat. You either have to call the restaurant or use one of many online booking platforms such as ‘The Fork’. At ‘The Fork’ you can even get discounts up to 50%.

1. Pizza

Were you really in Italy if you haven’t tried the Pizza? Well did you know that there are around 7 different types of pizza in Italy?

• Roman Pizza – traditional Roman pizza is very thin, and usually not what many tourists are used to. I recommend to try it at least once in Rome, and for this I recommend Emma Pizzeria. On my picture you also see a Capricciosa pizza, which is a traditional pizza with champignons, prosciutto, olives and an egg. (I would recommend to try the pizza, but the Focaccia for me was personally too dry.)

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• Neapolitan Pizza – pizza with a thick, fluffy and light dough. My absolute favourite. Here I have two favourite restaurants that we visited several times and will return any time of the day!

1. La Gatta Mangiona – I will just say that we went here 3 times and would choose it over and over again. The pizza here is simply heavenly, either a classic Margherita with buffalo mozzarella or a Calzone with truffle and ricotta, the crust and the flavours are unforgettable. The pizza here is with a thick, Neapolitan style crust, but it has a light Roman crunch to it, which makes it very unique. If you have time to try only one pizza in Rome, please make it this place.

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2. Loffredo. It might seem like a long journey away from the city, but it is only a 10 minute metro ride from the city and it is definitely worth it. It is run by Italian family and is very popular with locals. The price tag is also amazing with most pizzas under 10€!

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• Roman Street Food Pizza

One of the most popular streetfood in Rome is a long rectangular pizza (well for me it was more like a puffy bread) with different toppings on top. Depending on where you are staying, I have 3 places to recommend:

1. Bonci – located one metro station away from the Colosseum.They serve delicious fresh pizzas everyday with different flavours. You pay per weight, so you can cut small slices of different flavours to try. My absolute favourite topping here is mortadella with burrata cheese. 

Tip: Bonci is closed on Mondays, even though Google says it is open.

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2. CasaManco at Testaccio Market – located in the Testaccio market, this stall also offers fresh pizza every day (except Sundays). Here you can sample some pizzas as well as other fruits or veggies on the market. My absolute favourite topping here is zucchini flowers with burrata cheese.

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3. Bottega Popolare – this is the most central place located right in the middle of the city. Here they have a variety of different pizza toppings, as well as desserts, drinks and nice tables to relax on outside. My absolute favourite here are pizza with prawns and cocktail sauce, and mortadella with pistachio mayonnaise.

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2. Romolo E Remo

This is another place on our top list, which is actually a 10 minute walk from the Colosseum, but it is in a very residential, local area. The place has an Italian owner, who serves delicious food to locals. The menu is pretty huge, so it is hard to just take one thing. I would really recommend sharing an Antipasti platter with meat and cheese, focaccia and house wine. Here they also serve traditional Roman pizza, which is famous for its super thin crust, so it is definitely worth a try. 

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3. Pastasciutta 

One of our surprise finds in Rome was Pastasciutta, which is a little place serving fresh made pasta. They have two central locations, one next to the Vatican and one next to the Spanish steps. They serve 6 types of pasta which is available to eat in or take away at an unbeatable price of 6€, and an XL portion for only 1.50€ extra. And the pasta is delicious. In fact we loved it so much that we tried everything there. My favourite one was definitely Tartufo pasta (with truffle sauce), whilst my husband loved the Pesto one.

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Tip: If you are a fan of parmesan, ask for some Parmigiano on top, otherwise it will be served without cheese. Also if you get pasta from the Vatican store, you can ask for it to take away and head to the Sant Angelo bridge which is only 5 minutes away, and enjoy your pasta by the river with the amazing view. 

4. Aristocampo Trastevere 

This restaurant has a higher price tag as it is located right in the heart of Trastevere, but is definitely worth a visit for a treat dinner. It has amazing local food and the best desserts we have eaten in Rome. Definitely try the Tiramisu or the Creme Brule!

5. Mizio’s Street Food 

If you are looking to grab something fast on the go, head to Mizio’s Street Food, which is located in Monti. It is owned by locals and they serve great Italian bread and local prosciutto. You can choose your own bread and fill it with cheese, meat and other toppings. What I really loved was their ready made stuffed bread with polpo (octopus), so make sure to try one. And it is only 5-6€ per bread! 

6. Gelateria del Viale

Italy is famous for its ice cream, so I made sure to try dozens of shops in Rome to find the best one. There are many gelaterias next to Piazza Navona, with famous shops like Gelateria Della Palma that serves 150 different ice cream flavours and Giolitti, which is one of the oldest shops. But my favourite one was definitely Gelateria del Viale, which is a small Gelateria run by Italian family away from the tourist crowds.

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7. Tonnarello 

We haven’t been here, but my friend from Naples said it is the best place to try traditional carbonara! And who wouldn’t follow the Italian advice? Also be prepared that the sauce for Carbonara in Rome is made from eggs, instead of a lot of cream sauce as in most places in Europe, so it tastes completely different. 

8. Mercato Centrale Roma

If you are in the centre and want to grab a bite, head to the Termini station to the central market. The market reminds you of a busy street with many street-food vendors, however the food is really high quality and you can sit inside to enjoy your meal. You can choose food from many stalls, such as Pasta, Pizza, burgers, Steak and Desserts. The price is a bit high, however it is justified with the location and the food quality. 

Tip: Don’t be afraid to get outside the city. Avoid tourist menus. Try to book your place in advance, especially for dinner. 

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I am sure after all the food in Rome you feel like having a nice espresso? Or even a cappuccino to start your day? Italy is known to be a country of coffee lovers, that is why I decided to create a separate article about the best cafés in Rome. Click here to find out about traditional coffee and desserts in Rome.

To find out more about Rome’s best attractions and hotels, check out my other articles:

Part 1: Transport and Accommodation in Rome

Part 2: Top Places to See in Rome

Extra: Best Coffee & Desserts in Rome