During your tour of Rome, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to looking for somewhere to eat. The Italians are famed for their pasta, pizza, gelato, arancini, prosciutto… the list goes on! If you’re on one of our Rome walking tours, you might find yourself a bit peckish afterwards - so here are ten incredible restaurants to choose from, no matter what you fancy.
1. Pane e Salame
Via di Santa Maria in Via 19, 00187 Rome
If you’re looking for a spot of lunch, look no further than this city center street food joint. They primarily serve charcuterie boards and sandwiches - in their own words, it’s: “quality cold cuts and cheese, all strictly Italian!”. The restaurant is just steps away from the Trevi Fountain, but don’t let the central location put you off - you’ll pay a really fair price for your food. A charcuterie board for two is just €10!
To get away from the crowds without straying too far from the center of Rome, Pane e Salame is an absolute must. You can pop in without a reservation (do be prepared to queue occasionally) and they take both cash and card here.
2. Piro - Osteria di Pesce
Vicolo della Cancelleria, 00186 Rome
If fine dining is what you’re after on your trip to Rome, reserve a table here. With elegant decor and an intimate atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner with your partner or a business lunch that requires a certain something. The menu is entirely made up of seafood, except for the dessert selection and extensive choice of both Italian and foreign wines.
On the same street, you’ll find Mostra di Leonardo - a museum and exhibition dedicated to da Vinci. Piro is closed on Sundays but takes reservations from 10.30am Monday through Saturday.
3. Seu Pizza Illuminati
Via Angelo Bargoni, 10-18, 00153 Rome
After taking tours of Rome, visitors often look for something - or somewhere - a bit quieter. Take the train, bus or subway across to Trastevere, a small bohemian neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of Rome’s city center. There are plenty of restaurants here and nearby, but Seu Pizza Illuminati is recommended as one of the best pizza places in the whole city!
They have vegetarian and vegan options and have won various awards within the industry. They take cash and card, too.
4. Mama Eat Street Food
Borgo Pio, 28, 00193 Rome
Located close the Vatican City, this is a little street food restaurant with an entirely gluten-free menu! They do fish and chips, donuts, fried chicken and more. You can choose to eat inside or take your goodies into St Peter’s Square and watch the world go by. Open from 11.30am until 11.30pm every single day, there’s no need to book: just turn up and enjoy.
5. Food Factory
Piazza di San Cosimato 48/49, 00153 Rome
For dining on a budget in Rome, look no further than Food Factory. It’s perfect for students, backpackers and those last days when you’re looking to spend all your loose change. You’ll only pay around €10 for 4 slices of pizza and two drinks!
It’s a quick service restaurant where you can grab food on the go without having to hang around or spend a lot, which is great if you’re on one of our walking tours. Rome has a lot of restaurants, but this is definitely one of the best in terms of value for money! They have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options, and you’ll find them near Trastevere.
6. Royal Art Cafe
Piazza del Colosseo n. 1, 00184 Rome
If you want dinner with a view, you won’t be disappointed. From the rooftop terrace you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the Colosseum, and you can enjoy reasonably priced and widely varied food. There’s cheese, pasta, oysters, salad, burgers and more. Menus differ whether you sit downstairs or on the terrace itself, though both overlook the ruins that are so synonymous with Rome.
Also functioning as a cocktail and piano bar, Royal Art Cafe is a popular choice - you can book in advance, so do bear that mind.
7. Da Armando al Pantheon
Salita De’ Crescenzi 31, 00186 Rome
For another incredible view, head here to eat with the Pantheon in your eye line. It’s recommended that you book, as it’s very popular - and that’s no surprise as it offers some of the best gourmet food in Rome. It is a family run restaurant that has been in the city for decades, and the staff will give you a warm welcome every single time.
With vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available, this is a restaurant everyone can enjoy in the heart of the Eternal City.
8. Oh Dog!
Via Tuscolana 59, 00182 Rome
Maybe you just don’t fancy any more pizza or pasta - never fear, there are other options available. Oh Dog! serves hotdogs, as you might expect, as well as burgers, fries, chicken, churros and more. Located close to the Re di Roma subway station, and not far from the Roman Walls, this is perfect for a spot of lunch especially if you’ve got kids with you who might be more on the fussy side. It’s an affordable option in an area full of restaurants, bars, shops and hotels.
9. Virginiae
Via di Parione 41, 00186 Rome
Just a few steps away from Piazza Navona (where you’ll find the Fountain of the Four Rivers), this is a traditional Italian restaurant that comes highly recommended. You don’t always need to book, and it has a very chilled-out atmosphere. The caprese salad is hailed as one of the best in the world!
With mid-range prices and a varied menu, this is a great choice for an evening meal with friends or family.
10. al42 S. Angelo by Pasta Chef
Via Dei Funari 21, 00186 Rome
If eco-friendly eateries are a must for you, look no further. You can actually eat the plates here! They have an affordable contemporary menu, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options that taste so good. Be prepared to wait or be turned away if you haven’t made a booking, though, because this place is popular.
Located near little-known Renaissance gem Fontana delle Tartarughe (the turtle’s fountain), this is a great choice!
If good food and sightseeing are your thing then you’ll love this night walking tour of Rome with appetizers. Walking around Rome, whether it be day or night, will always set you up for a good meal. When you join us on a Rome walking tour you’ll never be too far from any of these 10 fantastic restaurants in the city.
