In this guide, you’ll find everything you need: traditional Roman dishes, the best areas to eat, and handpicked restaurants loved by both tourists and locals.

🍝 Traditional Roman Food You Must Try

Before choosing a restaurant, it’s important to know what to order. Roman cuisine is simple, but incredibly rich in flavor.

Here are the must-try dishes:

• Carbonara – Rome’s iconic pasta made with eggs, guanciale, pecorino cheese, and black pepper

• Amatriciana – tomato sauce, guanciale, and pecorino

• Cacio e Pepe – simple yet unforgettable (cheese and pepper)

• Gricia – similar to carbonara but without eggs

• Saltimbocca alla Romana – veal with prosciutto and sage

• Roman-style artichokes – either alla romana or alla giudia

💡 Pro tip: Avoid restaurants with picture menus or overly cheap tourist deals—they’re often not authentic.

📍 Best Areas to Eat in Rome

Rome is a large city, and each neighborhood offers a different food experience. Here’s where to go.

🍷 Prati: High Quality and Less Touristy

The Prati district is one of the best areas to eat in Rome. It’s elegant, safe, and full of authentic restaurants, just steps away from the Vatican.

Best restaurants in Prati:

• Pizzarium Bonci
  Famous for gourmet pizza by the slice. Perfect for a quick but high-quality meal.

• La Pratolina
  Known for pinsa, a lighter and more digestible version of pizza.

• Il Sorpasso
  Great for aperitivo and modern Roman cuisine.

• Osteria dell’Angelo
  A true local favorite with traditional Roman dishes.

🍝 Trastevere: Atmosphere and Tradition

Trastevere is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Rome. It’s very popular with tourists, but still home to excellent traditional restaurants.

Where to eat in Trastevere:

• Tonnarello
  Extremely popular for carbonara and cacio e pepe at affordable prices.

• Da Enzo al 29
  Small, authentic, and one of the best places for traditional Roman cuisine.

• Osteria der Belli
  Roman dishes with a Sardinian twist.

💡 Tip: Always book in advance or arrive early.

🥩 Testaccio: The Heart of Roman Cuisine

If you want to eat like a local, Testaccio is the place to go. This neighborhood is considered the true home of Roman gastronomy.

Best restaurants in Testaccio:

• Felice a Testaccio
  Famous for its cacio e pepe prepared directly at your table.

• Flavio al Velavevodetto
  Traditional dishes with a unique setting.

• Da Bucatino
  A great choice for classic Roman pasta dishes.

🍕 Historic Center: Be Careful but Worth It

The historic center is the most convenient area, but also full of tourist traps. However, there are still some excellent places if you know where to go.

Best restaurants in central Rome:

• Armando al Pantheon
  A historic and authentic restaurant near the Pantheon.

• Da Francesco
  Great for both pizza and Roman cuisine.

• Roscioli
  One of the best food experiences in Rome.

🍕 Roman Street Food: What to Eat on the Go

Rome is perfect for quick, delicious, and affordable food.

Must-try street food spots:

• Trapizzino
  A creative mix between pizza and traditional Roman dishes.

• Supplizio
  The ultimate place to try supplì (fried rice balls).

• Forno Campo de' Fiori
  Famous for its legendary pizza bianca.

💸 How Much Does It Cost to Eat in Rome?

Here’s an average price guide:

• Street food: €5–10

• Casual trattoria: €15–25

• Mid-range restaurant: €25–40

• Fine dining: €50+

⚠️ How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Rome

To eat well in Rome, follow these simple rules:

• Avoid restaurants with staff inviting you inside

• Check recent online reviews

• Prefer menus in Italian

• Look for places filled with locals

🍷 Final Tips for Eating Well in Rome

• Make reservations for popular restaurants

• Eat outside peak hours to avoid long waits

• Explore different neighborhoods

• Don’t stop at the first restaurant near major attractions

🏡 Where to Stay in Rome to Enjoy the Best Food

If you truly want to experience Roman cuisine, choosing the right location to stay is essential. Staying in a well-connected and strategic area allows you to reach the best restaurants easily without wasting time on transportation.

Our holiday apartments As House Collection, located in the elegant Prati district, are the perfect choice for travelers who want comfort, convenience, and authenticity. From here, you can walk to the Vatican and easily reach neighborhoods like Trastevere, the historic center, and Testaccio to enjoy Rome’s incredible food scene.

👉 If you’re planning your trip, choose As House Collection and turn your stay in Rome into a truly authentic experience—also at the table