The 38 Best Restaurants in Rome, According to a Best-Selling Local Cookbook Author

Rome, a city rich in history and tradition, is renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine. A recent best-selling cookbook authored by Katie Parla, a Rome-based food journalist and cookbook author, highlights the city's top dining establishments. Parla, who has spent years exploring Rome's culinary scene, shares her insights on the best restaurants across the city.

In the heart of Rome, family-run trattorias have long been the cornerstone of the city's dining culture, serving traditional dishes such as cacio e pepe, carbonara, and roasted lamb. However, contemporary neo-trattorias are also making their mark by reimagining these classics. As Rome's dining scene evolves, the influence of immigrant communities and international cuisines, ranging from Ethiopian to Venezuelan, adds new dimensions to the city's gastronomic landscape.

Weather in Rome can be unpredictable, with February and March bringing damp conditions that quickly give way to spring. This transition allows for a delightful array of spring dishes, with artichokes simmered with peas and lettuce forming a key component of Rome's definitive spring stew, known as vignarola. Planning a meal in Rome requires knowledge of the city's unique dining customs, including the necessity of making reservations far in advance or taking advantage of last-minute availability.

While online booking is on the rise, many restaurants still prefer phone reservations, especially at the beginning or end of service hours.

The list of Rome's best restaurants is regularly updated to keep pace with the city's dynamic dining culture. Each entry in Parla's guide includes insider tips from her experienced team, along with a pricing range from affordable options under $10 to more upscale establishments with entrees exceeding $30. Recent additions to the culinary map include Beppe e I Suoi Formaggi in San Giovanni, which has expanded its space to showcase a wide selection of Italian and French cheeses alongside their signature dishes.

Taverna Cestia, located near the Pyramid of Gaius Cestius, offers classic Roman fare, seafood, and wood-fired pizza, complemented by an impressive wine list. Lastly, Vetro in Prati-adjacent Della Vittoria merges natural wines with small plates that blend Roman and broader European culinary traditions, making it an ideal destination for both dining and casual drinks.