Where to have dinner in Rome

Wondering where to have dinner in Rome? Whether you call in dinner, supper or tea, it isn’t always easy to differentiate the culinary gems from the tourist traps, when going out for an evening meal in Rome. Here are the best Rome dinner spots for eating and drinking in the Eternal City. 

For a complete insight into Italian cuisine, joining us one for our food tours in Rome.

What time do people eat dinner in Rome?

Romans tend to eat dinner between the hours of 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm.

Going out for dinner in Rome usually involves several courses, wine, and plenty of chatting. Most menus will offer four courses and usually include antipasta, primo piatto, secondo piatto and dolce. 

Where to have dinner in Rome

Dinner near the Vatican

Il Segreto

Il Segreto, translates as the secret. It is a locally loved Roman restaurant, located in the neighborhood of prati, next the the Vatican City.

Expect Roman cuisine, with the classic pasta choices such as Spaghetti alla carbonara, cacio e pepe and amatriciana. Fish lovers, meat-eaters and vegetarians will all feel at home.

It’s a restaurant full of energy, with the open kitchen a key feature of the dining room. Take a seat in front of the chefs and feel like you’re one of the team. 

Address: Via Candia 71

See our post for a complete guide to the best restaurants near the Vatican.

Dinner in Trastevere

Glass Hostaria

Owned by celebrity chef Cristina Bowman, Glass Hosteria is the only two-Michelin star restaurant in Trastevere. The menu comprises of beautifully presented dishes with a twist. 

The restaurant interior is comfortable and modern, with impeccable service. Without question the best place to eat in Trastevere for fine dining. Prices at Glass are in line with fine dining.

Address: Via Vicolo del Cinque, 58

Dinner near the Colosseum

Aroma

Aroma is a Michelin star restaurant overlooking the Colosseum and Ancient Rome, located on the rooftop of the Palazzo Manfredi Hotel.

Savor delicious food, fabulous wine and breath-taking views of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palentine Hill, as well as the Ludus Magnus ruins, which was the largest gladiatorial training school in Rome.

It is certainly one of the best restaurants for dinner in Rome, offering first class service and an experience to remember for a lifetime.

Address: Via Labicana, 125

Dinner near the Pantheon

Armando Pantheon

Armando Pantheon is a family owned restaurant, satisfying locals and tourists with traditional Roman cuisine, since 1961. Despite being located only 20 meters from the Pantheon, the prices are good and the service is excellent.

Highlights from the menu include the Roman classic pasta dishes, trippa alla romana (tripe simmered with tomato, mint, and pecorino) and saltimbocca alla Romana.

Address: Salita de’ Crescenzi, 31

Dinner near the Trevi Fountain

Trattoria Al Moro

Trattoria al Moro is one of the most authentic Italian restaurants in Rome; a favorite with locals and tourists. 

It’s third generation operating since the late 1920’s, approaching close to one hundred years in service

The menu is extensive offering something for everyone, including Roman classics such as oxtail and cacio e pepe. Don’t miss the mouth-watering desserts. 

Address: Vicolo delle Bollette, 13

Dinner near the Spanish Steps

Imago

Imago is the oldest rooftop restaurant in Rome located on the top floor of the Hassler Hotel, situated above the Spanish Steps by the Trinita dei Monti Church.

Head Chef Andrea Antonini showcases the best of modern Italian cuisine, creating imaginative flavors with a mix of diverse and exotic ingredients. The menu consists of delicious land and sea inspired dishes, perfectly complementing the extensive wine list. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, indulge in one of the tasting menus.

Address: Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 6,

Romantic dinner in Rome?

Antico Arco

Antico Arco offers a true romance setting, located on the top of Gianicolo Hill above Trastevere.

The restaurant stimulates the taste buds with a modern take on Italian cuisine, served on white tablecloths with candels. The dining room is casually elegant, with the option of a private booth, which is suited perfectly for special occasions.

There are a variety of 5 or 6 course tasting menus to choose from. Alternatively highlights from the menu include spaghetti carbonara with truffle, tuna with browned asparagus and linguine with pesto and toasted almonds.

Address:  Piazzale Aurelio, 7

That concludes my article on where to have dinner in Rome.

For more suggestions e-mail us or visit our guide to Rome blog.

Alternatively refer to our blog on the best restaurants in Rome.