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The 12 most incredible Rome restaurants, from pasta to antipasto

Whether it’s melt-in-your-mouth cacio e pepe or perfectly cheesy slices of pizza you’re looking for, you’ll find it at these delicious Roman dining spots.

If there’s any city in the world that you visit for the food, it’s Rome. Yes, there is the history, the romantic cobbled streets and the Italian wine scene, but let’s be honest – we’re here for pasta. And pizza. And bread, cheese, artichokes, olives… the list never ends. Rome restaurants are the stuff of legends, places where you all but recreate the When Harry Met Sally scene, over and again, as you indulge in al dente tagliatelle and creamy burrata.

The actual list of incredible Rome restaurants would be miles long and could never be written, but these are some current favourites we’ve recently tried and loved.

a historic alley in Campo de Fiori square
The romantic cobbled streets and the Italian wine scene make dining in Rome so unique.

1. Roscioli

Best for: Ticking a world favourite off the bucket list.

Chances are you’ve heard of Roscioli – it might be the most famous dining name in Rome. It’s also in a great, convenient location – right near Campo de Fiori.

the classy dining space at Roscioli
Book a table inside the classy dining at Roscioli. (Image: Andrea Di Lorenzo)

Part delicatessen, part Rome restaurant, the best way to order is to share a selection of creamy, fresh cheeses, sliced meats and pickles. Just be warned, it’s always busy – this is one restaurant you need to book way ahead!

dining at Roscioli, Rome restaurant
Roscioli is Ppart delicatessen, part restaurant. (Image: Andrea Di Lorenzo)

Address: Via dei Giubbonari 21-22, Rome

2. Osteria da Fortunata

Best for: Instagram photos – their serving ware is gorgeous!

TikTok has gone wild for Osteria da Fortunata, and while the hype means long queues and a lot of people snapping away at their food, it’s not unfounded. Known for its handmade pasta, it’s also a massive restaurant with expansive indoor and outdoor seating, so even if that queue is long, it won’t be difficult to get a seat.

Address: Via del Pellegrino 11/12, Rome

3. Gino Sorbillo Pizza Gourmand Roma

Best for: Eating the best pizza in the world, without having to visit Naples.

Gino Sorbillo is famous in Naples – known as one of the best places to visit for an authentic Neapolitan slice, with queues constantly out the door, even during torrential rain. If you’re not able to make it down south, you can get your pizza fix at the institution’s Rome haunt, which serves the same crisp, delicious slices as its original venue.

pizza on the table at Gino Sorbillo
Gino Sorbillo is renowned for serving authentic Neapolitan pizza.

Address: La Rinascente in Via Tritone 61, Rome

4. Supplizio

Best for: A quick bite to eat.

Suppli are delicious little rice balls, essentially the Roman version of arancini (which is actually originally from Sicily), and if you want to try one, you go to Supplizio. Founded by renowned chef Arcangelo Dandini, it’s a casual spot where you can sample a few different flavours, plus try other fried specialties before finishing with the only dessert you could possibly choose here, the absolutely outstanding crema fritta, also known as deep-fried Italian custard.

deep-fried crema frittas at Supplizio, Rome
Try Suppli at Supplizio. (Image: Clark Douglas)

Address: Via dei Banchi Vecchi 143, Rome

5. Trattoria da Cesare al Casaletto

Best for: Experiencing a side of Rome many tourists miss.

Looking to escape the bustling city crowds? Trattoria da Cesare al Casaletto is further out from the usual tourist spaces, but it’s worth the tram ride. Expect to rub shoulders with locals as you chow down on cacio e pepe, polpette and other traditional dishes.

Aglio Olio pasta at Trattoria da Cesare al Casaletto
Aglio Olio is a must-try pasta dish at Trattoria da Cesare al Casaletto.

Address: Via del Casaletto 45, Rome

6. Mercato Testaccio Roma

Best for: Those who can’t decide (try everything!).

There are two food halls everyone raves about in Rome – Mercato Centrale and Mercato Testaccio. We picked Testaccio because the neighbourhood is known for its fresh produce, so if you’re heading to Rome for the food, it’s a must-visit even just to walk around and pop into other stores. Open every day except Sunday, a few notable stalls worth heading to are Mordi e Vai for delectable sandwiches based on family recipes and Casa Manco for some of the best pizza you’ll ever eat.

Address: Via Aldo Manuzio 66b, Rome

7. Alfredo alla Scrofa

Best for: You guessed it – die-hard Alfredo fans.

Fettuccine Alfredo was born at Alfredo Alla Scrofa, so if you’re a fan of the creamy Italian dish, you cannot visit Rome without a meal here.

Fettuccine Alfredo at Alfredo Alla Scrofa in Rome
Fettuccine Alfredo was born at Alfredo Alla Scrofa.

This is the real deal – just two simple ingredients, sharp Parmigiano Reggiano, and loads of butter, all prepared right next to your table. We’re salivating just writing about it.

the dining setup at Alfredo alla Scrofa
Head to Alfredo alla Scrofa and dine on authentic Italian pasta.

Address: Via della Scrofa 104/a, Rome

8. Piperno

Best for: Admiring the decor.

We love a good family-run restaurant, especially one that has a history. Piperno has existed for over 150 years and is still housed in a stunning 19th-century building complete with frescoes and historic decor. This is where you come to try the Roman antipasto staple, fried artichokes. They’re a must when in town, and Piperno is known for doing them the best.

a fried artichoke on a plate at Piperno, Rome
Fried artichokes at Piperno are made to perfection.

Address: Via Monte dè Cenci 9, Rome

9. Felice a Testaccio

Best for: Laid-back, classic Italian.

While you’re visiting Mercato Testaccio, save room for lunch at Felice a Testaccio. A classic restaurant with a reputation for delicious, unfussy traditional dishes, you can’t go past the cacio e pepe; it’s a go-to for locals and visiting foodies alike.

a plate of Cacio e Pepe at Felice a Testaccio, Rome
Head to Felice a Testaccio and try their classic Cacio e Pepe.

Address: Via Mastro Giorgio 29, Rome

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10. Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

Best for: Romance among the fairy-lit Trastevere streets.

Trastevere is a fantastic neighbourhood to wander through on a warm Roman evening and is home to some of the best restaurants in Rome. However, there are a lot of restaurants, many clamouring for your attention. Da Enzo is an unassuming eatery with long queues because it just does traditional Italian so, so well. Pick anything on the menu, and you won’t be disappointed – portions are generous, so share a few dishes and roll yourselves home.

a Trastevere restaurant at an old street in Rome
Trastevere is a fantastic neighbourhood to wander through on a warm Roman evening.

Address: Via dei Vascellari 29, Trastevere

11. Osteria Nannarella

Best for: A long lunch with a few carafes of wine.

Another excellent Trastevere choice (and yet another TikTok favourite) is Osteria Nannarella, where you’ll find handmade pasta, cheap wine and crusty bread with rich Italian olive oil at prices that won’t haemorrhage the travel bank. Try to get an outdoor seat for the best people-watching.

Address: Piazza di S. Calisto 7/a, Trastevere

12. Dogma

Best for: Foodies who want to be in the know.

Dogma has landed a spot on many lists of the best Rome restaurants, which is impressive considering it only opened in 2022.

a fine dining setup at Dogma, Rome
Sit down for fine dining at Dogma.

Founded by celebrated seafood chef Gabriele di Lecce and sommelier Alessandra Serramondi, the restaurant is committed to ethical food sourcing and local produce and dedicated to grill-focused meals – even the tiramisu, which is a must-try.

a close-up shot of dessert at Dogma, Rome
Make room for dessert.

The combination of a skilled seafood chef and talented sommelier means the wine pairings are perfection, too.

a close-up shot of pasta at Dogma, Rome
Dogma serves comforting pasta dishes.

Address: Piazza Zama 34, Rome

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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.