If you’re like us, you don’t want to hit corporate spots or restaurant chains when you travel, and there are so many great restaurants that it can almost seem overwhelming.
We mentioned a few of our favorites from our last trip to the Eternal City on Episode 32 of the Unscaled Travel Show and wanted to share them with you. Feel free to drop us a message and tell us about your favorite places to eat while in Rome as well. We’re always out for new places to try!
Trastevere
Trastevere isn’t a restaurant. It is an area of the city just south of the Vatican known for its bohemian, working-class roots, craft beer pubs, artisan shops, and amazing restaurants.
We asked several locals, “Where do you eat when you want the best pasta in Rome?” and each one of them recommended we find a spot in Trastevere. Locals gave us the names of several places to try but said that anywhere you go in this area, you’ll find great food.
The restaurant Tonnarello came up several times (Address: Via della Paglia, 1/2/3, 00153 Roma RM, Italy), and although we didn’t have enough time to swing by there, the reviews make it look like we missed out on something special!
Ricci il Salumiere dal 1910 Ristorante Pantheon
A nice restaurant that opens early for breakfast right in front of the famed Pantheon. The food was out fairly quickly, tasted wonderful (I had an omelet with prosciutto), and wasn’t overly expensive. When Jeremy went, the wait staff was
It is a great spot to take in the Pantheon if you are waiting for it to open, to grab a meal after you visit the landmark, or if you like to people watch. This restaurant can get very busy for lunch as crowds descend on the Pantheon.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy (next to the Pantheon)
Napoletano’s Pantheon
Napoletano sits directly in front of the Pantheon and can get swarmed by tourists very easily, given its location. We had a quick bite to eat that we liked and moved on, but it obviously is a great spot to people watch and have a wonderful view of the Pantheon. Our server was friendly but rushed, the beer was cold, and the food was good.
This spot is open late, so might be better suited for a nightcap or late dinner when the area is lit up for the evening.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 12, 00186 Roma RM, Italy (next to the Pantheon)
Don Nino’s (for gelato)
Don Nino’s has a number of locations around the city (we didn’t know it was a chain when we went), but this location is great for grabbing a sweet of your choice and taking in the Trevi Fountain.
We chose gelato, but they also have various goods like cookies, chocolate, and more.
Address: Via dei Crociferi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy (next to Trevi Fountain)
Hotel Savoy (Rooftop Bar)
The Hotel Savoy is a wonderful place to lay your head at night, but if you’re only looking for a beverage and wonderful city views, try their rooftop terrace and bar. This takes you away from the city center and some of the craziness of that location for a more relaxed feel without sacrificing vistas because it’s still only a few minutes walk to the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.
They also have a rooftop restaurant open most evenings if you’re hungry.
Address: Via Ludovisi, 15, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
La Bruschetta near the Marriott & Hotel Savoy
La Bruschetta is a perfect spot off the main roads to grab a meal and share wine. It’s a relatively quiet establishment with indoor-outdoor seating options. The waitstaff was busy but very nice.
The food is good but not exceptional, but to us, we didn’t pay exceptional prices either. It was a good, solid meal with a great atmosphere. We recommend you try it out and make up your own mind!
Address: Via Sardegna, 39, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
La Pilotta (outside of the Vatican)
The Vatican is amazing, and by the time you leave there, you’re probably going to be famished. We certainly were as we exited St. Peter’s Square to the south towards Via di Porta Cavalleggeri.
It’s a small but great spot with outdoor seating, attentive staff, and wonderful pasta!
Address: Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 35/37, 00165 Roma RM, Italy
Crazy Pizza Rome
There are a ton of tasty pizza shops in Rome, so while I wouldn’t recommend you go out of your way to visit Crazy Pizza if you do happen to find yourself near the Villa Borghese park, stop by and grab a pizza or you may want to simply grab a few pictures of their beautiful front facade.
It’s usually covered in flowers, which makes for a great photo aesthetic if you simply want to stop by and snap a few pics for the ‘Gram.
Address: Via Vittorio Veneto, 167, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Falo Bistrot – Roma
You’ll find Falo Bistrot across the street from the Circus Maximus (around the corner from the Colosseum). We stopped by Falo for a cold drink on a rather warm day and found it to be very inviting, with a pleasant family-owned feel.
We only had a quick appetizer and two cold beers before moving on, but given more time, we would definitely return. Also, if you’re in the market for either, there’s a gelato spot next door and a bike rental company next to that.
Address: Via dei Cerchi, 63, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
