Rome is a city like no other. And we’re not even talking about its history that dates back to thousands of years. Where else could you walk along ancient structures, enjoy a Tuscan pine nut gelato, drink one of the best coffees you’ll ever taste, discover inspiring Italian designers, and finish up the day with a delicious meal that will probably make an appearance in your daydreams for months? Take a look at the map to see the fantastic recommendations we’ve put together to make your trip to Rome even more special.
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La Zanzara
Open from morning to late at night (2 am, Monday through Sunday), La Zanzara welcomes tourists and locals alike with a delicious menu. You’ll find this Italian bistro in the heart of the Prati district, close to many museums and theaters as well as Vatican City. Drop by for fresh homemade pasta or cheese and meat platters you’ll dream about back home and don’t forget to try an Italian wine or an artisan beer carefully selected by the bistro’s expert team.
Via Crescenzio, 84, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
Opened by the couple who owns the popular restaurant The Eatery, Marigold Roma is a cozy brunch place where you can enjoy amazing food in an amazing atmosphere. The restaurant and bakery has a menu that focuses on locally sourced, seasonal, and organic ingredients. Here you can order anything from freshly baked pastries and sandwiches to flavorful pasta, vibrant salads, or Italian wine and coffee. The interior features handmade tables, antique chairs sourced from all over Italy, and beautiful ceramics.
Via Giovanni da Empoli, 37, 00154 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
While located in a tourist area (between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona), LIÒN is anything but touristy. Before delighting with contemporary Italian food, the LIÒN restaurant and cocktail bar mesmerizes with a bold, vibrant design. A symphony of color and geometry, the sophisticated interior features a blue palette, black marble, brass, colored glass, and custom furniture. A must-visit place for design lovers who also love modern Italian cuisine.
Largo della Sapienza, 00186 Roma, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
Fratelli Ciavatta provides Italian cheese, meat and wine, as well as freshly made paninis and pastries. Drop by if you want to experience Italian hospitality and if you want to buy some incredible regional foods, including Bassiano ham, sausage from Monte San Biagio or buffalo mozzarella made in the Province of Caserta.
Love chocolate? You’ll love La Casa del Marron Glacé even more! Apart from the candied chestnuts – which you can buy plain or covered in chocolate – you can also indulge your sweet tooth with a variety of chocolates, almond pastes and stuffed fruit. Gorgeous boxes filled with Marron Glacès are also available if you want to surprise a special someone.
20MQ Design e Derivati brings together a design shop, a coffee place and a bistrot under one roof. In the shop you can discover a range of furniture, lighting and home accessories, as well as stationery, t-shirts or wallets. Some products are designed by 20MQ and by Italian designers, while others are brought in from all over the world and sold exclusively here.
Emporio is an exquisitely designed space filled with exquisite designs. Large red numbers mark the separate areas that spread across 300 square meters. Arranged like a spacious apartment, the shop immerses customers into a welcoming space where the latest furniture from well-known designers blends in with modern lighting and elegant accessories.
Go to My Ale if you want to browse through an amazing selection of products that include the finest artisan beers, cheeses and salumi, as well as a range of organic fruit extracts, freshly made focaccia and delicious homemade desserts. Gluten-free options are also available. And this includes the beer!
Founded in 1932, Castroni has been delighting tourists and locals for decades with its range of aromatic coffee sourced from all over the world and with an incredible selection of Italian products. Here you’ll be able to buy traditional wine, oil, pasta, sauces, chocolate, and other gourmet Italian food items.
Via Cola di Rienzo, 196/198, Rome, 00192 RM, Italy
The popular Roscioli restaurant also has a fantastic deli section, opened in 2002. At Salumeria Roscioli you’ll enter a foodie wonderland: 300 varieties of cheeses, 150 kinds of salumi and 2800 wine labels. You can also find a wide range of preserves, pasta, sauces and artisanal oil and vinegar here.
Volpetti is run by two brothers who opened the shop in 1973. Cold meats, homemade pizza and bread, cheese, dried mushrooms and truffles, honey and wine. Drooling yet? Keep in mind that these are just a few of the amazing products you’ll be able to buy at Volpetti.
La Tradizione is every foodie’s dream. Prepare yourself for some tasty discoveries here as you’ll have a fantastic selection to choose from. 400 kinds of cheeses from Italy, France and other parts of the world; 300 types of Italian and Spanish sausages; 12 varieties of aged ham; wines, hand-rolled pasta, and extra virgin oils from Sicily. To name a few…
Run by the Paciotti family since 1970, Paciotti Salumeria is a perfect shop to go to if you need advice about products. The friendly owners are always ready to assist with helpful information about their range of delicacies, whether you want to know how Tuscan Finocchiona differs from Roman Coppiette or why Salama da Sugo PGI from Ferrara has achieved legendary status. Not to mention that a professional sommelier is also ready to help you choose the best wine.
Via Marcantonio Bragadin, 51, Rome, 00136 RM, Italy
Franchi is a wine and gourmet food shop that opened its doors in the 1920s. A beautiful piece of Roman history, this charming place maintains the warmth and welcoming atmosphere of the shops from that time. Here you can buy traditional Italian products which range from salumi to cheese and wine.
Le Levain is what many call “the best French bakery in Rome, maybe even the best in Italy.” Croissants made with French butter, eclairs that look almost too good to eat, pain au chocolat, and a range of cakes will welcome you with a delicious bakery scent you’ll want to bottle up and take home.
Family-owned Pasta Pica offers a range of products that combine the best ingredients with the expertise and passion of two generations of pasta makers. Here you can buy everything from egg pasta for your own dishes to gnocchi or ravioli and tortellini with simply delicious fillings.
Pasta all’uovo Marini is a historic pasta shop that still operates an old cutting machine. The shop is beloved by locals who queue to order tortellini, fettuccine, cappeletti, or ravioli, to name a few. Tourists who find this gem will no doubt make a second trip to try the more varieties of these egg and flour delicacies.
Part of the popular Eataly chain, Eataly Roma has an unsurprisingly exhaustive range of products. It’s an impressive building with four floors of food items. A great choice if you want to browse through a huge selection of products and find some hidden treasures sourced from various Italian regions.
Dolmen Factory opened its doors in 1975 and has been delighting design lovers ever since. The shop features a carefully curated selection of furniture, accessories, lighting and fabrics along with a range of products created by international designers. A sophisticated shop with an eclectic collection that has something for everybody.
Cantiere Galli Design is a must-visit place for interior design lovers. Stunning tiles, modern furniture, minimalist accessories and distinctive décor pieces are some of the things you’ll discover here. The space also features a bookshop and a meeting room where architects and designers are encouraged to exchange ideas.
Fondaco is a “concept street shop” that takes inspiration from old warehouses. Thus, it offers an array of products that cover everything from clothing, interior design, art, books, fabrics, and accessories, among others. Visitors will also find a blend of contemporary designs and vintage items.
The Re(f)use concept store sells exclusively recycled and upcycled products, from clothes, jewelry and bags to furniture and eye-catching home accessories. A great destination for not only the eco-conscious but also for those who love creative and artistic designs.
Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 40, Rome, 00186 RM, Italy
Many say that Gelateria del Teatro sells the best gelato in Rome. So now you have to visit to see if that’s true. The range of flavors is vast and includes classic gelato as well as ingenious flavors, such as pecorino with honey and figs or dark chocolate with chilli flakes. Customers can also see the making-of process through a side window!
Carapina follows on the footsteps of two Florence gelaterias. This third location in Rome offers the same top quality gelato, or gourmet ice cream as the company calls it. Expect to find a limited and exquisitely made range of around 15 flavors here. The varieties change over the year as each gelato is made with seasonal ingredients.
At Neve di Latte you can discover an array of stunning flavors, from the classic chocolate and pistachio to the sophisticated Tuscan pine nuts gelato or the intriguing Balsamic vinegar (!) gelato. The ingredients are premium quality and include locally sourced items as well as cream from German cows that graze at 1400 meters above sea level.
The Otaleg gelato is said to conquer your senses – and maybe even make you fall in love with it – in about three seconds. Here you’ll find a range of around 60 (yes, that’s sixty) flavors which are always seasonal. Daily inventions also appear frequently on the menu, making each visit special!
Viale dei Colli Portuensi, 594, Rome, 00151 RM, Italy
Osteria Bonelli is a popular restaurant, which means that you should make reservations for dinner a few days in advance, and if you want to go at lunch time, be prepared to wait for a table. The restaurant offers delicious Roman food at amazing prices, so it’s no wonder that it has become one of the busiest restaurants in the capital.
Coromandel is ideal for breakfast and brunch. This gem has a quirky and charming décor, but you’ll love the food even more. The menu is European/International and includes seasonal ingredients as well as numerous original dishes created by the chef. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.
At L’Olimpo you’ll find amazing Mediterranean cuisine and delicious gelato in a modern décor on the rooftop of the Bernini Bristol Hotel. This means that you will also enjoy a striking panorama of the city’s skyline, which includes a great view of the St. Peter’s Cathedral.
A former barge, Baja offers the opportunity to enjoy delicious food while admiring the Tiber River as the sun sets the sky and the water on fire in shades of red and orange. Here you can order modern takes on traditional Italian dishes, with a glass of wine or a cocktail to add the perfect finishing touch to your dinner.
Lungotevere Arnaldo da Brescia, Rome, 00196 RM, Italy
The world-renowned La Pergola is located in the Waldorf Astoria hotel. The only holder of three Michelin stars in Rome, this Italian restaurant is a must-visit place and bucket list item for any foodie. Apart from the food that will probably stir your emotions, here you can also enjoy an elegant décor and simply breathtaking views over the city.
Osteria Fernanda provides a sophisticated dining experience. The dishes offer a contemporary, creative and refined take on traditional cuisine, with plates arranged to look not just stunning, but to truly resemble works of art. Go. You can thank us later.
Via Crescenzo Del Monte, 18, Rome, 00153 RM, Italy
The epitome of a classic Italian restaurant, L’Arcangelo has a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The walls feature photographs of the chef’s family, while the furniture includes beautiful antique pieces and Art Nouveau mirrors. This gourmet tavern serves traditional Roman cuisine, so you can rest assured that you’ll find some delicious dishes here.
Via Giuseppe Gioachino Belli, 59, Rome, 00193 RM, Italy
Trattoria da Cesare serves dishes that recreate the heart of Roman cooking using flour and pulses sourced from the Roman countryside. Here you can order courgette flowers with anchovies and mozzarella, breaded lamb ribs, homemade pasta, pizza, and a range of classic desserts, among many others.
Antico Arco takes traditional ingredients and creates contemporary Italian dishes you’ll probably dream about when you get back home. There are 1200 labels on the wine list, but the cellar is truly impressive. Located in the catacombs of San Pancrazio that date back to the 4th-century, it houses up to 20.000 bottles of wine.
If you like wine and good food, you simply have to stop by Vineria Litro. This winery and restaurant offers an impressive range of natural wines sourced from all over Italy, from small artisanal producers. The limited range of dishes include pastas, lasagna, bruschetti, as well as salumi and cheese platters.
ilSanLorenzo’s menu changes seasonally, but there are a few staples you’ll always find on the menu. Try the authentic Sabaudia clams, said to have a more delicate taste, and the dishes made with freshly caught fish from the Tyrrhenian Sea. If you have a sweet tooth, we have good news for you: the pastry chef trained at the legendary Valrhona school.
Roscioli has been owned by the same family for four generations. Originally opened in 1872 as a bakery, it added a restaurant to the family business in 2002. Both locals and tourists frequent the restaurant, many of them no doubt ordering the signature Carbonara Roscioli, the Pizza Rossi Roscioli or one of the classic Capitoline dishes. Love wine? Here you’ll have a choice between 2800 labels! For those who cannot travel to Italy, Roscioli offers an authentic Italian wine experience with a Wine Club that ships all over the world. Many of their products can also be purchased from their online shop.
Da Armando al Pantheon is small and cozy as well as extremely popular. This means that you should probably make reservations, even for lunch. You’ll find a delicious menu here with fantastic appetizers and traditional pasta dishes as well as simple, classic recipes that celebrate local ingredients.
You can find Retrobottega in the historic center, a short distance away from Piazza Navona. The restaurant provides a great blend of traditional and modern dishes, with an emphasis put on sustainability and zero waste. The décor follows the same principles and features reusable materials.
Nonna Betta – which translates to Grandma Betta – offers kosher style Italian cuisine with a traditional homemade feel and taste. This restaurant is not only a must-visit place for foodies, it’s also an unmissable place for art and history lovers. The walls are covered in striking frescoes that recreate 19th-century scenes from the Jewish Ghetto, where the restaurant is located.
Via del Portico d'Ottavia, 16, Rome, 00186 RM, Italy
The charming La Porta del Principe restaurant looks like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale. The 19th-century building used to be a farmhouse and features walls covered in climbing plants. Opened in the ‘70s, the restaurant was ahead of its time, as it introduced the concept of “natural-organic” eating. Expect to taste some exquisite dishes here.
Baccano sits between the famous Trevi fountain and via del Corso. An authentic bistrot, it provides a range of dishes heavily influenced by tradition, all made with a vintage touch. With the long breakfast and brunch menus, the menu that changes monthly and the fantastic wine list, you’ll always have something new to try here. And if you fancy something special, drop by the champagne and oyster bar.
Located within walking distance of the Pantheon, Grano delights tourists and locals with delicious Italian cooking and Mediterranean flavors. As a bonus, you can also admire the artworks of Enzo Apicella, who apart from being a well-known artist, is also a friend of the founders.
La Matricianella offers an authentic Roman dining experience. Opened in 1957, the restaurant features traditional small wooden tables with checkered tablecloths, making you feel like you’re in an old Italian movie. Here you’ll find classic recipes that strictly respect the Roman ways of cooking.
Palazzo delle Esposizioni is a great destination for art and cinema lovers, but here you can also visit an expansive bookshop filled with great titles. And after you browse through the selection of books and buy some gems to take home, you can drop by the restaurant to refill your batteries before exploring the rest of Rome.
Tara is a must-visit place for collectors in particular and book lovers in general. This small and charming bookshop offers a range of rare first edition books, photography books and a carefully curated selection of collectible titles. Plus, you can also find more recent books at discounted prices.
Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 41, Rome, 00186 RM, Italy
Located in the historical area of Rome, the Cesaretti Bookshop has sold books since 1888, which makes it one of the oldest bookshops you’ll visit in your lifetime. Prepare yourself for a couple of magical hours, as here you’ll be able to browse through vintage books and truly one-of-a-kind gems.
Named after the iconic book, the Fahrenheit 451 bookshop opened its doors in 1989. It offers a range of new and rare books, with an impressive selection of art, photography, theater and cinema titles that will probably keep you busy for a couple of hours.
IBS is a special bookshop. Opened in 1998, it sold Italy’s first Italian book online, paving the way towards the e-commerce revolution. The company’s Rome shop provides books on virtually any subject and in any category you can think of, with both new and used books available.
Caffè Letterario combines a bookshop with a coffee shop and a bar. Three birds with one stone, we’d say. You can enjoy the quiet studying and reading area while drinking a cup of coffee and then stay for the cocktails and live music.
At Feltrinelli you’ll discover a distinctive atmosphere where culture and entertainment combine. Located in the stunning Galleria Alberto Sordi, the bookshop is spread on four floors. Here you’ll find books, music, magazines, a coffee shop and an area that hosts events, book signings and exhibitions.
Galleria Alberto Sordi, Piazza Colonna, Rome, 00187 RM, Italy
Caffè Sant’Eustachio is a destination in of itself. Opened in the ‘30s, this iconic coffee place is right in the heart of historic Rome, between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. Here you can drink an espresso or a cappuccino and enjoy some delicious pastries while you admire the beauty of this breathtaking city.
For over 70 years, La Casa del Caffè Tazza D’Oro has served what many call “one of the best coffees in the world.” Artisanal skill, a quest for ultimate quality and a passion for authentic coffee have characterized the company from the beginning. Expect to find some incredible blends here, including the signature “Regine” coffee blends.
When visiting Rome, you’ll find incredible pieces of history wherever you turn. Antico Caffè Greco is a perfect example. This historical gem dates back to 1760 and has been a favorite gathering place for artists, writers, musicians and nobility for hundreds of years. Inside, you’ll find a stunning collection of art, from sculpture to paintings, to give a special flavor to every cup of coffee.
Caffetteria Bistrot is inside the Chiostro del Bramante art museum. That already sets it apart from other coffee places. Take the opportunity to get a taste of some classical art before sipping on a cup of aromatic coffee as you plan the rest of your day in Rome.
Caffè Viceré opened its doors in 1949. The company operates its own roasting plant, providing excellent blends to various bars, hotels and restaurants in Rome and beyond. So you can rest assured that a cup of coffee here is something special indeed.
If you love filter and nitro coffee, you have to drop by Pergamino Caffè. This is a place where you can enjoy something different from the ubiquitous espresso (though you can also order one, if you wish), as well as a quick bite to eat from a range of sandwiches and other savory treats.
Rome is filled with amazing pieces of history. So it comes as no surprise that Sciascia Caffè opened in 1919. Made with a unique blend (which is still a secret), the coffee you’ll taste here has flavors that range from dark chocolate and mandarins to Amalfi lemons, apricots or pomegranate. If that doesn’t convince you, we don’t know what will.
Roscioli Caffè offers coffee and freshly made pastries in a gorgeous modern décor. Order a pour-over coffee or a classic espresso – the latter is made with beans roasted by the renowned Torrefazione Giamaica Caffè in Verona.
Panella is not just an awesome coffee place, it’s also one of the best pastry shops in Rome. Prepare yourself for some out-of-this-world sweet and savory treats, including artisanal bread and pastries you’ll want to Instagram before you devour them. As a bonus, you can also buy a few foodie gifts for family and friends.
