Unforgettable Food: Best Pizza & Pasta in Rome

When it comes to must-have food to eat in Italy, pizza and pasta in Rome always top the list. So, I know you’re going to be searching for the best places to eat in Rome and I’m going to make it nice and easy for you. Whether they’re down ancient cobbled streets or just around the corner from the Colosseum, here are some of the best restaurants to eat pizza and pasta in Rome.

restaurant for pasta in rome
best bruschetta in rome

Naumachia Ristorante

One of the best restaurants near the Colosseum and just one minute from the beautiful Basilica of San Clemente al Laterano, Naumachia Ristorante is the place to go for pasta in Rome. On my most recent trip to Rome, I went there two days in a row because I was loving it so much.

best restaurants in rome near colosseum

My favorite pasta in Rome is their homemade fettuccine with tomato sauce, basil, and topped with Italian cheeses. Pair it with a glass of wine and a bruschetta starter for a perfect lunch near the Colosseum.

Beyond pasta, this Rome restaurant also serves a variety of pizzas and Italian meat and seafood dishes. However, as a vegetarian, I cannot attest to the latter.

Head here for lunch after exploring the Roman Forum and Colosseum!

Photo from Non c’è trippa pe’ gatti

Non c’è trippa pe’ gatti

This Roman restaurant is near Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, and they’re serving up some delicious pizza! All pizzas at Non c’è trippa pe’ gatti are Roman style. I had the marinara pizza with oregano, tomato, and garlic and it was so simple yet mega tasty. I paired it with an Italian red wine and it hit the spot. Apparently pizza is better served with beer but I’m not a beer girl these days, so wine was the move.

They have several other Roman pizza options like the classic margherita, funghi pizza, and capricciosa pizza with tomato sauce, artichokes, ham, eggs, mushrooms, and olives.

Plus, the restaurant is close to the Colosseum, just an 11 minute walk away.

On a budget? Here are some of my top budget travel tips!

Gli Angeletti

For amazing traditional pastas in a cozy dining terrace in Rome, Gli Angeletti is a must! Not only do they serve delicious dark red Chianti wine (I love), but they have great food and a large menu suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and meat eaters alike. It’s one of the best places for dinner in Rome.

I would recommend the Trofie with garlic, basil, green beans, potatoes and Pecorino cheese for vegetarians. It’s nourishing and very flavorful. Beyond pasta, they have small starts, seafood mains, and risotto. It’s a great pasta restaurant in Rome for soaking up the lively Roman atmosphere, while enjoying a variety of Roman and Italian dishes and wines.

Finish up your meal with their large portion of tiramisu for a complete Italian dining experience!

Find this restaurant in Rome near the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli.

See my guide on the best things to do in Rome, Italy for more inside tips!

Bonus: Coffee at Trecaffè

Not a pizza or pasta restaurant by any means, but this unassuming cafe is the perfect spot to have a macchiato or cappuccino. The small place may not look like much, but I had the BEST coffee here. You’ll also find sandwiches and pastries here, so it’s a great option for Italian breakfast or pick-me-up. The Trecaffè coffee shop is near the Pantheon and many of the loveliest piazzas.

With so many Italian restaurants in Rome (duh!) it can be hard to choose. Here's some of the best restaurants for pasta in rome (& pizza plus coffee recommendations in Rome!)
With so many Italian restaurants in Rome (duh!) it can be hard to choose. Here's some of the best restaurants for pizza and pasta in rome (& plus coffee recommendations in Rome!)

My Top Travel Recommendations ♡

These are a few of my top travel tips that will save you time and money while setting up for an AMAZING trip.

Booking flights: I almost exclusively use Google Flights. They have a cool feature where you can type in your departure airport and discover where you could fly within a certain budget. Otherwise, you can also compare airports and see what day is best to fly in/out to help you save money and have the most efficient flight path.

Travel insurance: SafetyWing is my go-to choice for travel insurance. They have a global policy that covers 180+ countries. You can visit any doctor, cancel anytime, and you’re even covered for a few weeks after returning to your home country.

Anti-theft bag: To help protect against pickpockets, I like to carry my beloved Travelon bag. It’s slash-resistant, has locked zippers, and is very sleek and functional for traveling abroad.

Accommodation: I love using Booking.com to find places to stay when traveling. Booking has everything from hotels and hostels to b&bs and entire house/apartment rentals.

Travel Credit Card: I love-love-love my Capital One Venture One credit card. It has a $0 annual fee and no fees when using abroad or paying in a foreign currency. Plus you get 20,000 bonus miles when you spend $500 in your first three months when you get this card.

Car rentals: I use DiscoverCars.com when renting a car. Great deals, customer support, and range of comapnies. You can save up to 70% via the website instead of booking a car directly.

Tours: I don’t travel on complete tours as I like to travel on my own terms, but I do like to book experiences and walking tours on GetYourGuide. They have an amazing line-up of things to do in destinations around the globe. You can also access skip-the-line tickets.

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Hi, I’m Christa! Welcome to my sustainable solo travel blog dedicated to inspiring others to travel slowly, embracing a heart-forward and spirited approach to adventure. 

-The Spirited Explorer

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