The 7 best restaurants in Rome

Are you planning a city trip to Rome? That's a fantastic choice! Rome is a city that truly has everything to offer: history, culture, great food and a unique atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else. As soon as you walk through the streets of Rome, it feels like stepping into an open-air museum. You literally encounter historical monuments on every street corner, such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Roman Forum. The city exudes the rich history of the Roman Empire, but also has a modern side. For me, next to Bologna, Rome is the most enjoyable city in Italy.

How many days do you need for Rome?

How many days you should stay in Rome depends on how much you want to see, but four to five days is ideal. This will give you enough time to explore all the major sights without rushing. Be sure to plan a visit to the Vatican City, where you can admire the Sistine Chapel and the impressive St. Peter's Basilica. But also make time to just wander the picturesque streets of neighborhoods like Trastevere, where you can experience real, local life.

Eating in Rome

In addition to history and culture, Rome is - of course - also about food. Italian food is world famous and in Rome you can taste traditional Roman cuisine at its best. Think classics such as cacio e pepe, carbonara and supplì (fried risotto balls). You can enjoy fresh pasta, crispy pizza and delectable gelato on every street corner. The small, local trattorias often offer the best dishes, prepared with love and fresh ingredients. I've listed my favorite restaurants for you. And no, these are not the standard tourist attractions you find on every blog. These are unknown and unique gems where you can eat delicious food for next to nothing.

1 Trattoria Tritone 1884
The rigatoni alla gricia here is incredible. Rigatoni alla gricia is a traditional Roman pasta dish made with just a few ingredients: guanciale (Italian pork belly), pecorino romano, black pepper and rigatoni pasta. Known as the precursor to carbonara, without the egg, it combines the rich flavor of guanciale with the savory cheese for a simple but flavorful dish. Must try in Rome!

2 Antico Forno Serpenti
On the way to the Coliseum (or on the way back) a good stop for a cheap and tasty sandwich. The Sicilia sandwich with tuna comes highly recommended. For only 7 euros, you get this huge bun including a coffee.

3 Trattoria Cadorna
Order the share-platter als a starter that includes fresh burrata and meatballs. And afterward, the pasta artichoke is highly recommended.

4 Trattoria Il Lucano (pizza)
Fresh pizza while enjoying an Italian beer. This terrace is a great place to sit in the sun during lunch. Perfect for recovering after a morning of soaking up culture.

5 Trattoria Al Tettarello
You might have to wait a while for a spot, but this was my favorite restaurant. We were actually on our way to another place, but the cheerful wall caught our attention. The appetizers are delicious, all the pastas are SO fresh and the service is very nice. It doesn't get more Italian than this. 10/10.

6 Il Petruccino
A wine bar without a (food) menu, but with a changing menu on the wall. Here you eat differently than usual and enjoy special local specialties. Ask the staff for help and be surprised.

7 433 restaurante
For a tasty, fresh and affordable pizza, this is the place to be - literally. An Italian terrace with checkered tablecloths and cheerful waiters. Enjoy!