Rome’s Best Neighborhoods for Foodies: Top 10 Areas You Can’t Miss
Rome is a city where history, culture, and food collide in the most delicious ways. From rustic trattorias to trendy eateries, the Eternal City offers a culinary experience as diverse as its iconic landmarks. Each neighborhood in Rome brings its unique flavor to the table, from authentic pasta, traditional Roman pizza or innovative vegan cuisine.
In a recent study, travel experts at Colosseum Tours & Tickets gathered data from TripAdvisor and Booking.com to identify the best neighborhoods for foodies. The study considered the number of highly-rated pizzerias, vegan-friendly restaurants, and hotel availability to rank Rome’s top food destinations.
Below are the must-visit areas that promise the best culinary experiences in the city.
1. Termini
With an overall score of 75.11, Termini ranks as the best neighborhood in Rome for foodies. Known for its abundance of pizzerias (65 rated four stars or higher) and its excellent variety of restaurants, Termini is also a convenient location due to its high number of hotels.
Restaurant Recommendation: For an unforgettable Roman pizza experience, visit La Famiglia. This restaurant offers a variety of classic and modern pizzas baked to perfection.
2. Navona, Pantheon & Campo de’ Fiori
Scoring 74.02, these iconic areas are a must-visit for pasta lovers. You’ll be in food heaven with nearly 200 restaurants serving four-star-rated pasta dishes. However, these areas are pricier, so budget-conscious travelers may want to know this beforehand.
Restaurant Recommendation: Stop by Ristorante Da Fortunato al Pantheon for their renowned cacio e pepe—one of the best in Rome.
3. Monti
Monti takes third place with a score of 65.99. This charming neighborhood is famous for its abundance of pizzerias, offering a traditional yet vibrant culinary scene. It’s a must for pizza aficionados looking for an authentic experience.
Restaurant Recommendation: Head to Alle Carrette for a crispy, Roman-style pizza in a cozy atmosphere.
4. Vaticano, Borgo & Prati
These adjacent neighborhoods come in fourth with a score of 61.13. With 96 pizzerias and 118 vegan-friendly restaurants, these areas are perfect for those seeking variety in both traditional and plant-based cuisines.
Restaurant Recommendation: Visit Panificio Bonci for outstanding pizza by the slice and an array of vegan options. You can see more about this restaurant on Netflix: Chefs Table Pizza.
5. Trastevere
Known for its bohemian vibe, Trastevere scores 54.88. While it lacks hotel options, this district is one of the most diverse in terms of food, offering everything from authentic Roman dishes to international fusion cuisine.
Honestly, this is my favorite area in Rome, and I was sad that it didn’t rank higher—the fried artichokes at Tonnarello were my favorite meal in Rome.
Restaurant Recommendation: Osteria da Zi’ Umberto is a favorite for locals and tourists, serving up Roman classics like carbonara in a laid-back setting.
6. Nomentano
If you’re looking for good food at great prices, Nomentano is the place to be. With a score of 44.65, this neighborhood ranks high for value, making it a go-to spot for budget-conscious travelers without compromising on quality.
Restaurant Recommendation: Try Al Tinello d’Abruzzo for affordable meals and good wine. We like the Carbonara.
7. Appio-Latino
Appio-Latino scores 43.97, offering excellent value and many highly-rated pizzerias. It’s a quieter area compared to others but still a fantastic option for pizza lovers seeking great food at affordable prices.
Restaurant Recommendation: da Roberto e Loretta is a locally owned and operated small family business. The simplicity and comfort of traditional Roman food keeps visitors and locals alike coming back again and again.
8. Aurelio
Aurelio ranks eighth with a score of 42.32. This neighborhood is known for its good-value pizzerias and more hotel options than its competitors, making it an ideal area for travelers looking for food and convenience.
Restaurant Recommendation: Stop by Ristorante Le Vele for delicious seafood and pasta, the house white wine is also lovely.
9. Trionfale
Trionfale comes in ninth with a score of 39.09. This area shines when it comes to vegan-friendly options, offering a wide variety of plant-based dishes at affordable prices, making it a great option for health-conscious travelers.
Restaurant Recommendation: Check out Flower Burger for creative and colorful vegan burgers. There are 2 locations in Rome, so if you miss this one, you’ve still got an opportunity to visit the other location.
10. Aventino
Rounding out the top ten is Aventino, scoring 33.88. While it has fewer hotel options, this area offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere for those looking to escape the bustling crowds of central Rome.
Restaurant Recommendation: For a peaceful dining experience, try Ristorante Apuleius, which serves elegant Italian dishes in a serene setting. The Tiramisu here is fantastic.
