Rome is a city that truly enchants, especially when you wander through its historic heart. Just a short stroll from ancient wonders like the Colosseum, you can find some of the world’s most inventive cocktail bars. It’s a place where the incredible culinary traditions of Italy shine, and even excellent wine remains surprisingly affordable. What I love most is the way old and new blend seamlessly in the city’s dining scene, offering both timeless classics and exciting modern interpretations.
Exploring Roman Flavors
Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina
For an unforgettable dining experience, Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina is a must-visit. The sheer volume of incredible food and wine here is almost overwhelming, offering a menu that’s a testament to Italian mastery. Their working salumeria produces mortadella and lardo that are simply divine. During my last visit, I savored a meal focused on their exquisite cured meats, paired with rich foie gras and perfectly sautéed chicory. Even though their carbonara is a legendary take on one of Rome’s classic pastas, you honestly can’t go wrong with any dish you choose.
Nonna Betta
A significant part of Rome’s appeal is its rich Roman Jewish cuisine, much of which is found in the historic Ghetto, particularly around Via del Portico d’Ottavia. This area boasts a fascinating history, as it was once the forced residence of Rome’s Jewish community for centuries. This period of hardship, however, inadvertently helped preserve the unique flavors of Cucina Ebraica Romana, which you can still enjoy today at places like Nonna Betta. You absolutely must try the carciofo alla Giudia, a crispy fried artichoke that is a true Roman Jewish delicacy. The fried anchovies and sautéed chicory are perfect for sharing, and the carbonara alla Giudia with artichokes offers a delightful twist. For a truly hearty experience, the trippa alla Romana, a peasant dish of tripe slow-cooked in tomato sauce, is a personal favorite.
Emma
I first discovered Emma in 2015, and it remains a firm favorite for its exceptional Roman dishes. Sitting on their cobblestone terrace feels like stepping back in time, while indulging in their delicious food. Their supplì, or rice balls, are a wonderful start, followed by a vast selection of homemade pizzas. The prosciutto di Parma is top-notch, and the escarole with olives and pine nuts is a refreshing dish. Many consider their cacio e pepe to be among the best you’ll ever taste. The restaurant also proudly curates an extensive wine list, boasting over 1,000 labels stored in their cellars beneath the ancient Theater of Pompeo.
Hosteria Grappolo d’Oro
This restaurant offers a wonderfully inviting atmosphere, and its tasting menu is an incredible value, especially considering the quality. For a very reasonable price, you can enjoy three antipasti for the table, select a Roman pasta and a main course, and finish with seasonal vegetables and dessert. Even if you’re not ravenously hungry, the experience is well worth it. I recommend starting with the tender beef meatballs in salsa verde, then moving on to one of their expertly prepared pastas. Don’t miss the classic baccalà alla Romana, a flavorful cod dish cooked in a tomato sauce with sweet raisins and pine nuts.
Il Marchese
Il Marchese is the perfect spot for celebrating any occasion, whether it’s a major milestone or simply enjoying a vacation. The bar area, with its wrapping design and striking brass backbar showcasing a vast selection of liquors and amari, sets a sophisticated tone. This is a place that truly excels in cocktails, offering innovative takes on well-loved classics like the Paper Plane and Mint Julep, alongside dedicated sections for spritzes and Americanos. The food menu mirrors this creative spirit, featuring modern twists on traditional dishes, such as scottadito lamb meatballs and fettuccine with wild boar ragù and a surprising cocoa crumble.
Ristorane Piperno
Another excellent destination within Rome’s historic Jewish Ghetto is Ristorane Piperno. Here, you can savor iconic dishes like the perfectly prepared carciofo alla Giudia, along with delicate fried zucchini blossoms and tender veal-filled agnolotti. The coda alla vaccinara, a rich oxtail stew, is a standout dish, as is their delicious bream prepared with a potato crust.
Il Giardino Ristorante
Perched atop the historic , a hotel that was a pioneer in Rome with its early adoption of elevators, electricity, and running water, Il Giardino Ristorante provides breathtaking views and exceptional service. It’s an ideal location for a sunset aperitivo, but enjoying lunch or dinner here is a true indulgence. I suggest starting with their refreshing shellfish salad or tender roasted octopus with crispy eggplant. For pasta, their amatriciana served with mezzi paccheri is a dish you won’t want to miss. Among the secondi options, the succulent beef ribs with friggitelli peppers and the beautifully presented roasted sea bass with fennel and citrus salad are both outstanding choices.
Baccano
Baccano beautifully blends the ambiance of a French brasserie with innovative Italian cuisine in the heart of Centro Storico. You can enjoy a classic Martini and a selection of Italian hams at the bar, or opt for a delightful burrata with Cantabrian anchovies. For a full dinner, consider trying the famed carbonara prepared by Chef Nabil Hadj Hassen, who notably helped put Roscioli on the culinary map. Other memorable dishes include a unique croissant with porchetta, butter, and anchovy sauce, and the sole prepared “Mugnaia” style, enhanced with yuzu and creamy mashed potatoes.
Rome’s Premier Cocktail Destinations
Jerry Thomas Speakeasy
To find Jerry Thomas Speakeasy, you’ll need to navigate a quiet side street and ring a discreet bell. This clandestine establishment, requiring a reservation and a password, is credited with igniting Italy’s modern craft cocktail movement. Inside, the dimly lit room is decorated with vintage photographs and furnished with plush seating. The cocktails are expertly crafted and never disappoint. The staff are engaging and friendly, and it’s the kind of place where you’ll easily strike up conversations with fellow patrons.
The Court
There’s truly no other place in the world quite like The Court. This terrace bar offers an unparalleled experience with its prime location directly in front of the Colosseum, providing truly spectacular views. The cocktails are just as extraordinary, having earned the bar a spot on the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Your experience begins with a generous tower of aperitivo snacks, including chips, nuts, olives, and mini sandwiches. However, the main event is the cocktail program, with their “Martini in Rome” menu being a personal highlight. Each martini is presented with a nasone, a clever nod to Rome’s ubiquitous fresh water drinking fountains. I highly recommend the Cacio e Pepe Vesper, made with pecorino-infused gin, and the Mr. Cipollini, featuring roasted onion gin and vodka.
Enoteca il Piccolo
This charming, petite wine bar in the center of Rome is a genuine find, especially in an area so dense with tourist attractions. The menu here changes frequently, focusing on exciting and lesser-known wine producers from across Italy and around the globe. If you can, try to secure a table outside to enjoy your wine while people-watching. It’s been a joy to see the city bloom around us during visits throughout 2024, and I expect 2026 to be no different.
Drink Kong
Drink Kong proves that you can enjoy incredibly technical cocktails in a setting that is both fun and relaxed. The bar’s futuristic design complements its equally innovative cocktail menu, which is meticulously developed by Patrick Pistolesi and his team. The menu often uses intriguing, riddle-like descriptions for its drinks, such as the “Rubra,” explained as spicy, harvested, and pickled with a white rum base. Thankfully, the staff are more than happy to guide you toward a drink you’ll absolutely love.
Freni e Frizioni
Freni e Frizioni might just be the coolest bar in Rome. Even if you have to raise your voice slightly over the music, the atmosphere is infectious. The real draw is the outdoor space, where you can find yourself either crowded around a cafe table or perched on the wall overlooking the Tiber River. The cocktails are excellent, and they typically come with a complimentary bag of homemade chips and crackers, perfect for a light snack.
Stravinskij Bar
Located within the elegant Hotel de Russie, the Stravinskij Bar is the crowning jewel of this property, situated in one of my most cherished corners of Rome. Stepping through the lobby doors leads you into a lush courtyard bar, filled with trees and flowers. While enjoying a signature cocktail is a treat, their Artichoke Garibaldi is a Roman-inspired twist on a classic, featuring Campari, Cynar, orange bitter, mandarin, and a unique artichoke leaf and sorbet combination.
A Culinary Stay
Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese
This hotel is perfectly situated just a short walk from Rome’s beautiful Borghese Gardens, making it easy to explore the city on foot. The rooms here tend to be more spacious than what I’ve encountered in other Roman hotels, and thoughtful touches like ceiling frescoes and marble bathrooms add a touch of luxury. When I wasn’t out exploring the cobblestone streets, I found myself spending a lot of time at Settimo, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant.
The aesthetic of Settimo is so inviting that I’ve even considered redecorating my own apartment to match its style. The gorgeous terrazzo floors, sleek lacquered tables, and plush green velvet chairs create a warm and cozy atmosphere, accentuated by an abundance of plants. Weather permitting, I highly recommend enjoying your meal on the terrace, which offers stunning views of the city below. The breakfast here is outstanding, with both a la carte options and a buffet featuring a wide variety of local and international dishes. It’s also a perfect spot for lunch or dinner, where dishes like their divine pasta amatriciana, one of my absolute favorite Roman pastas, showcase Executive Chef Giuseppe D’Alessio’s culinary expertise. You might also find dishes like hand-cut beef tartare with mustard ice cream to be a delightful surprise.
What are the must-try Roman Jewish dishes?
When visiting Rome’s historic Jewish Ghetto, be sure to seek out specialties like the carciofo alla Giudia, a crispy fried artichoke, and the carbonara alla Giudia. Trippa alla Romana, a hearty tripe stew, is another highly recommended dish for its rich flavor.
These dishes represent a unique culinary heritage preserved through centuries of history. They offer a glimpse into the resilience and creativity of the Roman Jewish community, providing delicious insights for any traveler.
Where can you find the best cocktails with a view?
For an unforgettable cocktail experience with an iconic backdrop, The Court is unparalleled. Its terrace bar offers direct views of the Colosseum, making it a truly unique setting.
The bar’s renowned cocktail program has garnered international acclaim, and their innovative menu features creative twists on classic drinks. Enjoying a drink here is as much about the visual spectacle as it is about the expertly crafted beverages.
Is there a place for a romantic dinner with a view?
Il Giardino Ristorante at the provides a stunning setting for a romantic meal. The rooftop location offers breathtaking panoramic views of Rome.
Enjoying your dinner on the terrace as the sun sets over the city creates a truly magical atmosphere. The exquisite cuisine complements the spectacular scenery, making for a memorable evening.
Exploring Rome is an adventure for all the senses, offering a delightful blend of history, culture, and extraordinary food and drink. I hope you find these recommendations helpful for planning your own unforgettable journey through the Eternal City.