Paris
Best places to eat in Rome
If there’s one reason that people love to visit Italy, it’s the food. From gelaterias and fresh food markets to Michelin star restaurants and local bars perfect for aperitivo hour, Rome offers some of the best culinary destinations in the country. Discover where to sample the finest regional produce and authentic Italian dishes with this two-day itinerary to Rome’s gastronomic highlights.
Day one
Begin the day with a 20-minute drive to Eataly Rome.
Eataly Rome
Specialising in Italian produce, Eataly is the place to go for gourmet souvenirs. The store is filled with everything from craft beers and condiments to specialty flours that are perfect for making Italian pasta and pizza.
Then, take a 20-minute drive to the Nuovo Mercato Esquilino.
Nuovo Mercato Esquilino
Originally the Piazza Vittorio Market, this market is one of the oldest in Rome. Today it’s a melting pot of international flavours, with vendors offering produce from all four corners of the globe. Hosted every day except Sunday, the colourful market is filled with locals enthusiastically negotiating offers on spices, meats and exotic fruits and vegetables.
Next, take a 15-minute walk or a 10-minute drive to Fatamorgana.
Fatamorgana
There’s ice cream, and then there’s Italian gelato. Incomparable in flavour, texture and richness, gelato is a must-try when visiting Rome. While there are hundreds of gelato parlours to choose from, Fatamorgana is one of the best gourmet gelaterias in the city. It stands out due to its use of natural, raw ingredients and unusual flavours.
Gusto al 28 is just a 15-minute drive from here.
Gusto al 28
The Italian approach to dining is decidedly unhurried, with a meal often lasting several hours. Start the evening with an aperitivo at Gusto al 28. Take a seat in the stylish cocktail bar – its outdoor terrace overlooking the Mausoleum of Augustus – and experience some of the city’s most exciting mixology. The cocktail menu features an extensive selection of innovative blends, and there’s also a fantastic selection of fine wines.
Drive for 15 minutes around the river to reach Glass Hostaria.
Glass Hostaria
Located in Trastevere, Glass Hostaria is headed up by Michelin star chef Cristina Bowerman, and exudes a strong contemporary aesthetic. Local produce is central to the menu, which changes regularly to reflect seasonal ingredients and trends. Get the most out of the experience by ordering the nine-course set menu, designed to be shared between the table.
To get back to the hotel, hail a taxi and enjoy a 20-minute drive.
Day two
Start the day with a 10-minute walk to Antico Caffè Greco.
Antico Caffè Greco
Located in an 18th century building, Antico Caffè Greco is one of Rome’s most opulent cafés. Start the day with a coffee and a pastry and gaze at its ornate walls to discover portraits of former guests, including great artists, musicians and poets such as Wagner, Byron and Keats.
Then, take a 25-minute drive to Volpetti Salumeria.
Volpetti Salumeria
An unmissable stop for culinary enthusiasts, Volpetti is a gourmet food store with an extensive selection of Italian produce. A utopia for chefs, the delicatessen offers hundreds of varieties of cheeses, cured meats, breads, oils, condiments, preserves, pasta and wines.
Take a five-minute stroll to Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio.
Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio
Delve into the city’s culinary scene and head to the New Testaccio Market for lunch. This popular indoor market sells everything from fresh fruit, vegetables and cheeses to gourmet sandwiches and handmade pastas. Open Monday to Saturday, this is an excellent opportunity to sample regional delicacies while watching locals go about their everyday lives.
Choose between Il Pagliaccio (a 10-minute drive) and Sforno (a 30-minute drive) for dinner.
Il Pagliaccio
A contemporary two Michelin-star restaurant in the middle of Rome, Il Pagliaccio is an excellent place to spend your final evening in the Eternal City. Chefs blend the past with the present by reinterpreting traditional Italian dishes with a modern, creative twist.
Sforno
Considered one of the best boutique pizzerias in Rome, Sforno is a traditional, no-frills affair. Famous for its high-quality Neapolitan-style pizzas – made with a thick crust and a generous array of toppings – and its impressive selection of craft beers and fine wines, this is the perfect place for an informal final dinner.
To return to the hotel, it’s a 20-minute drive from Il Pagliaccio or a 30-minute drive from Sforno.
All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
Explore