Dinning in Rome
Restuarant recommendations
Rome has some of the best restaurants in the world especially if you like Italian food. If you are searching for the best Pizza or the best Spaghetti Carbonara or looking for fresh fish dishes or fall apart Osso Buco you will find it in Rome.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants in Rome, all located near Piazza Navona.
No 1. Fattoincasa by hosteria la denasia
Located in a cozy neighborhood with plenty of outdoor seating, heating lamps and friendly waiters eager to please. I am personally obsessed with finding the best Spaghetti Carbonara all over Italy and I can honestly say this restaurant has the best.
https://fattoincasabyhosterialadanesina.business.site
No 2. Mimi &Coco in Navona
This restaurant is busy and full of life with a warm welcoming 1920’s wine bar atmosphere. Do not be discouraged by a line outside of the restaurant, it is there for a reason because it is that good. The meatballs are a must at this restaurant if you want them as a starter or turn them into an entrée.
https://www.mimiecoco.com/en/homepage/#pll_switcher
No. 3 Cantina & Cucina
Cantina & Cucina with over 11,000 reviews with a 4.6 rating on google will not disappoint.
My friend and I felt forced to try this restaurant because of the reviews so we decided to pop in for an afternoon snack. Outside of the restaurant they had fried artichokes on display and never had tried them we thought we would give them a chance... It was an experience I will never forget.
If you would like to read more about how to eat fried artichokes, please read my short blog titled, “How to eat fried artichokes in Italy”
No. 4 Forno Monteforte
Forno Monteforte is a panetteria what most Americans would consider a café or a bakery, but they have pizza, sandwiches, decadent pastries, and fresh baked breads.
This panetteria has without a doubt the best pizza I have ever had, not just in Rome but anywhere. The pizza is laid out in large sheets behind the glass cabinets, they cut how much you want, weight it, charge you and hand it over the cabinet in wax paper. They have a few tables and if you see one open jump on it fast and make yourself comfortable and order a bottle of wine. Otherwise, you can stand at the counter and eat like the Italians.
We ate here two mornings in row, and yes, we had pizza for breakfast, but we did balance it out with custard filled croissants.
No. 5 Old Bear
The Old Bear is a classic Italian restaurant serving rustic Roman dishes, large carafes of house wines and has outstanding service. If you want delicious, saucy, gooey, cheesy lasagna or layered ravioli baked in a casserole dish this is your restaurant.
This restaurant is a favorite of my stepchildren (now adults) and every time I visit Rome, they ask my “are you going to go to the Old Bear?”
No. 6 Napoletano’s
Facing the Pantheon, this restaurant is the best for people watching and sitting for hours sipping house carafe wine. The reviews for this restaurant are average, but their pizza and Carbonara is excellent, and I give Napoletano’s and 5-star rating.
No. 7 La Fraschetta di Castel Sant’Angelo
This restaurant is popular and always has a wait, but if you like your meals family style it is well worth it. They have a few outdoor tables and a simple decor inside. They do not have a website but are known for their pastas.
No. 8 Saltimbocca Vino E Cocina
Saltimbocca is a fun restaurant with creative cocktails and friendly staff, they have a nice patio and large tables are available inside. I love their meatballs, eggplant parmesan, and lasagna.
