The best restaurants in Rome

From ancient buildings to contemporary art and culture, Rome has it all. And then there’s the much-coveted la dolce vita: the landscape, the lifestyle and, of course, the food.

Italian cuisine is as good as it gets, whether you’re seeking street food or traditional Roman classics. Best of all, you can find it everywhere in the city – in those hard-to-find piazzas, quiet alleyways, main thoroughfares and buzzing neighbourhoods. Not all eateries are created equal, though, so to help you navigate the city’s sprawling culinary scene, we’ve picked our top tables.

1. Roscioli

For modern Italian dining in a sleek setting, look no further than Roscioli – a multi-functional eatery, deli, cellar (with nearly 3,000 wines) and bakery near Campo de’ Fiori square. Stop here for hearty Roman pasta dishes and classic dishes like carciofi alla giudia (a classic artichoke dish) and trippa alla romana (Roman-style tripe with pecorino), as well as fish, cured meats, cheeses and homemade preserves. Roscioli is a must for travellers who enjoy dining in style.

2. Nativa

Nativa foregrounds organic ingredients on its plant- based menu, which spans well-done standards, such as lasagne, to more original dishes, including savoury apple and onion chutney muffins. There’s also chickpea tempeh with green pepper sauce and potatoes topped with vegan cheese. Ending the meal without dessert is near-impossible. Whether it’s the tiramisu, pistachio cheesecake or coconut mousse, every sweet treat here is a triumph.

3. Seu Pizza Illuminati

With its minimalist aesthetic, art-adorned walls and combination of tradition and contemporary artistry, this pizzeria ranks among the best in Rome. It’s been a labour of love for Pier Daniele Seu and his wife and partner Valeria Zuppardo, who’ve spent years developing their modern approach to pizza-making. Their menu features some of the most innovative toppings you’ll come across – think root celery cream and octopus carpaccio. Top tip: opt for the six-course wine-paired tasting menu.

4. SantoPalato

Clued-up Romans know SantoPalato as a “next- gen trattoria” – a restaurant honouring tradition while looking firmly to the future. Up-and-coming chef Sarah Cicolini has earned something of a cult following thanks to her imaginative and inventive dishes, such as oxtail meatballs and chicken liver frittata. Beyond a fantastic meal, you can expect friendly service and a wine list that champions independent winemakers. Reservations are a must.

5. Retrobottega

Seasonality and provenance combine with a punk aesthetic at this sought-after restaurant . Chef-owners Giuseppe Lo Iudice and Alessandro Miocchi have Michelin-starred credentials, and it shows. À la carte, you’ll find creative dishes, such as broccoli and skate fish, oxtail katsu sando and ‘nduja risotto, but the tasting menu is recommended above all. This is an experience you’ll remember for years – just be sure to book.

6. Pulejo

This one-Michelin-starred restaurant in the chic Prati area is ideal for special occasions. Chef and owner Davide Puleio conjures up regional dishes alongside those from farther afield, with exquisite starters including roasted red pepper served with rocket salad, aged parmesan, capers, oregano and egg yolk; and delectable mains, such as the pumpkin tortello with shrimp, turmeric and tangerine. Leave space for dessert – we’re always dreaming of the celeriac tarte tatin with fior di latte and vanilla ice cream.

7. Enoteca L’antidoto

With an original beamed roof and brick arches, the small but mighty Enoteca L’Antidoto is one of the city’s best natural wine bars. Locals come here to drink a bottle or two in the late afternoon and end up staying for dinner – which is as formidable as the wine list. The focus is on small sharing plates designed to complement a thoughtful wine selection. With monthly chef residencies, the menu changes regularly, keeping things fresh for each repeat visit.

8. Otaleg!

Rome knows how to make great gelato, but you need to know where to find it. Artisanal gelaterie are easy to come by, but for the real deal, try Otaleg! in Trastevere. This hotspot makes ice cream of the highest quality using age-old techniques and simple, premium ingredients. Look out for unexpected gourmet flavours like cacio e pepe that are unique, surprising and, yes, delicious. The fruit sorbets are also exceptional.