The food in Rome (and Italy in general) is just freaking heavenly. The best pasta in Rome is usually found in casual and delicious trattorias, where you can eat pasta dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara, cacio e pepe, spaghetti alla Gricia (which is not quite the same as carbonara), and potato gnocchi.
One thing I learned in Italy is that certain regions are known for specific pasta dishes, and other areas generally respect pasta from different regions by not trying to recreate it.
So, for example, carbonara originated in Rome, and since it is considered traditional Roman food, we didn’t see it on the menu at any Italian restaurants outside of Rome.
Interesting, right? Italians are very passionate about their food and their pasta, so it makes sense that they respect tradition!
Psst, since you’re headed to Rome, book some of my favorite activities through GetYourGuide below!
Enjoying Italian cuisine in Italy is just about the biggest treat I can think of and a foodie’s dream.
Roman pasta is just the next level and can’t be compared to anything you might have had in the States.
Their ingredients are just better…whether it’s the fresh tomato sauce, the pecorino romano cheese, or the pasta water that’s like liquid gold, it’s just not easily replicated in the U.S.
You have to eat your way through Rome and enjoy all the classics the city has to offer you!
Another thing I noticed about Italian eateries, especially in Rome, is that a restaurant might have several different variations of its name.
So, a restaurant name might show up a little differently on Google Maps, vs. TripAdvisor, vs. Google, vs. what’s actually printed on the door of the restaurant.
Variations could be words like “osteria” vs. “vineria” or “trattoria,” or regions like “Roma” or “Toscana” could be tacked on at the end in some versions.
It can be a bit confusing, so just double-check the address to make sure you’re heading to the right place!
I’m sharing a list of my favorite restaurants and where you can find the best pasta in Rome.
Keep in mind for any of these recommendations, you should absolutely try to make reservations in advance for dinner.
If you’re not able to make reservations, Romans eat late (restaurants really get busy around 8:30/9 p.m.), so if you show up right when a restaurant opens at 7 or 7:30, you can usually get a table as a walk-in. Another option is to try for lunch.
And one more note to share about service. It’s hit or miss in Rome.
For the most part, everyone is pretty friendly, but occasionally, you’ll come across waiters who are so busy they don’t have time to smile.
It might take you a while for your server to come over and take your order. Or they might forget to place it. Or you might ask for the check five times before you actually get it.
While these things can start to get frustrating, just remember that the most important part is the food. And that when you’re seated at a table, unless specifically told that they need the table back at a certain time, it’s yours for as long as you want it.
So, while I can’t promise you that every restaurant on this list will have fantastic service, I can promise you’ll find a delicious bowl of pasta there!
Heading to Rome? Be sure to check out my Rome Travel Guide and my Top 15 Things to Do in Rome list!
Pssst, heading to Rome? Don’t miss these travel guides to help you plan your trip!
Best Pasta in Rome: Restaurants in Rome You Can’t Miss
1. Il Chianti Osteria Toscana
Il Chianti is located just steps away from the Trevi Fountain, and even with the ample indoor and outdoor seating, there was a bit of a line when we showed up on a random weeknight.
It was worth the wait, though, because the carbonara we tried was the best in the city, and certainly some of the best pasta in Rome (and we tried a lot of different restaurants’ carbonara, people!). So, that was a highlight and definitely not to be missed.
It was so good that after my trip to Rome with my family, I took Omied back here when we visited Rome again at the end of our trip so he could experience it. And so I could have more of the best carbonara ever.
2. LUCIANO Cucina Italiana – Roma
This spot is really popular among locals and foreigners alike. People rave about their carbonara.
3. La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
This casual Italian restaurant has an excellent selection of traditional and innovative pasta dishes, makng it one of the best places to dine in the city of Rome.
The atmosphere is incredibly friendly and welcoming, so you’ll feel like family as soon as you step through the doors.
Definitely try the bucatini all’Amatriciana, a delicious pasta made with a red sauce of guanciale (pork cheek), pecorino romano, and tomato. Yum!
4. Trattoria Vecchia Roma
This spot was recommended to me by a teller at my bank who grew up in Rome! She was helping me get Euros for my trip and asked where I was going.
When I told her I was headed to Italy (first stop, Rome), she got so excited and pulled up Trattoria Vecchia Roma’s website on her computer. She told me that this is one of the best restaurants in Rome for pasta and typical Roman cuisine.
I came here with my family, and we absolutely loved it!
We weren’t able to get a reservation because whenever we tried to call, the phone was either busy or no one answered (the sign of a bumpin’ restaurant!). So we decided to show up right when they opened, and they were able to seat us. By 8:30 p.m., the place was packed, with a line out the door.
They are famous for their bucatini, which they make in a giant wheel of pecorino cheese. And if you want extra cheese on top of that dish, be sure to ask for grated pecorino, not parmesan!
I also loved their gnocchi with walnut sauce and speck (kind of like a mix between ham and thick bacon). And if you’re lucky enough to visit during artichoke season, definitely get the Carciofi!
5. Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto
Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto is a great lunch option for some tasty pasta and a glass of wine.
The outdoor terrace is an exceptionally beautiful area to sit, and all of the pastas and pizzas are insanely delicious!
This trattoria is a hidden gem, so it’s the perfect restaurant to escape the hustle and bustle of tourists.
6. Tonnarello
The hip Trastevere neighborhood is known for having lots of fantastic trattorias, and Tonnarello is one of them. One of Omied’s colleagues from Rome recommended this spot, and we had a delicious dinner here.
There was a pretty long line to get in, but it moved fairly quickly, and we were able to dine in their outside area in front of the restaurant, which made for such a fun experience.
There’s nothing quite like dining al fresco with the best pasta dish in Rome in front of you and a glass of wine in hand while people-watching on a gorgeous summer evening!
Definitely get their tiramisu—it was some of the best we had in Italy!
7. Antico Forno Roscioli
Chef Nabil Hadj Hassen has crafted an impressive menu at Antico Forno Roscioli, which specializes in baked goods and pasta.
He’s made an award-winning pasta alla carbonara that’s to die for—it’s a must-try during your Roman holiday.
Whatever you order at Antico Forno Roscioli, it’s sure to be delicious.
8. Grazia & Graziella
This restaurant is a stone’s throw away from Tonnarello, and they’re very similar. Our Airbnb was close by, so we ended up going to both of them as Grazia & Graziella was another rec from Omied’s colleague.
We had their lasagna, which was fab, and their cacio e pepe—how do they make pasta with black pepper and a simple sauce taste so good?
Between this spot and Tonnarello, it was really hard to pick a favorite, but I think Omied ended up saying he liked Tonnarello a tiny bit better, and I liked Grazia & Graziella a smidge more.
I’d say if you show up and one line is shorter than the other, hop in that one! They were both delicious, and Grazia & Graziella has outdoor seating and killer tiramisu, too.
9. Armando al Pantheon
Armando al Pantheon is known for being one of the few restaurants in Rome next to a huge tourist attraction and still serves up some of the best Italian food.
This restaurant has been family-run for decades, with family recipes passed down since the ’60s.
10. Crispi 19
For a fancier dinner, Crispi 19 is a great option that’s romantic, serves elevated Italian dishes, and has a great selection of wine.
The menu focuses on fish and, of course, pasta that combines traditional ingredients with imaginative flavors.
11. Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale
Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale is small but famous for its fabulous handmade pasta.
It’s perfect for a quick, casual, and delicious lunch, especially after visiting The Vatican, as it’s located on that side of the river.
12. Felice a Testaccio
Bucatini, carbonara, tonnarelli…take your pick from all the classic Roman pasta dishes served here.
It’s a very popular spot, so you can expect it to be crowded, loud, and hard to get into without a reservation or showing up early.
13. Ristorante La Tavernaccia Da Bruno
Another fabulous option for classic Roman dishes ranging from pasta and pizza to meat and seafood is Ristorante La Tavernaccia Da Bruno.
This is a cozy and romantic spot that features beautiful archways and exposed brick.
While this upscale restaurant is located off the beaten path, it’s worth the trip to try the incredible entrees and housemade desserts.
14. Ristorante Anni Cinquanta Roma
People LOVE the Italian pizza here, and the prices are super reasonable.
Of course, the pasta is also delicious. You can’t go wrong with anything you order at Ristorante Anni Cinquanta Roma.
15. SantoPalato
If you want a casual, laid-back dining experience, pay a visit to SantoPalato.
This unassuming Italian eatery doesn’t look like much on the surface, but head chef Sarah Cicolini serves up some incredible cuisine.
The menu may seem simple and straightforward, but every dish is bursting with fresh, local flavors.
16. Dar Poeta Alla Scala
A local recommended Dar Poeta Alla Scala for pizza, and their selection is overwhelming and delicious.
You can get pizza by the slice here, so it’s fun to try a couple (or a few) different kinds.
17. Hosteria Romana
Hosteria Romana is simple and small, and graffiti on the wall is encouraged, so you know it’s unpretentious.
You’ll find some of the best pasta in Rome here, as well as famous dishes and specialties like roasted lamb.
18. Da Bucatino
Da Bucatino is a favorite spot in Testaccio among locals.
They have an antipasto buffet, and their oxtail and bucatini dishes are favorites.
19. Colline Emiliane
Colline Emiliane is definitely in the running for the best pasta in Rome.
Established in 1967, all their pasta is made by hand, and the family spends hours a day rolling it themselves.
Be sure to try their veal and pumpkin ravioli.
20. Flavio al Velavevodetto
This welcoming spot is set inside the historic archaeological site Monte Testaccio, an artificial mound composed almost entirely of testae, fragments of broken ancient Roman pottery.
This means you’ll be dining surrounded by ruins and pieces of pottery dating back to the time of the Roman Empire. No big deal!
Some of the highlights from their Roman menu include their stracciatella di Bufala, carbonara, and cacio e pepe.
21. Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina
This Salumeria is part deli counter, part restaurant.
It’s run by the Roscioli family, famous for their delicious bakery next door on Via dei Giubbonari.
You’ll find exceptional cheeses, wines, salami, and pastas here.
22. Nuovo Mercato Testaccio
The Mercato Testaccio is an open-air market in the Testaccio neighborhood.
Stroll through the rows of produce, cured meats, fresh pasta, paninis, and pastries, and grab lunch here.
It’s a fun and trendy place to hang out and sit outside while enjoying delicious eats and a slice of Roman life.
23. La Tavernaccia
This restaurant is a little more out of the way in Trastevere, located on Via Giovanni da Castel Bolognese, but their pasta alla Gricia makes it worth the hike and you’ll get to explore a new, charming area.
Ok, I think I’m sufficiently drooling now. Ciao Bella! Let me know if you visit any of my picks for the best Italian restaurants in Rome.
Be sure to check out more of my travel food guides!
Rome Sightseeing: The Ultimate Rome Travel Guide
Rome Attractions You Can’t Miss: 15 Things to do in Rome
Airbnbs in Rome: Top 10 Best Rome Airbnbs
8 Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Rome
Best Places to Visit in Italy: 16 Unforgettable Destinations
FAQs
Rome is known for its carbonara, bucatini, cacio e pepe, and tonnarelli.
-Carbonara
-Bucatini
-Cacio e Pepe
-Pizza
-Pasta
The Colosseum is one of the most famous architectural symbols in Rome. The Pantheon, the Catacombs, and the Arch of Constantine are some of the other most popular spots in Rome.
Ideally, if you want to see a good amount of the city it is recommended to stay 3-4 days. However, if you don’t want to feel rushed and really enjoy what the city has to offer you can stay a week.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
Emily, The JetSetting Fashionista
Saturday 22nd of June 2019
The food looks absolutely delicious! It's been years since I've been to Rome, but now I know the best places to go next time I visit!