Rome isn’t just an open-air museum or the cradle of Western civilisation—it’s a food lover’s dream where every bite tells a story. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, this guide is your passport to Rome’s most authentic flavours: gelato, pasta, pizza, and those hidden gems only locals whisper about. Including sushi. (Yes, I know. Not Italian but too good not to mention)

Before you continue reading, however, make sure to check out all 9 things you must know before dining in Italy.

🍨 Gelato Heaven

GROM

A household name for good reason, GROM delivers consistently high-quality, creamy gelato made from natural ingredients. With multiple locations around the city, it’s the perfect sweet escape during sightseeing.

Venchi
Yep, the one with the chocolate wall.

Loved by tourists and locals alike, Venchi is more than just gelato—it’s an indulgent experience. Yes, there may be a line, but the luxurious texture and rich flavours make every minute worth it.

Gelateria del Gracchi

Tucked away in the charming Prati district (the location we used to visit), this artisanal spot is a local favourite and arguably Rome’s best-kept secret. Their gelato is intensely flavorful, made fresh daily, and completely unforgettable.

🍝 Pasta Perfection

Before we get into where to find the best pasta in Rome (don’t worry, I’ve got you covered), let’s pause for a moment and talk about the sacred quartet of Roman pasta. These four dishes aren’t just recipes — they are declarations of love. You don’t come to Rome and not meet these legends. Preferably more than once. Preferably in different places. Preferably with someone who loves food as much as you do — but solo slurping is also a completely acceptable Roman rite.

Let me introduce you to the gang:

Gricia – the grandfather of Roman pastas. No tomato, no nonsense. Just guanciale, pecorino, and black pepper living their best minimalist life.

Carbonara – yes, the real one. No cream allowed, only eggs, guanciale, pecorino, and people ready to defend it like it’s a national treasure (because, well, it is).

Amatriciana – the only one with tomatoes. She’s a bit saucier than the others, both in flavor and attitude.

Cacio e Pepe – technically cheese and pepper, emotionally a warm hug in a bowl. Simplicity at its most dramatic.

We used to get ours at Cacio e Pepe in Prati — unpretentious, simple, and affordable. It’s the kind of place you might walk past without a second glance, but trust me, it’s worth giving a chance.

Bonus round: my personal favorite – Aglio, olio e peperoncino.
Technically not one of the four Roman staples, but this humble hero deserves a mention. Made with garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, and parsley, it’s simplicity at its finest. Though often linked to Lazio, its true roots trace back to Naples, where it was born out of necessity — a clever, flavorful stand-in for pasta alle vongole when clams weren’t an option. Proof that great taste doesn’t have to be expensive. Or complicated. Just honest.

Pastasciutta (Piazza del Popolo)

Fast, flavorful, and budget-friendly, Pastasciutta is ideal for those who want authentic Roman pasta on the go. Grab your favourite dish and head to Villa Borghese for a picture-perfect picnic with a view over Piazza del Popolo.

Tonnarello (Trastevere)

In the heart of Rome’s most bohemian neighbourhood, Tonnarello serves up generous portions of classic Roman dishes in a warm, welcoming setting. Cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana—every plate is a masterpiece.

🧀 Unique Roman Eats

Trapizzino (Trastevere)

or, as they describe themselves, “the iconic Italian pizza pocket”

Part pizza, part street food legend. Trapizzino offers fluffy triangles of bread stuffed with Roman classics like pollo alla cacciatora and eggplant parmigiana.

Pair it with a suppli (Rome’s answer to arancini) and you’ve got the ultimate quick meal.

📍Several locations to choose from

Rivendita Libri Cioccolata e Vino (Trastevere)

🍷 Classic Roman Dining: Tradition at Its Tastiest

Ristorante Colosseo “Luzzi”

(Near the Colosseum)

A stone’s throw from the Colosseum, Luzzi is a beloved staple among locals and savvy travellers who crave no-frills, all-flavour Roman cuisine. It’s not about luxury here—it’s about heart.

With generous portions, warm service, and prices that won’t empty your wallet, this family-run trattoria delivers exactly what you came to Rome for: authenticity on a plate.

From a hearty amatriciana to a tender saltimbocca alla romana, Luzzi serves up the classics in a setting that feels like home. Perfect after a day of exploring the ancient heart of the city.

📍Via di San Giovanni in Laterano 88 Colosseo, 00184 Rome Italy

🍕 Pizza Like No Other

Sorbillo

Born in Naples but beloved in Rome, Sorbillo is the go-to for a proper Neapolitan pizza experience. With its crispy, slightly chewy crust and fresh, vibrant toppings, it’s a taste of Italy’s soul in every bite.

And the best part? You can find this iconic pizzeria all over Italy — so whether you’re in Milan, Bologna,Torino, Bergamo, Napoli, or just craving another round in Rome, Sorbillo is never too far away.

Roman Locations:

📍Via del Tritone 61 Rinascente, 6° piano

📍Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 46

📍Via Terenzio, 12

Pinseria Romana Pigneto 

Before we dive in — what exactly is pinsa?

Rooted in ancient Roman traditions, pinsa is an oval-shaped flatbread made from a blend of wheat, soy, and rice flour. It’s hand-stretched, left to rise for 72 hours, and baked to golden, airy perfection.

Lighter, crispier, and more digestible than classic pizza, it’s the modern revival of a centuries-old recipe.

Now, if you want to try the real deal, head to Pinseria Romana Pigneto. Authentic, flavorful, and straight out of Roman tradition.

📍Via del Pigneto 189, 00176 Rome Italy

🍣 Sushi Lovers’ Paradise

Chopstick (Prati)

Just a short stroll from Gelateria del Gracchi, Chopstick offers one of the best “all-you-can-eat” sushi experiences in Rome. Fresh fish, quick service, and a fun atmosphere make it a hit for sushi fans.

Bonus treat? You’ll get a fortune cookie at the end — a sweet little surprise to wrap up your feast with a smile (and maybe a cryptic life lesson).

Oh, and did I mention? It’s very Instagrammable.

📍Via dei Gracchi, 268, 00192 Rome Italy

Konnichiwa Sushi & Wine Club

A sleek, modern sushi spot that pairs top-notch rolls with an elegant wine selection. It’s the perfect choice for a chic night out or a romantic dinner with a twist of Japanese flair.

And here’s the magic touch: instead of the usual fortune cookie, you’ll find delicate paper fortunes drifting from the ceiling like little whispers of destiny. Reach up, pick your own, and let the universe surprise you — one roll, one wish, one sip at a time.

📍Via Otranto, 9/11 – Roma

🍷 Aperitivo – Italy’s Most Delicious Hour

If dinner is the main event, aperitivo is the effortlessly chic warm-up act. Think of it as Italy’s version of happy hour — but with better drinks, prettier snacks, and a lot more style.

Usually enjoyed between 6 PM and 8 PM, aperitivo is less about getting tipsy and more about taking a moment to slow down. You’ll sip on something light and refreshing — like an Aperol Spritz, a Negroni, or a glass of prosecco — while nibbling on olives, focaccia, cheeses, cured meats, or even full-on mini buffets if you’re lucky.

It’s a daily ritual, a social pause, and a delicious excuse to catch up with friends, flirt with strangers, or simply admire how golden the Roman sky looks as the sun starts to dip.

In Rome, some neighborhoods just get aperitivo better than others — and Pigneto is definitely one of them. Our favourite spot there is definetely:

🍷 Necci dal 1924 (Pigneto)

Nestled in the heart of Pigneto, Necci dal 1924 is a historic gem that has been serving locals since, well, 1924.

This charming spot offers a relaxed atmosphere with a shaded terrace, making it perfect for a leisurely aperitivo. It’s a place where you can sip, snack, and soak in the vibrant neighborhood vibes.

📍 Via Fanfulla da Lodi, 68, 00176 Rome

🍹 Momart Café (Nomentano)

Over in the Nomentano district, Momart Café is renowned for its generous aperitivo buffet.

From 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM, indulge in a wide array of dishes—think fresh pizzas, pastas, salads, and desserts—all for the price of a drink.

📍 Viale XXI Aprile, 19, 00162 Rome

🌅 Summer Evenings on the Tiber: Rome’s Riverfront Magic

Lungotevere

When the summer sun sets, head to the Lungotevere. This riverside stretch transforms into a lively promenade of pop-up bars, open-air restaurants, and soft music. Sip a cocktail, enjoy a plate of pasta, and watch Rome sparkle under the stars.

From gelato to gourmet, pizza to pasta, this guide invites you to savour the city the Roman way—one delicious moment at a time. Because in Rome, food isn’t just a meal—it’s a way of life.