Before coming to Rome, I did what any food-obsessed traveler would do: I spent weeks researching the best places to eat in the Eternal City, read numerous articles, spoke with locals, and rewatched Stanley Tucci’s Searching for Italy. I wasn’t going to fly across the ocean only to spend my trip queued at every viral tourist trap.
This guide isn’t a comprehensive directory of every restaurant in Rome. It’s an honest recap of the places my dad and I loved, the dishes I would return for without hesitation, a few spots I’d skip, and one unforgettable experience that made the trip feel cinematic.
My Rome Hit List
If your time is limited, prioritize these top five must-try experiences and dishes.
🍝 Best carbonara: Pommidoro dal 1890 (San Lorenzo)
💎 Best hidden gem: La Vecchia Locanda (near the Pantheon)
🍧 Best gelato: Giolitti (near the Pantheon)
🍘 Best snack: Cacio e pepe supplì at Supplì Roma (Trastevere)
🧀 Best meat and cheese board: Pizza in Trevi or Le Tamerici (near Trevi)
Where to Eat by Area
Near the Pantheon
Giolitti
Order: Pistachio gelato
Giolitti, just steps from the Pantheon, was our favorite gelateria on the trip. The pistachio was creamy, nutty, and exactly what I wanted from authentic Italian gelato. If you see more commercial chains, treat them like the coffee chains of gelato: convenient but not always the best.
5 Signs Your Gelato Is the Real Deal
1. Natural, muted colors and a soft, creamy texture. Pistachio should be an olive green, not neon.
2. Gelato sits level with the pan or is only slightly rounded—never piled high.
3. Covered metal containers (pozzetti) indicate proper storage and temperature control.
4. Seasonal flavors and a short ingredient list suggest freshness.
5. Nut and fruit flavors should taste like the real ingredients, not artificial additives.
Ginger
Order: Eggs, omelettes, freshly squeezed juices
Ginger is a reliable breakfast choice near the Pantheon if you want something fresh and familiar. It overlooks a lovely square and makes a pleasant start to a day of sightseeing and pasta tasting.
La Vecchia Locanda
Order: Tonnarelli with truffle, Amatriciana
La Vecchia Locanda feels rustic and warm, like stepping into a local nonna’s kitchen. The pasta is homemade and perfectly al dente. The tonnarelli truffle pasta was outstanding, and the Amatriciana was my dad’s favorite of the trip. Tucked in a quiet corner near the Pantheon, it never felt like a tourist trap—just a lovely, authentic meal.
Trevi / Spanish Steps
Pizza in Trevi
Order: Antipasto board with fresh ricotta, mortadella, burrata, cheeses, and cured meats
The meat and cheese board here is incredible—fresh ricotta, creamy burrata, and a generous selection of meats and cheeses. The pizza features a 24-hour sourdough crust. I preferred the location on Via della Mercede 32, conveniently between the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps.
Le Tamerici
Order: Salami and cheese platter, gnocchetti, and pinsa
Le Tamerici was a standout. The salami and cheese platter was fresh and perfectly paired with a glass of wine. The gnocchetti, served in a light, creamy sauce, were unforgettable. Don’t miss the pinsa with gorgonzola, pear, and honey—a brilliant balance of sweet and savory. My only caveat: the Alla Gricia was very salty, so skip it if you’re sensitive to salt.
Campo de’ Fiori
Forno
Order: Potato focaccia and a mortadella sandwich with provolone, toasted
Forno Campo de’ Fiori is a historic bakery with two distinct counters. Order the potato focaccia from the right-hand door—it’s light, crisp, and perfectly seasoned. Then head to the other counter for a mortadella and provolone sandwich and ask for it toasted. Locals frequent this spot, and the no-seating setup makes it ideal for grabbing a sandwich to enjoy at a nearby piazza fountain.
Roscioli Salumeria
Order: Fresh ricotta, tiramisu, homemade mortadella, spinach ravioli
Roscioli is a culinary institution for a reason. Known for outstanding cured meats, cheeses, and a vast wine selection, it’s a must-visit. We enjoyed ricotta, smooth mortadella, spinach ravioli, and a memorable tiramisu. Note: the pasta here was a touch undercooked for my preference, so request a longer cook time if you like a softer texture.
Trastevere
Supplì Roma
Order: Cacio e pepe supplì
Supplì Roma served my favorite bite in Trastevere: a crisp, cheesy, peppery cacio e pepe supplì. It’s the ideal street snack while wandering the neighborhood’s cobblestone lanes.
Trattoria Da Teo
Order: Pasta; reservation recommended
Da Teo is a reliable Trastevere option with solid pasta dishes. It’s popular, so book ahead to avoid waiting in a busy neighborhood.
IVO
Order: Thin-crust pizza
IVO offers a casual, local atmosphere and thin-crust pizza—perfect for an easy evening when you don’t want a formal reservation or a long meal.
Worth the Taxi Ride
Pommidoro dal 1890 (San Lorenzo)
Order: The legendary carbonara
Pommidoro dal 1890 serves the best carbonara I’ve ever had. It’s a family-run trattoria featured on national television and located about 20 minutes from the city center, so a taxi and a reservation are necessary. Go solely for the carbonara—you won’t regret it.
My honest take: this is worth the taxi, the reservation, and the hype. If you can’t make the trip, attempt the recipe at home for a taste of the experience.
Honest Skips I Wouldn’t Rush Back To
Tonnarello – Trastevere
I tried this popular spot to see what the fuss was about. For me, it was underwhelming and too salty, so it didn’t make the favorites list.
Otaleg – Trastevere
Some people swear by Otaleg, but our visit was underwhelming. Gelato preferences vary widely, so results may differ by flavor choice.
Da Enzo – Trastevere
Da Enzo is widely talked about and the food is decent, but the long lines and crowded atmosphere made it less enjoyable for us. If you value a calmer meal, consider alternatives.
The Pink Fiat Tour That Made Our Trip
One highlight was a private tour in a vintage pink Fiat 500 with a small company that runs customizable drives around the city. It felt personal, relaxed, and magical—far different from a long walking tour, especially in summer heat.
Our guide and driver knew local history and the best photo stops. We visited the Colosseum, Villa Borghese, the Orange Garden, Gianicolo Hill, and several scenic viewpoints. The tour is perfect for photos and for travelers who prefer not to walk all day. Expect to draw attention—the car is a showstopper—but embrace the moment.
Travel Tips
Make reservations well in advance. Popular restaurants fill up quickly, especially in summer.
Don’t overpack your schedule—leave time to wander, sit in a piazza, and enjoy a gelato by the fountain after dark.
Wear comfortable shoes; cobblestones can be unforgiving.
If you visit in summer, plan around the heat: walk early or late, take breaks, and consider an afternoon rest before dinner.
Try not to judge Rome only by viral spots. Some of the warmest memories come from quiet moments: a small neighborhood restaurant, a toasted sandwich from a bakery, a street musician, a glass of wine, and laughing with someone you love in a sunlit piazza.
Travel Must-Haves
A few items made our days in Rome more comfortable: versatile sandals for long walks, a pair of sneakers for more formal outings, a small anti-theft crossbody, and a simple makeup shield for quick changes. These basics helped keep packing light and sightseeing easy.
If you want to travel light, choose shoes you can walk in all day and a secure bag for crowded areas. Small practical items make a big difference when you’re exploring a busy city.
Are You Packed Yet?
Rome was unforgettable. Beyond the exceptional food and beautiful streets, the moments I’ll cherish most are the small ones shared with my dad—laughing, dancing, and discovering new flavors together. If you’re heading to Rome this summer, I hope this guide helps you eat well, avoid disappointments, and leave space for the memories that matter most.