Where Do Locals Eat In Rome? 18 Hidden Gem Restaurants

If you are a foodie, you will absolutely love Italy! From Pasta, pizzas, tiramisu, gelato! Italy is by far one of my favorite places to dine in. My first trip to Italy was to Rome! They have thousands of restaurants to choose from and while they are all fantastic, there are certain places I recommend you try!!

You don’t just want to go to any corner restaurant, you want to try the best of the best. So let’s ask ourselves, where do locals eat in Rome?

Where Do Locals Eat In Rome?

One of the biggest mistakes when visiting any new place is dining in all the tourist spots. Not only is the food expensive, but it really is not that good. I was on a Mission!! To find the best Pasta, Pizza, and Gelato that I could find.  

These places were all picked by local Romans. While I have not lived in Italy, I have quite a few friends that have lived there for years!! And these are the TOP recommendations and absolutely amazing places to dine while in Rome.

Where Do Locals Eat Breakfast In Rome?

Breakfast in Rome became a bit of a challenge for me. All the spots I would find were either really overpriced or had an American buffet. While a love a good American buffet, I wanted to have the full Italian experience, and that included breakfast!!

I found the cutest and most simple spots to eat in, I truly recommend you go to:

1. Il Gianfornaio

This charming cafe is the perfect place to enjoy a good breakfast. You can never go wrong ordering a good cornetto and cappuccino (my go-to breakfast in Italy). 

One of my favorite things about this restaurant, they are actually located all over the city. So you will be able to have a good breakfast anywhere you go. One of my favorite locations If you are visiting or staying by the Piazza Di Spagna, they have a location right in front. 

I was amazed at how expensive breakfast was in comparison to other meals. But this little place had such a good selection and we did not spend more than $8 for 2 people. Amazing price!

Price Range: $

Where Do Locals Eat Lunch/Dinner In Rome?

I combined this category as any of these places will work for Lunch or Dinner!! If you are looking for non-touristy restaurants in Rome, here are my recommendations:

Pizza

2. Gino Sorbillo

If you are looking for an amazing pizza! Try this restaurant. I ordered my favorite Napolitana pizza from here. The prices are really fair, my pizza was not more than $12 and it is only an 11-minute walk from the trevi fountain. 

This is a spot where the locals eat and is one of the best restaurants in Rome. If you are traveling to Milan, they also have a great location there!

Price Range: $

3. Pinsa Mpo

After hours of visiting the Vatican Museum, this restaurant was absolutely incredible. Just a short 8-minute walk from the museum, I was in absolute pizza heaven. 

I recommend you order a pizza called Pinsa. This is a small pizza joint and it does get a bit crowded, but definitely worth it. 

Price Range: $

4. Alice

This restaurant is a unique place where a lot of locals eat. It is located near a university, so you will see a lot of students!! 

They sell pizza by weight and you must try the Suppli. If you don’t know what a Suppli is, it is basically a fried ball of pasta!! This is typical Roman cuisine, and if you love anything fried, you will loveeee this. 

Only a 4-minute walk if you are going to St. Peter’s Basilica. 

Price Range: $

5. 180 Grammi

This restaurant is a bit farther than the tourist spots. If you are not staying in the heart of Rome or might have a few plans by this location,  you might want to try this restaurant. I recommend trying La Romana pizza. 

Price Range: $$

Pasta/Other

6. Tonnarelo

If you are looking for an amazing pasta dish, you must go here!! One of the best places to eat in Rome. If you are vegetarian, this place will have a few options for you!!

It does get really busy for lunch, if you are looking for a quick bite; you might want to try one of the sandwich shops below. 

Price Range: $$ 

7. Osteria Angello

Only a small walk from the Vatican Museum, this is a great restaurant that has been recommended by a lot of locals. This is a nice sit-down restaurant, with a great atmosphere. I would go for Dinner if you are looking for a nicer place to eat. 

The pasta is amazing, but they also have a good selection of cured meats!! 

Price Range: $$ – $$$

8. Saltimbocca Ristorante

Located right in front of Piazza Navona!! It has a great staff and location. If you like seafood, I recommend you try the seafood pasta dish. Absolutely in love with this place. 

If you are looking for a nicer restaurant, I think this would be a great place to have a nicer dinner or a romantic night.  

Price Range: $$ – $$$

9. Ristorante Dei Musei

Another great location!! Right in front of the Vatican Museum, only 1 minute’s walk. If you going for a day, I recommend having lunch here. The food, staff, and location are absolutely amazing. 

Although it is located in a tourist area, the restaurant is a family-owned place that is really inexpensive. 

Price Range: $

Sandwich Shops

These are not just any sandwiches. These are small shops that have the most amazing paninis and homemade sauces you will ever have!!! Great for a quick lunch and I recommend every single one.

10. Bono Bottega Nostrana

With quite a few different locations, enjoy a quick bite near the Piazza di Spagna, only a 6-minute walk. If you are looking for a great and inexpensive place, definitely go here. 

Price Range: $

11. Antica Porchetteria Granieri 1916

This little place is a charming restaurant that has a great selection of Paninis for takeout. It does get really crowded, but trust me, the line is worth it! I recommend trying Norcino!! It’s the best homemade sauce you will ever have. Only a 1-minute walk from Piazza Navona!!

Price Range: $

12. Mi’ndujo

Only an 8-minute walk from the Roman forum. Everyone that goes absolutely falls in love with this small joint. I recommend it to anyone that will be spending the day in the Colosseum and is looking for a quick lunch. 

Price Range: $$ – $$$

13. Pescaria

If you are walking by St. Peters Basilica, make sure you stop by this little shop and have your meal on the steps in front of the Basilica. The view will be absolutely spectacular and the food incredible. After, go by to eat gelato in one of the locations listed below!! You will have such a great time.  

Price Range: $$ – $$$

Where Do Locals Eat Dessert In Rome?

14. Pompi

Right next to the Piazza di Spagna is the most incredible tiramisu spot. You have not had a proper tiramisu unless you go here. They have such a variety of different ones and each one is delicious!!!

This is definitely the best tiramisu in all of Rome!!!

Price Range: $

15. Giolitti

This is a great little cafe that has soo many good dessert options. If you are looking to change things up from Tiramisu or Gelato, you cannot go wrong with Giolitti. 

Price Range: $$

Gelato

You will see an overwhelming amount of gelato places all through Italy. They are all really good but noticed they can be very overpriced if you go to the wrong one. During one of my trips, we wanted some gelato and ended up going to a tourist area and spent $15 for 2 gelatos. I was sooo annoyed!! these are places I recommend you go as they are not only incredible but really great prices. Who doest love gelato!!?? I would have 2 a day on my trip LOL.

16. La Romana

One of my favorite Gelato shops and one of the best local places to eat in Rome!

Price Range: $

17. Gelateria La Giudecca

If you are looking for a late-night gelato craving, this is the perfect spot.

Price Range: $

18. Frigidarium

Only 3 minutes walking from Piazza Navona. One of the best Gelato I have ever had. I tried sooo many different gelato shops and this one definitely would be in my top 2. The wait time might be a bit long, but it is sooo worth it. 

Price Range: $

Non Touristy Things To Do In Rome

Rome has so many great things to offer. If you are looking for what to do, I recommend my post on what I did during my Italy trip. However, if you want a less touristy experience you can also try the following:

1. Orificio De La Cerraduran

This is quite a walk! But it is a fun adventure! After what felt like hours of walking around, there is a green door on top of the cliff. You will see a few people lined up just to peek through the keyhole. It might seem like a long journey, but what lies after is one of the most incredible views of the Vatican. You will see the St. Peters basilica right at the end. This is not a common tourist spot and it is definitely a great adventure

2. Quartiere Coppede

.One of Rome’s smallest districts! This small town has really great architecture and you will absolutely love walking around and discovering all the incredible history. This is definitely what I would call a “hidden gem”, getting here might be a bit of a challenge. There is no metro nearby, but there are a few trams that will get you here. 

3. Cooking Class

The food in Italy is soo amazing, imagine learning how to make your own Amatriciana pasta! This will be a fun experience and a unique excursion.

Food Culture

As you walk along the beautiful streets of Rome, experience their wonderful local cuisine. You might notice some places with the name Ostreria, Trattoria, and Ristorante. They are all restaurants but with slight differences. 

Trattorias are usually family-owned, which gives the opportunity to eat just like the locals and have traditional Roman food. Here you will experience authentic Roman dishes that follow the recipe of the Nona (Grandmother). I would recommend you try authentic Roman pasta here. You won’t regret it.

Osterias are also fabulous restaurants. It can also be family owned, but the most significant difference is the atmosphere and the food. The atmosphere is a little more rustic and “taverna” like. The food is more home-style, which allows you to experience all the flavors to its fullest. The Italian food is just amazing,  I tried tomato sauce, and Spaghetti with truffle in one Osteria that was second to none.

Both locals and tourists eat in Ristorates, they can be found in the center of Rome or in residential neighborhoods. Either way, they are a great place to eat if you are looking for a more formal experience.

One location where you will be able to find all three types of restaurants in the city is the Trastevere area. This area has different options for pasta such as Ravioli, Fiori, Carbonara topped with cheese, or meatball pasta. Of course, you will also find a great variety of the best pizza styles here such as prosciutto and artichoke, buffalo mozzarella, anchovy, or pizza al taglio. 

If you are like me and enjoy a great view and great pizzerias, go near the Trevi Fountain or the Pantheon area. Here you will have multiple contenders for the best pizza in Rome. I still can savor the black truffle pizza we eat near the Trevi Fountain. Local Rome is huge in its culture so if you have a chance to go to a pizza by the slice place, do not pass on it, this is their version of street food where the Romans eat. 

Needless to say, the food is delicious even in touristy places, but the ones recommended above have that crispy part of the pizza that we all love. Also, the pasta is done “al dente” and cooked to perfection. As you walk with a full belly you might get to experience the food market, which is the secret to best Roman food. Rome right is exploring the local food in Rome, or rather the great food like a local, and enjoying their exquisite food culture.

Conclusion: Where Do Locals Eat In Rome?

If you are a pasta/pizza fanatic! Then you will love eating in Italy. Yes, the location is incredible and filled with amazing history in each corner. But the experience just gets better when there is a pasta dish at the end LOL. 

Rome is such a big place and there are soo many restaurants. If you are looking for a great place to have a meal, follow any of these places! Not only are they inexpensive, and amazing, but also certified by locals! Yes, this is where locals eat in Rome. 

I made sure to include a few dessert spots because there is no great meal without a gelato/tiramisu right after. 

Buon Appetito!

If you are planning a trip to Italy, make sure to follow my amazing 14-day itinerary for Europe.