The best restaurants to try in Rome (2024)

A picturesque little eatery located on a quieter street in Trastevere, Da Enzo is one of the more characteristic trattorias in Rome and draws a crowd for its simple, honest fare and handful of outdoor tables. Eating here feels like a family gathering, with abundant portions expertly prepared. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu – fromcarbonaraand meatballs to braised artichokes and tiramisu – but show up early, or you’re in for a long wait.

Traditional Roman pizza is served paper-thin with charred edges and fragrant ingredients in the heart of Testaccio. This historic, no-frills pizzeria is Rome in a nutshell; gritty, delicious, brusque but friendly, all at once. It’s only open in the evenings, and it fills up quickly, especially on weekends, so show up early to snag a table. The ricesupplìand potato croquettes make for excellent starters.

With its cosy interiors and warm service,Trattoria Pennestriis the kind of restaurant that invites you to linger and enjoy a leisurely meal with good company. Like the ambience, the menu is rustic but refined, with a curated selection of inventive dishes that make the most of the season’s ingredients. The wine list is also wonderful, with an ample selection by the glass. Save room for one of the city’s best desserts: a sweet and salty chocolate mousse served with Sardinian flatbread and infused with rosemary.

4.Da Cesare al Casaletto

Located at the end of the 8 tram that snakes its way through the Trastevere neighbourhood, Cesare al Casaletto’s location outside the city centre hasn’t dampened its popularity among tourists and locals alike. This casual trattoria is the go-to for Rome’s many food writers, bloggers and passionate eaters, thanks to its familial atmosphere and delicious dishes. Order the fried gnocchi served on a meltedcacio e pepesauce, and don't shy away from the minty Roman tripe and oxtail, prepared to perfection.

6.Ristorante Moma

7.Felice a Testaccio

Testaccio is widely considered the best neighbourhood for Roman cuisine, and this eatery is its unrivalled star. With retro checkered floors, white tablecloths, and a tantalizing array of traditional dishes, the old-school restaurant makes a perfect leisurely weekend lunch with family or a romantic choice for a gourmet dinner.Cacio e pepeis Felice a Testaccio's signature dish; this tangle of spaghetti, melted cheese and black pepper comes freshly tossed at the table for you.

8.Marigold

9.Santo Palato

10.Enoteca La Torre

Set within Anna Venturini Fendi’s magnificent Villa Laetitia, Enoteca La Torre captures the essence ofla dolce vita. This high-end restaurant serves artful plates that complement its grand setting: helmed by Domenico Stile, who hails from Campania, you’ll find Southern Italian ingredients like buffalo milk cheeses, Sorrento lemons and fresh fish featured on the menu. For a real treat, opt for the seven-course surprise tasting menu selected by the chef– though, be warned, Enoteca La Torre is for special occasions. Its dishes (and especially its set menus) are rather expensive.