Where to eat near Rome’s monuments

Nowadays food guides have one thing in common: encouraging visitors to explore areas away from the touristy city centre and get off the beaten track. Yet many travellers in Rome are in town for just 2-3 days, are staying in a central hotel or apartment and want to eat and explore within that radius. And despite perception, there are a lot of decent places to eat in the centre of Rome. So, here are my tips on where to eat and drink around the monuments of Rome.

Where to eat near the Colosseum

Divin Ostilia

For: feeling like you’re in someone’s lounge room! Enjoy the best local and Italian regional wine with real enoteca style comfort food. (Via Ostilia 4) Propaganda

For: outstanding cocktails and casual, yet refined food in a New York meets Paris bistro style setting. (Via Claudia 15, website)

Li Rioni

For: your authentic Roman neighbourhood pizzeria experience. Be sure to start with the fritti. (Via Santiquattro 24, website)

Aroma

For: unrivalled views of the Coloseeum. The food here is worth its 1 Michelin star, but to be honest, the highlight is the terrace. (Via Labicana 125, website)

Where to eat near the Pantheon

Armando al Pantheon

For: a Roman trattoria meal at the foot of the Pantheon. Be sure to book (you can do so online) in advance! (Saluta dei Cresenzi 31, website)

Caffe Sant Eustachio

For: a coffee experience in one of Rome’s oldest and most famous coffee houses. (Piazza do Sant Eustachio 82, website)

Where to eat near Piazza Navona

Coromandel

For: eggs! Brunch has taken off in Rome but a Roman breakfast rarely consists of anything more than coffee and a cornetto. So if you’re looking for eggs Benedict or pancakes, this is your spot. (Via di Monte Giordano 60, website) Da Francesco

For: one of the few remaining good Roman trattorie in this area. All the classics from carbonara to amatriciana are on the menu here. (Piazza del Fico 29, website)

Jerry Thomas Project

For: exquisite cocktails, prepared by bar staff dressed in 1920s get-up at Rome’s most popular speakeasy. Be sure to book and turn up with the entry password (available on their social media accounts). (Vicolo Cellini 30, website) Bar del Fico

For: rubbing shoulders with the locals. At any time of year, grab your cocktail (mojitos are their specialty) and stand out in the piazza with the crowd. (Via della Pace 34, website)

Where to eat near Campo de Fiori

Emma

For: real cucina romana and pizza by the Roscioli group (one of Rome’s famous restaurateur and bakery families). You can book here (rare for a pizzeria) and eat outside. (Via del Monte della Farina 28, website) Dar Filettaro

For: filetti di baccalà! Battered fried cod fillets is literally all they do here and they do them well! It’s a wham, bam, thank you ma’am kind of place so don’t expect to be in for long. Have your fish and get out! (Largo dei Librari 88)

Open Baladin

For: some of Rome’s best burgers! Prized meat and bread buns, hand flavored chips and one of the city’s largest selections of craft beer. (Via degli Specchi 6, website)

Where to eat near the Vatican

Romeo

For: divine sandwiches, bakery and deli goods by day and refined, sophisticated dining by night. This is Michelin starred chef Cristina Bowerman’s second Rome restaurant and it doesn’t disappoint. (Via Silla 26, website) La Zanzara

For: aperitivo, lunch, dinner, whatever. Open all day, La Zanzara has a full menu from sandwiches and salads to seafood, meat and pasta. At aperitivo time, snacks and canapés are served with your cocktails. (Via Crescenzio 84, website)

Il Sorpasso

For: all day dining and a locals’ hotspot. From cheese and charcuterie boards to pasta and prime cuts of meat, Il Sorpasso is more than just a wine bar (and the cocktails are delicious!) (Via Properzio 31, website) Da Romolo alla Mole Adriana

For: frills free Roman dishes that are tasty yet inexpensive. Around since the 1920s this place knows how to serve up cucina romana alright! (Tip from my fellow Aussie foodie friend Toni) (Vicolo del Campanile 12, website)

Temakinho

For: a break from Roman food. Temakinho is a high-end Italian chain of Brazilian and Japanese fusion cuisine. It’s all ceviche, sushi, cocktails and samba music! (There’s also a Temakinho in Monti area, by the Colosseum. Both must be booked well in advance). (Borgo Angelico 30, website) Where to eat near the Roman / Imperial Forum

Enoteca Provincia Roma

For: a view of the Trajan Column and food and wine that has been exclusively produced within the province of Rome. Cheese and salumi, pasta, meat and seafood and a great wine selection. (Foro Traiaino 82)

La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali

For: a bustling trattoria experience, great food and friendly service. Trust your waiter to select a few choice dishes and if there’s a daily specials recommendation, take it! (Via delle Madonna dei Monti 9, website)

Where to eat near the Trevi Fountain

Baccano

For: all day dining in a stylish large indoor and outdoor bistro style set up. Great for lunch or dinner or even just an afternoon coffee or late evening cocktail. (Via delle Muratte 23, website) Angelina a Trevi

For: huge pasta servings in big white vintage bowls! A full menu with a good selection of local and regional wines, Angelina is casual and inexpensive. (Via Poli 27, website)

Salotto 42

For: cocktails and a stylish local crowd. Sit on a couch or stand and spill out into the square like the Romans do. (Piazza di Pietra 42, website)

Where to eat near the Spanish Steps

Le Jardin du Russie

For: Rome’s best club sandwich! The cafe at Rome’s luxury Hotel de Russie is your all day dining cafe with salads, first and second courses and desserts all in a stylish plush setting or out in the garden. (Via del Babuino 9, website) Pastificio Guerra

For: a quick and tasty lunch in between sightseeing. This historic pasta house serve up only two pasta dishes per day and you’ll have to line up to grab one, but it’s totally worth it! (I’ve listed this place as a great cheap lunch lunch pick if you’re staying in the Via Veneto area too!) (Via della Croce 8)

Imàgo

For: a once in a lifetime Roman dining experience. Imàgo at the famed Hotel Hassler has one Michelin star and through his unique tasting menus, chef Francesco Apreda takes you on a journey through his own international travels. (Piazza Trinità dei Monti 6, website) Some other posts that’ll help you decide where (and what!) to eat while you’re in town are listed here: