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Rome: Restaurants

For decades (centuries, some would say) the Roman restaurant scene remained static, stuck in a time and space best summed up by a singing owner and red-and-white-checked table clothes. But the 21st-century dining scene has turned out to be far less eternal. Sure, the traditional restaurants are still around (and many are worth going to), but Romans (and their visitors) can now indulge in modern takes on the local cuisine.

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Antico Arco
One of Rome’s trendiest eating spots features new variations on classic Italian themes, and in a beautiful setting, a...
italian

Paris
Amid the tourist traps of Trastevere, this pricey but classic restaurant shines; try Roman classics like deep-fried zucchini...
seafood | italian

Piperno
An elegant, out-of-the-way restaurant to take a date or your parents to, with classic Italian fare as well as Roman standards...
smart splurge | editor pick

Da Vittorio
The best pizza in Rome (far better than the good but overrated and crowded Dar Poeta). Kids will love their heart-shaped...
family | pizza

Giolitti
Everyone has their favorite gelateria, but for great tastes in an elegant atmosphere, you can’t beat Giolitti....
local favorite | dessert | editor pick

Sant'Eustachio Café
You can find great coffee anywhere in town, but one legendary spot merits special attention: Sant’Eustachio Café, where you...
cafe | local favorite

Sora Margherita
A Roman institution, right in the middle of the Jewish Ghetto, this is the place to go for the most amazing meatballs and...
family | great value | italian

Maccheroni
Up the street from the Pantheon, in a former butcher’s shop, this trattoria serves great pasta as well as meat dishes....
family | great value | editor pick

Obika
Don’t let the Japanese-sounding name and sleek sushi-restaurant décor fool you. This is all Italian, all...
trendy | italian