Summary of This Article
- In Rome's fine dining scene, we can reach the city's top-tier gastronomic experiences through La Pergola's three Michelin stars, Il Pagliaccio's creative two-starred cuisine, and AROMA with its Colosseum views.
- When we want to explore authentic Roman cuisine, we can turn to traditional trattorias like Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere, Osteria da Fortunata with its handmade pasta, and Roscioli, famous for its carbonara.
- For dessert and coffee breaks, we can experience Sant'Eustachio's signature espresso near the Pantheon, Pasticceria Regoli's classic maritozzo, and the gelato at Giolitti, serving since 1900.
Rome is a city where food isn’t just part of the experience, it is the experience. For this Rome Food Guide 2026, the 79 team has put together a carefully handpicked selection of places we genuinely love, focusing on quality, authenticity, and atmosphere. Instead of overwhelming you with endless options, we’ve narrowed it down to what actually matters: the best trattorias for true Roman dining, the cafés worth slowing down for a coffee, and the dessert and gelato spots you shouldn’t miss. This guide is designed to help you eat well, discover hidden gems, and experience Rome through its flavors, exactly the way it should be!
Fine Dining: Rome's Michelin-Starred Tables
AROMA
Located on a rooftop overlooking the Colosseum, AROMA delivers one of the most memorable dining settings in Rome. The restaurant holds a Michelin star and offers contemporary Italian cuisine with creative touches, alongside several tasting menus. It’s a destination for special occasions, combining fine dining with panoramic views that are hard to match anywhere else in the city.
La Pergola
La Pergola is Rome’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant, offering a luxury dining experience with panoramic views over the city. The cuisine under the guidance of Heinz Beck is highly refined with its multi-course tasting menus. It’s widely considered one of the top fine dining destinations in Italy, ideal for special occasions.
Il Pagliaccio
Il Pagliaccio is a two-Michelin-star restaurant offering a highly creative tasting experience led by chef Anthony Genovese. The cuisine blends Italian foundations with international influences, resulting in innovative and unexpected combinations. With its intimate setting and refined service, it’s one of Rome’s top destinations for modern fine dining.
Trattorias Worth the Detour
Alfredo alla Scrofa
One of Rome’s most historic restaurants, Alfredo alla Scrofa is widely known as the birthplace of the original fettuccine Alfredo, dating back to 1914. Today, it offers a refined, classic dining experience with a strong focus on tradition and tableside preparation. The atmosphere is elegant and steeped in history, attracting visitors curious to try this iconic dish in its original setting. Expect a more formal, higher-end experience compared to typical Roman trattorias.
Roscioli
Roscioli is a hybrid between a restaurant and deli, and one of the most respected food institutions in Rome. Known for its exceptional ingredients, it serves elevated Roman classics alongside an impressive selection of cured meats and cheeses. The carbonara here is particularly famous, often considered one of the best in the city, there is even a t-shirt merchandise for it!
Osteria da Fortunata
Osteria da Fortunata is known for its handmade pasta, still prepared fresh daily according to recipes passed down from the founder’s grandmother, Fortunata. You’ll often see staff rolling out dough by hand in the front window, which has become part of the restaurant’s identity. The menu focuses on Roman classics like cacio e pepe and amatriciana, served in a lively, casual setting. It’s a place that blends tradition with a slightly more modern, popular appeal, so expect queues, especially during peak hours.
Da Enzo al 29
Tucked away in Trastevere, Da Enzo al 29 is a small, family-run trattoria known for its authentic Roman cooking and intimate atmosphere. Dishes like cacio e pepe and carciofi alla giudia highlight the simplicity and depth of local cuisine. With its limited seating and strong reputation, waiting times are common, but many consider it worth it for the experience.
Santa Lucia
Santa Lucia is a refined yet understated restaurant near Campo de’ Fiori, known for its focus on seafood and seasonal ingredients. The menu blends traditional Italian flavors with a slightly modern approach, emphasizing freshness and simplicity. The restaurant also gained international attention after appearing in the film Eat Pray Love, adding a subtle cinematic touch to its reputation.
Pizzeria Da Baffetto
Da Baffetto is one of Rome’s most famous pizzerias, known for its thin, crispy Roman-style pizza. The atmosphere is fast-paced and no-frills, with tables turning quickly and lines forming outside most evenings. It’s a classic stop if you want to experience traditional Roman pizza in a lively, local setting
Antica Pesa
Antica Pesa, located in Trastevere, combines traditional Roman recipes with a more refined, contemporary presentation. The restaurant has a long history and is known for its polished service and elegant atmosphere. It’s a step up from a typical trattoria, offering classic dishes with a modern touch.
Dal Bolognese
Dal Bolognese, located in Piazza del Popolo, is known for its focus on cuisine from the Emilia-Romagna region. Signature dishes include tagliatelle al ragù, prepared in the traditional Bolognese style. The setting is stylish yet relaxed, making it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.
Dal Toscano
Dal Toscano is a long-standing restaurant specializing in Tuscan cuisine, particularly known for its high-quality meats and classic regional dishes. The interior feels traditional and slightly old-school, adding to its charm. It’s a reliable choice if you’re looking to explore beyond Roman cuisine while staying in the city.
Emma Pizzeria
Emma Pizzeria focuses on high-quality ingredients and a more contemporary take on classic pizza. The dough is carefully prepared, and toppings highlight regional Italian products. The space is modern and spacious, making it a comfortable option compared to more crowded traditional pizzerias.
Pierluigi
Pierluigi is one of Rome’s most established seafood restaurants, known for its elegant outdoor seating and central location. The menu centers around fresh fish and classic Italian seafood dishes, executed with consistency and attention to detail. It’s especially popular for long lunches and warm evenings.
Il Marchese
Il Marchese combines a traditional Roman trattoria offering modern dining experience. The menu focuses on classic Roman dishes. It’s carbonara and amatriciana are taken their places in Michelin Guide. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a lively dinner in an elegant and welcoming setting.
Best Cafés
Antico Caffè Greco
Antico Caffè Greco is one of the oldest cafés in Rome, dating back to 1760, and located just off Via dei Condotti. Stepping inside feels like entering a different era, with historic interiors and a long list of famous past visitors. It’s less about a quick coffee and more about the atmosphere and heritage. Expect a classic Roman café experience with a premium price to match the setting.
Sant’Eustachio Caffè
Sant’Eustachio Caffè is often considered one of the best places for espresso in Rome, located just behind the Pantheon. The coffee is known for its distinct, slightly sweet flavor, prepared using a closely guarded method. It’s a standing-at-the-bar kind of place, always busy and full of energy. A quick stop here is a must for anyone serious about coffee.
Caffè Doria
Caffè Doria sits near Palazzo Doria Pamphilj and offers a more relaxed alternative to the busier cafés nearby. The setting is elegant but understated, making it a good spot for a slower breakfast or afternoon coffee. Alongside espresso, you’ll find pastries and light bites in a calm, central location. It’s a convenient stop when exploring the historic center without the rush.
Cha Cha Lab
Cha Cha Lab is not a traditional Roman café but a small, modern spot specializing in matcha, bubble tea, and Asian-inspired sweets. Located in the historic center, it focuses on drinks like matcha lattes and fruit teas, alongside desserts such as egg waffles and soft-serve.
Tulipane
Tulipane is a small, design-forward café known for its attention to detail and seasonal approach. The menu leans toward specialty coffee, fresh pastries, and lighter brunch-style options. The space feels curated and modern, attracting a younger, creative crowd. It’s a great stop if you’re looking for something beyond the classic Roman bar experience.
Le Levain
Le Levain is a French-inspired bakery and café that has built a strong reputation for its pastries and baked goods. Known especially for its cookies and viennoiserie, it’s a go-to for something indulgent alongside your coffee. The quality is consistently high, with a focus on craftsmanship and ingredients. Expect a casual, takeaway-friendly atmosphere with a loyal following.
Faro
Faro is one of Rome’s leading specialty coffee shops, often credited with pushing the city’s third-wave coffee movement forward. The focus is on carefully sourced beans, alternative brewing methods, and a more international café style. In addition to coffee, they offer a strong breakfast and brunch menu. It’s a standout choice if you’re looking for a more modern, quality-driven café experience in Rome.
Best Pasticcerias and Gelaterias
Two Sizes
Two Sizes is a small, takeaway-focused spot dedicated almost entirely to tiramisu. The concept is simple: a few variations of the classic dessert, served in, yes, two sizes. The original recipe stays close to tradition, while options like pistachio or Nutella add a modern twist. It’s quick, casual, and perfect for a sweet stop while exploring the city center.
Pasticceria Barberini
Pasticceria Barberini is best known for its maritozzo, the classic Roman sweet bun filled with whipped cream. The pastry is light, rich, and one of the most iconic breakfast or dessert items in the city. The shop itself is small and traditional, with a focus on quality over variety. It’s a must-visit if you want to try an authentic Roman pastry done right.
Pasticceria Regoli
Pasticceria Regoli is a historic bakery that has been serving Roman classics since the early 20th century. It’s particularly famous for its maritozzo and a wide selection of traditional pastries. The atmosphere feels old-school and local, with recipes that have stood the test of time. A great stop if you’re looking for something authentic and rooted in Roman tradition.
Le Jardin at Hotel de Russie
Le Jardin, set within Hotel de Russie, offers a more refined and tranquil dessert experience in a hidden garden setting. Surrounded by greenery, it’s ideal for a slower break away from the busy streets. The menu includes elegant desserts, pastries, and afternoon tea options. It’s less about grabbing something quick and more about enjoying the atmosphere.
Don Nino
Don Nino combines a pastry shop, gelateria, and café, all in a central location near major landmarks. The selection ranges from classic Italian pastries to gelato and cannoli, making it an easy all-in-one stop. The presentation is polished and geared toward visitors, but the quality remains solid. It’s a convenient choice when you want variety in one place.
Giolitti
Giolitti is one of Rome’s most famous gelaterias, serving gelato since 1900. The selection is extensive, with both classic and seasonal flavors, all displayed in a traditional setting. It’s a lively, fast-moving place, especially during peak hours. Despite its popularity, it remains a benchmark for classic Roman gelato.
Gelateria del Teatro
Gelateria del Teatro is known for its natural ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Seasonal fruits, herbs, and high-quality raw materials are at the center of their approach. The gelato is made in small batches, often visible from the shop itself. It’s a favorite for those looking for something slightly more refined and ingredient-focused.
Come il Latte
Come il Latte stands out for its creamy textures and high-quality milk-based gelato. Flavors are rich and well-balanced, with options like pistachio, hazelnut, and fresh fruit done particularly well. One of its signatures is adding warm chocolate or melted cream on top. It’s slightly outside the busiest tourist areas, but worth the detour.
La Romana dal 1947
La Romana dal 1947 is a well-known gelato brand with a strong reputation for consistency and quality. The gelato is rich and creamy, with a focus on traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients. A signature touch is filling the cone with melted chocolate before adding the gelato. It’s a reliable option for classic flavors done well.
Fatamorgana
Fatamorgana offers a more experimental take on gelato, with unique and often unexpected flavor combinations. Alongside classics, you’ll find options made with spices, herbs, and less common ingredients. The focus is also on natural products, with many flavors suitable for different dietary needs. It’s a good choice if you want to try something beyond the usual.
FAQ
Rome is full of incredible dining options, from traditional trattorias to Michelin-starred experiences, making it one of the most exciting food cities in Europe right now. In this Rome Food Guide 2026, we’ve focused on a carefully curated selection, our own handpicked list of the best restaurants in Rome for this year. Instead of overwhelming you with endless choices, we highlight the places we genuinely recommend when deciding where to eat in Rome. It’s all about quality, consistency, and memorable dining experiences.
Yes! Especially for popular and fine dining restaurants in Rome, reservations are highly recommended and often essential. The best spots tend to book out in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons. To make things easier, we offer a dedicated reservation service through our Culinary Delights by the 79, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on the restaurants you’ve been looking forward to. We’re happy to arrange your partial or entire Rome dining experience, from must-visit restaurants to a seamless, delicious tour of the city.
