15 Unforgettable Dining and Drinking Spots in Rome

Embark on a culinary journey through the enchanting streets of Rome, where every bite tells a story and every sip is a celebration of tradition and flavor. In this blog post we share our gastronomic adventures from six unforgettable days spent exploring the hidden gems of Rome's dining and drinking scene. From tucked-away trattorias serving up authentic Roman cuisine to cozy wine bars pouring the finest vintages, we've uncovered a treasure trove of culinary delights that aren’t packed with tourists. Get ready to indulge in the best-kept secrets of Rome's culinary landscape, where the ambiance is as inviting as the food is delectable. So, grab your appetite and join us as we venture off the beaten path to discover the true flavors of the Eternal City.

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Navigating Rome's bustling dining scene can be overwhelming, with numerous options competing for attention. While spontaneity adds to the charm, reservations are often essential for popular spots. Tired of the same old recommendations, we set out to discover lesser-known dining treasures, hidden away in Rome's charming neighborhoods. From cozy trattorias to family-run osterias, we uncovered authentic eateries brimming with unforgettable flavors, offering a taste of the city's true culinary essence. Below is a list of 15 unforgettable places to eat and drink in Rome.

1. Testaccio Market: A vibrant local market offering a variety of culinary delights, including Casa Manco for mouthwatering pizzas and Mordi & Vai for delectable sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. Here you will find locals shopping for produce, meat & cheese and clothing. There are a number of stalls that offer local Roman dishes as well as some nontraditional eats. Be sure to try the fried artichokes, pizza from Casa Manco and grab an espresso or Aperol Spritz from the cafe bar. PRO TIP: A lot of places have a number system to order food, look for a ticket dispenser and a red light up sign with numbers on it. Take your ticket, wait for your number to pop up before ordering. If you wanted to go to one place to try all of the local Roman foods, this is your spot.

2. Il Marchese: Europe's first Amaro bar, boasts an impressive collection of over 300 Amaro varieties. Indulge in a unique tasting experience surrounded by the rich history of Rome. The bartender here, Tumi, is from Tel Aviv and truly showed us some of the BEST hospitality we’ve ever had. They have an extensive and eclectic cocktail menu but you can also order an Amaro tasting and Tumi will cater it to your tastes. Take a load off form exploring the eternal city and enjoy a hand crafted cocktail from this beautiful bar. We had 2 cocktails from the menu and 2 Amaro tastings for 46 Euros. PRO TIP: Be sure to indulge in the free snack of fancy almonds and olives with the drinks. Also feel free to ask Tumi for local recommendations, a lot of the places on this list we got from him.

3. Bar San Calisto

A beloved local spot known for its laid-back outdoor setting, perfect for enjoying drinks and soaking in the atmosphere of Rome's lively Trastevere neighborhood. Both times we went here, we were the only tourists. PRO TIP- If traveling with someone else, have one of you go inside to order and pay for drinks while the other snags a table. This place is popular and usually packed but also the PERFECT place to people watch while enjoying affordable drinks. An Aperol Spritz and a large local beer will run you 6 Euros.

4. Il Maritozzaro:

Renowned for crafting the finest Maritozzo in Rome. Delight in the heavenly aroma of freshly baked sweet bread enveloping a generous dollop of whipped cream, creating a blissful treat that actually fills you up. With each bite, experience the perfect balance of soft, pillowy texture and decadent sweetness, making Il Maritozzaro a beloved destination for aficionados of this iconic Roman delicacy.

5. Latteria Trastevere: A cozy and romantic wine bar nestled in the heart of Trastevere, boasting a charming patio where you can unwind with a glass of wine and traditional Italian snacks. We loved this place so much that we went there twice. The staff are skilled in recommending wine to your liking and even offering alternatives that we may have not tried without their guidance. This place is a perfect stop for a glass of wine or 2 and if you’re hungry, they have a small menu. We MUST recommend the white lasagna. It’s absolutely delicious and one of the best pasta dishes we ate in Rome.

6. Sant'Eustachio Cafe: A historic cafe renowned for its exceptional coffee made with water from Rome's aqueducts and freshly roasted beans. It is very busy inside and to get the full experience we recommend you sit and order outside. It will be a few euros more than ordering at the bar but this is the perfect place to take a rest from sight seeing and a fantastic place to people watch. After we enjoyed our coffees on the patio, we went inside to look around and found that they had a DELICIOUS selection of pastries. Be sure to try the Aragostina, crunchy lobster tail shaped pastries filled with the most incredible cream (lemon or pistachio). We spent about 20 Euros for 2 sit down coffees (with a small tip for the waiter), 2 pastries and 2 wine stoppers (souvenirs).

7. Suppli Roma: Favored by locals and specializing in suppli, Roman-style rice balls filled with cheese and other savory ingredients. Treat your taste buds to these crispy, gooey delights bursting with flavor. The line may look long but it moves quickly. PRO TIP- Italians don’t often wait in lines (once inside) to order. So politely make your way to the counter, make eye contact with the employees and be ready to order. PRO TIP- order the Cacio E Pepe Suppli and thank us later! We had 2 Suppli totaling 4 Euros.

8. Roma Sparita: A trattoria made famous by Anthony Bourdain, known for its iconic dish, Cacio e Pepe. He actually didn’t even name this place in the episode of No Reservations for fear of it becoming bombarded by tourists. We made a reservation via email about a week ahead of time for 8pm and got right in. The food here was DIVINE and we recommend the Cacio e Pepe and the Amatriciana. If we had the time, we would have eaten here a second time. Be sure to ask the waiter for a wine recommendation!

9. Biblio Bar Roma:

An outdoor cafe located in the heart of Rome, perfect for a snack, espresso or pizza rosso. We were the only tourists here in the afternoon and we loved watching and listening to the Italians talk to each other with such passion. We had a large beer, an Aperol Spritz, 4 small slices of pizza rosso and a bottle of sparkling water for 20.50 Euros.

10. Crab Fish: ONLY for seafood lovers, this restaurant offers a tantalizing array of fresh seafood dishes. From succulent crab to briny oysters, indulge in a seafood feast that will fill your stomach but empty your wallet (lol). This place is pricey but we had some of the most delicious oysters we’ve ever had, the service was 10/10, they have a STUNNING wine list and they make Tiramisu tableside!

11. Ristorante La Tavernaccia da Bruno: A family-run trattoria serving up traditional Roman cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Experience the warmth of Italian hospitality as you dine on hearty dishes passed down through generations. This place is becoming more popular among tourists and we recommend making a reservation in advance. We had the burrata appetizer, Amatriciana, Gricia and a liter of house red wine and it was only $49 Euros.

12. Antico Caffè Greco: A historic cafe dating back to 1760, the oldest in Rome, frequented by literary giants, artists, and intellectuals throughout the centuries. Treat yourself to a luxurious coffee or decadent pastry in opulent surroundings reminiscent of a bygone era. PRO TIP- if you want to experience this caffe without the hefty price tag, place your order at the register and take your receipt to the bar where baristas dressed in crisp white shirts and black ties will make your coffee. It cost us 5 Euros for two espressos. You can stand at the bar, drink your espresso and enjoy the ambiance. The prices are about double if you sit inside or on the patio but if you feel like splurging, this is the place to do it.

13. Freni e Frizioni:

A renowned cocktail bar ranked among the top 50 bars in the world, known for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere. Their cocktail menu is fun, playful and inventive. Be sure to try the Cacio e Pepe cocktail! They also offer an apertivo vegetarian buffet for 2 Euros a plate. PRO TIP- Get there 10 minutes before they open, earlier if going on a weekend night, to be the first sat and avoid long lines. We had 4 cocktails and 1 plate of food from the buffet and our total was 52 Euros.

14. La Casa del Caffe Tazza d’Oro:

Nestled in the heart of Rome, this caffe serves the most delicious Granita di Caffe con Pana. This frozen delight is PERFECT to enjoy during the hot summer months. It’s made with frozen, slightly sweet espresso and topped with fresh whipped cream. It is a real treat and as most caffes in Rome, it is more affordable to order at the cash register, take your receipt to the far right bar and enjoy your Granita right there at the counter. 2 Granitas will run you 8 Euros enjoying them at the counter.

15. Antica Salumeria, Rome's oldest gourmet food shop, where tradition meets exquisite taste. Savor the rich flavors of their iconic sandwiches, meticulously crafted on fragrant focaccia bread, alongside a selection of fine Italian cheeses and meats. Treat yourself to homemade Italian cookies and explore a curated collection of wines and other delicacies, embodying the essence of Italian culinary excellence for generations

This curated list of 15 unforgettable places to eat and drink in Rome offers the perfect solution to the age-old question of where to dine in the Eternal City. With our handpicked recommendations, you can indulge in authentic Roman cuisine without contending with tourist crowds. From the iconic granita di caffe con panna at La Casa del Caffe Tazza d'Oro to the historic charm of Antica Salumeria, we've ensured that each venue promises a memorable culinary experience.