Rome Food Guide: Where to Eat and Drink
Pizza Margherita!
It was truly a blessing and a curse living in Italy. Blessing, that it was the best years of my life eating the most phenomenal pizza & pasta in the world—Curse, that life hasn't been the same.
From the al-dente semolina pasta to the simple fresh ingredients, I went up a few pant sizes for all the right reasons. Now that I’ve been back in New York for the past 3 years, I’d do anything to eat at any food establishment in Italy again.
I may be biased toward a few places listed below due to the proximity of where I lived and Rome-ed. But these spots never disappointed me so they rightfully deserve the credit. Here are my favorite food spots from my 2 years living in Roma!
PIZZA
Dar Poeta: Tucked away in the picturesque, cobble-stoned area of Trastevere. I absolutely love this pizzeria; it’s Napoli style which to me is the best style. Can’t go wrong with their margherita and dar poeta pizzas as well as their nutella calzone which is surprisingly to die for. Be prepared to wait on a line unless you eat during off hours (i.e. late lunch/early dinner).
Da Baffetto and La Montecarlo: If you want to try traditional Roman style pizza (which is thin crust) go to these pizzerias. Located in Centro Storico, they’re a 5 minute walk from each other so you could either choose one or go on a pizza tour of both. My favorite is the montecarlo pizza at La Montecarlo which is served with an egg on top—anything with an egg on top is amazing, am i right?
Pizzarium: For pizza al taglio aka pizza by the slice, this place serves THE BEST in Rome. Bonci, a famous italian chef known as the “Michelangelo of pizza", founded Pizzarium. The pizza dough is made to perfection with classic as well as creative toppings. The pizzeria is located near the Cipro metro station which is one stop away from the Vatican area.
OTHER OPTIONS:
+ Da Remo in Testaccio & Da Francesco in Centro Storico for Roman-style pizza
+ La Boccacia in Trastevere & Antico Forno Roscioli in Campo De' Fiori for pizza al taglio
PASTA
Roma Sparita : I read about this place from Anthony Bourdain years ago & it’s all the rage. There are 3 types of roman dishes you have to try in Rome (amatriciana, carbonara, & cacio e pepe) & this to me is the best place for cacio e pepe. They serve the pasta in an edible cheese bowl & it's so damn delicious. Due to its popularity over the years, you’ll probably need to make reservations ahead of time.
Il Ciociaro: I’m a bit biased to this osteria since I dined here regularly & it was located next door to my old apartment in Prati. This restaurant isn't listed on any famous food blog but out of all the amatricianas I tried during my time in Italy, I genuinely believe their bucanti all’amatriciana is the BEST—I mean they cook the pasta in a pecorino cheese wheel! Everything else on their menu is average, but the amatriciana is #1.
Osteria Da Zi Umberto: Another quiant osteria in Rome. It’s located in Trastevere with generous outdoor seating to enjoy a beautiful Roman night. All-around delicious Roman restaurant, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu.
OTHER OPTIONS:
+ Da Felice in Testaccio
+ Armando Al Pantheon near the Pantheon
+ Spaghetteria L'archetto near the Trevi Fountain
PASTRIES
Dolce Maniera: This is the 24 hour bakery around the block from my old apartment (yes 24 hours & probably one of the only places open in Rome 24/7 aside from local flower shops). It’s next to Il Ciocaro restaurant in Prati that I mentioned earlier and right off the Ottaviano metro stop. I loved going to Dolce Maniera after stuffing my face in amatriciana next door or for a late night bite. They have the best nutella donuts (ciambella di nutella) and they’re only 50 cents!!
COFFEE
Coffee grind like a Roman
Sant’ Eustachio: Located behind the Pantheon, this is the pride and joy of Roman coffee drinkers. I still day dream about the gran caffè and cappuccino on a daily basis. As my aunt says, they have perfected the art of “frothy-ness”.
Tazza’d Oro: Located close to the Pantheon as well. The granita is AMAZING and perfect for a blazing hot day in Rome. Don’t be fooled by its small serving, the granita will have you wired the entire day.
PANINIS
1. Duecentogradi: Great place for a quick bite next to the Vatican and they’re open fairly late. Skip the touristy restaurants around the area and go here instead. Great selection of sandwiches whether you’re a carnivore or a vegetarian. It's quick, cheap, and delicious!
GELATO
Gelato makes everything better
Gelateria dei Gracchi: If you’re a fan of pistachio, this place to me serves the best pistachio gelato—it's the right percentage of creamy and nutty. My other favorites are the nocciola and rice & honey. Don’t forget to order your gelato on a cone with panna (whipped cream) on top! This gelateria is popular to Prati locals & students like me studying at the St. John’s University campus just around the corner.
Gelateria del Teatro: Located near the Piazza Navona area so it’s quite a pretty walk along the cobble-stoned streets to the gelateria. They come up with the most unique and delicious flavors here. A lot of their gelato is seasonal. For example, they make the best pumpkin gelato during the fall time!
OTHER OPTIONS:
+ Frigidarium near Piazza Navona
+ Giolitti near the Pantheon
+ Gelarmony in Prati
APERITIVO
“Italian happy hour” at Freni e Frizioni
For those of you unfamiliar with aperitivo, it’s pretty much Italy's version of happy hour. Once you buy a drink at the restaurant/bar you are entitled to the all you can eat italian buffet (which typically is a generous and diverse spread). If you’re on a budget, this is the best way to fill up your belly in Italy while “living like a local".
Gusto: Located in the Piazza del Popolo area. Gusto is a trendy spot for a date or to catch up with a group of friends. The variety of their aperitivo spread is as impressive as it looks.
Freni e Frizioni: This was our go to aperitivo spot before a night out in Trastevere. Mixed hip crowd filled with locals, expats, and tourists.
There are so many restaurants to choose from in Rome. I gained 15 pounds during my 2 years living there and I still regret not eating more. It may get overwhelming picking a place to eat but trust me, it’ll be better than any Italian food you’ll eat in the states/ outside of Italy. So whether you have a few days or a few hours to visit Rome, stroll and eat your heart out.
What are your favorite food spots in Rome? I haven’t been back to Italy since 2014 so I’d love to hear your Roman food recs whether you're living there now or just went on a recent trip to the eternal city. Sharing is caring—grazie mille!
