The best restaurants Rome

Timetable

Romans eat around 1/13.30 pm and in the evening around 9/21.30 pm. Restaurants, pizzerias, etc., open their doors around 12pm for lunch(pranzo), take a break from 3pm to 6pm and finish service around 11pm/00pm. Some restaurants open only in the evening. Many are closed on Mondays and in August for annual vacations(chiuso per ferie). Reservations are always advisable(prenotare).

Budget & Tips

The trattorie offer excellent value for money: a succulent and often hearty pasta dish will set you back between €11 and €15. If Naples is the cradle of pizza, Rome is also home to some of the country's finest pizzerias. In recent years, a more gourmet offer has developed, with pizzas priced between €15 and €25, but you can still find inexpensive establishments with margherite starting at €8. And for a quick bite to eat, there's nothing better than pizzerie al taglio, where you can choose the size of your slice. There are also some excellent Michelin-starred restaurants in Rome, one of the most famous being La Pergola*** (tasting menu from €270 to €320).

Please note: Italians still often pay in cash, but restaurateurs should give you the option of paying by credit card.

What costs extra

Some restaurants will charge you for bread and cutlery(pane e coperto ), although in Rome this is a little rarer than in the rest of Italy. And even if you don't eat bread, you can't beat it! On average, expect to pay between €1 and €2 per person extra (the price should be mentioned on the menu). It's also worth noting that you can't order a carafe of tap water - you'll automatically be served a bottle for a fee.

The local way

The pasta is served al dente, i.e. quite firm!

To be avoided

Cutting spaghetti, putting cheese on fish pasta or ordering a cappuccino after 11am! But don't panic, there's no law against it - it'll just make Italians smile!

Kids

Children are king in Rome and welcome in all restaurants.

Smokers

As in France, smoking is prohibited in restaurants.

Tourist traps

Caution! There are plenty of tourist-friendly restaurants in the center of town. Some charge an exorbitant coperto (check it out, it should be on the menu!), others charge too much for mediocre quality. Follow your Petit Futé !