Rome to me is a magical place. You see, I used to live here as a child and every time we visit, I feel like I am home. The wafts of fresh pasta, pizza and every other type of gastronomic delicacy wafting through the air just makes me hungrier than I have ever been. Because – come on, isn’t Italian food one of our favorites?! So what is the best dining in Rome Italy?
In this post we share the most delicious eateries in one of our favorite cities in the world! Rome’s dining scene is as diverse as its history. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best Michelin-star restaurants, top overall dining spots, premier pizza places, and must-visit gelato shops.
Michelin Star Restaurants – Best Dining in Rome Italy
Since many of us have binge watched the streaming sensation The Bear, we have seen the pain that a Chef goes through to actually get a Michelin star. It is fun to be able to go into some of these higher end restaurants and see for ourselves what the star is all about and if the fuss is worth it.
Rome has several Michelin-star restaurants that offer exceptional dining experiences. In our list of best dining in Rome Italy, Michelin star recommendations we list 1, three star eatery and 3, two star restaurants.
These chefs will modify menus and create interesting dishes in case you have dietary restrictions. Be prepared to pay at least 100 Euros per person in these Michelin star, best dining in Rome Italy eateries. Here are some notable ones:
La Pergola
Located within the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel, La Pergola is Rome’s only three-star Michelin restaurant. Chef Heinz Beck offers a menu that blends traditional Italian flavors with innovative techniques. Signature dishes include Fagottelli “La Pergola” and John Dory with liquorice and red beets. The ambiance is elegant, complemented by a panoramic view of the city.
The magnificent view is the other reason (besides the food) to visit this restaurant. No matter how many times you visit, you’ll be awestruck by the panoramic vista of Rome. Perched atop Monte Mario hill, you can see the entire city stretching out before you, surrounded by hills, almost as if it’s a magical painting come to life.
Il Pagliaccio
Situated in the heart of Rome, Il Pagliaccio holds two Michelin stars. Chef Anthony Genovese crafts two menus that reflect his international experiences, combining Italian cuisine with Asian influences. Notable dishes include Pigeon with foie gras and Eel with miso.
One menu features his most famous and beloved dishes, while the other showcases his latest culinary creations. All of this is served in a refined and tranquil atmosphere with top-notch service.
If you’re looking for a lunchtime treat, they offer a shorter tasting menu on Saturdays. And for a truly exclusive experience, you can reserve the “Parallels” menu, which is served in a private room for up to six guests.
Acquolina
This modern restaurant, located in The First Roma hotel near Piazza del Popolo, has a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere with soft lighting and minimal decorations. The focus is entirely on the delicious food created by Chef Daniele Lippi. Acquolina has two Michelin stars.
Chef offers two tasting menus. The first is a shorter menu featuring fish dishes, while the second, longer menu includes both fish and meat options. Both menus showcase Chef Lippi’s creative and satisfying cuisine, which features an abundance of aromatic herbs and some delicious barbecued dishes.
Enotecca La Torre
Imagine a beautiful, old mansion turned into a luxurious hotel. That’s where you’ll find the Enotecca La Torre, in a grand dining room with high ceilings, elegant columns, and stunning windows that look out onto a private garden. It’s the kind of place you’d go to celebrate something special.
The chef, Domenico Stile, is originally from Campania, a region in Italy known for its food. You’ll find hints of his hometown in many of the dishes, from the crispy Tarallo crackers to the sweet baba dessert. But he also gets creative with flavors from all over Italy and beyond, making for a truly unique dining experience. This restaurant has two Michelin stars.
Best Restaurants Rome Italy Overall
Beyond the glitz and glamour of the Michelin star restaurants, Rome has some amazing eateries that are cozy and incredibly inviting. Here are some of our favorites:
Tonnarello | Paglia
Located in Trastevere, this casual stop for pasta, meatballs & other simple Roman dishes is one of the most popular and best restaurants in Rome, Italy for great taste while being on a budget. The pasta dishes have a fantastic flavor, the focaccia is epic and many recommend the lamb dish.
Even though this is a cheaper restaurant, the cooks pay attention to food allergies. There is also patio seating & at times even an acoustic guitar player. Be prepared for a long line.
Price per person is about 10 Euros, making this one of the best restaurants in Rome Italy at a very affordable price.
CiPASSO
This sophisticated restaurant is located in the heart of old Rome. CiPASSO features creative bistro dishes complimented by fine wines in an intimate dining room. Every dish is like a work of art, showing off the best of Italian cooking. There is a fancy but friendly atmosphere, making it perfect for a special meal.
While it’s pricey, the amazing food is worth every penny. From the beautifully made appetizers to the incredible desserts, each dish is as delicious as it is beautiful. The helpful staff makes the experience even better with their expert suggestions and perfect service.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable meal, Cipasso is a great option. It’s a culinary adventure that you’ll remember long after you leave. And the Michelin folks recommend it – so perhaps a star is coming their way?! Price per person starts at 40 Euros plus.
Come ‘na Vorta Pasta e Vino – Palombella
This restaurant was highly recommended to us by locals and we couldn’t agree more. Located near the Pantheon we were excited to watch as our pasta was being freshly prepared. Every ingredient in this restaurant is quality and we could taste it in the food.
For us, it was the best pasta in Rome but the focaccia was also fantastic – fresh, hot, and straight from the oven. In addition, the steamed artichoke was perfectly cooked, and the salad fresh and crisp, showcasing the high quality of all their ingredients.
The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with great service. They even offer gluten-free options for both pasta and beer, making it a great choice for everyone. Expect to spend around 20-30 Euros per person..
Mimì e Cocò
Mimì e Cocò is a charming and cozy restaurant that makes you feel like you’re at home. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxing evening.
But the real star of the show is the food! Their pasta is incredible – fresh, flavorful, and truly authentic, especially their spaghetti carbonara – best pasta in Rome!
They also have other delicious dishes like clam spaghetti, a fantastic eggplant parmesan that melts in your mouth, and a great tiramisu. To start your meal, try their passionfruit or limoncello spritzes. Overall, some of the best dining in Rome Italy!
Prices are 20 -30 Euros per person.
Cantina e Cucina
Casual restaurant serving regional fare & pizzas amid rustic, vintage-style surroundings. This small casual restaurant is a must-try for best dining in Rome Italy! Regional fare & great pizzas amid rustic, vintage-style surroundings are the food and ambiance here.
Cantina e Cucina is very popular, so expect a line after 7pm, but it moves quickly thanks to the efficient and friendly staff. They even offer you prosecco while you wait!
The dishes are fresh and flavorful, especially the vegetarian ravioli and the cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) pizza – some of the best pizza in Rome Italy! And their caprese salad and fried calamari are also recommended.
Just a heads up: the dishes with ricotta cheese are quite rich, so you might want to share or order in moderation. With reasonable prices and generous portions, this place near Piazza Navona is a great option.
Prices average 20 – 30 Euros per person.
Rione XIV Bistrot
Rione XIV Bistrot is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic and unforgettable Italian meal in Rome. This intimate, family-run restaurant serves up the kind of homestyle Roman and Northern Italian cooking that rivals even Michelin-star restaurants.
The food from the simple but flavorful bruschetta with fresh tomatoes to the perfectly cooked salmon and the divine tiramisu will have your taste buds singing. And don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of wine – their selection is excellent!
The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel right at home. Plus, the price-quality ratio is a good deal.
This small, family-run restaurant truly embodies the best of Italian dining. It’s so good that even after three weeks of traveling through Italy and trying countless other places, Rione XIV Bistrot remained at the top of our list.
Best Pizza in Rome Italy
Now we have already mentioned some of the best pizza in Rome Italy through our recommendations above, yet since so many of us crave that absolutely amazing crust and deliciousness, we thought of focusing on just pizzerias in this section.
Pizzeria della Madonna dei Monti
We stumbled upon this pizza place near the Colosseum completely by chance, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. It’s a cozy spot with a nice, quiet atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing meal after a visit to the Colosseum.
While the ambiance is great, the real star is the pizza. They make their crust on the thicker side, with a perfect crispy outside and a soft, fluffy inside. You can even have it cut into smaller slices so you can try different flavors. The Buffalina pizza is highly recommended.
And don’t miss out on their other delicious offerings. The tiramisu was also one of the best Rob has ever had, and the chips with paprika and honey are a must-try.
Sfizio Pizzeria
This fantastic pizzeria near Roma Termini is a must-visit for any pizza lover! But don’t let the name fool you – it’s not just about the best pizza in Rome Italy. They also serve amazing coffee and breakfasts. We went there twice during our stay and were blown away by their delicious cappuccinos and croissants.
Of course, the pizza is the main attraction. They have a wide variety to choose from, with fresh and flavorful toppings and perfectly crisp crusts. The brie, pesto, and mushroom pizza is one of the standouts.
The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great place to relax with friends or family. And the staff is friendly and helpful, even making an effort to speak English with us. Plus, the prices are very reasonable, especially compared to some of the pricier places in the city center. Expect to pay 5 Euro per person and up.
Pizza Florida
Another great option for the best pizza in Rome Italy is this small eatery. Pizza Florida is located in the center of town and has a large variety of delicious pizzas. And the best part is that you can buy them by the slice. This means you can try as many different kinds as you like – perfect for those who can’t decide on just one flavor!
The staff is friendly and cheerful, always greeting you with a smile. While there are a few tables inside and a bench outside, we recommend grabbing your pizza and heading across the street to the Largo Argentina archaeological park. Enjoy your slices while overlooking the ancient ruins – it’s a truly unique Roman experience!
Cantina e Cucina
We have already recommended Cantina e Cucina for some of the best dining in Rome Italy. However, their pizza is one of the best in the city as well. So if you want a great dining experience with some of the best pizza in in Rome Italy, then consider this eatery as it is worth the visit or two.
Best Gelato in Rome
No trip to Rome is complete without indulging in authentic Italian gelato. Our recommendations are for hands down the best gelato in Rome, offering a variety of rich and creamy flavors.
Gelateria La Romana
When a local friend in Rome took us to this gelateria, we knew we were in for a treat! And we weren’t disappointed. This place serves up some of the most incredibly smooth and delicious gelato we’ve ever had!
They have a large variety of flavors to choose from, and while the menu wasn’t in English, the staff were happy to help us navigate the choices in English. The gelato itself was amazing – perfectly smooth, not too sweet, and bursting with flavor. Even the waffle cone was delicious! To top it off, they offer free chocolate drizzle and whipped cream.
In addition, there are some brilliant vegan options as well including dark chocolate, strawberry, and banana. They even put vegan chocolate in the cone!
Ordering here is like at the bars: pay at the register first, then give your receipt to the scooper and tell them what you want.
Giolitti
One of the oldest gelaterias in Rome is located near the Pantheon on Vicolo della Guardiola. According to many locals this is considered the best gelato in Rome. They have a few locations, but this one with it’s vintage interior has history and nostalgic charm.
They’re known for their decadent whipped cream topping (panna), which adds a touch of indulgence to their already amazing gelato. With a vast selection of flavors, you’re sure to find something you love, but classics like pistachio and stracciatella are always a great choice.
There are limited vegan options with my favorite being the dark chocolate, although there are a few other fruit flavors like cherry which is also very good.
But Giolitti offers more than just fantastic gelato. Their coffees are also quite good, expertly prepared and full of flavor. And if you’re in the mood for something a little more substantial, their pastries are fresh, beautiful, and perfectly sweet.
We especially loved their heated outdoor seating area, which provided a comfortable and inviting space to relax and enjoy our treats. The service was friendly and efficient, adding to the overall charm of the experience.
Fatamorgana Chiavari
This gelateria was a real find! Our AirBnB host actually recommended it, saying it was his favorite spot because of their creative and ever-changing flavors. He was definitely right! We loved it so much that we went back a second time.
Both times we visited, there was a line out the door, but the staff was super friendly and patient with everyone, even with a group of rowdy tourists who came in after a long afternoon of indulging. They had some really interesting flavor combinations, but we ended up going with the classics. The pistachio and strawberry were our favorites – the strawberry was incredibly fresh and flavorful, and the pistachio was creamy and packed with nuts.
Everything we tried was delicious and creamy, and the portions were very generous. They even offered whipped cream on top, but honestly, the gelato was so good on its own that we didn’t need it. The shop itself is quite small, which explains the line, but it’s clean and well-organized, with all the flavors clearly labeled.
It’s definitely a popular spot with locals, and we can see why. With its amazing gelato, friendly service, and creative flavors, this place is a must-try. Plus, they have plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, so there’s something for everyone.
Frigidarium
Frigidarium truly lives up to the hype of having some of the best gelato in Rome! One of the favorites for our group was the hazelnut and mint with a dark chocolate topping, and it was absolutely incredible. The gelato was so smooth and creamy, and the flavors were perfect.
And there are so many flavors to try. If you are vegan like me, then there are quite a few options to try – the pistachio was my favorite here.
While there might be a queue, don’t let that deter you – it’s definitely worth the wait! The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality and portion sizes. Plus, the staff is friendly and helpful, always greeting you with a smile.
One of the things that sets this place apart is their unique frozen topping chocolate. You can choose between white or dark chocolate, and it adds a delicious extra layer of indulgence to your gelato.
Wrap Up – Best Dining in Rome Italy
Since living in Rome as a child, I always dreamed about the fresh aroma of pizza dough, the nutty smell of cheeses mingling in the air with handmade pastas and grown ups sitting in cafes and enjoying each others company. Such a magical memory!
Well now as adults, Rob and I come back to this splendid city as often as we can. In this post we shared the best dining in Rome Italy including our favorite places to indulge with pizza, pasta, gelato and all the other fantastic flavors this city has to offer.
Where do you think the best dining in Rome Italy is? If there is a particular place that you absolutely love, please do share it in the comments as we would love to have another place to visit when we come back next.
If you haven’t yet read about our tips for travel through Andorra – then you can find them here (and they include our favorite restaurants there as well).
