In Rome, we take our food very seriously. There’s only one way we like our pasta—al dente—and don’t waste our time with overcooked fish or meat.
Rome is packed with restaurants around every corner. But the more restaurants we try, the more we fall in love with our all-time favorites. If you want to get a taste of the real deal, don’t miss out on these five restaurants, renowned for offering some of the best dinner in Rome.
1. The best seafood dinner: Pierluigi
Imagine it: a balmy summer evening in a small piazza in the center of Rome, where you indulge in fresh seafood dishes with your friends or loved one.
That’s exactly what’s in store for you if you reserve a table at the famous Pierluigi restaurant sitting on Piazza dei Ricci.
Fresh tartares and carpaccios, an extensive top-quality Italian wine selection and an unforgettable atmosphere are what await you. Start with the red prawn carpaccio followed by a creamy scampi risotto with salicornia.
And don’t forget to ask for the catch of the day—they’re known for cooking fish to perfection here.
2. The best for cacio e pepe: Flavio al Velavevodetto
Testaccio is hands-down one of Rome’s best foodie neighborhoods. It’s where Roman specialties come to life.
And if you’re craving one of Rome’s most famous dishes, cacio e pepe, get yourself a reservation at Flavio al Velavevodetto.
Simple and fresh antipasti, delicious prosciutto, and pasta, homemade just the way it should be, await you. Don’t stare at the menu for too long while glancing at the Roman primi—trust us and just go for the cacio e pepe, renowned for its perfect creaminess.
3. The best for meat lovers: Kilo
Informal yet trendy, all those who set foot inside Kilo are bound to come back over and over again. Located in the chic Parioli neighbourhood, Kilo is a local gem for meat lovers.
As you make your way to your table, the rich meat counter, where you can choose the provenance, weight and cut of your meat, will inevitably catch your eye. Everything at this restaurant is top quality: the fillet is as tender as it gets, the burgers are juicy and the truffle polpette will leave you craving more.
4. The best for a romantic dinner: Mirabelle
Imagine candlelit tables in one of Rome’s most beautiful terraces overlooking the Borghese gardens. If that’s not romantic we don’t know what is.
The perfect mix of romance and fine dining make Mirabelle the go-to restaurant for a special occasion.
The menu is outstanding: the tagliolini with sweet butter and truffle are heavenly, and don’t get us started on the beer-glazed wild salmon. Between the sweeping views of Rome and the delightful menu, an unforgettable dinner is a guarantee.
5. The best for a trendy atmosphere: Sorpasso
Tucked away in the Prati neighborhood, this small shabby-chic restaurant and wine bar in Rome is the perfect place for a delicious meal in a trendy setting. An extensive Italian wine selection, a charcuterie station with the perfect Italian and Spanish prosciuttos and a cool vibe await you at Sorpasso.
Definitely start your meal with a few tapas: go for the hand-cut Spanish prosciuttos and the cheeses. For your main course, the menu changes often based on seasonal produce. All we can say is if you find the artichoke gricia pasta, you HAVE to order it.
