Despite being so touristy and hosting so many tourist traps, Rome is a fantastic destination in Italy for foodies. And I’m not the only one to say this.
The eternal city, in fact, has been in the top ten of many lists for years. As a matter of fact, one of the reasons travelers dream about a vacation here is to tuck into the local delicacies.
So why is it that I often receive comments from disappointed travelers that in Rome they didn’t eat as well as they expected? Because they were not advised by locals or because their travel agents didn’t have a good knowledge of the city and didn’t suggest the best food neighborhoods in Rome.
In Rome, you can eat very well, but for this, you need proper planning because if you leave it to the last minute, chances are, you are going to end up in a tourist trap.
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Best food neighborhoods in Rome
But what are the best foodie neighborhoods in Rome? Who doesn’t know Rome or doesn’t know the food will tell you the Centro Storico. Why? Because it’s the most touristy area and is where all travelers are certain to get to at one point during their vacation.
But for us Romans, finding a truly good and authentic restaurant in the city center is always an adventure. Unless we are willing to queue for hours, book a week in advance, or fork out good cash at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Of course, there are always great places to eat in the city center, but the tourist traps outnumber them so to me, the Centro Storico is not one of the best food neighborhoods in Rome.
The same goes for Monti, the area next to the Colosseum. It’s so touristy and always packed with foreigners, that finding a great place to eat is not easy (not impossible!).
So, where should you eat in Rome? Let’s see my favorite areas!
Prati
Prati is one of those Roman neighborhoods where you just can’t go wrong. When a new eatery opens in Prati, you can be sure it’s a good one. Whether it’s a Chinese restaurant, a Middle Eastern, a seafood one, or a pizza place, the area itself requires good quality.
This might come as a surprise because Prati is right next to the Vatican, but don’t be fooled by the huge crowds of the neighboring area. Prati, in fact, is a very residential and office area where mainly locals live and work.
This is also why Prati is always the area I suggest when I’m asked for suggestions on where to eat near the Vatican!
Trastevere
I know you might be surprised by this mention and only a couple of years I wouldn’t have listed Trastevere among the best food neighborhoods in Rome. But in recent years, things have changed and the area has become a great place to eat.
Don’t get me wrong, there are still tourist traps, and awkwardly enough many are where you will actually see the long lines of tourists.
But always more great restaurants have been opening in Trastevere to raise the overall quality of the offer. From L’Elementare pizza place to Eggs for a fantastic carbonara to Otaleg for great gelato, with some good planning and research, in Trastevere you can have a proper Roman meal.
Testaccio
Testaccio is widely known as one of the best areas in Rome to find authentic Roman restaurants. And I agree.
Places like the historic Felice A Testaccio but also La Fraschetta di Mastro Giorgio, Piatto Romano, and the contemporary Conciabocca contribute to making this traditional district one of the best food neighborhoods in Rome.
Ostiense
Located next to Testaccio, Ostiense is a very interesting area to explore but that still doesn’t attract nearly enough tourists as it would deserve. When it comes to eating out, this is good news because here you won’t find tourist traps.
Locals in Rome are very demanding and won’t settle for less than good so in Ostiense, you are bound to find great restaurants.
This district is very multicultural and diverse and the food scene reflects this identity. Whether you are looking for Ethiopian, Italian, Indian, sushi, or Roman, Ostiense will deliver good quality.
Sallustiano/Trieste
The area expanding from Castro Pretorio towards Via Nomentana and the Coppedè Quarter is easily one of my favorite neighborhoods in Rome for eating and just enjoying a walk.
Here, you won’t see many tourists because it’s hardly on the tourist routes of foreign travel companies, but it’s an amazing district to discover for its ancient vestiges and modern landmarks including the beautiful Villa Torlonia Park.
Whether you are looking for vegan dishes, Roman delicacies, fantastic pizza and gelato, specialty coffee, or international cuisine, this district will deliver aplenty.
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