Top 10 Must-Try Restaurants in Rome
- Corporate Travel
- Jul 8
- 5 min read
When visiting the Eternal City, it can be hard to choose where to dine from hundreds of delicious local options. We’ve provided you with our list of 10 favorite, mouth-watering spots for you to grab an authentic Italian breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert.
Enjoying a luxurious rooftop meal is a must in Italy, and one of our favorite summer spots is the Eden Hotel. This gorgeous building overlooks the city of Rome, with a stunning view of St. Peters Dome in the distance. 6:30pm is the prime time to arrive- you can enjoy a cocktail and watch a colorful sunset before indulging in a delicious, authentic Italian meal at one of the two restaurants available on the rooftop. La Terrazza offers a luxurious dinner venue, with Michelin-rated Mediterranean food and a classy piano bar. Another great option is II Giardino Ristorante, a more contemporary dining experience with spectacular garden views. Both spots are sure to give you that special Italian dining experience you’ve been looking for.
2) Tulio
Tulio is a popular family-owned restaurant, often visited by famous entrepreneurs, politicians and artists. Many of their ingredients come directly from the Tuscan countryside, while shipments of fresh meat, fish and vegetables arrive daily from only the best local markets. This Roman classic maintains a tradition of quality standards while adding their own touches of modernity. Some menu highlights include eggplant parmigiana, fettuccine with porcini mushrooms, and spaghetti with clams. Tulio is a favorite among locals in Rome, with many customers returning for their quality meals and excellent service.
Established as a Roman tavern in 1960, II Girarrosto Toscana is one of the most renowned restaurants in Italy’s Capitol. Located near Via Veneto, it offers a beautiful historic setting and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes visitors feel right at home. Here, you’ll experience a true taste of Italian cuisine and lifestyle, with menu highlights such as fresh oysters, handmade pastas, and classic regional dishes that have been perfected over decades. Their decadent desserts are decorated with fresh fruit, and the menu also features homemade custard, cream pudding and tiramisu.
4) Sora Lella
When visiting Rome, you might find yourself on the small island of Tiberina, a precious, boat-shaped piece of land resting in the Tiberina River.
If the island were a clam, Sora Lella would be the pearl; This gem features historic Roman cuisine that has been passed down through generations, using recipes and techniques that most modern-day restaurants have left behind. The third generation, family-owned restaurant says their commitment to research and ingredient preparation is what truly sets them apart. At Sora Lella, you can indulge in a delicious four-course meal, decorated with a variety of cheeses and perfectly paired with rich wines from the region. Chefs at Sora Lella ensure each meal and dessert is carefully crafted, keeping in mind the principles passed on by Nonna Lella, their beloved ancestor who founded the namesake restaurant in the 1940s.
This restaurant is one of the most unique venues in Rome, located partially in the bell tower of the Church of St. Agnes. Terrazza Borromini puts a modern flare on traditional Italian cuisine, featuring a variety of dishes; From a juicy, fresh regional burger to a rich papardelle with hare ragout. The menu makes for a delicious dinner, but the location is what puts Terrazza Borromini a step above the rest. The unique dining atmosphere is topped with a beautiful rooftop bar above the restaurant, featuring a 360-degree view of Rome and a gorgeous vantage point to see the Piazza Navona.
6) Arlu
After a tour of the Vatican, Arlu is a favorite spot along the Borgo Pio. Each meal at Arlu combines tradition with innovation, and their handmade bread is second to none. A meal at Arlu will give you a taste of Italian authenticity, with pasta cut and shaped using traditional wood tools and an atmosphere that feels like home. The menu highlights unique appetizers, such as Aperol marinated salmon carpaccio and blueberry tuna tartare. Favorites on the dinner menu include lamb-stuffed cappellacci and ravioli with buffalo ricotta- any choice is sure to leave you satisfied and curious to try all of Arlu's exciting flavors.
7) La Vittoria
Located just steps away from St. Peters Basilica and the Vatican, La Vittoria is a perfect option if you are looking for a quick lunch or dinner. Founded in 1919, ‘La Vittoria’ was named to honor Italy’s victory in World War I, and the restaurant has remained a cornerstone of Italian cuisine in the heart of Rome for more than a century since then. Tradition inspires each dish at La Vittoria, and they say each bite tells the story of Rome- from iconic pasta dishes like cacio e pepe to signature, thin Roman-style pizza. For dessert, make sure you try "Momma's Tiramisu", made famous largely by Polish tennis star Iga Świątek, who raved about it during a trip to Rome.
8) PierLuigi
If you want fresh, melt-in-your-mouth seafood, PierLuigi is exactly what you're looking for. Our favorite Roman seafood spot, the menu features seasonal fish, vegetables and herbs that perfectly combine to make a one-of-a-kind Italian meal. Their wine cellar offers a premium selection, with over 1,500 vintage labels from Italy and all over the world. Featuring an indoor and outdoor dining area, PierLuigi is located right in the heart of a historic setting dating back to the Renaissance period. The elegant atmosphere and classy cocktail bar is made even better by the excellent service . The restaurant has been in business since 1938, and stays a Roman favorite with an ever-changing menu.
As you walk the streets of Rome, you’ll see lots of tourists and locals enjoying sandwiches wrapped in white paper with red writing- this a signature of All’Antico Vinaio, one of the world's most renowned sandwich shops.
You can’t leave Italy without trying one of their mouth watering specialties, made with freshly baked bread and delicious locally sourced ingredients. In Rome, All'Antico Vinaio is located right near the Pantheon, and the sandwich shop also operates a location in Florence. We recommend looking at the menu ahead of time, as the restaurant delivers quickly and is famous for having long lines of people out the door, eager to try the food everyone raves about. "La Schiacciata Del Boss" is one of the most popular items on the menu, and includes Tuscan prosciutto, pecorino, and black truffle cream.
10) Giolitti
And for dessert? Giolitti.
Operating since 1900, this shop has earned its title as a local favorite with mouth-watering gelatos made from fresh, natural ingredients. The chefs at Giolitti craft signature innovative flavors, while also keeping true timeless options, like sea salt caramel, stracciatella, and dark chocolate. The journey of Giolitti started in 1890, when Giuseppe and Bernardina Giolitti began selling milk from pastures in the Roman countryside. Their son inspired the Giolitti creamery, and today, after three generations, you can still order their same original flavors. Their artisan desserts are world-renowned, and make a perfect end for a day full of authentic Italian cuisine.
