15 Best Foods in Rome

Ristorante Pancrazio dal 1922 offers classic Roman cooking in Campo de’ Fiori, surrounded by the remains of Pompey’s Theatre. Recipes passed down through four generations give the restaurant a strong sense of place, while pasta, pizza and carbonara make it easy to settle into familiar Roman flavours.

The warm setting works well for family meals and atmospheric dinners where food and ancient history share the same address.

Mercato Hostaria Roma combines classic Italian dining with the lively setting of Campo de' Fiori. The menu spans lasagne bolognese, fried calamari and aperitivo-style drinks such as espresso martinis and Hugo spritz, making it adaptable from breakfast through late dinner.

Separate preparation and gluten-free versions are available for every option, giving the restaurant particular appeal to coeliac diners.

New Food Gluten Free - Ponte Sisto is a dedicated gluten-free bakery near Ponte Sisto , with a broad range spanning bread, cakes, pizza, fresh pasta, pastries, cornetti and sweets. Its dairy-free options make the selection particularly useful for people managing both gluten and dairy restrictions.

Expect substantial pastries and a bakery counter suited to breakfast, takeaway treats or a quick savoury stop in central Rome.

CHE PASTA! Pasta Bar keeps the format simple: freshly cooked pasta prepared right in front of you on Via di S. Agostino.

It is a natural choice for a quick, casual lunch , especially if you enjoy watching the cooking process. Carbonara comes with al dente spaghetti, crisp guanciale and a savoury finish. Seating is limited, and the lunch-focused schedule makes it best suited to daytime visits.

Big Friends Rome - Eat and Drink offers a sociable dinner setting on Via Elvia Recina, with a menu that moves between familiar Roman dishes and more adventurous combinations. Alongside pasta and other traditional plates, you may find ideas such as wild boar with chocolate.

A considered wine list and craft beer selection broaden the appeal, while the attentive service suits an unhurried evening with friends.

Fonzie The Burger’s House on Via della Vite is built around a broad burger menu, from the Tatanka to rotating monthly sandwiches and themed house creations. The appeal is straightforward: juicy patties, balanced toppings and plenty of flavour in a casual format suited to lunch or an easy dinner.

Its central location makes it a practical break from sightseeing when pizza and pasta are not what you want.

Mrgda brings Ethiopian and Eritrean cooking to Via Prenestina, offering a welcome change from Rome’s usual trattorias. The setting is warm, the service helpful and the flavours distinctly rooted in East African cuisine.

It suits diners looking for an immersive, spice-led meal and a different kind of evening out. Lunch and dinner are available most days, with Tuesday reserved for dinner service.

Cantina e Cucina is a lively central-Rome restaurant on V. del Governo Vecchio, serving Roman favourites alongside pizza and local fare.

Tonnarelli, carbonara and amatriciana are the safest anchors for a traditional order, while the relaxed atmosphere keeps the restaurant approachable for lunch or dinner. Service can feel busy at peak times, but the team makes an effort to look after people waiting for a table.

Bismillah Halal Food Chicken Hut serves halal food near Piazza Navona, with a menu covering kebabs, fried chicken, burgers, biryani, beef curry, roti and strong chai. Generous portions and bold Bangladeshi flavours make it a useful stop when you want something filling beyond the standard Roman meal.

The all-day schedule also suits late lunches, casual dinners and evening food after sightseeing.

Magnifico Food Store combines an Italian grocery shop with a casual deli counter on Viale di Trastevere. It is a strong pick for sandwiches, excellent coffee and a tiramisu finish, while the store format also makes it useful for taking Italian food and ingredients away.

The atmosphere is informal and practical, suited to a quick lunch or an easy food stop in Trastevere.

Pizza Drinks & Foods is a straightforward pizza stop on Via Leonina, handy for a quick meal in central Rome. The focus is on fresh, hot pizzas with generous toppings and a crust that stays pleasantly crisp even when taken away.

Warm service adds to the appeal, making it suitable for a casual bite after exploring the surrounding streets or before heading on to the evening’s plans.

Pico’s Trastevere Sabor a Mexico brings Mexican cooking to the heart of Trastevere, with selected ingredients and a menu built around meat, vegetables and lively flavours. It is a welcome alternative when you want a substantial meal beyond pasta, whether for lunch, dinner or a late evening gathering.

The restaurant accepts online table bookings, a practical advantage for a busy central neighbourhood.

Goloseum Italian Fast Food is a daytime stop on Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, offering sandwiches, salads and fruit cups in a quick, casual format. The menu gives you room to keep things light or choose a more substantial sandwich, while friendly service suits a practical lunch break.

Its weekday opening schedule makes it particularly useful for morning food, lunch and early-afternoon takeaway.

Hard Rock Cafe Rome pairs an American restaurant menu with an energetic music setting and a substantial collection of band and musician memorabilia. English breakfast is available earlier in the day , while burgers, drinks, desserts and dinner options keep the venue active into the evening.

On Via Vittorio Veneto, it suits visitors seeking a lively, recognizable atmosphere as much as a meal.

Trattoria Al Tettarello offers an old-world Italian dining room on Via dei Capocci, with the welcoming, neighbourhood feel that suits a relaxed evening meal. Portions are generous, the cooking is consistently inviting and the attentive service helps make the restaurant comfortable for both locals and visitors.

It is open for dinner every day, making it an easy choice for classic Italian food in the historic centre.