Rome was like a foodies’ paradise (especially for Italian food lovers like myself). There are so many restaurants serving authentic Roman dishes, and their own creative versions of it, that it does get difficult to find real gems.
As much as I was looking forward to see the Colosseum (one of the 7 wonders of the world), I was looking forward to try out the local food in Italy. I feel some elements of a cuisine can only be best tasted at its origin, for the ingredients are fresh and delicately chosen. Especially with Italian cuisine, the type of tomatoes, fresh cheese and good quality olive oil, all of it contributes to the flavours.
I might sound like a little bit obsessed with the country, but bear with me as this was my first trip after dreaming for years. Thanks to countless movies, documentaries, and Masterchef episodes I had seen about Italian cooking. And the anticipation was well worth it, as I found myself feeling like Elizabeth Gilbert getting surprised with the magic that only a few ingredients could make together.
Rome is especially known for its carbonara, cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper pasta), amarcitiana (pork and pecorino pasta), meat and seafood, and special dishes using artichoke and other seasonal vegetables. Being a vegetarian, I just stuck to pasta and gelato, occasionally trying out pizzas. I am sure my experience is just a tiny slice of what was there to discover, but just these three days of savouring brought me immense joy! And I am sure I will visit again!
Below is a list of places I went after asking recommendations from friends, reading travel blogs, turning up to a nearby restaurant when hungry, and sometimes just trying places that looked charming.
TONNARELLO
The first and my favourite was Tonnarello. And the only one where I waited in queue for 1 hour and didn’t regret it. It is located in the Trastevere area among a sea of family run delis. All places looked nice with their impressive menus, high ratings, and long queues. I tried not to get distracted and went for the restaurant that bought me to the neighbourhood in the first place.
I ordered Cacio e Pepe, simply because I fell in love with that pasta and ordered it everywhere I went. The food was delicious and the restaurant had an adorable homely vibe to it.
TRASTEVERE AREA
Mark this area on your map for the best restaurants in Rome. The word Trastevere literally means ‘across the Tiber’, as this quarter is separated from the rest of the city by river Tiber. It is a vibrant, lively area with young crowd and tons of places to eat and drink. I walked around from Vatican (2kms away), but also there is Janiculum Hill closeby, which is perfect to watch the sun set over the city. And there are frequent buses from other side of the city, so don’t let the distance deter you.
Some well mentioning names are Tonnarello, Osteria Nannarella, La Tavernetta 29, Da enzo, Mò Mò Republic and La Botticella.
MONTI AREA
This is the area where I stayed, and was walking distance from the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The area is centrally connected to all the popular attractions, but is itself a rather residential quarter with modest restaurants and some boho cafes. I ended up trying a few restaurants there as it was close to the hotel, and surprisingly they were quite good.
TRATTORIA AL TETTARELLO
One of the first ones I tried was Trattoria Al Tettarello because of good ratings, and easy availability. The food was delicious, authentic and had a warm homely vibe to it. Also the crowd here seemed mostly locals, and not many tourists. The place has a big menu with all kinds of options from pizza, pasta and meat, and it was overall a good experience.
PICCOLO BUCO
This modern pizzeria was very close to Trevi Fountain, making it an easier decision to visit the place. I particularly chose this place because of good reviews and an unconventional looking pizza. The pizzas were great, with a very soft pillowy-like doughy crust – almost similar to a classic Neapolitan base. And not to mention, the hospitality was amazing as expected.
STREET FOOD
Not mentioning this in any particular category, but there are many eateries in the city serving snacks and even pizza slices as quick bites to go. I don’t remember the name of places where I stopped, but anything that looked moderately good, I would grab a slice of pizza or panini to recharge myself between long walks.
One very particularly roman street food snack is Suppli. It is a version of more famous Arancini (which is Sicilian). I know from outside, we all think of it as one cuisine, but every city is proud of their contributions to the bigger plate. Suppli is a fried ball filled with cheese and less round than an Arancini. Although, while roaming around I have seen both meat and veggie fillings for these street snacks, making them more versatile in current times.
Some more common terminology that would help is Fritti – meaning fried. Seen in delicacies like Fried Artichoke, Squash Blossoms, or Zeppole (fried dough balls).
Speaking of terminology, one thing that was new to me was the pasta description. Generally I would see spaghetti, penne or even tagliatelle in more fine dining places. But in Rome, most prevalent shapes of pasta are Tonnarelli (like spaghetti with more thick and round) and Bucatini (buca meaning hole for hollow pasta, helps to bind with the sauce better).
ROSCIOLI SALUMERIA CON CUCINA
Located close to Campo dei Fiori, this cozy Place initially comes across as a shop rather than a restaurant. It is standing since 1824, and is well known among locals and tourists. I read bloggers raving about their cocktails and unique dishes. I turned up without a reservation and couldn’t get a chance inside. Also on checking out the menu, it was dominated by sea food and I could not see many vegetarian options.
I am still putting it in the list, because I would have loved to taste what the fuss was all about.
CACIO E PEPE
This restaurant is further north up the city, close to Villa Borghese which is a beautiful garden to spend a day. I ended up strolling around this area, so didn’t feel it was too far away. It is a traditional restaurant, serving wholesome rustic dishes.
DA CESARE
This vine-covered patio restaurant is located in Monteverde Nuovo, slightly outside the city, but still connected by trams. This hidden gem is on top of many people’s list for its incredible food, especially for its amatriciana bucatini (made with guanciale and pecorino cheese) and Tonnarelli Alla Gricia (Spaghetti with artichoke).
LA MONTECARLO
La Montecarlo is considered as one of the best pizzerias in Rome by locals. It’s right around the corner from Piazza Navona, and is known for classic thin, crispy pizzas. It is a small place with simple ambiance, but make sure to go on off-peak times to avoid queues.
Z.U.M. ROMA
I ordered Tiramisu at most restaurants to end the meal, but this bakery was on the list for bringing out innovation with such a classic dessert. Z.U. M stands for zucchero, uova, and mascarpone (sugar, eggs and mascorpone) meaning the three main elements of Tiramisu.
They serve numerous options like hazelnut, nutella, chocolate or pistachio. Basically like a tiramisu place but with a menu of a gelato shop. I had this in my list, but because it was so close to the centre, I ended up spotting it while walking, and grabbed a dolce to walk.
OTALEG
I don’t remember having a gelato and not liking it. Maybe my bar is not high, or maybe everywhere the gelato was actually delicious. I tried gelato after almost every meal, and sometimes because I spotted a nice gelato shop. And I remember trying out different shops, so I could see how similar/different they were.
Otaleg is a gellateria in trastevere, so a perfect neighbourhood to try a gelato after an amazing meal.
GIOLITTI
Many good restaurants were not built in a day, and that can be said about Giolitti. It is an old gelato shop founded by Giuseppe and Bernardina Giolitti in 1890. They became famous and started serving the Royal family, and then became more famous. They don’t use artificial flavours, and I really recommend this one. It is close to the Pantheon, and the location is linked below.
GELATARIA LA ROMANA
No different words to say, another gelato shop worth trying! Without a doubt, I had way too many ice creams, but I cannot get that good gelato in Amsterdam, so I don’t mind at all!
I don’t have many pizza recommendations above, because I planned to go to Naples. I have written an article about my experience there, if you wish to read.
For any more recommendations, feedback, or anything please drop a comment below!