Our Favorite Foods
Where to Eat & Drink in Rome
One of our favorite things to do in Rome is simply to eat! The city is a food lover’s paradise, and we’ve had the best time discovering our own special spots. From the perfect slice of pizza to an unforgettable pasta dish, here are a few of the places that have become our favorites. We hope you’ll love them as much as we do!
– Hailey & John
Dar Poeta
What We Love
This is, hands down, our go-to spot for pizza. Tucked away on a charming side street in Trastevere where Hailey attended college, it’s cozy, always buzzing, and feels like a real local gem. The pizza crust is the perfect combination of chewy and crispy.
What to Order
You can’t go wrong with a classic Margherita or Bufalina, but we also love their specialty pizzas. Start with an order of fried zucchini flowers (fiori di zucca) or a supplì (fried rice ball).
Website: darpoeta.com
Location: Vicolo del Bologna, 45
Donkey Punch
What We Love
When you need a break from sightseeing and want a quick, casual, but seriously delicious lunch, this is the place. It’s a modern sandwich shop that makes incredible creations on fresh focaccia bread. Perfect for grabbing a bite on the go.
What to Order
The menu changes, but just point to whatever looks good—you won’t be disappointed. The ingredients are super fresh and the combinations are fantastic.
Website: donkeypunchroma.it
Location: Via di Tor Millina, 28
Taverna Trilussa
What We Love
This place is an experience! It’s a lively, classic Roman restaurant famous for serving pasta directly in the pan it was cooked in. We love the bustling atmosphere and sitting outside under the ivy in the evenings.
What to Order
You have to get one of the “in the pan” pastas. Our favorites are the Cacio e Pepe or the Amatriciana.
Website: tavernatrilussa.com
Location: Via del Politeama, 23/25
Ristorante La Carbonara
What We Love
We had such a memorable family dinner here with our parents and aunt, sitting outside and soaking in the energy of the square. It’s a historic restaurant that has been serving Roman classics for over a century.
What to Order
The name says it all—their Spaghetti alla Carbonara is a must-try. It’s rich, creamy (without any cream!), and absolutely perfect.
Website: la-carbonara.it
Location: Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 23
Gelateria Della Palma
What We Love
Prepare to be overwhelmed in the best way possible! This legendary gelateria has over 150 flavors to choose from. It’s our favorite stop for a sweet treat after visiting the Pantheon.
What to Order
Honestly, just have fun with it! Get a few scoops and try something new. The pistachio is incredible, but so are the fruit flavors and the endless varieties of chocolate.
Website: dellapalma.it
Location: Via della Maddalena, 19-23
Ristorante Pierluigi
What We Love
If you’re craving incredible seafood, this is the place. It’s an elegant, classic Roman restaurant with beautiful outdoor seating in a quiet, lovely piazza. It feels like a little escape from the city bustle.
What to Order
This is the place to splurge on fresh fish. The Spaghetti alle Vongole (with clams) is amazing, and their raw bar with oysters and crudo is fantastic.
Website: pierluigi.it
Location: Piazza de’ Ricci, 144
Trattoria Vecchia Roma
What We Love
This is a traditional, no-frills Roman trattoria with one of the most spectacular pasta dishes we’ve ever had. It feels authentic and is always packed with locals, which is how you know it’s good.
What to Order
You absolutely must order their signature Bucatini all’Amatriciana Flambé. They prepare it tableside by tossing the pasta and sauce in a giant, hollowed-out wheel of pecorino cheese.
Website: trattoriavecchiaroma.it
Location: Via Ferruccio, 12/b/c
Harry’s Bar
What We Love
This is a Roman institution. Stepping into Harry’s Bar feels like stepping back in time to the glamorous “La Dolce Vita” era. It’s a legendary spot on the famous Via Veneto, perfect for dressing up a little and enjoying a classic aperitivo before dinner.
What to Order
The Bellini is iconic here, but they also make a fantastic Negroni, a refreshing Hugo Spritz, and of course, a perfect Aperol Spritz. It’s more about the timeless atmosphere than anything else.
Website: harrysbar.it/en/
Location: Via Vittorio Veneto, 150
Giolitti
What We Love
This is one of the oldest and most famous gelaterias in Rome, and you can feel the history when you walk in. It’s always busy, has a beautiful old-world charm, and the gelato is incredibly rich and flavorful. It’s the perfect reward after a day of walking.
What to Order
The real question is what not to order! Their fruit flavors, like wild strawberry (fragoline di bosco), are amazing, but so are the classic creams. We love getting a cone with pistachio and dark chocolate (cioccolato fondente). And you have to get it with a dollop of fresh, unsweetened whipped cream (panna) on top – it’s their signature!
Website: giolitti.it
Location: Via degli Uffici del Vicario, 40