The Best Restaurants and Places to Eat Near the Spanish Steps
Being one of the most affluent areas of Rome, the restaurant scene around the Spanish Steps offers some of the finest dining options in the Italian capital.
From Piazza di Spagna at the base of the staircase, to Piazza Trinita dei Monti at the top, there are places to eat for all tastes and budgets.
Whether it’s a locally loved trattoria, a popular pizzeria or a Michelin-star experience, here is our selection of the best restaurants near the Spanish Steps.
12. Imago
For a special occasion enjoy fine dining and breathtaking views at Imago, one of the 23 Michelin star restaurants in Rome.
Imago is the oldest rooftop restaurant in the city situated on the top floor of the Hassler Hotel. It’s located above the Spanish Steps by the Trinita dei Monti Church, where couples share kisses and artists paint portraits.
(To avoid climbing the 135 stairs, the elevator next to the Metro station will take you to the top of the Spanish Steps.)
Chef Andrea Antonini showcases the best of modern Italian cuisine, creating imaginative flavors with a mix of diverse and exotic ingredients.
The exquisite food 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,
Phone: +39 06 6993 4726
Hours: Mon – Sun 19:00 22:30
11. Babingtons Tearooms
Founded in 1896, Babingtons is one the oldest restaurants near the Spanish Steps, offering a unique and elegant dining experience.
Pop in for a full English breakfast or a lunchtime snack, with appetizing pastries and gourmet sandwiches available.
Tea drinkers can enjoy a perfectly brewed cup, with Indian, Chinese and Japanese blends to choice from.
A personal favorite is the ‘Roman Holiday,’ a scented black tea with vanilla and roses.
From Babingtons walk across Piazza di Spagna to admire The Fontana della Barcaccia (Fontana della Barcaccia).
At the bottom of the step you’ll find The Keats – Shelley House, a Museum offering a full memorabilia of where the English Poet lived.
Address: Piazza di Spagna, 23
Phone: +39 06 678 6027
Hours: Mon – Sun 10:00:-21:00
10. Ginger
Freshness is key at Ginger Sapori e Salute. This healthy eating restaurant is located at the end of Via Condotti by the main shopping street Via del Corso.
The menu features fresh salads, homemade soups and pasta dishes.
There is large selection of uplifting fruit juices and vitamin filled smoothies to raise your energy levels.
For a light breakfast near the Spanish Steps, pop in for a acai bowl and some yogurt with fruit.
Address: Via Borgognona, 43-46
Phone: +39 06 6994 0836
Hours: Mon – Sun 10:00-23:00
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9. Grano Frutta e Farina Bakery
Grano, Frutta e Farino is a quaint little bakery. They serve pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice), made with stone ground flour and slow rising dough. The result is a light airy crust, with a thick bubbly base.
Creative toppings include potatoes with prosciutto, gorganzola with walnuts and pesto with pinenuts.
Aside from pizza, there are a variety of sweet and savory options including risotto, lasagna, calzone, cakes and biscuits.
See our post on where to find the best pizza in Rome.
Address: Via della Croce, 49/a
Phone: +39 06 6993 4726
Hours: Mon-Sun 08:00 22:00
8. Pastificio Guerra
Pastificio Guerra is a small food store and a fast food restaurant.
It’s the cheapest place to eat near the Spanish Steps with fresh pasta priced at 4 euros.
They serve the pasta on plastic plates, which can be eaten perched up against the ledges on the wall or to go.
(Previously you could sit and eat on the Spanish steps, however as of 2019 it is illegal, with fines enforced to protect the UNESCO site)
Address: Via della Croce, 8
Phone: +39 06 6993 4726
Hours: Mon-Fri 13:00 21:00, Sat – Sun 13:00 – 21:30
7. Truffle & Friends
Tartufi & Friends is a truffle lover’s paradise. The restaurant is located in between the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain.
Indulge in a superb culinary experience with truffles on all the dishes.
Menu highlights include the ground steak mixed with foie gras, caramelized onions and black truffles, also the octopus with smoked paprika, roasted pepper sauce and pungent white truffles.
Wondering where to get the best pizza near the Spanish Steps? Try the pizza pie topped with juicy buffalo mozzarella, flakes of Parmigiano Reggiano and black truffle shavings.
There is a little boutique shop inside the restaurant for those who wish to enjoy truffles at home.
Address: Via Borgognona, 4/E
Phone: +39 06 679 4980
Hours: Mon-Sun 12:30 22:30
6. Il Margutta Veggie Food & Art
Il Margutta Veggie Food & Art is the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Rome, satisfying locals with delicious plant based meals since 1979.
The restaurant is situated on Via Margutta, home to Gregory Peck in the film Roman Holiday.
Menu favorites include marinated tofu with ginger, eggplant parmigiana and the veggie burger served with French fries and homemade mayonnaise.
The buffet with dessert priced at 15 euros, offers a tasty and affordable option for lunch near the Spanish steps.
See our post for more vegetarian restaurants in Rome.
Address: Via Margutta, 118
Phone: +39 06 3265 0577
Hours: Mon – Sun 10:30-23:30
5. Hosteria del Mercato
Hosteria del Mercato is one of the best restaurants near the Spanish Steps for healthy and nourishing meals. Open from morning to night, you can go for breakfast, lunch, aperitivo or dinner.
The interior is a peaceful setting where plants line the walls and ceilings. The outside seating area is on a quiet side street, equally as pleasant.
The menu features everything from bruschetta, pizza, pasta, fish and meat dishes. To drink there is a large selection of wine and craft beer.
Inside the restaurant there is a small deli, offering a wide range of organic food and wine.
Address: Via Bocca di Leone, 46
Phone: +39 06 6992 3705
Hours: Mon-Sun 09:00 23:00
4. Il Gabriello
Il Gabriello is a traditional Italian restaurant offering authentic Roman cuisine. It comes highly recommended by Tripadvisor and the popular travel writer Rick Steves.
Try the bruschetta with burrata, cherry tomatoes and anchovies, followed by pasta with calamari.
Alternatively popular Roman dishes include tripe (Trippa alla romana) and codfish (Baccalà alla Romana).
Take the 6 course-tasting menu called Claudio’s extravaganza, if you have a large appetite.
Address: Via Vittoria, 51
Phone: +39 06 6994 0810
Hours: Mon-Sun 19:00 23:00
3. Pompi
Pompi is Rome’s most popular tiramisu vendor providing the perfect “pick -me-up.” There are a handful of venues around the city for Italy’s favorite dessert.
Close your eyes and savor the spongy ladyfinger biscuits, covered in creamy mascarpone and sprinkled with cocoa powder.
Aside from the classic tiramisu, non-coffee lovers can choose banana and chocolate, strawberry or pistachio flavors.
If you are not in the mood for tiramisu, Pompi has a variety of pastries, chocolates and gelato to savor.
Address: Via della Croce, 82
Phone: +39 06 2430 4431
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 21:30
2. Zuma
Fans of sushi are well catered for at the trendy Japanese restaurant Zuma. Situated on the rooftop of the Fendi palace, enjoy beautiful views of the Eternal City.
The menu offers a range of delights including shrimp tempura, robata grill, maki rolls and Chilean sea bass.
Go for the crispy fried squid with green chilli and lime to liven things up.
Don’t miss the mouth-watering cocktails.
Address: Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 48
Phone: +39 06 9926 6622
Hours: Mon-Sun 12:00 15:00, 20:00 – 23:00
1. Ad Hoc
Ad Hoc is a romantic restaurant with a warm cozy atmosphere located by Piazza di Popolo.
The menu offers traditional Roman food with a twist. Try the ravioli filled with cacio e pepe and asparagus, or the 3-way pasta carbonara with guanciale, porcini mushrooms and black truffle shavings.
There are plenty of gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options.
The Villa Borghese Gardens & Pincio Terrace
Potentially the most romantic place to eat near the Spanish Steps is to take a picnic to the Villa Borghese Gardens. Follow this with a drink on the Pincio terrace.
Find your closest food market in Rome to pick up some fresh produce.
Conclusion
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