The Best Restaurants Near the Vatican

When feeling hungry near the Vatican it’s worth noting, there are various types of restaurants in Italy. These are:-

Ristorante – A typical restaurant.
Trattoria – A casual eatery often family owned, offering traditional food.
Osteria – Originally a wine bar selling simple food. These days a less formal eating establishment.
Tavolo Calda – Translates as hot table. No table service will be offered here.

Il Segreto

Our pick for one of the best restaurants near the Vatican is Il Segreto, translated as the secret.

Head chef Angelo cooks handmade pasta choices such as spaghetti alla carbonara, cacio e pepe and amatriciana, but make sure to check out what’s cooking on the daily menu.

And if you fancy a vino the cantina over a large selection of fine wines.

Fish lovers, meat-eaters and vegetarians will all feel at home

The tiramisu are also a must try.

Address: Via Candia 71,

Il Bar Sotto il Mare

IL Bar Sotto il Mare is an excellent fish restaurant near the Vatican Museums entrance. Expect swift service, good prices and mouth-watering flavors making it a perfect place for lunch or dinner

Popular starters including king prawns, clams and oysters. For mains the crab and lobster pasta is a great choice.

Address: Via Tunisi, 27

La Pergola

La Pergola is Rome’s only three-star Michelin restaurant, making it not only one of the best restaurants in Rome but also in Italy.

By far the most exclusive restaurant for dining near the Vatican.

Head chef Heinz Beck produces tasting menus with unique and delightful flavors, complementing the extensive wine list perfectly.

Prices are in line with fine dining. Reservations are needed normally well in advance

Address: Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101

Il Ciociaro

Il Ciociaro is one of the best Vatican restaurants serving traditional Italian food.

Popular choices on the menu are the classic pasta dishes of Rome; Spaghetti alla carbonara, Bucatini all’Amatriciana and cacio e pepe.

The pasta is served at the table from inside a whole Pecorino Romano cheese wheel; a unique and memorable experience to savor.

The oxtail and tripe are popular choices.

Address: Via Barletta, 21

E.G.G. Pasta Fresca

E.G.G. Pasta Fresca is one of the most inexpensive and best restaurants near St. Peter’s Basilica, catering mostly for take away meals.

The menu features simple pasta dishes including cacio e pepe, fettuccini Alfredo and tomato with basil.

An ideal place for lunch near the Vatican to eat something fresh, delicious and quick on the go.

Address: Vicolo del Farinone, 25/A

Best Cafés Near the Vatican

Pro Tip – Something to bear in mind, coffee is often cheaper in Italy if you drink it standing by the bar.

Sciascia Caffè 1919

Sciascia is a timeless coffee shop which opened in 1919, when Rome’s Prati neighborhood didn’t look much different than it does these days. It’s our pick for the best café near the Vatican Museums.

They brew up some amazing coffee using Morandini coffee beans. Their Signature coffee is an espresso served with a hint of melted dark chocolate

You’ll also find homemade tiramisu, pastries and croissants on offer.

Address: Via Fabio Massimo, n.80/a

La Canoleria Siciliana

Cannoli fans should head over to La Cannoleria Siciliana located on Via Cipro.

Enjoy a freshly made cannolo, then pick your favorite toppings from pistaccio, hazelenuts, coconut or dried fruit.

Address: Via Cipro, 93,

Breakfast near the Vatican

La Zanzara

One of the best restaurants near the Vatican for breakfast is La Zanzara.

Menu options include eggs benedict, smoked salmon, omelet and home made potato chips.

To drink there is a selection of fresh fruit juices.

Address: Via Crescenzio, 84

Homebaked Grandma’s Kitchen

Homebaked offer an all day American-style breakfast. The menu offers fluffy scrambled eggs and delicious crispy bacon.

Take your pick from the fresh bagels, waffles, muffins, French toast and pancakes on offer.

From Saint Peter’s square, walk past Santa Monica Chapel of the Augustinians until you arrive at Via di Porta Cavalleggeri then turn right.

Address: Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 25

Best Pizza Near the Vatican

Pizzarium

If you are looking for the best pizza restaurant near the Vatican, it can only be Pizzarium.

The owner is Gabriele Bonci, who creates what is known as pizza al taglio (pizza by the cut).

Bonci is one of Italy’s most famous pizzarolo, nicknamed the Michelangelo of pizza.

You may have seen him on the television show the layover, with Anthony Bourdain documenting eating in Rome.

He does cooking classes and pizza making lessons on television; namely Pizza Hero – La Sfida dei forni (The oven challenge)

He allows the dough to rise for 72 hours, before adding the most creative ingredients imaginable on a pizza.

My favorite toppings are pumpkin puree and octopus, artichoke with Parmigiano Reggiano and foie gras, as well as proscuitto with fig.

See our post for a complete insight into the best pizza in Rome.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jahVp_MDTts

Pizzarium

See our post for a complete review on Pizzarium.

Address: Via della Meloria, 43

Falcone

Falcone is one of the most authentic pizzerias near the Vatican City. The owner Angelo has been running it for almost 40 years.

One of the most authentic places to eat near the Vatican.

Upon entering, you’ll notice photographs of celebrities who visited, including Pope Francis who orders pizza from Falcone to be delivered back to his residence.

Address: Via della Meloria, 56

Wondering what is the Vatican City most famous food?

Isola della pizza

A short walk from Piazza Risorgimento is Isola della Pizza. It’s a popular place with the Swiss guards who regularly come for dinner.

For starters pick out a bruschetta and a suppli.

There are over thirty types of pizza, but i normally keep it simple with the Margherita.

Steak fans are well catered for, with juicy and succulent T-bones, Sirloins and fillets.

Address: Via degli Scipioni, 45

Best Restaurants Near the Vatican for Gluten-Free

Looking for gluten-free food near the Vatican? Located on Via Trionfale 15 is a shop called Celiachiamo Lab, designated completely to gluten-free food.

You’ll find pizza, suppli, sandwiches, desserts, bread and much more. It’s a celiac paradise.

Mama Eat Lab

For the best restaurants near the Vatican for gluten-free food, look no further than Mama Eat Lab located by St. Peter’s square.

Highlights from the menu include pizza, pasta, calzone, lasagana, arancini and tiramisu.

Many items on the menu also lactose-free. Beer drinkers can enjoy gluten-free beer.

Address: Borgo Pio, 28

Best Restaurants Near the Vatican for Vegans

Located on Via Angelo Emo 125 is a supermarket called iVegan, offering vegan food as well as organic and natural products .

You ll find everything from food, protein powder, clothes and cosmetics.

Inside there is a small vegan restaurant selling everything from burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, to dessert and pastries.

Flower Burger

Flower Burger is a vegan burger restaurant, located a few blocks from Piazza Risorgimento. The burgers are delicious and the buns come in a variety of different colors.

vegan restaurants near the Vatican — vegan burgers near the vatican

Try the baked potato wedges, which come with homemade sauces.

Address: Via dei Gracchi, 87

Ma Va?

Ma Va? is one of the most popular vegan restaurants near the Vatican. It’s situated near Piazza Giuseppe Mazzini, about a 20 minute walk from the Vatican City.

Highlights from the menu are the risotto with artichokes and the carrot cake with vanilla sauce.

Address: Via Euclide Turba, 6/8

Best Restaurants Near the Vatican for Oriental / international food

Maybu – Margaritas y Burritos

Rome’s selection of Mexican restaurants continues to grow, with Maybu near the Vatican my favorite choice. Expect delicious Burritos, Nachos, margaritas, tacos, and fresh guacamole.

Address: Via Candia 113

Damplings

One of the best Chinese restaurants near the Vatican is Dumplings. Order the Shichuan spicy dumplins, chicken fried rice and some vegatable chow mein.

Address: Via Monte Pertica, 41

Okasan

For authentic Japanese cuisine near the Vatican head over to Okasan. Expect fresh and delicious sushi. Don’t miss the ramen and tempura.

Address: Via Ostia, 22

Restaurants in the Vatican Museums

Wondering where to eat inside the Vatican Museum?

Eating inside the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basicila is not allowed, however there a few restaurants in the Vatican Museums.

Firstly, upon entering the museum, once you go up the escalator on the left hand side, there is an outdoor restaurant in the Courtyard of the Pigna (Cortile della Pigna).

Secondly, a larger indoor restaurant by the courtyard of Quadrato.

At both of these restaurants, the menu features pasta, pizza, salads, desserts and soft drinks.

Thirdly there is a small café under the Sistine Chapel.

Finally, some people bring their own drinks and sandwiches inside the Vatican museum, then eat at the seating areas.

Reminder :- The Vatican Museums have a strict dress code. You must have your shoulders and upper arms covered.

Address: Inside the Vatican Museums

Best Gelaterias Near the Vatican

Gelateria dei Gracchi

Gelateria dei Gracchi is considered the best gelateria near the Vatican, with locals often lining up at the door.

They use natural ingredients to produce 55 seasonal flavors, including plenty of vegan and lactose-free options

In the warmer months my favorite flavors are watermelon, pear with caramel and grape; in the winter months chestnut with rum and stracciatella.

Chocolate fans have over 7 variations to choose from. Be sure to indulge with a bit of whipped cream on top.

Address: Via dei Gracchi, 272

Lemongrass gelateria

Lemongrass is an artisanal gelateria located on Via Ottaviano. They offer fresh gelato, using natural ingredients to produce a perfect blend of seasonal flavors.

Popular choices are pear with caramel, amarena cherry and the cheesecake.

You can also enjoy an espresso or cappuccino here.

Address: Via Ottaviano, 29

Pompi

Pompi offer rich, delicious, melt in your mouth tiramisu. They are the most famous tiramisu producer in Rome, with other venues at the Spanish Steps and in San Giovanni.

Flavors include classic, strawberry, pistaccio, hazelnut, and banana with chocolate.

Address: Via Cola di Rienzo, 313

Sandwich Shops Near the Vatican

Panifico Bonci

At Panifico Bonci, you will find all types of savory options including sandwiches, suppli, rice stuffed tomatoes and seasonal vegetables.

The selection for biscuits and cakes are divine. Don’t forget to pick up a panettone at Christmas.

Address: Via Trionfale, 36

Food Markets Near the Vatican

The Trionfale Food Market

The largest food market in Rome is Trionfale, which is 5 minute walk from the Vatican Museums.

With over 275 stands you’ll find everything from fruit, vegetables, pasta, honey, eggs, cheese and much more.

We visit the market on our Taste of Trionfale Vatican food tour.

Pick up a porchetta Panino and wonder around to immerse yourself in Roman culture.

See our post for a guide to food markets in Rome.

At stand 229, Anna and her team, sell all types of fresh pasta including lasagna, ravioli and melanzane all parmiagno, as well as suppli (fried tomato rice balls filled with mozzarella).

They can heat up the food for you if you wish to eat there.

Address: Via Andrea Doria, 41

Picnic near the Vatican

Alternatively pick up some items from the market, to enjoy a picnic near the Vatican at one of the nearby parks. Parco Monte Ciocci and Janiculum are two good options.

Food shops Near the Vatican

Paciotti Salumeria

Paciotti is a family owned store dating back to 1970. It is voted the number one gourmet food shop in Rome on TripAdvisor.

Antonio and his three sons satisfy the locals of Trionfale, with the finest cheese, cured meats, truffles, olive oils, aged balsamic vinegars and much more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4_6zdW22RY

Address: Via Marcantonio Bragadin, 51

A must visit for foodies near the Vatican.

La Tradizione

La Tradizione is nicknamed the ‘cheese museum’. They sell over 500 types of cheese from all over Italy and abroad, as well as the finest Italian food products.

They also own one of the best restaurants near the Vatican called Secondo Tradizione, recommend by the Gambero Rosso.

Address: Via Cipro 8 E

Best Bars Near the Vatican

Wondering where to drink near the Vatican?

Be.Re

Be.Re in Piazza Risorgimento, have over 20 types of craft beer.

Looking for a quick snack near the Vatican? Pick up a Trapizzino; Rome’s newest and most innovative street food, created in 2009 by pizza chef Stefano Callegari.

Popular choices include burrata with anchovies, eggplant parmigiana, roman artichokes and meatballs.

Address: Via Vespasiano, 2

Il Sorpasso

If all the sightseeing and museums has made you thirsty, pop over to Sorpasso for a glass of wine or a cocktail.

It is a popular restaurant / wine bar, with great atmosphere and music.

There is a good selection of cheese platters for wine pairing.

Address: Via Properzio, 31/33

Cafeteria Ristorante Le Terrazze

A short walk from Sorpasso is the Castel Sant’Angelo (The Mausoleum of Hadrian). From the outside it’s a spectacular site.

There is a restaurant and bar inside called Cafeteria Ristorante Le Terrazze, offering fabulous views of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Eternal City.

Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50

Del Frate

Del Frate is a popular restaurant and enoteca, where you can enjoy a lovely aperitivo or meal near the Vatican.

There is a special white truffle menu for truffle lovers, as well as an extensive wine list including the finest Italian wine.

Address: Via degli Scipioni, 118

Conclusion

That concludes my blog on the best restaurants near the Vatican.

For more information on where to eat near the Vatican email us or see our Rome Travel Guide.

Best Restaurants Near the Vatican