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7th Floor Terrace, Hotel Hassler
The 7th floor of the Hotel Hassler Roma is a lovely and serene spot for lunch, dinner or aperitivo. The panoramic view (one of the best vantages in the entire city), the service and the classic (though limited) menu offerings...
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Al Pompiere
A neighborhood favorite in Rome’s Jewish ghetto, Al Pompiere beckons with an old-world atmosphere and classic Roman cuisine. The white-tableclothed dining room is the perfect place to enjoy traditional dishes like fried squash blossoms, porchetta, spaghetti carbonara and bucatini all'amatriciana
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Antica Pesa
Located in the heart of Trastevere, this elegant trattoria has been a favorite of local foodies and visitors for nearly a century. The chic candlelit dining room with fresco-adorned walls opens to a leafy terrace that’s lovely for al fresco...
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Antico Arco
With a magical setting, especially for a warm summer night, Antico Arco is perched high up in Trastevere’s Janiculum Hill. The menu is creative Italian, and dishes are based on local ingredients mamma might have used, with a more contemporary...
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Arancio d’Oro
You won’t find many tourists at this casual trattoria located in a quiet side street in Rome’s Historic District. All pasta is handmade, and gluten-free options are available. The staff is also unpretentious and friendly.
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Armando al Pantheon
At this excellent trattoria near the Pantheon, the traditional Roman cuisine is always fantastic and due to its reputation and proximity to popular attractions, book well in advance for lunch or dinner. A recent renovation has left the space more beautiful...
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Canova
As Paris has Café de Flore and London has the Wolseley, so Rome has Canova. A grand, historic watering hole in a prime location for watching the world stroll by and to enjoy a cup of coffee, morning pastry, sandwich...
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Cesare al Casaletto
This trattoria is the passion project of a local foodie couple and has become one of the city’s best classic eateries, as well as a favorite of Indagare Insider Katie Parla (read more of her Rome favorites in our Q&A)....
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Checchino Dal 1887
Those craving traditional Roman offal (oxtail, brains, and the like) should make a reservation at this old-world favorite in a hidden corner of Testaccio. As the name implies, the place is deeply historical and dates back to the era when Rome’s slaughterhouse...
- Courtesy Rocco Forte Hotels, Hotel de la VilleRead More
Cielo Terrace & Restaurant, Hotel de la Ville
The Cielo bar is so beloved for a sunset cocktails and light bites that a line forms for one of its 15 to 20 tables each evening an hour or so before sunset. Hotel guests and non-guests alike come for...
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Da Fortunato
Open since 1975, Da Fortunato has long been a favorite thanks its old-world atmosphere, terrace that offers views of the Pantheon and classic Roman fare. The eatery is known for its large menu of traditional dishes including fritto misto, baked...
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Dal Bolognese
A favorite of Rome’s jet set, Dal Bolognese has an unbeatable view right onto Piazza del Popolo, so it comes as no surprise that the restaurant is always booked. Arrive early (8:15pm is their first reservation) to get a table....
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Felice a Testaccio
Foodies have long argued whether the cucina romana is better at Felice or Checchino. In truth both places serve excellent traditional fare, though the dining room at Felice is slightly more updated, which is a plus for some and a...
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Flavio Al Velavevodetto
In-the-know locals flock to Flavio for some of the best Roman specialties to be had. The simple white stucco façade buzzes with families and couples, spread over two outdoor spaces and two cozy interior rooms. The menu is available only...
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Giolitti
At this wonderfully old-school caffè-cum-gelateria, you first pay for however many scoops you wish, then, armed with a little white receipt, you can order at the delicious homemade gelato. Don’t try it the other way around; you will simply be...
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Girarrosto Fiorentino
If classic and old-world is what you're seeking for your meals in Rome, do not miss this elegant restaurant located in the center of the city, just a few minutes stroll from the Borghese Gardens. The wood paneled dining room...
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Hostaria da Pietro
Only a short walk from some of Rome's top shops and the Hotel de Russie, Hostaria da Pietro is a casual trattoria that draws high-profile guests with its excellent pasta and fish. Tucked into an alleyway and decorated year-round with twinkling...
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Il Giardino Ristorante at Hotel Eden
Located on the top floor of the Hotel Eden, Il Giardino offers a more relaxed and refined dining experience than the Michelin-starred, dinner-only La Terraza next door. With sweeping views of the Borghese Gardens and the rest of the city,...
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Il Matriciano
For a less touristy (and less pricey) alternative to Piazza del Popolo’s Dal Bolognese, head across the Tiber to Il Matriciano for al fresco dining and old fashioned Roman cuisine. A few blocks north of the Vatican, the restaurant is in...
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La Pergola
In a city that is mostly about casual, trattoria-type dining, the three-Michelin-star restaurant—the city’s only such honored restaurant—stands out. Considered one of the great chefs not only in Italy but in all of Europe, Heinz Beck prepares exquisite food that...
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Pasticceria Boccione
Rome’s oldest bakery, dating back to 1815, is a classic spot that continues to attract a local crowd. Located in the heart of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto, it may not look like much on the outside, but makes delicious treats, including...
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Pierluigi
On a quiet side street not far from the bustling Campo de’ Fiori, Pierluigi is a great casual restaurant that serves delicious salads, pastas, grilled fish and meats. In warm weather, there are tables outside on a serene piazza. It’s...
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Ristorante Nino
No longer a secret address, Nino continues to serve reliable Tuscan specialties. The scene is slightly more upscale than your average Roman trattoria and service can be hit-or-miss. Indagare Tip: It's best to ask your concierge to book your table...
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Roscioli
This salumeria, wine bar and tiny restaurant specializes in such gourmet treats as artisanal meats and cheeses. The counter up front is always packed with customers sampling from the hundreds of options. (The staff is well-prepared for visitors from abroad:...
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Sciuè Sciuè Cucina
Roman locals head to this restaurant for simple, high-quality Italian cuisine with changing daily menus in a contemporary setting.
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Settimio all’Arancio
When nonna is out of town and well-heeled Romans are missing old-school regional fare, they head to this family-owned spot (one brother is the chef, the other the manager) close to the Spanish Steps. Crispy fried artichokes and homemade tiramisu...
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Trattoria al Moro
In a hidden location, on a narrow cobblestone street near the Trevi fountain, this authentic trattoria is one a favorite of Alberto Moncanda, the owner of three boutique hotels. “Al Moro, is a well-known trattoria; well-known for its delicious food...
Rome

There is something undeniably old-school about the Italian capital, especially when it comes to dining. Yes, there are some sleek restaurants with minimalist decor and innovative cuisine, but for the most part, visitors seek out the mom-and-pop trattorias of yesteryear or, in some cases, yester-century. Rome is one of Indagare’s most popular destinations, and it’s not unusual for a member to work with one of our travel experts on mapping out an itinerary entirely based around the restaurants, meals and types of food not to be missed. One scene-stealer has been Roscioli, which serves up the city’s most luscious buffalo mozzarella and burrata alongside spectacular cured meats. Families will be happy with versatile Pizzeria Emma, which offers salads, pastas, antipasti plates, meat, and, of course, pizza. For an abbreviated list of restaurants, read Top Tables Rome.