Eat & drink in Rome like a local

I’m going to be honest, y’all. The first time I went to Rome after studying abroad in Florence, I wasn’t blown away. It was July, I was sweating my face off, and it seemed like there were tourists on top of me everywhere I walked. That all changed the second time I went to Rome about 10 years later.

When not in my home state of North Carolina, I’ve since had the fortune of spending a lot of quality time in Rome. And let me tell you. Exploring Rome off the beaten path with a local is next level. I now have a profound appreciation for the ‘Eternal City’ that I never thought would be possible after my first trip there nearly 10 years ago. I’ve gotten to explore all of the best, non-touristy restaurants, bars, and cafes sprinkled across Rome. It really makes a huge difference if you know where to go in a large, touristy city. There is nothing worse than spending precious time on a trip googling restaurants.

Rome is quite the foodie haven. If you’re looking for some really incredible food, the best advice I can give you is to steer clear of the restaurants located conveniently next to the famous landmarks like Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, etc. They cater to the slew of exhausted, jet-lagged tourists who are eager to sit down and devour a delicious pizza or bowl of pasta. Don’t fall for the trap! They’ll look at you and warmly try to beckon you in. Next thing you know, the friendly tourist within you will smile and awkwardly sit down just because you don’t want to be rude. Or maybe that’s just been me? If you can walk a bit further, you’ll find the best hidden gems on some side streets.

I’ve put together the first of *many* Rome restaurant, cafe and bar guides. I hope you’ll check out a few of these spots. You will not be disappointed my friends!

My favorite restaurants & bars in Rome

Please note, this is by no means a comprehensive list of all the best foodie spots in Rome. There are far too many and I don’t have enough hours in the day to list them all. For now, here’s a sampling of my personal favorites.

Lunch

1. La Vita è un Mozzico – this little panini & deli spot place is an absolute MUST. By the way, sandwich in Italian is “panini”… just in case anyone else was thinking of the warm sandwiches at Panera. It’s located on a side street right off of the famous shopping district (Via del Corso). They are known for their warm porchetta foccacia paninis, dressed up, toasted, and weighed right in front of you. You need to ask for some pecorino cheese and sundried tomatoes. I befriended the owner because I stopped by so frequently, and later found out that it’s the same shop that Bobby Flay likes to stop at for his paninis. I guess you could say me and Bobby both have good taste. 😉

2. Piccolo Buco – this is an incredible wood-fired pizza spot! We got there right as it opened and STILL had to wait in a line. It only took about 20-30 minutes or so, but the restaurant is teeny tiny, so make sure you plan accordingly.
3. QVINTO Roma – Restaurant Lounge Café – chic restaurant with gorgeous florals all throughout. I highly recommend going here for an IG-worthy coffee or breakfast setting. In the winter you can reserve one of their cute igloos for a cozy, outdoor dining experience.
4. Trapizzino | Trastevere – okay, these may not look fancy, but Trapizzino Italian street food is perfect if you need a quick bite to eat or a little late night snack after all those aperol spritz’. There’s a few locations sprinkled around the city, but the one in the Trastevere neighborhood is perfect for when you leave the bars hungry. I *highly recommend* the Trappizzino pollo alla cacciatore!
5. Salvatore Di Matteo Le Gourmet – this place has one of the best Neapolitan style pizzas my lips have ever touched. I highly recommend their signature Pizza Margherita con Mozzarella di Bufala or the Pistacchiosa pizza with pistachio and mortadella. *chef’s kiss*

6. Settimo Roman Cuisine & Terrace – beautiful hotel rooftop restaurant and terrace. I suggest coming here for an apertivo with an incredible view. The restaurant is mid-centry mod with gorgeous plants everywhere.
7. Grekos – this place serves up traditional Greek food, and some of the best you’ll find outside of Greece. They have the best souvlaki/gyros with fries – if the gyro doesn’t have french fries stuffed in it, it ain’t the real deal. They also have amazing grape leaves and hummus.
8. Tonnarello – the lines for this famous pasta spot are long. It’s slightly touristy but the pasta is pretty dang good if I do say so myself. Try to go at lunch time, or at an obscure time before dinner, to avoid the crowds. I recommend getting the cacio y pepe here.

Aperitivo (Happy Hour)

1. Hortus Bar – located beside the elegant Casina Valadier, this upscale bar has an outdoor garden oasis that will transport you to a different place in Rome. You’ll need to get on the list to enter, so be sure to call ahead of time! Upon entering through the gates, you’ll walk through lush, majestic trees and gardens. There is usually some fantastic live music, from smooth jazz and R&B, to acoustic rock. We got lucky and discovered the beautifully talented Chelsea Como here.
2. Stravinskij Bar at Hotel de Russie – do I have any Vanderpump Rules fans in the house? Stassi Schroeder recently held her wedding rehearsal dinner here. Go figure, it would be one of my favorite spots in Rome.. but I found it before her so I am taking credit!! This is another 5-star hotel near Piazza del Popolo with one of the most stunning courtyard terraces I’ve ever seen. The drinks are pricey (about 17 euros on average), but they make up for it with basically a charcuterie board of complimentary appetizers and small bites. Go here if you’re looking for a fancy pre-dinner cocktail in a stunning, garden terrace setting.

6. Enoteca Buccone – this is my favorite wine bar (so far) in all of Rome. They have the most delicious wine and small snacks. Grab a good book and ‘wine down’ in this adorable wine bar!
7. Hotel Locarno – this 5-star hotel is located on a side street right down from Piazza del Popolo . It has a gorgeous courtyard terrace and a rooftop bar with amazing views of the city. This is one of your more refined Apertivo spots and definitely worth a visit.
8. Ristorante La Canonica Roma – a romantic spot for drinks and appetizers underneath a vine-covered patio with lights. What’s not to love?
9. VinAllegro – I really enjoyed this cozy, quaint wine bar. It is perfect for a romantic pre-dinner aperitif (cocktail).

Dinner

1. Ristorante St. Ana – this is a four-generation, family-owned restaurant located in one of the best areas of the City Center, right down from Piazza del Popolo. This is where the locals dine, if they aren’t dining at home. It’s where some of the biggest celebrities around the world dine when they’re in town, as well as top politicians, musicians, etc. They have hands down the BEST eggplant parmigiana I’ve ever had. It’s served in a small baking dish and the perfect portion for a first course or shared appetizer (though I don’t personally believe in sharing this dish). I also love their White Truffle lasagne. It’s sensational and a must try. They also have amazing classic Roman pasta dishes, notably Carbonara and Bucatini all’ Amatriciana (my personal favorite). If you do decide to go here, try to get reservations in advance or else Luigi and Roberto (the owners) may shake their heads at you. Ask for Landi and tell them Jessica sent you!

2. Il Marchese | Osteria Mercato Liquori – I went here for my birthday dinner this past year and it was incredible. Beautiful, regal feeling restaurant with impeccable food. They had fantastic cocktails and a Cacio e Pepe worth writing home about. Apparently they also have 600 different Amaro labels to choose from. Try to get a reservation here if you can!
3. Reserva Restaurante y Cocteles – okay, this is a Latin American restaurant in Rome. I know, not the first cuisine you’d expect to see on this list. But if you’re anything like me, you might need a latin food fix in the midst of all that heavy pasta and red sauce. I was living in Rome for 3 months last summer and just HAD to find a bowl of authentic guacamole. I got lucky and found this gorgeous spot. I even got a Paloma, one of my favorite grapefruit infused tequila drinks. This places serves up incredible latin-inspired food with heavy Brazilian influences (the chef is Brazilian). Check out this post if you need a little latin fix on your lips!
4. Hosteria del Moro – this is one of my favorite spots for dinner when I want something a little more low key but hearty and delicious. It’s located on a really busy street in the Trastevere bar scene area so the people watching is REAL good. Picture classic checkered red and white tablecloths on a cozy terrace. I love their mixed cheese and meat platters. They also have incredible authentic Roman-style pasta.

5. Ristorante TOTO – check out this spot for some homestyle Italian dining. It’s located in a nice shopping area, walkable to a lot of cute boutiques and upscale designer stores.
6. Antica Pesa – another upscale culinary gem and celebrity haunt. This place has been around since 1922 and has a sister restaurant in NYC. The food is a little more pricey than most restaurants in town, but it’s incredible! Get a reservation here well ahead of time.

Late-night Bars/Clubs

1. The Sanctuary – this is hands down one of my favorite night clubs I’ve ever been to around the world. Firstly, it transports you into a garden oasis you’d expect to see somewhere like Bali with gorgeous plants, boho swings and comfortable loungers. But it’s in the heart of Rome, which makes it even cooler. They have really amazing cocktails and typically some great DJs. If you go here, don’t forget to dress to impress because they do have a dress code.
2. Pimm’s Good – this is one of my favorite cocktail bars to visit whenever I am in town. It’s a cozy vintage-style bar in the Trastevere neighborhood with a fantastic array of spritz’. One of the things I love most about it is their emphasis on local jazz bands. This is a great spot for a post-dinner cocktail and a low-key evening of fantastic local music.

3. Sacripante Gallery – this place is literally built into the bones of an old convent. As you step inside this dual art gallery and cocktail bar, you feel transported to an older time, especially with its range of classic cocktails reminiscent of 1920s American speakeasies. 
4. Jerry Thomas Speakeasy – super cool 1920’s themed speakeasy bar. To enter this place you’ll need to look up the site as you need a password that changes every month.
5. Club Derriere – this is a hidden bar located in the heart of Rome. It’s hidden because the main entrance is in a small alleyway off of the busy Piazza delle Coppelle – the other secret entrance is through one of the back, private dining rooms of the massive restaurant Osteria delle Coppelle. Inside you will find a dark, intimate space much like a living room. It’s a great locals spot to finish the evening with a nightcap.
6. The Magick Bar – fun bar with a DJ right on the River Tiber. Great spot for drinks and a fun outdoorsy vibe.
7. The Race Club – speakeasy style cocktail club with a really cool ambiance and amazing speciality cocktails! You’ll need to pay a couple of Euros to get a membership upon entry but it is well worth it!
8. Argot – this is a super cool cocktail lounge steeped in sleek, vintage nostalgia. You’ll feel like you’ve just stepped back into time with their live music, vintage cocktails and intimate ambiance. The cocktail menu is designed to look like a doctor’s prescription, each cocktail meant for a certain type of personality.
9. The Court – Located on the ground level of Palazzo Manfredi in Monti with Michelin star restaurant Aroma up top is one of the best places to drink in Rome with views of the colosseum.

If you check out any of these spots, be sure to tag me over on IG, @la.dolce.limone, so I can taste with my eyes and live vicariously through you! Buon appetito!