Zia

Antonio Ziantoni, chef patron of Zia Restaurant and Ida Proietti, his partner and companion, are young, passionate professionals. Zia opened in May 2018 and its design (by architect Anton Cristell) is functional: neutral shades from grey to olive green, nice, simple table arrangement and large windows that overlook Trastevere; but here Trastevere is different. It’s silent, minimal – the roman ‘caciara’ is absent. Product excellence, consolidated techniques, clear and decisive flavours are integral to the cuisine. In fact the Chef is well travelled and has brought back his experiences from around the world to his restaurant. The atmosphere is also very pleasant, starting with Ida’s warm welcome to the dimmed lighting. WEBSITE

Acquolina

The venue is divided between the main restaurant and the rooftop, which offers a simpler alternative with a magnificent view over Rome’s rooftops. Daniele Lippi, a young Roman chef at the helm of Acquolina since 2022, has worked in some of the world’s finest kitchens. His culinary vision is Mediterranean, built on a dialogue between tradition and research, concreteness and thought. In his dishes, different techniques and inspirations coexist, along with references to tradition and ingredients drawn from different shores of the same sea, yet brought together with natural harmony and always guided back to essential balance. For Lippi, the Mediterranean is a place of reflection, where flavour also becomes cultural storytelling. WEBSITE

Ristorante Al Madrigale

From the study of rural, peasant cooking comes Ristorante Madrigale in Tivoli (just a few kilometres from Rome). In the kitchen, working closely with two-star chef Daniele Lippi, is Gian Marco Bianchi, who impresses with dishes deeply rooted in the territory. His cuisine is a tribute to ancient flavours, a journey back in time and an invitation not to forget that simplicity always wins in the kitchen. Two tasting menus tell a gastronomic story that weaves together transhumance, agriculture and contemporary thought, leading guests through an experience that looks to the future. It begins with an aperitivo on the lower floor and continues at the chef’s table overlooking the kitchen; it’s a place that stays in the heart. WEBSITE

Ego Restaurant

Ego is one of the most promising new openings on the Roman dining scene. The project is led by two young talents — Beatrice Venturini, who oversees the dining room, and Lorenzo De Lio in the kitchen — partners in life as well as in work, both still under 30. After gaining experience in kitchens and restaurants around the world, the pair opened Ego on Via Etruria on 1 March 2024, bringing a fresh, internationally minded perspective to the city’s restaurant landscape. With Venturini’s thoughtful hospitality and De Lio’s creative cuisine, Ego already feels like a bright new chapter for contemporary dining in Rome. WEBSITE

Ineo

A restaurant inside the Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Hotel in Piazza della Repubblica. The setting is elegant, as is the cuisine of young chef Heros De Agostinis. His cooking blends international nuances with Roman tradition. His dishes are rich with the aromas of African and Eastern spices, intertwined with memories of home, family and Rome. Each creation is a complex journey that moves and surprises. WEBSITE

Jacopa

In Trastevere, Jacopa is a fun, young, smart restaurant located inside the small Hotel San Francesco.A food & beverage that is spread out among different spaces: you enter through the cocktail area – some of the best cocktails in town – then you walk through the restaurant and, in the warmer season, you continue to walk through to the Terrace. In the kitchen two young chefs Jacopo Ricci and Piero Drago who have designed a menu based upon the Roman tradition but with a modern and creative (and sometimes unusual) interpretation. The first courses are excellent as are the aperitifs; a proposal of bistro type food such as ossobuco meatballs, grilled skewers, tartare, bun and burger – everything with sustainable and seasonal view. Here you have excellent value for money coupled with friendly and professional service. WEBSITE

Tribuna Campitelli

In the historic centre, between the Sant’Angelo and Campitelli districts, this elegant restaurant—opened by a group of very young partners and housed in a 17th-century palazzo—can be enjoyed for aperitivo or for menus dedicated to drinks and cuisine. Try the house Negronis, which have an entire section of the menu devoted to them, or one of the tasting routes designed to accompany the cocktails. There is also an oyster menu. WEBSITE

Da’Mare

A carefully designed, relaxed and informal setting with outdoor seating and a philosophy of “seafood without ostentation.” Benedetta and Carlotta Bruni, young twin sisters from Rome, prepare simple seasonal dishes, reinterpreted with technique and international touches. The focus remains on the catch of the day—never farmed, never subjected to long cold chains. At the centre of the space is an oyster bar offering selections of oysters and raw seafood. The menu, conceived by the Bruni sisters, highlights how even the sea has its own seasons. WEBSITE

Uma Roma

In the Garbatella district, Uma Roma is the project of two young chefs, Matteo Taccini and Luigi Senese. It is an intimate, informal space offering grilled dishes, alongside fermentation and the concept of “Unico,” meaning a single ingredient per dish. The menu is built through an approach of “subtraction,” using advanced techniques while presenting dishes in “great simplicity.” The result is a creative, contemporary cuisine. WEBSITE

From around the world

Nobu

The international brand by Robert De Niro, Nobu Matsuhisa and Meir Teper, with its Nikkei style (Japanese cuisine infused with Peruvian influences) that has made it famous worldwide. Open for dinner only, it offers sushi, sashimi and maki as well as cooked dishes, plus the omakase tasting menu for a complete dining experience entrusted to the sushi master. WEBSITE

reserva

South America in Campo de ‘Fiori: for us it is a yes! This one-of-a-kind place will make you feel in Latin America within walking distance of all the wonders of Rome. Tapas, fish, shellfish, meat and a great selection of drinks. WEBSITE

Traditional Trattoria

Frezza Romana

From actor and film director to restaurateur, Claudio Amendola opens Frezza in the heart of the city. Amendola flaunts the Roman spirit in every aspect of the new restaurant, especially the menu which is a clear tribute to the most authentic and genuine Roman gastronomy. Expect Coda alla Vaccinara, Trippa, Cacio e Pepe, Polpettine and Involtini alla Romana which Chef Davide Cianetti presents in characteristic terracotta dishes. Not to miss is the Bombe Salate, fried starters with various fillings (and quite filling). There is also classic roman pizza, traditional deserts and a wine list with mainly local regional labels. WEBSITE

alfredo alla scrofa

This is the original birthplace of the world renowned Fettuccine Alfredo. How are they made? fresh egg fettuccine with butter, a chunk of Parmigiano Reggiano and the proper ‘mantecatura’. In fact, there is a ‘mantecator’, a member of staff who is in charge of this very careful movement that perfectly combines the fettuccine with the sauce. An iconic, historic location that is absolutely worth a stop. WEBSITE

Settimio all’arancio

Located in the centro storico, Settimio all’Arancio is what you’d expect from a typical Roman trattoria in both design and cuisine. The aesthetics is very old-school: wooden boiserie, amber-coloured lighting and rustic seating. The menu is very classic, and varies with a few additions according to the season (eg. in artichoke season you’ll find an array of exquisite artichoke-based staples to choose from). We recommend the carbonara or gricia, it’s one of the best here. WEBSITE

Matricianella

As the name would suggest, Bucatini all’Amatriciana is perhaps the ‘piatto forte’ of this old-world trattoria. Located in the historic quarter of Rome, Matricianella has been cooking authentic, roman cuisine since 1957. As they like to say, Italian “Cuisine is like becoming children again, rediscovering childhood tastes and smells, simple sauces and unique flavours of grandmothers and mothers’ dishes.” – so if you’re searching for that true, nonna’s touch, you may want to book this restaurant on your next trip to the city. WEBSITE

Da Enzo al 29

Let’s begin with saying that this restaurant doesn’t accept bookings and you may find a queue during peak days, however this only suggests one thing: the restaurant is stellar. As far as traditional cuisine goes, da Enzo al 29 ticks all the boxes: excellent house wine, glorious food and pretty big portions – not to mention the classic, chequered table cloths. WEBSITE

Rocco Ristorante

Rocco ristorante is a less renowned trattoria situated in the Monti district, not far from St. Peters and the Vatican. Amongst the many traditional dishes, try the carciofo alla romana (when in season), puntarelle (when in season), meatballs, lasagna and, of course, their primo: spaghettoni alla carbonara, where the egg is the perfect amount of runny. WEBSITE

Armando al Pantheon

Located behind The Pantheon, Armando al Pantheon is another icon of the city. Opened since 1961 by the Gargioli family, this restaurant has been serving one of the best carbonaras in the city. The family still runs the restaurant adding a pleasant ‘host’ situation in which the restaurant is their home and they welcome you with open arms, and their cuisine remains true to the roots: traditional, hearty and filled with flavour. WEBSITE

CONTEMPORARY DINING

Acciuga

In the Prati district, a spacious, colourful restaurant with a culinary philosophy that always highlights local catch, guaranteeing one of the most interesting gastronomic experiences in the capital—without an unpleasant surprise when the bill arrives. Reliable seafood and accessible prices. On each table, a small chalkboard displays a menu that changes every two weeks, favouring lesser-known fish and encouraging sharing. A speciality is the pescato cotto in placchetta (fresh, wild-caught fish cooked on a wooden board, which adds a subtle smoky flavour, and served in the tray it is cooked in). WEBSITE

Osteria Palmira

A neighbourhood trattoria where Roman and Amatrician cooking come together—one of the places to eat a true Amatriciana. Welcoming, informal and non-touristy, it has a family atmosphere that invites you to sit and linger, in a space that smells of old traditions. Besides Amatriciana, the menu features cacio e pepe, gricia and carbonara. Try the burnt citrus cream, a twist on crème brûlée. The wine list celebrates Lazio. WEBSITE

Giulietta

On Via Giulia, one of the most beautiful streets in the historic centre and away from mass tourism, Giulietta is loved for being small, welcoming and homey, frequented by regulars. There is no table service: when your dish is ready, you stand up to collect it. Simple Roman cooking and kind proprietors. WEBSITE

roscioli roma

Restaurant, delicatessen and a very rich cured meats and cheese counter. Salumeria Roscioli is the perfect place to taste local products of excellent quality to get into the true spirit of Roman flavours. Here you can also eat one of the best cacio & pepe or carbonara in the city. An experience not to be missed in the heart of the capital. Make sure you book in advance. WEBSITE

ercoli 1928

If you want to feel the real taste of Italy, Ercoli is for you. The proposals vary from gastronomic excellence and restaurant with menu designed for lovers of good food, Cocktail bar with champagneria in the Prati area, vermouth bar in Viale Parioli and the new restaurant in the Trastevere area. WEBSITE

Ruma Bottega

Ruma Bottega is a hidden gem nestled among the cobblestoned streets of Rome a five minutes walk from Piazza Navona. In the Tuscan Maremma, an Etruscan territory, Rome was called Ruma which in turn, in Etruscan, indicated the breast of the animal (with reference to the she-wolf), a source of nourishment and life. Thus, Ruma – Bottega e Cucina Agricola was born, from Maremma Toscana to the heart of Rome. Matidia and Guido Pallini decided to take their agricultural family business to a new level, expanding into a store that not only sells their produce and locally sourced produce but also offer a carefully curated menu from breakfast all the way through to dinner featuring mainly cheese products (including ice cream!). WEBSITE

Irma roma

We must never forget that eating healthy food is good for both body and mind. For this reason, Irma never tires of seeking out the best that nature has to offer throughout the year and carefully prepares it to enhance every nuance. Their aperitifs are also excellent, always composed of different tastings freshly prepared by the chefs. Those who habitually frequent Irma’s are crazy about it! WEBSITE

Pizza

Vico Pizza & Wine

Between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, in the elegant Piazza Rondanini at number 47, Vico Pizza & Wine is a pizzeria that truly surprises. Set inside a 16th-century palazzo, the interiors are striking: frescoed ceilings, ornate Liberty-style chandeliers and decorative wood panelling originally crafted by the Ducrot workshops for the Florio family of Palermo, designed by architect Ernesto Basile. Within this grand historic setting, the focus remains firmly on the pizza…and it delivers. At the helm is 32-year-old Neapolitan pizzaiolo Ciro De Vincenzo, whose dough produces a pizza that is light, elastic and highly digestible, with a moderately puffed, pleasantly crisp cornicione. The recipe is simple: water, flour, salt and fresh yeast, followed by a carefully controlled 24-hour fermentation with changing temperatures. The toppings are equally thoughtful, starting with excellent tomatoes and mozzarella. WEBSITE

Seu Pizza Illuminati

Pier Daniele Seu: the pinnacle of pizza. In Trastevere, in a newly renovated space, the slogan “In pizza we trust” dominates the counter. Perfectly leavened pizzas, light and digestible, with toppings that evolve year after year, both in classic versions and in Seu’s own creative combinations. Three tasting menus: 5, 6 and 8 courses (not to be mistaken by number of pizza’s of course); The menu also includes fried items, focaccia, pizza toppings served on their own, classic pizzas, desserts and sweet pizzas. WEBSITE

Amerina La Pizzetta

In Largo dei Librari, near Campo de’ Fiori, Amerina is the padellino pizza project by Paolo Angelucci. Amerina was the name of Paolo’s Abruzzese grandmother, and the small 18 cm pizza—typical of Abruzzo—is baked in a pan. Ingredients are carefully chosen, leavening is long and perfect, toppings range from classic to creative. The result is indulgent and addictive—you’ll want more than one. A different, interesting kind of street food. WEBSITE

Antico Forno Roscioli

Not far from Roscioli Ristorante and run by the same family, instantly recognisable by the constant queue outside. Come for the Pizza Rossa—said to be the best in Rome—thin, crisp, with or without mozzarella. Also unmissable: the pizza bianca, plain or filled, and excellent supplì, classic or cacio e pepe. WEBSITE

Pizzarium Bonci

A serial dispenser of masterpieces of the white art, Bonci, an artist of yeast, has subverted the traditional canons of Capitoline gastronomy. Characterised by sublime doughs, the result of impeccable leavening, and excellent raw materials, his pizzas hover between classicism and creativity, sublimating a repertoire that also includes supplì, breads, desserts and dishes worthy of applause. WEBSITE

Piccolo Buco

Il Piccolo Buco is a family owned, gourmet pizzeria moments away from the Trevi Fountain. As the name suggests (and translates to ‘small hole’) this restaurant is a small space with only a few tables so our advice is to arrive early (and be prepared for a queue). The pizza is not traditional Roman pizza (which usually features thin, crispy crusts). Instead it’s more Neapolitan, with thick, pillowy crusts. In fact, the dough is left to rise for 48 hours, using Mulino Marino flours, organic sea salt from Brittany, and (of course) the water of Rome. This dough is later slipped into a wood oven that is over 100 years old creating the most flavourful pizzas. The owner and Chef Luca Issa pays a lot of attention to detail when it comes to the selection of ingredients, picking only fresh and seasonal products to top his pizzas. What I love about this place is that in the menu the restaurant highlights the farms and cheese factories from where they select each and every ingredient. For example the yellow tomatoes come from the Azienda Agricola Paglione or the Fiordilatte cheese comes from Caseificio Scarchilli. Talking about the menu, there are 20 different pizzas to chose from, each separated on the menu depending on whether they have a red tomato base, yellow tomato base, white base (no tomato) or focaccia. WEBSITE

50 kalò ciro salvo

There is never a wrong time for pizza: whether it’s a late breakfast, lunch, snack or dinner, pizza is always a valid answer. 50 kalo Ciro Salvo is a trademark for this special Italian dish, taking inspiration from the Neapolitan recipe ensuring the original result. Try to stop by in Via Flavia, you won’t regret it! WEBSITE

CafÈs & BAKERIES

Forno Ritorno

Forno Ritorno is a nostalgic yet modern bakery in Rome’s Testaccio neighbourhood. Conceived as a return to classic Italian baking, the project deliberately sidesteps the Nordic- and French-inspired pastries now common in many bakeries. Instead, the counter celebrates the recipes many Italians grew up with: cornetti, maritozzi, crostate and ciambelloni, all prepared with exceptional ingredients and modern techniques. The name reflects this spirit of return, echoing the ‘80s and ‘90s with retro posters and exposed brick walls uncovered during the renovation. Alongside the pastries, a specialty coffee programme and a small menu of seasonal dishes make it an excellent place for a light lunch as well. WEBSITE

Faro

Known for its work with specialty coffee—high-quality beans grown in specific microclimates and processed with extreme care. Also notable for its breakfast offering, especially savoury options: ham and cheese toast, chicken salad club sandwiches, eggs in various styles with seasonal vegetables, sausages or smoked herring. WEBSITE

Slow

“Buy less, consume better, enjoy slowly.” Near Largo Argentina, this new specialty café and research bakery opened on 3 January 2026 inside the boutique hotel Trame, with a separate street entrance. A large communal table and a smaller, more intimate room. No counter service—aligned with the philosophy of taking time to savour food. Croissants, pastries and viennoiserie are reinterpreted through seasonality and market produce, placing both product and time at the centre. WEBSITE

Café & Bookshop Officina Shell

Next to Villa Paganini in the Nomentano district, architects transformed a former workshop into a venue to enjoy from breakfast to afternoon tea, extending into early evening on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with brunch on Sundays. A place with two souls: bookshop and bistro, intertwined with art events. Welcoming and multifaceted, with conference space, workshops and a gallery. WEBSITE

Luna by Faro

No counter service here—you sit down. A concept focused on breakfast, extending through brunch and lunch, with takeaway pastries alongside sit-down options. More than just a café, bakery or pastry shop: all of these and more. The menu changes throughout the day, following an all-day brunch philosophy. WEBSITE

Bap

Near Piazza Fiume, a venue with an all-day concept that shifts with the hours: croissant, New York rolls, cakes and biscuits for breakfast, then eggs, avocado, bacon and toast for brunch, followed by bistro-style first and second courses at lunch and dinner, with international touches such as bao, burgers and falafel. WEBSITE

Grani Farine e Caffè

In Monteverde, offering breakfast pastries, savoury items and coffee. A small space where breakfast can be reserved to truly enjoy Italian cornetti, French croissants (filled to order), apple pastry with custard, Venetian cream pastry, and a cocoa croissant halfway between a croissant and pain au chocolat. WEBSITE

Madeleine

Madeleine is a wonderful concept that brings a slice of Paris to Rome. The concept is inspired by a French Bistrot that serves cuisine all day from early morning breakfast to after hour cocktails, It opened in 2015 as the founder Giancarlino’s vision to bring the very best of French Patisserie to the heart of the city through techniques and ingredients that Pastry Chef Francesca Mennella so wonderfully incorporates. You can expect a selection of macarons, eclairs, fondants, pancakes, cheesecakes, crêpes and of course madeleines that change regularly according to Pastry Chef’s inspirations that she gathers during her travels. WEBSITE

marigold

For you health fanatics, Marigold is for you. From here, the scent of warm, freshly baked bread and pastries oozes out in the street every morning and it’s impossible to not stop and wonder what delicious things are being created inside. The menu is seasonal, and this autumn/winter the breakfast features many warming foods such as porridge with plum compote or toasted banana bread with homemade butter. The lunch menu on the other hand focuses on fresh and seasonal produce, including a variety of superfood salads and green bowls. WEBSITE

Tulipane

Tulipane Casa Forno e Arredi is a contemporary-style bakery with a retro feel, as well as designer furnishings and soon to open, apartments in the heart of Rome that you can rent for a short visit to the city. Sara Bonamini, former food critic, decided to cross “to the other side” and create a place for exquisite bread together with Flaminia Fratini, furniture consultant, who selects extraordinary pieces of modern antiques from the 1950s. At Tulipane you’ll find pizzas, focaccia, sandwiches and large loaves of different grains as well as pastries on the counter and a pretty seating area with tables, sofas and armchairs: everything is for sale. For breakfast, make sure you taste the filled croissants, cakes and various pastries and for lunch pizza or focaccia is a must. Explore the endless varieties from white focaccia simply topped mortadella to zucchini, cherry tomatoes and ricotta – and many more. Tulipane is a small shop of good things, and a collector of beautiful things. WEBSITE

Barnum

If you’re looking for a place to grab a specialty coffee in the city centre then look no further. Barnum is a bistrot/cafè located on Via del Pellegrino near Campo de’ Fiori and here you can expect to find your hip crowd of freelancers typing away on their laptops with a cappuccino nearby. What is unique about this location is that it takes the ‘aussie’ brunch concept and translates it with traditional Italian products so instead of your banana bread here you’ll find plumcake, crostata and bombe alla crema (in other words, cream filled donuts). Take a seat for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon aperitif. WEBSITE

Emporio Sant’Eustachio

There has always been the stereotype that there are definite times to indulge in a coffee. The Emporio Sant’Eustachio wants to go against this belief, extending coffee to all times of the day, even with recipes of their own invention, hot and cold. It wants to cater for everyone’s tastes: for practical people who love espresso and for the sweeter ones, who prefer milk-based drinks. WEBSITE

What to see

PM23 Fondazione Valentino Garavani e Giancarlo Giammetti

From the moment you step inside, Valentino’s vision is unmistakable. The designer who has dressed half a century of celebrities on the world’s most important red carpets—from the Oscars to the Met Gala—sets the tone. Rooms unfold one into the next, where exhibitions are interwoven with sumptuous evening gowns, selected in dialogue with the artworks and themes of rotating shows by international artists. In essence, those bodices, finishes and precious fabrics, assembled by hand and made to measure, are themselves works of art. WEBSITE

Villa Farnesina

Villa Farnesina is a unique and romantic corner of Trastevere next to Palazzo Corsini where you can admire the frescoes of the triumph of Galatea, in the Loggia dedicated to Cupid and Psyche. Prince Chigi had fallen in love with a beautiful girl, at the same time Raphael, while he was painting the frescoes, was meeting Margherita Luti la Fornarina (it is likely that Galatea was inspired by her). These two love stories inspired this masterpiece. WEBSITE

Teatro della Cometa

Reopened in May 2025, the Teatro della Cometa has been brought back to life thanks to the investment of Maria Grazia Chiuri, now designer at Fendi after many years at Dior. A true jewel returned to the city, it once again hosts a programme of concerts and performances, just as it did when it was founded in 1958 by Mimi Blanc, a Roman noblewoman and patron of the arts alongside her husband. The restoration has preserved every original detail: brass comet-shaped motifs—the emblem of the founding family—its 230 cardinal-red seats, and the revolving stage, including wooden elements salvaged from the 1969 fire. Even the original poster from a 1959 concert by Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli remains on display. Part theatre, part meeting place (with breakfast served in the foyer), it is also something of a museum of its own history, as well as a gallery hosting temporary exhibitions just moments from Piazza Venezia. WEBSITE

Palazzo COLONNA

Palazzo Colonna is one of the largest and most important palaces in Rome; its origins date back to the Middle Ages however, its moment of greatest splendour comes at the time of Cardinal Girolamo who, in the second half of the seventeenth century, built one of the first galleries in the city designed to display a collection of works of art. Today, Galleria Colonna is filled with absolute masterpieces, such as Annibale Carracci’s ‘Mangiafagioli’, Bronzino’s ‘ la Venere’ and several paintings from the Bolognese school. WEBSITE

PALAZZO DORIA PAMPHILIJ

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is the most famous private art gallery in Rome on Via del Corso, with a collection made up of more than 400 paintings produced between the 15th and 18th centuries. In the halls of the palace you can admire the works of great masters, such as Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, Brueghel the Elder, Velázquez and Bernini. One of the most mesmerising rooms is the Hall of Mirrors, a long hall lined with sculptures and large gilded mirrors covered by a frescoed ceiling. WEBSITE

What to do

PIT-STOP AT Ristorante Museo Canova Tadolini

Canova on Via del Babuino is what used to be the atelier of the great italian sculptor Antonio Canova and his student Adamo Tadolini. Within the atelier (or the cafe) over 150 years of Italian sculptors is visible, from both Canova and Tadolini but also from other great sculptors such as Scipione and Giulio. It’s a beautiful, cultural environment where one can stop for a coffee break or a quick lunch. WEBSITE

Take a stroll through Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is one of the finest parks of the city. Walking up from Piazza del Popolo you will reach the Pincio, one of the best viewpoints of the city. The park is at its best during spring and summer time, but during autumn and winter you can always take the walk to reach Galleria Borghese, an exceptional museum that displays a collection of ancient sculptures, mosaics and paintings dating from the 15th to the 19th including masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raffaello, Tiziano, Bernini and Canova. If you’re hungry by the time you finish, pop into Casina Valadier for some fine dining. It is one of the most fascinating and elegant locations built over four floors with not only exquisite food but also a terrace overlooking the city.

Shop local delicacies at Campo De’ Fiori

Today, Campo de’ Fiori is popular amongst the locals for its early morning street market filled with local delicacies from spices and cheeses to truffle based produce and fresh fruits and vegetables. The piazza really comes to life in the evening with its bars and tavernas nestled in the alleyways leading up to the square. The historical importance of the square dates back to the fifteenth century when it was used for horse races and executions. In fact, fun (but not so fun) fact: you will find a statue in the centre of the piazza of Giordano Bruno, a philosopher and Dominican monk accused of heresy who was burned alive here on February 17, 1600.

Walk down VIA MARGUTTA

Via Margutta is a pleasant little street tucked away in the centre of town. It was featured in the award-winning film ‘Roman Holiday’ as the home of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Via Margutta dates back to the 17th century where craftsmen, workshops and stables filled this narrow little street. Furthermore, this picturesque cobbled street has always been seen as an art hub – probably due to the fact that many foreign artists sought out a life here.

Schola Praeconum

The opening of the Schola Praeconum, located on the southern slopes of the Palatine Hill, restores to the city the ancient headquarters of the heralds who announced imperial processions and ceremonies. Accessed from Via dei Cerchi, along the Circus Maximus and adjacent to the Church of Sant’Anastasia, the hypogeum features paintings of life-sized human figures engaged in a banquet and a large 4th-century AD black-and-white mosaic floor depicting the college of heralds preparing to process and announce an event. The proximity to the Circus Maximus has led to the prevailing belief that this building served as the headquarters of the announcers for the spectacles held nearby. The site will open to the public starting February 3, 2025, exclusively on Sundays and Mondays, with access limited to a maximum of 20 people via guided tours lasting 75 minutes (at 10:00 and 12:15 in English; at 10:30 and 12:45 in Italian). On Sunday mornings at 11:00, visitors can explore the site freely. WEBSITE

drink

33 Giri 

In Rome’s Prati neighbourhood, the most epic listening bar has landed and it’s already one of the city’s most compelling hangouts for design lovers, music obsessives and curious diners alike. A minimal, contemporary space where you can immerse yourselves among vinyls, wine and exquisite sharing dishes. On weekends, the mood shifts slightly with a relaxed brunch service. The menu changes regularly, but you can expect comforting, bakery-inspired treats such as Basque cheesecake, banana bread, cookies, rye loaves and freshly made bagels, alongside seasonal specials. WEBSITE

The Appuntamento

The Appuntamento is for the romantics: a beautifully designed space that acts as an all-day hangout from breakfast to lunch, merenda, aperitivo and dinner. Our favourite time to drop in is for an apericena: order a glass of wine and a selection of playful sharing plates, from golden potato croquettes to savoury maritozzi, brioche buns topped with foie gras, and small fried montanare with changing toppings — essentially a line-up of irresistible Italian guilty pleasures. There is also a mini store where you can shop ceramics, candles and colourful bits and bobs for your home as well as fresh flowers. WEBSITE

Antica Latteria

The Antica Latteria has recently changed its appearance, without losing its soul. It is no longer a coffee and croissant bar, but a cocktail bar where you can drink excellent drinks, wines and champagnes, with some pleasant surprises to eat. The atmosphere, always very cheerful and cosmopolitan, completes the perfect bar. WEBSITE

Vinificio

In the Testaccio area the winery was born, which defines itself as ‘funky’, and we agree with it! As can be deduced from the name, the strong point of the restaurant is the wine, of which the selection is excellent and in harmony with the gastronomic proposals, perfectly in italian style, that we are sure will conquer you. WEBSITE

Emerald’s Bar

Emerald’s Bar acts as a combination between a speak easy with a cosy living room. It’s small, intimate with dimmed lighting designed with a retro touch of velvet sofas and vintage objects hung on the walls, The cocktails menu is an infusion of flavours and garnishes from all over the world, juxtaposing spices and ingredients in a harmonious way. Try the Gonzales from Mexico: Tequila Patron, Clementines and honey – just the right amount of sweetness and, if you come between 6PM and 8PM it’s Happy Hour – two for one. Olives and tarallucci are brought with the drinks but for a few more bites you can find sharing dishes on the menu such as zapatos (warm pitta and crudités) and various dips or cheese platters. Prices start at €12 per cocktail. WEBSITE

Terrazza Borromini

Terrazza Borromini is situated inside Palazzo Doria Pamphilij, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture by Borromini located on Piazza Navona. The terrace lies between the bell tower and the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and it offers an exceptional view over Rome (and of course, the best viewpoint over Piazza Navona). This is the place you would come if you’re celebrating something or if you would like to indulge in a little luxury because after all, a glass of bubbles overlooking Rome at sunset is an experience you cannot put a price tag on. WEBSITE

Il Locarno

Il Locarno is housed inside Hotel Locarno, a classical, elegant five star hotel located near Piazza del Popolo. The bar has two outdoor spaces: the rooftop terrace that overlooks the city centre and the ground floor courtyard, a pretty area with plants and cast iron furniture. The cocktail menu has been designed by the acclaimed mixologist Nicholas Pinna, who uses his expertise in creating unique, extraordinary drinks – think whiskey and fig liquor or mezcal, apple, cucumber, agave and lime with a wasabi salt rim. This spot is a lowkey, intimate setting for a late afternoon aperitivo. WEBSITE

Jerry thomas project

In full roaring 20s style, the Jerry Thomas speakeasy will be the perfect ending to your Roman day: elegant and glamorous, with that retro touch and an excellent selection of drinks. WEBSITE

JACKIE O’

It was 1972 when Jackie O’ was born in via Boncompagni (a side street of Via Veneto) in the heart of Dolce Vita area. The name is an explicit homage to Jackie Onassis, an icon of those years. It immediately became a point of reference not only for well-to-do Rome but also and above all a “theatre” from where international stars recounted the excesses and wealth of those years. Alain Delon, Gina Lollobrigida, the Rolling Stones, Princess Margaret of England, Andy Warhol, Helmut Berger but also Italian names such as Marcello Mastroianni, Vittorio Gassman and the paparazzi crowd: every celebrity was at Jackie O. It is the black and white snapshots that dominate the venue because those names, the stories of each of them, made Jackie O’ memorable and an evergreen. A venue that has maintained the same magic for 50 years, where there has never been a need to follow fashions rather, that often dictated them. The restaurant’s menu brings back to those years: Riso al salto, Green pepper fillet with flambé directly in the room to impress, Crepes suzette. An excellent raw material for a classic cuisine at the antipodes of gourmet, the one signed by Chef Federico Sparaco. And the piano bar, a format that has always distinguished Jackie O’ which keeps people dancing until dawn. WEBSITE

where to sleep

Experimental RomA

The Rome of La Dolce Vita takes center stage again in a new hotel, but without the filter of nostalgia. Between Via Veneto and Piazza di Spagna, Experimental Roma opens on October 10th: 82 rooms and suites carved out of a former bank, designed by architect and interior designer Rodolphe Parente. The starting point is the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, when the city was the backdrop for a glamorous, cinematic Italy. But here the past isn’t nostalgically reconstructed — it’s remixed with contemporary materials and touches. In the rooms, intense colors, carpeting, drapery and references to historic architecture coexist with steel, mineral patinas and lacquered ceilings. On the walls, works that echo the artistic worlds of Cy Twombly, Christo and Ugo Ferranti pull the story into the present. The earthy, material-driven cuisine of Giovanni Passerini, back home from Paris, speaks to today too, while the cocktail club is the leitmotif of hospitality for the French group Experimental, founded in 2007 by three childhood friends. The rooftop pool, with a dip overlooking the Colosseum, is worth the trip on its own.

Palazzo Talìa 

This hotel is in the heart of Rome; an ancient building that in the 16th century was the residence of the secretary of Pope Leo X. In the 17th century it was donated to become a free school for needy and deserving students. Thus the Collegio Nazareno was founded, the oldest educational institution in the capital, which later became the school for the children of the Roman aristocracy. Now, after a major restoration, it has become Palazzo Talìa, a luxury hotel where the interior design of the common areas, restaurant, and bar has been entrusted to film director Luca Guadagnino. The Bar delle Muse, with its ancient vaults painted with grotesques, welcomes new golden, gleaming finishes; the imposing common rooms feature furnishings, accessories, design objects, and a striking carpet created by Nigel Peake. Everywhere, the past meets and embraces contemporaneity. The 26 rooms do not strive for opulent comparison, but instead offer a welcoming, intelligent, and pleasantly essential style. At the Tramae restaurant, Marco Coppola is head chef; his menu has strong Campanian influences. The hotel also offers tables in the magnificent garden courtyard, the heart of the palace—an oasis of greenery in the center of Rome. WEBSITE

Corinthia

The new Corinthia hotel has brought life to the historic 1920s headquarters of the Bank of Italy, opposite Montecitorio in Campo Marzio, a lively district filled with monuments and shops. Since its opening, locals have joined hotel guests, drawn by chef Carlo Cracco’s cuisine, keen to try his famed soft egg, caramelised Russian salad, the fine dining menu at Viride, and the notably light carbonara made with siphoned egg at the Piazzetta bistro. Not to be missed: a visit to the richly decorated council hall, with its frescoes, mosaics and inlays (when the Theodoli Suite is unoccupied), the spa set within the former vault offering treatments inspired by ancient Roman baths, and a stroll through the hotel with eyes turned upwards, where ceilings reveal a sequence of stucco, gold leaf and frescoed details. WEBSITE

Hotel de la Ville

Perched above Piazza di Spagna, Hotel de la Ville is a contemporary Roman icon with deep aristocratic roots. This vibrant 18th-century palazzo captures the pulse of the Eternal City through a confident blend of classical Roman elegance and modern flair, a balance that lies at the heart of the Rocco Forte Hotels ethos. Sweeping views over Rome’s rooftops, a lively social scene in its bars and restaurants, and interiors that reimagine the romance of the Grand Tour with rich colours, antiques, and playful design details make it one of the city’s most compelling addresses. Days unfold between the terracotta-hued inner courtyard, Fulvio Pierangelini’s Roman Mosaico restaurant, the buzzing Cielo rooftop bar, and Café Ginori on Via Sistina, while moments of calm are reserved for the Irene Forte Spa, inspired by the natural rituals of Sicily. WEBSITE

Casa Monti

Casa Monti embodies a refined vision of maximalism, seamlessly blending diverse influences into a cohesive and richly layered design. This distinctive aesthetic is the work of Laura Gonzalez, the acclaimed creative director and interior designer also behind iconic projects such as Byblos in Saint-Tropez and the Saint James hotel in Paris. Renowned for her bold, intuitive mixing of patterns, materials, styles, and furnishings, Gonzalez has reimagined the palazzo’s past, weaving together echoes of the Monti neighborhood and Rome’s broader history with the building’s noble heritage.The result is a luminous, joyful setting that feels like a dreamlike homage to the city itself. In the lobby, green-hued frescoes—painted by artists inspired by Rome’s most recognizable symbols, from umbrella pines to flocks of swallows in flight—set the tone. These are complemented by vibrant colours, expressive fabrics, and a curated array of objects that reflect the palazzo’s artistic soul, once a meeting place for artists, intellectuals, and influential figures who helped shape Rome’s cultural and social life. WEBSITE

Orient Express La Minerva

History, modernity, elegance, and fascination are the successful blend of the restoration of the palace that hosts the Orient Express Hotel Minerva, celebrating the meeting of the Eternal City and its symbols with the refined, literary exoticism that permeates the hotel’s beautiful rooms. Travel references celebrate Art Deco and the company’s past, evoke China and the Orient, but also celebrate Rome and its evolution through the centuries. Interiors are dominated by the colonial-style lounge, while travertine, imperial-colored marbles, ancient plasters, and 19th-century prints are imbued in the rooms and communal areas. The top floor is reserved for Gigi, the restaurant and rooftop bar where you can perch for a drink overlooking the Vittoriano (our favourite time is of course sunset) or, taste Gigi’s signature Mediterranean-style cuisine (the truffle pasta is sensational). The hotel recently opened its spa, signed Furtuna Skin so for a little you-time book yourself a facial, massage or simply time at the hammam. WEBSITE

St. Regis Rome 

Opened in 1894 by the legendary hotelier César Ritz and completely renovated in 2018, it is a benchmark of hospitality excellence worldwide. It features luxurious rooms and suites in Regency and Louis XV styles. Guests are offered an experience of true luxury, enhanced by special touches such as the afternoon tea ceremony held daily from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and the Champagne sabrage ritual at 7:00 p.m. The Lumen Lounge Bar – Cocktails & Cuisine offers a refined and exclusive culinary experience. WEBSITE

Palazzo Ripetta

Palazzo Ripetta is one of those quietly compelling Roman addresses that reveal themselves slowly. Tucked away in the historic heart of the city, the former 17th-century convent was originally created as a refuge for young women—zitelle—shielding them from the lively trade and traffic of the nearby Porto di Ripetta. Its early history is entwined with Saint Paschal Baylón, protector of young women and, legend has it, the inventor of zabaione—a sweet footnote that lives on at the hotel’s signature restaurant, San Baylon. Whether or not you’re staying the night, booking a table is reason enough to visit, if only for the indulgent ritual of zabaione served both before and after the meal. The building remained a religious institution until the 1950s, when it began its second life as a place of hospitality. Respectfully restored, its architecture was shaped by Luigi Moretti, one of the leading voices of Italian Rationalism, while later interiors by Fossa Gaetani introduced a distinctly Made in Italy sensibility. Think crisp linens by Frette, thoughtful design details from Alessi, and the citrus-scented polish of Ortigia in the rooms. Art is woven into the experience: frescoes by Nicola Castera, works by Bruno Liberatore, paintings by Burri, and unexpected touches of street art create a dialogue between past and present throughout the palazzo. WEBSITE

Il Palazzo delle Pietre 

This hotel houses a collection of archaeological and Renaissance artifacts displayed among ceilings and decorated vaults, in dialogue with contemporary art and design objects. Located in the Campo Marzio district, after a renovation that enhanced its history, it offers hospitality through ten apartments, each different from the others, all featuring travertine portals, inlaid friezes, and antique parquet floors that frame contemporary furnishings by Knoll, Artemide, De Padova, Alivar, and Richard Ginori. WEBSITE

Nomos

In the historic center of Rome near Campo de’ Fiori, a new luxury hotel with minimalist design occupies the spaces of a former convent and preserves its atmosphere—even in the staff uniforms: long sand-colored linen tunics and Birkenstocks. The interior design is by the Marche-based artist Henritimi. Thirty rooms where travertine is always the dominant material. The project is completed by a small spa, a courtyard hosting Bar Ante for all-day dining with local–international cuisine, and the Nomos Ante restaurant, where a young Roman chef blends Italian roots with international influences in a contemporary, personal cuisine. WEBSITE

Elizabeth Unique

A refined boutique hotel located within Palazzo Pulieri Ginetti and affiliated with the Design Hotels chain. It has 33 rooms, each different from the others. Conceived as an art gallery, artworks by various artists are present throughout all spaces. The DonnaE restaurant, which also features a beautiful outdoor terrace, is a gastronomic project that pays homage to (not only) Lucanian flavors, curated by executive chef Riccardo Pepe, offering a dining experience from 7 a.m. to midnight, including lunches dedicated to quick dishes. WEBSITE

Urban Hotel by Six Senses

On Via del Corso in Rome, Six Senses is  housed in the ancient noble palace Salviati Cesi Mellini, features 96 rooms (30% of which are suites), an exclusive spa, the Bivium Restaurant Café Bar with a tasting menu inspired by recipes of the Roman Empire, a garden courtyard, and a panoramic terrace with views over the domes of the Eternal City. Architect Patricia Urquiola designed the interiors, blending classicism and modernity and reviving the myths of ancient Rome through decorations, travertine marbles, and numerous details inspired by Roman architectural tradition. The renovation merges classical elements with contemporary design. The Six Senses Rome Spa is a modern reinterpretation of the ancient Roman baths. WEBSITE

Bulgari Hotel Roma

This 5-star luxury hotel is an ideal bridge between past and present. It is located in the monumental Piazza Augusto Imperatore, where churches, ruins, artworks, and historic buildings represent a history flowing uninterruptedly from the 1st century AD to today—a place that moves even those who live in Rome and are not tourists. The hotel occupies a Rationalist-style building constructed in 1938, reimagined in a modern key by architects Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, balancing aesthetic rigor and essential modernist style with opulent textures and materials. The hotel has 114 rooms, several restaurants under the consultancy of three-Michelin-star chef Niko Romito, a spa, a library dedicated to Roman art and architecture (also open to the public by appointment), and selected pieces from the prestigious Torlonia collection, including a marble statue of Emperor Augustus, as well as spaces reserved for exhibitions. WEBSITE

THE HOXTON rome

The Hoxton opens in the Parioli district of Rome. A neighbourhood known to be the area of the affluent, socialite Romans. But the Hoxton is different; yes, its a space that brings people together but here there are no preconceptions nor expectations. This is an inclusive space apt for everybody from solo travellers to locals simply looking to ‘hang out’ or work from somewhere other than the office. 192 bedrooms are spread over 7 floors, with six different sizes that reflect a retro, 60s vibe. In fact, the connecting thread in each space of The Hoxton is the utmost attention to detail when it comes to the design, curated by Ennismore Design Studio. Downstairs is home to two eateries: Beverly, with its Californian inspired cuisine and Cugino, an all-day diner with a farm-to-table approach (and pretty exceptional pastries). WEBSITE

The Goethe Hotel

Central and refined, it overlooks the Tiber, away from tourist crowds yet very close to shopping streets. The guiding theme of the hotel’s interior design is travel. In the common areas, details, objects, and artworks reference Goethe and the Grand Tour. The 27 rooms, similar in style but different in execution, are intimate and romantic: walls in shades of blue, purple, and green contrast with the red, yellow, and orange of fabrics and furnishings, including vintage trunks transformed into minibars or wardrobes. The result is spaces full of character and personality. The Affinity – Kitchen & Alchemy restaurant and lounge bar offers a journey through Italian flavors and tradition. There is also a small spa offering wellness programs. The Goethe Hotel is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World collection. WEBSITE

Hotel d’Inghilterra 

Part of the Starhotels Collezione, Hotel d’Inghilterra is a 5-star elegant and exclusive property, is rich in the unique charm of its long history. After a major renovation, new life has been given to rooms, suites, and common areas; a Spa Suite has been added, and the renewed Café Romano is a living room on Via Borgognona, offering a modern reinterpretation of Roman culinary traditions in line with the group’s gastronomic philosophy. The new Terrazza Romana on the sixth floor is a rooftop bar with unparalleled views (also open to non-hotel guests). WEBSITE

HOTEL VILÒN

That’s just what it is. Secret. Intimate. Hideaway. In Hebrew, Vilòn means veil or curtain; something that covers and discloses something beautiful, private. Nestled on Via dell’Arancio the hotel is almost hidden; a small black door that contains a treasure made up of space, history and design that combined create this five star hotel, member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. 18 Rooms & Suites feature in the Hotel Vilón. A retro-chic design that evokes elegance yet at the same time, contemporaneity and smartness. A deep blue paints the furniture, the same pantone that won the colour of the year in 2021. Curtains that act as a veil to the second floor rooms that overlook the magnificent courtyard of Palazzo Borghese, one of the most important noble residences in the city. The ground floor is home to Adelaide, the in house restaurant signed by Chef Gabriele Muro. His cuisine reflects his roots with a light, contemporary interpretation. WEBSITE

PALAZZO DAMA

Located two minutes from Piazza del Popolo, this hotel is situated in a noble residence that has been restored by Italian architect Antonio Girardi, who managed to preserve the Palazzo’s liberty style architecture whilst adding a touch of contemporaneity. Elegance is what springs to mind when walking along the corridors of Palazzo Dama, crowned crystal chandeliers and Liberty style stucco ceilings. Twenty-six rooms and suites blend beautifully the sophisticated architecture with a contemporary flair. Delicate green or blue tones, signature of the hotel’s palette, are integrated with white to create a clean yet smart aesthetic. On the ground floor, the in-house restaurant Pacifico, the intimate Pisco bar and an outdoor courtyard filled with cast iron furnishings, tropical plants and a large swimming pool. WEBSITE

W Rome

W Hotels have a portfolio of 30 hotels worldwide and in December 2021 landed their first Italian location in Rome. The group is renowned for its young, vibrant and high-spirited atmosphere and has brought exactly that to the centre of Italy. Situated behind Via Veneto, the idea was to inject a little energy to this historical side of Rome and, by the looks of things, they have managed to do exactly that. From the interior design to the culinary scene passing through fashion and wellness; these are all aspects that combined have filled a missing gap in Rome. An eclectic mix of leather, velvets, marble and mirrors fill the space and bring to life the hotel and its 163 rooms & suites designed by Meyer Davis. On the culinary front, two Michelin starred chef Ciccio Sultano opens Giano, a mediterranean based menu with chefs signature creative flair. In Summer, head to the rooftop for an exquisite (the best) pizza in Rome in collaboration with Seu Pizza Illuminati. WEBSITE

Hotel maalot

Hotel Maalot is seen as a hotel within a restaurant, since its heart and soul is Don Pasquale, a theatrical, eclectic designed restaurant with magnificent artworks by Argentinian artist Stanley Gonczanski. The contemporary works (that appear as classical at first glimpse) mirror the exceptional culinary proposal of Chef Domenico Boschi. The rooms and suites are individually designed with eclectic colours, fabrics and materials that almost resemble a British country cottage. Prestigious marble covers the bathroom and some rooms even feature walk-in wardrobes. There is a speakeasy type cocktail bar tucked away in the back with funky neon lighting and a rum trolley featuring international labels and a technogym equipped gym. WEBSITE

Mama Shelter

Mama Shelter is like the coolest new kid in town and it’s located within walking distance from the Vatican. With 217 colourful yet glamorous designed rooms, this is idyllic for those with a budget without sacrificing comfort and style. One thing is for sure, you can never get bored (who said travelling is for exploring cities – #staycation is the new thing). From cosying up in bed watching free movies to a more active session in the fully equipped gym or Roman baths (pool, sauna and a steam room). There are also three restaurants: a Pizzeria, il Giardino d’Inverno serving exquisite Italian cuisine and il Giardino d’Estate, also known as, Rooftop. On Thursday’s, Friday’s and Saturday’s expect a fun night of cocktails, live DJ, table football, ping-pong and many more informal celebrations. WEBSITE