Hello, loves! After a lovely 4 days in Rome, I’ve complied the ultimate list of places to eat, drink, and be merry in the Italian capital! Before the trip, I spent a lot of time researching the best places to eat in the city, and I’ve compiled this handy list to save you time, and clue you in on the places to be.
Where to Eat in Rome
To absolutely no one’s surprise, we fell in love with Italian food, especially from the restaurants in Rome listed below. When eating out, plan to spend around 15 euros a plate for a main at an average restaurant, plus additional fees for water and other drinks or extras. Italians generally eat much later than Americans, so expect dinner locations to fill up between 8pm-10pm, and not before. In fact, many don’t even open until after 6:30pm for dinner! Without further ado, here’s a look at some of our favorites.
Ristorante II Piccolo Mondo:
Via Aurora 39
Quaint, not overpriced, and with a charming interior, we loved this little restaurant. The food was delicious, regular Italian fare, and the service was superb. Plan to make a reservation if you intend to eat here, as it fills up quickly and is a local favorite. Insider tip: book with thefork.it for potential discounts; we received 20 percent off our entire meal by booking through this platform.
Ristorante “Al 34”
Via Mario de Fiori 34
Located near the Spanish steps, we visited this restaurant twice because of its tasty food and extremely cheap wine. Nearly all of the restaurants located near the Spanish Steps are tasty but incredibly similar, but this one stuck out to us because of its awesome wine deal – 11 euros for a bottle of the house white or red, which rotates by the day, depending on what they have on hand. Expect tasty, typical Italian fare but slow service (we found this with many places).
Di quà
Via delle Carrozze 85/b
Another restaurant near the Spanish Steps, this charming eatery featured excellent pasta (obviously), plus a lovely, open-air exterior with small blankets for chilly nights. Slightly more expensive than some of its competitors in the same area, the charm and class of this place still make it worth a visit.
Le Carré Français
Via Vittoria Colonna 30
We visited this restaurant for breakfast, and it was absolutely superb. With adorable French-styled decor, it had excellent coffee and breakfast food, and was filled with a largely Italian population, perfect for those who are looking to find great food apart from the tourist scene. Located on the other side of the river, this cafe would be a good place to stop on your to the Vatican.
Bella Carne
Via del Portico d’Ottavia 57
We ate at this particular restaurant in the Jewish Quarter, but many of the others looked similar and are recommended. Rome’s Jewish Quarter has become a hip neighborhood filled with restaurants and cafes, and it’s certainly worth a visit. Insider tip: many of these restaurants feature Kosher food (for its Jewish population), but are an excellent option for those vegans or vegetarians who are visiting the city and need a reprieve from meaty lasagnas and pastas. For example, you can find dishes like falafel, hummus, tahina, and more – offering many good options for those with dietary restrictions.
Venchi
Via del Corso 335
There are countless gelato places in Rome, but we fell in love with this chain and went back (repeatedly) for more. What makes it stand out? Along with mouth-watering flavors (including dairy-free for those with dietary concerns), they dip their cones in chocolate immediately before inserting the gelato, taking things to a whole new level. Added bonus? A chocolate wall at this location, plus numerous chocolate fountains, just for fun.
Drinks/Nightlife
When going out for drinks or a night out in Italy, keep in mind that people go out much later than Americans. Dinner can last until 11pm, and the party doesn’t usually get started till after midnight.
Bar del Fico
Piazza del Fico 34/35
Hailed as one of the hippest places in Rome, this bar did not disappoint. If you’re looking for dancing, look elsewhere (see below), but for those who are looking for good drinks, live music, a massive bar, and great people watching, this is your place. For this bar and others, plan to dress well, or expect to be denied entrance.
Drink Art Gallery
Piazza del Fico 23/24
Right across from Bar del Fico, this place is slightly more relaxed and cozy, with killer cocktails and a nice view of the street’s busy bar scene. A definite bonus is their cocktail selection (for those who don’t want to drink wine), including Harry Potter-themed “Unforgivable Cocktails,” along with other film-themed drinks and snacks.
Shari Vari- Play House
Via di Torre Argentina 78
With numerous rooms for dancing, drinks were about double the price from typical restaurants, so plan to drink beforehand and mainly go for the dancing. With multiple places to sit and talk, dance, or just stand and people watch, this bar is great for groups with a little bit of something for everyone.
This is a great place for dancing and glamour in Rome – so expect to dress accordingly. Speaking of which, if you’re wondering what in the world to wear in Rome, check out my Italy packing list.
I hope you loved these recommendations? Tried one and liked it, comment and let me know! Or have other places to recommend? Leave me a comment 🙂
