If you’re wondering where to eat pasta in Rome, in-between sightseeing and gelato eating, have no fear, as if there if there’s one thing the Romans do well, it’s pasta!
We have scoured the streets for the best trattorias so you don’t have to stay hungry for long, and wherever you find yourself in The Eternal City, you can be sure that all roads lead to a plate of delicious pasta, not too far away…
Whether it’s a locally loved trattoria, a popular restaurant or a Michelin-star experience, there are places to eat for all tastes and budgets. Here is our selection of the best restaurants to eat pasta in Rome.
To further enhance your appreciate of Italian cuisine join us on The Roman Food Tour.
Where to Eat Pasta in Rome
Before we get started, in addition to enjoying the best plates of pasta in Rome, why not join us on a pasta/making course during your stay in the Eternal City, to enhance your appreciation of Italian cuisine.
Where to eat pasta in Rome near the Colosseum
In the Monti neighborhood you can find some of the most ancient landmarks, from the Imperial Forums where the emperors presided, to the impressive Colosseum.
It’s also a trendy area, home to many artists and artisans, with a vibrant vintage scene and lively nightlife. Of course, there are also many places for the hungry traveler to feast on a steaming bowl of pasta goodness!
La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, just a short walk away from the Colosseum, offers a cozy atmosphere and authentic Roman cuisine with a gourmet twist. Enjoy a classic Cacio e Pepe with black truffle, or one of a selection of seafood pasta dishes, like their sea bass spaghetti with orange and pistachio.
Address: Via Madonna dei Monti, 9
Phone: +39 06 679 8643
Hours: Wednesday – Monday 12:30 – 3pm, 7:30 – 10:30pm. Closed Tuesdays
Those on a budget will appreciate the offerings of Al42 by Pasta Chef, a street food-fusion where tradition meets innovation resulting in tasty, fast and filling dishes, starting from a wallet-friendly €6. Vegetarians will find plenty of options on the menu, including plant-based lasagne, and ravioli filled with seasonal vegetables.
Address: Via Baccina, 42
Phone: +39 06 488 3198
Hours: Wednesday – Monday 12:30 – 3:30pm, 7 – 9:30pm. Closed Tuesdays
Where to eat the pasta in Rome near the Vatican
The Vatican City is a must-see on any Roman vacation. St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican museums are only a couple of the city’s many treasures, and you could spend days just enjoying the richness and history of this area of town, which is a nation of its own right.
If you find yourself hungry in the Pope’s neighborhood, you could do worse than stopping by ll Segreto close to the Vatican Museums. This is our top pick for where to eat pasta in Rome. Its fantastic enclosed garden provides a relaxing place to eat during the summer months and a chance to taste delights including handmade gnocchi in a four cheese sauce, or typical Roman pasta alla gricia.
Address: Via Candia 71
Phone: +39 324 7412082
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12:00 – 2:30pm, 7:00 – 10:00pm.
Romanè on the bustling Via Cipro is another great choice in the Catholic capital, with their seasonal offerings meaning an ever-changing menu, with autumn-inspired zucchini and saffron fettuccine or the exclusive spaghetti all’Elorina. You’re sure to find a friendly atmosphere and be well fed here!
Address: Via Cipro, 106
Phone: +39 06 6975 6884
Hours: Monday – Sunday 11:30am – 12:30am
Where to eat pasta in Rome in Trastevere
If you want to get lost and step back in time, the lively neighborhood of Trastevere (beyond the Tiber) is the perfect place to explore and stumble upon tiny bars, charming eateries and picturesque scenes straight out of an old movie.
With characteristic trailing ivy over terracotta toned buildings, you’ll be living out all your Roman fantasies when you wander around this part of town. Because Trastevere is made for wandering, not for those in a rush. That’s why here you’ll find tourists from all over the world, but no shortage of locals too, as the area is a favorite for catching up with friends and having a drink after work.
The winding streets of Trastevere offer no shortage of eateries, but if you aren’t sure which to plump for, you won’t go wrong with le mani in pasta on Via della Pelliccia, one of their three restaurants in Rome, which serves rustic handmade pasta in metallic pans that give you the feeling of going back in time.
Seeing the talented pasta makers at work in the window will make you appreciate every last bite even more. Friendly staff and a homely atmosphere make this the perfect choice for dinner. As the restaurant’s name suggests, the dishes go well washed down with a glass of wine!
Address: Via della Pelliccia, 12
Phone: +39 06 583 6863
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12pm – 12am
A popular place for aperitivo, Cave Canem is also a pasta lover’s dream. Located just a stone’s throw away from the church of Santa Maria, in Piazza San Calisto, this rustic restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and a relaxed, youthful vibe lets you enjoy a diverse menu including all the Roman classics alongside some in-house specialities.
If you’re not in the mood for pasta there are baked potatoes and wood-fired pizzas, but the Fettuccine Cave Canem is a fresh and tasty choice with blistered cherry tomatoes. Here you will find locals and tourists alike enjoying a midweek bite to eat, perhaps even enjoying some live music as many street musicians play in the area.
Address: Piazza di San Calisto, 11
Phone: +39 320 4912938
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 5pm – 12am, Sundays 12:30pm – 2am. Closed Mondays
Where to eat pasta in Rome near the Spanish Steps
Chances are, if you come to Rome, you’ll want to climb the famous Spanish Steps, where Audrey Hepburn first meets Gregory Peck in the classic movie Roman Holiday. The picturesque Piazza di Spagna is where you will find horse and carriage rides, roasted chestnuts, a lot of fellow tourists and no shortage of restaurants.
For the real foodies amongst you, Tartufi & Friends Truffle Lounge is a stop you won’t want to miss. With a menu featuring top-quality ingredients, of which the titular truffle is the protagonist, this luxury eatery is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.
Located just a few meters away from the famed Spanish steps in Via Borgognona, you’ll be enjoying dishes like the Signature Tagliolini right in the heart of Rome.
Address: Via Borgognona, 4/E
Phone: +39 06 679 4980
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12 – 11pm
Another local option is Ad Hoc, open daily in the evenings with a choice from a la carte or a tasting menu for those who want to linger while sampling a bit of everything. Vermicelli with octopus and spaghetti with filet of beef are among the delectable options at this luxury restaurant and wine cellar on Via di Ripetta. Over 1000 wines are on offer here, so it would be rude not to try at least one!
Address: Via di Ripetta, 43
Phone: +39 06 32330 40
Hours: Monday – Sunday 6:30 – 10:30pm
Where to eat pasta in Rome near the Trevi Fountain
The impressive Baroque masterpiece which dominates the entire piazza is an absolute must-see, and once you’ve managed to get through the crowds to throw your coin into the depths of the Trevi Fountain with a wish to come back to Rome, you’ll be ready to eat!
If you crave a drink alongside your dish, a cocktail bar/restaurant is an ideal choice. Baccano could be the perfect place to rest your tired legs and refuel from an afternoon of designer shopping or people-watching, with its convenient location not far from the chic Via del Corso.
With a retro appeal that recalls Paris in years gone by, and a menu boasting seasonal ingredients and unusual choices like sea urchin linguine, or tortellini with 36-month-aged Parmesan, this bistro is not your typical Roman locale. Still, it’s worth a try for the chic and discerning traveler. Every ingredient is selected by renowned chef Nabil Hadj Hassen resulting in a diverse and exciting menu worthy of high praise.
Address: Via delle Muratte, 23
Phone: +39 06 6994 1166
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12pm – 12am
Where to eat pasta in Rome near the Pantheon
Feeding diners since 1961 when it was originally opened by chef Armando Gargioli, Armando al Pantheon is a small but perfectly formed restaurant, and in the spirit of keeping it in the family it is now run by the notable chef’s children and grandchildren. Alongside the classics, like carbonara and amatriciana on the menu you can find fettuccine with chicken livers and hearts, and there are many meat dishes and soups to be had if you’re all pasta-ed out.
Fans of Stanley Tucci may recognize this spot from his hit show Searching for Italy, and Armando’s has been visited by several VIPs, as their website’s photo gallery proudly shows all manner of A-List visitors from Emilia Clarke of Game of Thrones fame, to architect Renzo Piano. In fact, it is best to book a table as this little hotspot can get busy, but there are worse places to wait as you’re right in the vicinity of the Pantheon, temple of all the Gods.
Address: Salita de’ Crescenzi, 31
Phone: +39 06 6880 3034
Hours: Monday – Saturday 12:30pm-3pm, 7-11pm. Closed Sundays
Where to eat pasta in Rome in Testaccio
The trendy neighborhood of Testaccio is a little off the beaten path, and the formerly ancient Roman port is well worth a visit for art lovers, as many street artists have left their mark with impressive murals here and in the nearby Ostiense, and the area boasts a selection of quirky stores and music venues. With a down-to-earth vibe, diners will be welcomed to Flavio al Velavevodetto (which roughly translates to ‘I told you so!’) with traditional Roman fare like cacio e pepe with chef Flavio de Maio’s personal culinary touch.
With indoor and outdoor seating, and even a theater, this Osteria is used to catering for the crowds and is unpretentious and popular. If you’d like to dine in a place with a lively atmosphere and mingle with the locals, go here (and we told you so!)
Address: Via di Monte Testaccio, 97
Phone: +39 06 57441 94
Hours: Monday – Sunday 12:30-3pm, 8-11pm
That concludes our post on where to eat pasta in Rome.
Why not try cooking your own pasta in Rome, by joining our cooking class, that we offer every day at 14:00.
For more information, email us or visit our Rome Travel Guide.
To further enhance your appreciate of Italian cuisine join us on The Roman Food Tour.