Dining in Rome – from osteria to haute cuisine
Discover the best places to eat in Rome – from osterias to haute cuisine – plus classic dishes and fine dining experiences.
Why Eating in Rome Is an Experience
Rome is a city where you can not only soak up culture but also sample dishes that reflect centuries-old traditions. Every table, from a modest osteria to a gourmet restaurant, tells its own story. On our latest trip, we discovered places ranging from the simple to the sophisticated – each one committed to quality and authenticity.
From Osteria to Trattoria – The Soul of Rome
Ristorante Nino has been a Roman institution since 1939, a place where high society still gathers. Italian stars such as Sophia Loren, Carlo Ponti and Marcello Mastroianni were regulars here, enjoying the most delicious dishes. The interior is a time capsule from a bygone era, exuding nostalgia, and the menu is a textbook example of Italian tradition. We sampled carciofi alla romana (soft, warm artichokes drizzled with olive oil and mint), spaghetti alle vongole, grilled calamari, and a delicious dessert with frutti di bosco. This is Italy at its best: light, pure, no frills.
Da Cesare is one of those places where authenticity reigns supreme. Since 1965, it has been a popular spot for locals who love simple yet delicious food. The emphasis is on local produce, small-scale producers, direct supply, and respect for culinary and cultural tradition. The dish that stuck with me? The courgette flower, filled with melted mozzarella and encased in a crispy coating. It's an ode to Italian simplicity.
Sweet Treats and Coffee Rituals
For the ultimate classic coffee experience, head to Rosati's. Standing at the counter, ordering a cornetto and a cappuccino, you'll feel like a true Roman regular. The lunch menu features elegant and simple dishes that capture the essence of Rome, such as spaghetti alla carbonara and saltimbocca alla romana.
Fancy some more sweet treats? Marzapane delights with gluten-free crostata della nonna and maritozzo, the delicious Roman brioche bun generously filled with whipped cream.
And let's not forget I Dolci di Nonna Vincenza, a charming old shop close to Campo de' Fiori that brings the Sicilian tradition of cannoli and mini cassatas to Rome. They're the perfect treat to enjoy during a leisurely stroll along the Tiber.
Street Food and Artisan Flavors
Antico Forno Roscioli is the best place for pizza al taglio – pizza sold by the slice. With a thin, crispy base and toppings such as stracciatella or prosciutto, it's a snack you just can't get enough of. And let's not forget their porchetta sandwich: succulent suckling pig marinated to perfection. You simply have to visit Roscioli!
Haute Cuisine – Rome for Food Lovers
Then there is Rome for epicureans. Il San Lorenzo is an elegant seafood restaurant where every dish is a work of art. Here, the priorities are freshness and quality. We tried the ricciola (large yellowtail) tartare with tomato and potato; the tagliolini with raw and roasted prawns in a concentrated bisque; and the pasta ai ricci di mare, a speciality with sea urchins that can only be tasted here. The sweet treat? A warm sfogliatina with frangipane and candied orange peel.
At Assunta Madre, it's all about the show: sea bream in a salt crust flambéed with brandy and tiramisu prepared right in front of you. The waiter gave me the secret recipe for the artichoke – gently braised with mint, lemon and olive oil.
The gourmet restaurant Follie, located within the Hotel Villa Agrippina Gran Meliá, wowed us with its beef fillet in a salt crust, served with green asparagus and a sauce full of depth and finesse.
Beyond the Plate – A Culinary Lifestyle
Rome is also a city of details, with every nook and cranny offering something unique to explore. At C.U.C.I.N.A., close to Piazza di Spagna, I found everything I needed to make pasta at home: rolling pins, ravioli moulds and even mortars and pizza ovens. This cosy little shop is a real treasure trove, stocking all kinds of high-quality kitchen utensils and an impressive collection of coffee machines.
And at Gusto, right next to Palazzo Altemps, we had a drink before dinner with homemade crisps, olives and snacks with pesto and burrata – or you can take a workshop on making pasta and tiramisu.
Reflection
Dining in the City of Seven Hills is always an encounter with tradition, passion and simplicity. From pizza al taglio to creamy maritozzi or pasta with sea urchins, every dish has a story to tell. And that makes Rome a paradise for food lovers.
Would you like to recreate the flavours of Rome in your own kitchen? Discover my torta della nonna with frangipane, inspired by an unforgettable tasting experience at Marzapane. Read the blog and bake along!