Where to eat in Rome is probably the question I get the most before every trip. I’ve been to Rome several times and, between family-run trattorias in Trastevere, pizza al taglio near the Colosseum, and legendary gelato shops by the Pantheon, I’ve built a list of places that are truly worth it — and tourist traps you should avoid.
In this guide, I’ll share exactly where to eat in Rome based on my personal experience: recommended restaurants, must-try dishes, cheap eats, and common mistakes that will save you time and money.
👉 Before we start, check out my full guide to things to do in Rome and where to stay in Rome to plan your trip with the best itineraries and accommodations.
📌 Practical guides for your trip to Rome
Where to eat in Rome: a quick overview
This mini-guide to where to eat in Rome gives you a practical roadmap so you can eat well without wasting time or money. I’ve been to Rome several times and tested dozens of places — from hole-in-the-wall trattorias to busy pizza-al-taglio counters — and in the sections below I’ll tell you exactly which neighborhoods, restaurants and dishes are worth your time (and which to skip).
🍝 Typical dishes you must try in Rome
Rome is a pasta lover’s paradise. In almost every trattoria you’ll find:
Carbonara → the real one is made with egg yolk, guanciale, pecorino, and pepper (no cream!).
Cacio e pepe → simple but perfect, only with pecorino cheese and black pepper.
Amatriciana → tomato, guanciale, and pecorino, full of flavor.
👉 If it’s your first time and you wonder what to eat in Rome, carbonara is the star dish.
For dessert, don’t miss: tiramisù (Pompi is a classic), maritozzo (sweet bun filled with cream), and authentic Italian gelato.
💶 How much does it cost to eat in Rome?
A big concern for travelers is finding cheap places to eat in Rome without falling into tourist traps. Good news: it’s possible.
Local trattoria → pasta from €10–12.
Full meal in a mid-range restaurant → €25–35 per person.
Street food (pizza al taglio, paninis) → from €4–6.
👉 My tip: trattorias in less touristy areas are the sweet spot for price and quality.
🍽️ Where to Eat in Rome on a Budget
If you’re looking for cheap eats in Rome or want to know where to eat well and cheap in Rome, check these areas:
Trastevere → family trattorias with affordable menus.
San Lorenzo → student district with many budget-friendly pizzerias.
Termini → quick and cheap options near the train station.
🚫 Tourist Traps: Where Not to Eat in Rome
A common mistake is sitting at restaurants with multilingual menus right on Piazza Navona or Fontana di Trevi. They are overpriced and far from authentic.
Instead, head to neighborhoods like Monti, Testaccio, or Trastevere, where you’ll find authentic trattorias loved by locals.
🌟 Best Restaurants in Rome by Area
Here are some of my favorite and recommended restaurants in Rome, divided by neighborhood:
Historic Center → Armando al Pantheon: a classic spot for authentic carbonara just steps from the Pantheon.
Trastevere → Da Enzo al 29: traditional Roman food, very popular.
Monti → La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali: homemade recipes with a modern touch.
Prati (Vatican) → Pizzeria L’Archetto: ideal after visiting the Vatican Museums.
Testaccio → Felice a Testaccio: famous for their cacio e pepe, mixed at the table.
👉 These are some of the best restaurants in Rome, but the real secret is to try a different trattoria each day and mix it with street pizza and gelato.
🏛️ Where to eat in Rome near the Colosseum
Hungry after visiting the Colosseum? Don’t stop at the first place on Via dei Fori Imperiali — too touristy and overpriced.
Walk 10 minutes to Monti and eat at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali instead.
🌉 Where to eat in Trastevere
Trastevere is the beating heart of Roman food culture. Some great spots are:
Da Enzo al 29 → legendary trattoria with local vibes.
Pizzeria Ivo a Trastevere → thin, crispy pizza.
Trattoria Da Lucia → authentic atmosphere and fair prices.
👉 For a cheap option, try the Roman aperitivo (drink + buffet) starting at €8–10.
🍷 My Favorite Trattorias in Rome
Here’s a quick block with my personal favorites that never fail:
🌟 My Favorite Trattorias in Rome
Da Enzo al 29 (Trastevere) → great vibe and amazing carbonara.
Armando al Pantheon (Historic Center) → authentic Roman classics.
La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali (Monti) → perfect for a Colosseum day.
Felice a Testaccio (Testaccio) → their cacio e pepe is a must.
👉 These are the recommended restaurants in Rome where I’ve always eaten authentic without feeling like a tourist.
🍬 Where to buy typical sweets in Rome
Pompi → famous for tiramisù.
Pasticceria Regoli → great maritozzi.
Giolitti → historic gelato shop.
Perfect for gifts or a sweet break.
📝 Final tips on eating in Rome
Book in advance for popular restaurants.
Avoid waiters shouting “best pasta here!” at tourists.
Always try the house wine — cheap and surprisingly good.
Expect to pay “coperto” (cover charge), it’s normal in Rome.
👉 If you want to plan your meals around sightseeing, check my itineraries for Rome in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days.
✅ That’s my guide to where to eat in Rome Italy
Now you know the best trattorias, budget-friendly spots, and where not to waste money.
The key is mixing trattorias, pizza al taglio, and of course… gelato every day 😉.
👉 Next step: read my guides to things to do in Rome, 3 days in Rome, and where to stay in Rome.
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