Rome is a food lover's paradise, especially for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine. From hole-in-the-wall trattorias dishing out melt-in-your-mouth carbonaras to upscale ristorantes housed in former convents, the Eternal City offers an endless array of dining options. Sifting through the thousands of eateries in Rome can be an overwhelming task. That's why we've compiled this definitive guide to the top 25 must-try restaurants for savoring true Roman flavors in 2023. Whether you're looking to sample fresh pasta, devour perfect pizza, indulge in gelato, or experience fine Italian wines, our roundup has everything you need to discover Rome's best authentic Italian cuisine. From beloved institutions to exciting new openings, we have the lowdown on where to find irresistible Italian food in the Eternal City. Let us lead you on a tasty tour through Rome's diverse dining scene to experience the city's vibrant culinary highlights.

La Tavernaccia

A delightful find off the tourist track, La Tavernaccia is a cozy Roman trattoria beloved for its authentic cucina Romana. Tucked away on a side street in the quaint Testaccio neighborhood, this family-run gem serves up classic Roman fare in an intimate setting. Come hungry and indulge in favorites like bucatini all'amatriciana, cacio e pepe, and abbacchio (roasted baby lamb). Known for using high quality, seasonal ingredients, the cooking at La Tavernaccia is always fresh and full of flavor. Don't miss their delicious fried starters like stuffed zucchini flowers. With its warm ambiance and top-notch traditional cuisine, it's no wonder this local favorite requires reservations.

Address: Via Giovanni da Castel Bolognese, 63, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

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Seu Pizza Illuminati

Seu Pizza illuminati was created by pizza chef Pier Daniele Seu and his wife Valeria Zuppardo, driven by a shared passion for exceptional pizza. They perfected a light, airy, and digestible dough as the foundation for their novel Roman-style pizzas with creative, high-quality toppings.

The pizzeria opened in March 2018 in Rome's lively Porta Portese neighborhood, near the iconic Trastevere district. The pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven, resulting in a fluffy Neapolitan-inspired crust with a signature Roman crunch. Seu Pizza illuminati offers a contemporary, modern pizza experience in a hip yet elegant setting. Chef Seu is reinventing Roman-style pizza using only the finest ingredients.

Address: Via Angelo Bargoni, 10 - 18, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

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Piatto Romano

Located in the heart of historic Testaccio, a neighborhood renowned for Roman culinary culture, Piatto Romano da Augusto celebrates true local flavors. With over 40 years of passion for catering, we wanted to open a space near Testaccio's iconic market where patrons can savor beloved Roman specialties.

On the menu, taste tripe, oxtail, chicken giblet fettuccine, artichoke soup with broccoli, spicy tomato bread, and of course, Amatriciana from our homeland. Piatto Romano da Augusto is the new dining destination in Testaccio on Via GB Bodoni 62, serving up handmade Ascoli olives, ricotta meatballs, ricotta with sour cherries, and more. Come taste the authentic cuisine of Rome!

Address: Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni, 62, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

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Luciano Cucina Italiana

Luciano Cucina is a colorful, chic, inviting next-generation Roman trattoria led by Chef Luciano Monosilio. Known for elevating humble carbonara into an art form, Luciano's exemplary version still shines as the star here. But the wide range of pastas, from classic to inventive new takes, all delight.

The beverage program also impresses, with wine on tap, craft beer, and designer bottled waters. The polished yet warm service anticipates needs and offers perfect recommendations. Luciano Cucina delivers a contemporary trattoria experience celebrating Roman traditions with modern flair.

Address: Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

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Taverna Volpetti

Taverna Volpetti is built on principles of ancient Roman flavors and culinary culture. Located in Testaccio, this restaurant centers around ingredients and recipes from the past, sourced from the historic Volpetti delicatessen nearby.

Patrons can pop in for tastings of cured meats and cheeses from the Salumeria, or sit at the elegantly simple tables for meals showcasing lost Roman specialties. At Taverna Volpetti, diners find a connection to Rome's food heritage, with ancient flavors revived in a welcoming, quick service setting.

Address: Via Alessandro Volta, 8, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

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La Rinascente 

At Rinascente Food Market, high-end grocery shopping meets gourmet dining in a sleek Roman food hall. Artisanal Italian foods and restaurants fill this glossy space, creating a bounty of upscale options that can prove almost overwhelming. With limitless variety, there’s something for every taste.

It’s an ideal spot to refuel with a quick upmarket bite amidst shopping. Any of the outposts satisfy; for views, head to the rooftop. Whether you want to browse, grab an espresso, or enjoy a full meal, Rinascente Food Market combines Italian culinary abundance with upscale flair in the heart of Rome.

Address: Via del Tritone, 61, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

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Almatò

At Almato in Rome's Prati district, Chef Tommaso Venuti's architectural studies intersect with his culinary prowess in a refined 28-seat space. Sleek pale wood, blue steel, and sharp lines create a minimalist backdrop putting the avant-garde tasting menus center stage.

Chef Venuti pushes boundaries with multi-course journeys from land to sea, delighted by a food-focused local crowd. Appetizers like scampi and radicchio or foie gras begin the progressive meal. Don't miss the standout risotto with orange and chocolate. Mains showcase creative pairings including duck with purple potatoes and lavender. With dishes as artfully plated as the postmodern interior, Almato melds design and inventive modern Italian cuisine.

Address: Via Augusto Riboty, 20/c, 00195 Roma RM, Italy

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Ineo

INEO, meaning "enter" in Latin, invites diners to step inside Chef Heros De Agostinis' sublime blending of tradition and innovation, culture and creativity. Nestled in the neoclassical palace of Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, INEO offers an epicurean journey through cuisine and place.

Master Chef Heros interweaves the aromas and flavors collected from his global travels with his Italian roots to present dynamic tasting menus interpreting "metissage" - an intertwining of experiences. Born in Rome with Abruzzese and Eritrean heritage, Chef Heros' nomadic life embodies the cultural diversity expressed in his cooking.

With over 25 years developing expertise in Michelin-starred kitchens worldwide, he is driven by inspiration. INEO offers an intimate sensory experience amidst elegant surroundings and warm Italian hospitality. Enter under the iconic arches to taste Chef Heros' blend of tradition and creative vision.

Address: Piazza della Repubblica, 46, Rome 00184, Italy

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Dogma

DOGMA brings the sea to Rome through wood-fired fish and produce sourced with care. Owners Gabriele Di Lecce and Alessandra Serramondi, young entrepreneurs from Ostia, created this convivial grill restaurant in San Giovanni.

The couple met working at the Michelin-starred Il Tino for Chef Lele Usai. Their shared roots inspired a casual yet thoughtful spot to relax over technical, ingredient-driven cuisine. Fish to vegetables from Alessandra's family's coastal garden shine through respectful grilling. Even the housemade bread and coffee carry the fire's imprint.

At DOGMA, technique and top-quality local seafood create an enjoyable, unpretentious experience. The sea provides the star while the grill unlocks its core flavors in an uplifting setting.

Address: Piazza Zama, 34, 00183 Roma RM, Italy

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Osteria Fratelli Mori

La Tana dei Noantri came to life in 2004, fueled by father Ambrogio's passion for cooking and bringing people together through food. Today, sons Alessandro and Francesco along with mother Giuliana carry on the same devotion by serving quality traditional Roman dishes in a warm, social atmosphere.

Their love for the craft shines through in respect for ingredients and time-honored recipes shared among friends around the table. La Tana dei Noantri continues Ambrogio's legacy, celebrating Roman food heritage and the joy of breaking bread in good company.

Address: Via dei Conciatori, 10, 00154 Roma RM, Italy

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Retrobottega

Reserve ahead at this atmospheric restaurant where chefs Giuseppe Lo Iudice and Alessandro Miocchi reinvent Roman cuisine. Their poetic seasonal tasting menus reward an adventurous palate ready to expand boundaries. Ingredients stay local but transform through their creativity.

Don't expect tradition - instead, witness the duo's artful vision inspired by native products. They spend mornings foraging forests and fields outside Rome to source prime local treasures. This meticulousness infuses the ever-changing menu with a sense of terroir and discovery, from just-picked gems to fungi foraged that morning. Open your mind and appetite to Pulejo's pioneering style of contemporary Roman dining.

Address: Via d'Ascanio, 26A, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

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Pulejo Restaurant

At this Michelin-starred gem near the Pantheon, local food devotees and curious tourists dine reverently as Chef Davide Pulejo's cuisine captivates. Diners experience updated Roman classics like ravioli with a twist, alongside inventive contemporary dishes such as eel with apple and watercress.

While honoring tradition, Chef Pulejo embraces modernity in selections like duck with chestnuts and sea urchin. Guests can order a la carte, but the 5- or 7-course tasting menu fully displays his technical mastery and culinary artistry. With its central Pantheon location, refined air, and creative menu, Piuma offers an elevated take on Roman fine dining.

Address: Via dei Gracchi, 31, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

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Coromandel

Coromandel's brunch has earned a devoted expat following seeking occasional respite from ubiquitous Italian breakfast pastries. The menu's pancakes, waffles, bagels, and eggs Benedict, plus tea and fresh juices, provide a taste of home.

The cozy dining room with eclectic dishware also offers a daily lunch blackboard and full dinner a la carte. Whether enjoying the morning menus or evening plates, Coromandel's global comfort foods delight foreign residents longing for familiar flavors. Its welcoming atmosphere and internationally inspired cuisine make this a beloved brunch haven.

Address: Via di Monte Giordano, 60/61, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

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Aroma Ristorante

Aroma's open kitchen welcomes guests to breathtaking vistas spanning from the Colosseum to St. Peter's dome. The name celebrates both the city and the Mediterranean aromas infusing the cuisine by Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio. Local specialties shine with creative touches against the unforgettable backdrop.

The adjoining Aroma Bistrò overlooks Parco del Colle Oppio with quicker bites in the panoramic setting. Whether at the main restaurant or casual bistro, Aroma's sightlines to ancient Roman relics paired with Chef Di Iorio's Mediterranean cooking create an unparalleled destination. Diners indulge in stunning views and aromas alike.

Address: Via Labicana 125 Palazzo Manfredi, 00184 Rome Italy

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Marco Martini Restaurant

Chef Marco Martini encapsulates cuisine as "eyes, stomach, head" - dishes sparked by nostalgic flavors and personal narratives. His modern, imaginative cooking chronicles experiential tales on each plate. Marco draws innate curiosity into playful new creations while honoring food memories.

The eclectic wine list intrigues with small-production labels alongside fame. A winter garden dining room and terrace-lounge invite lingering. Book ahead to enjoy Marco's gourmet journeys at lunch. With every meal, he serves a sensory trip through reminiscence and inspiration.

Address: Viale Aventino, 121, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

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Idylio by Apreda

Tucked on a quiet central street, Idylio resides inside the Pantheon Hotel with Chef Francesco Apreda boldly infusing his Neapolitan foundations with Asian spices. His passion for blending global flavors shines through tasting menus like the guest-curated "Butterfly" option.

With an ingredient-driven approach, Apreda creates personalized menus that intrigue and delight. The efficient yet warm service matches the modern energy within the understated dining room. Led by Apreda's globetrotting palate, Idylio provides an unexpected culinary journey in the heart of Rome.

Address: Via di S. Chiara, 4/A, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

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Casa Bleve

Food and wine enthusiasts flock to Casa Bleve, an elegant destination in Rome's Sant'Eustachio neighborhood. Dining rooms situated within the ancient cellar walls of Palazzo Lante create a one-of-a-kind experience. The Augustan-era ruins visible behind glass provide a portal to antiquity.

The menu focuses on refined traditional Roman cuisine utilizing seasonal and local ingredients. Dishes like bucatini all'amatriciana and abbacchio alla scottadito embody the city's culinary heritage. An awe-inspiring wine list of Italian greats and international selections perfectly complements the menu.

For an unforgettable meal in a setting steeped in history, Casa Bleve's superb wines and updated Roman classics beckon. Sip and savor amidst ruins in this unique restaurant and wine lover's paradise.

Address: Via del Teatro Valle, 48, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

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Giano

Tucked behind Via Vittorio Veneto, Giano's serene location within Hotel W complements Chef Ciccio Sultano's refined Sicilian cuisine. The sleek yet relaxed ambiance extends to an intimate cocktail bar and garden terrace.

Simple, quality ingredients shine at lunch while dinner presents more elaborate Sicilian-inspired plates like tuna-bottarga spaghetto, caponata eggplant, and creative carpaccios. Ciccio's influence elevates traditional dishes like the reimagined millefeuille. With excellent service and modern flair, Giano brings the essence of Sicily to an elegant Roman oasis.

Address: Via Liguria 28, 00187 Rome Italy

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Acquasanta

Nestled in Rome's foodie neighborhood of Testaccio, this modern eatery exudes minimalist charm. Just a handful of solid wood tables sit inside the bright, intimate dining room accented with pops of greenery. Outside, a petite terrace overlooks the street below. The chef sources top-notch seafood and prepares it with artistic flair in delicately portioned dishes. From the pared-down decor to the innovative cuisine, everything about this restaurant speaks to contemporary style and culinary excellence in an authentic Roman setting.

Address: Via Aldo Manuzio, 28, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

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Mater Terrae

Since January 2018, they have partnered with the storied La Manuelina restaurant run by the Carbone family. They are famed for their excellent Focaccia with Recco cheese, invented by great-grandmother Manuelina in her humble inn near Genoa in 1885. This magical recipe transforms simple ingredients like flour, water, oil, and cheese into a light, fragrant masterpiece when made with skill and baked at high heat.

At Mater Terrae, they draw inspiration from La Manuelina's legacy. Their mission is to create healthy, sustainable cuisine that promotes wellbeing for both guests and the planet. Like Manuelina's focaccia, their recipes transform quality ingredients into delightful food experiences.

Address: Largo Febo, 2, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

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Acquolina

Situated in the chic First Roma hotel, Acquolina exudes refined elegance with its artful decor of paintings and sculptures. The intimate downstairs dining room brings Mediterranean seafood to life with creative flair. Perfectly composed dishes like mullet with duck heart, juniper, and cherry showcase the chef's inventive pairings and expert balance. Staff provide attentive yet unobtrusive service as diners savor options such as mushroom, snail, and parsley. An extensive wine list complements the cuisine at this Michelin-starred gem, where the Mediterranean flavors shine with a modern, artistic twist. Acquolina's central location, sophisticated ambiance, and exquisite fare create a singular fine dining experience in the heart of Rome.

Address: Via del Vantaggio, 14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

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Enoteca La Torre

Encircled by the ancient Aurelian Walls, Enoteca La Torre emanates aristocratic elegance within Hotel Villa Laetitia. Antique furnishings, floral arrangements, columns, and ornate plasterwork accent the refined setting. Chef Domenico Stile prepares creative takes on classics from his native Campania, passionately utilizing quintessential Mediterranean ingredients. Signatures like the colossal babà dessert, finished tableside with flair, epitomize his exuberant style. Alongside regional specialties, Stile artfully incorporates Roman favorites into a menu celebrating the best of Italy. His masterful culinary craft enthralls food connoisseurs in this idyllic enclave. An extensive wine cellar provides the perfect complement to the chef's vivacious Mediterranean fare, completing a superlative dining experience.

Address: Lungotevere delle Armi, 23, 00195 Roma RM, Italy

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Antico Ristorante Pagnanelli

With roots dating back to 1882, Antico Ristorante Pagnanelli is a culinary institution that continues to reinvent itself generation after generation. Perched lakeside in a prime vantage point, Antico Ristorante serves refined takes on meat and fish accented by foraged herbs. The extensive wine program spans two cellar lists brimming with old and new world varietals. Guests can tour the storied wine cellars carved into the ancient rock beneath the restaurant. A mini wine museum provides an enriching glimpse into the wines and viticulture of the region. Blending heritage with innovation, peerless views, and wine spectacles galore, Antico Ristorante Pagnanelli offers an unforgettable fine dining experience steeped in history yet constantly fresh.

Address: Via Antonio Gramsci, 4, 00073 Castel Gandolfo RM, Italy

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Il Tino

Set along the Tiber River, Nautilus by Usai captivates with modern minimalism and marina views. For Chef Usai, this restaurant realizes a childhood dream nurtured by cooking with his talented grandparents. After honing his craft abroad and training under Italian master Gualtiero Marchesi, Usai returned home. Here he blends contemporary techniques with seasonal local ingredients to create cuisine rooted in tradition yet open to exotic influences. Garden herbs accent his refined seafood dishes presented with artful elegance. The on-site kitchen garden provides bountiful herbs visible from the chic dining room. With its idyllic location, Chef Usai's passion for craft, and ingredients from dock to doorstep, Nautilus by Usai offers a distinctive fine dining experience. Begin with an intriguing cocktail before indulging in the chef's contemporary regional cuisine paired beautifully with wines or herbs from the garden.

Address: Via Monte Cadria, 127, 00054 Fiumicino RM, Italy

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Treat your taste buds to the real flavors of Rome at these exceptional restaurants beloved by both locals and worldwide foodies. Have you visited any? Share your favorites!

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