From traditional Roman cuisine with a twist to your not-so-typical Italian food - including some new restaurant hotspots and up-and-coming new chefs, covering every taste and budget.
Here’s a list of where to eat (and drink) a little differently in Rome:
Where East meets West in Rome. This hotspot boosts some chic interiors, but Palmerie is more than just a beautiful place to eat and drink.
Their kitchen and bar is impressive- with a fusion menu of strong Mediterranean influences featuring fresh, delicious seafood (cooked and raw) and some of the most incredible sushi concoctions from the talented chef Francesco Di Cori. Exotic flavors, an elegant ambience, and outdoor seating ideal for people-watching, Palmerie Parioli is one of those must-visit destinations in Rome.
Open for lunch, brunch, aperitivo, dinner and also delivery and takeaway during lunchtime.
Slowly becoming the coolest ‘chain’ restaurant sprouting up around Rome since Trapazzino. Meat Market’s concept is a ‘rough’ reinterpretation of an American Steakhouse. Recreating the best qualities that come with that - the quality of meat being first and foremost. With that same top-notch service that you’d find in a classic NY Steakhouse but never forgetting their Apulian origins, Pugliese-born owners Vito Fiusco and Anita Nuzzi keep with the agri-food traditions of Italy.
Besides their grilled meats to perfection, Meat Market also has a wide range of other offerings, some delicious vegetarian options, and an excellent selection of wine.
3. Taki Labò
With a soft opening right before the summer holidays, Taki Labò is a must-visit for those wanting a different kind of dining experience in Rome.
Japanese cuisine with an edge, this new gastronomic project is more like food theater conducted by Chef Massimo Viglietti. Every taste is carefully orchestrated by the famed ‘punk’ Chef and his talented team where food is art – paired perfectly with drinks and even a musical soundtrack to match.
This truly one-of-a-kind, culinary experience is guaranteed to be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced in Rome.
An ode to France in the heart of Prati, Le Carre Francais is all things French - bistrot restaurant, brasserie, café and gourmet food specialty shop. Le Carre’s menu and products obviously focuses on French products and delicacies - from the most coveted French cheese and butter to their bakery goods (or boulangerie) of fresh baguettes, bread, French pastries and cakes. The boutique gastronomic shop also features some amazing French wines and champagne. And the restaurant’s kitchen turns out some classic Brasserie dishes homemade and hearty in taste but sophisticated in presentation. The vast space is equally so – posh grocery store and cafeteria where you can shop and linger and a formal dining area if you wish to stay longer and dine-in. Also available for takeaway and delivery.
A very fitting name for this restaurant, as ‘ingegno’ equals brilliance in Italian. The newly hired and talented chef Francesca of Osteria dell’Ingegno is doing some amazing things in the kitchen. Previously a wine bar operating since the 90’s, owner Giacomo Nitti decided to officially turn his venue into a modern trattoria a few years ago, entrusting the kitchen to three women of the same family: a mother, daughter and aunt. The result is traditional Italian cuisine with a modern twist. Osteria dell’Ingegno’s Roman cooking reinvented makes for some surprising, delicious flavor combinations that are totally unexpected.
And located in perhaps one of the most beautiful squares in Rome’s historic city center with recently added outdoor seating in Piazza Di Pietra, you can actually dine in front of the Temple of Hadrian. Making Osteria dell’Ingegno one of the most memorable and beautiful alfresco dining experiences in Rome.
6. Hi-Res
Somewhere ‘between the sky and sea in Piazza del Popolo’ Rome is Hi-Res. This restaurant and terrace lounge located at the top of Hotel Valadier is sophisticated but casual in venue, design, and format. Fish reigns at Hi-Res, each dish and flavor expertly mixed with local products of the utmost quality.
Absolute excellence can be found in every detail – from the food and cocktails to the service.
And the incredible panoramic views from the terrace overlooking Piazza del Popolo and Villa Borghese makes Hi-Res a favorite among local Romans wanting to splurge a bit as well as first-time visitors of Rome.
7. Epos Bistrot
Enoteca, restaurant, winery, and vineyard, Epos Bistrot in Castelli Romani is like a little oasis outside of Rome city center with some of the most picturesque views overlooking the surrounding hillside.
The new Epos food menu focuses on the rich food traditions and ingredients that can be found in Italy with a modern twist. Recent addition to the Epos kitchen is Chef Alfonso Crisci hailing from Vesuvius who brings ancient recipes to life using modern cooking and preparation techniques. And everything from the food and wine to the service is overseen by the most attentive and gracious host, General Manager Rossella Macchia. Epos Bistrot is a beautiful and transporting gastronomic experience and the perfect little escape from the city.
Restaurant, garden and a unqiue dining location right outside of the MAXXI Museum in Flaminio, Mediterraneo at MAXXI is where food, art, creativity, and passion come together in Rome. The menu features traditional Mediterranean classics, reinvented. Mediterraneano al MAXXI is one of those places that are perfect for every taste and type - from students and professionals to families - with a cool, casual atmosphere and some delicious food and cocktails from talented Rome bartender Nicholas Ferrini. And if you’re lucky you’ll get to meet Alessandro Cantagallo, the lively and gracious host who also happens to own Palmiere Parioli.
Now open for lunch, early aperitivo, and weekend brunch featuring live music. Mediterraneo Ristorante e Giardino del is also open during the day so, the perfect spot for studying, smart working, a coffee break or an afternoon tea and snack.
9. R.U.D.E. This local neighborhood bar in Rome’s Centocelle has managed to evolve into a dining destination in its short but successful 2 years. Opened by two Roman friends, Marco Zampilli and Cristian Ricci and previously well-regarded for the surprisingly delicious and inventive food during their aperitivo, R.U.D.E Centocelle is now a place you go for dinner and brunch. With the addition of young, new chef Filippo Benedetti, R.U.D.E. recently debuted their new food format and menu as of this past fall with some pretty innovative dishes. Benedetti’s Asian influences can be spotted in each dish, reinterpreting some old classics as well as totally recreating new ones. Bold and provocative flavors testing the limits and your senses, much like R.U.D.E.’s drink menu and philosophy of cocktails. All done in a fun, colorful, and casual atmosphere– both in locale design and the loyal locals who still preside.
*Now open for early aperitivo and weekend brunch (hopefully back open soon for lunch and dinner) R.U.D.E Centocelle is definitely worth a visit in Rome.