22 Fun & Unique Restaurants in Rome (Local Eats)

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Forget everything you think you know about dining in Rome. Sure, you can grab decent cacio e pepe at half the places in Trastevere, but the real magic happens in converted medieval cellars, family apartments turned into dining rooms, and hole-in-the-wall spots where the owner personally selects your wine.

I’ve spent years tracking down Rome’s most unusual restaurants…the ones locals actually talk about. These aren’t your typical tourist traps with English menus and aggressive waiters. We’re talking about a Japanese kaiseki temple hidden in a residential neighborhood, an Ethiopian restaurant where you eat with your hands, and a place that serves deconstructed supplì you assemble yourself. Not to mention Rome’s fun and quirky restaurants with the best Carbonara I’ve ever had!

Some don’t even have proper signs. Others require reservations booked weeks out. But each one offers something you genuinely can’t find anywhere else in the city. Here are all the most unique restaurants in Rome you should know about in 2025.

• 👉 Pro Tip: I HIGHLY recommend doing this foodie tour in Rome. They bring you to the best spots in Rome’s Trastevere district, tasting over 10 traditional dishes from pizza and pasta to wine and gelato. This tour is an absolute must-do on a Rome itinerary in my opinion.

Unique Restaurants in Rome

Ready to discover Rome’s best eateries? The Eternal City is brimming with unique dining experiences, from historic trams turned into jazz clubs to cafes steeped in cinematic charm. Join me as we explore the best places to eat in Rome.

Fancy dining on a moving tram while listening to live jazz? Or how about a restaurant that’s been serving the best Carbonara since 1917? Rome offers a diverse range of dining experiences that cater to every taste and preference. Here’s your essential guide to the most unique restaurants in Rome. Prepare to turn every meal into an unforgettable experience!

1. Tramjazz

• 📍 Location: Mobile (Departs near Piazza di Porta Maggiore)
• 💲 Price range: $80 – $120+ per person (Includes dinner, concert, tour)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Roman Dinner / Set Menu
• 🔥 Standout Features: Dinner & live jazz concert on a moving vintage tram, sightseeing tour of Rome at night, unique atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Unique romantic evenings, jazz lovers, special occasion experiences, Rome sightseeing with dinner, and memorable nights out.

Combine dinner, live jazz, and a nighttime tour of Rome aboard a moving vintage tram with Tramjazz. This unique experience offers a set Roman dinner served as you cruise past illuminated landmarks like the Colosseum, while talented musicians perform live jazz.

The set menu typically includes an antipasto, a primo (first course) like a classic Roman pasta such as cacio e pepe, a secondo (second course) like saltimbocca (veal with prosciutto and sage), and a dessert. It’s a romantic way to see the city.

2. Aroma

Aroma is that spot you book when you want to drop jaws. It sits right on the edge overlooking the Colosseum – and I mean, the view is legendary. Perfect for impressing a date or treating yourself to a night of feeling like royalty. Their tasting menus change seasonally, but don’t skip the carbonara with crispy pork cheek or the Instagram-ready desserts that look like tiny art pieces. The vibe inside is refined but not stuffy, with white-linen tables and just enough buzz so you don’t feel awkward whispering. Pro tip: time your reservation for sunset, and afterwards stroll to the Roman Forum since you’re basically right there. When I went, I couldn’t believe I was literally looking at ancient Rome while sipping my wine. Bucket list stuff.

3. La Leggenda di Avalon

• 📍 Location: Prati District (Near Vatican City)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Pub Fare / Italian / Fantasy Themed
• 🔥 Standout Features: King Arthur/fantasy castle theme, medieval decor/armor, pub games (darts), extensive beer list, casual vibe.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fantasy/medieval fans, casual pub nights, beer lovers, game nights (darts), and unique themed hangs.

Step into a realm of knights at La Leggenda di Avalon, a fantasy-themed pub near the Vatican. The decor goes all-in on the King Arthur/medieval castle vibe, with faux stone walls, shields, and armor. It’s a fun, immersive theme perfect for fantasy fans.

Expect standard pub grub. Their Avalon Burger with fries is a popular choice. You might also find pasta dishes like carbonara or simple pizzas. They offer an extensive list of beers. It’s a casual spot to grab a beer and food.

👉 Personal Recommendation: If you’re visiting Rome for the food (and let’s be honest, you should be), this day trip to Tuscany and Montepulciano is non-negotiable. The tour includes a 3-course lunch on a Tuscan farm, a wine tasting of famous regional wines, and leisure time in Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A must-do while visiting Rome!

4. Osteria Fernanda

Osteria Fernanda is where you go if you want to experience the creative side of Roman cuisine. It’s a sleek, modern dining room tucked in the Portuense district. Don’t let the unassuming exterior fool you – inside you’ll find bold, artistic plates that riff on tradition, like their signature cacio e pepe ravioli or the crazy-good cuttlefish-stuffed artichoke. Their wine list is packed with natural and small-producer bottles, and the servers are happy to geek out with you if you want pairings. The mood is quietly cool, with moody lighting and a soundtrack you’ll want to Shazam. Take a post-dinner walk along the Tiber – just a few minutes away. I was floored by how every dish was both playful and genuinely delicious.

5. Spirito DiVino

• 📍 Location: Trastevere
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $100 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Roman / Slow Food
• 🔥 Standout Features: Located above ancient wine cellar (90+ ft deep!), focus on Slow Food principles, traditional Roman recipes, historic building.
• 🎯 Perfect For: History buffs, traditional Roman food fans, wine lovers, Slow Food enthusiasts, and atmospheric Trastevere dining.

Dine literally above centuries of history at Spirito DiVino in Trastevere. This restaurant is in a historic building boasting one of Rome’s oldest wine cellars – you can even visit it! The restaurant embraces Slow Food principles, focusing on traditional Roman recipes.

Expect classic dishes, some based on ancient Roman formulas. Their maialino al forno (roast suckling pig) is a standout. Also consider their homemade pastas like tonnarelli cacio e pepe, or seasonal vegetable antipasti. The connection to the ancient cellar adds unique intrigue.

👉 Where to Stay in Rome for Foodies: These hotels in Rome’s Testaccio neighborhood are within walking distance of the city’s top restaurants. My second favorite foodie district is Trastevere.

6. Retrobottega

Retrobottega is what you’d get if two chefs opened a workshop inside an art gallery and started serving up wildly inventive plates from a tiny open kitchen. Located a few steps from Piazza Navona, this spot feels like Rome’s answer to a Brooklyn foodie lab. Their house-made pastas and offbeat veggies are a must (go for the “Assaggio” tasting), and don’t miss the fresh bread with whipped anchovy butter – trust me. Seating is mostly at communal counters, so it’s a bit of a scene, with a buzzing, industrial-cool vibe. After dinner, you’re in the thick of Centro Storico – perfect for a moonlit stroll. I still dream about their coffee semifreddo.

7. Gatsby Cafe

• 📍 Location: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II Area (Esquilino)
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person (Cafe/Bar pricing)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cafe / Cocktails / Light Bites
• 🔥 Standout Features: 1920s/Great Gatsby theme, vintage decor/books, cocktails, often live music/events, cozy atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: 1920s/vintage fans, cocktail lovers, cozy cafe hangs, live music seekers, and atmospheric evenings.

Step back into the Roaring Twenties at the Gatsby Cafe, near Piazza Vittorio. This charming spot fully embraces the Great Gatsby era with its vintage decor, plush seating, and cozy, speakeasy-inspired ambiance. It feels like a hideaway perfect for sipping cocktails.

They focus on classic and creative cocktails; an “Old Sport” Old Fashioned or a “Daisy’s Delight” gin fizz would fit the theme. They also offer coffee, tea, and light bites like mini quiches, crostini, or pastries. It offers a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere.

8. Trapizzino | Trastevere

Trapizzino serves up one thing, but it’s a banger: pizza pockets stuffed with wild Roman stews. The Trastevere location is always packed, and for good reason. Choose fillings like oxtail, eggplant parm, or chicken cacciatore – all jammed into pillowy triangular bread. It’s fast food, but next level. The spot itself is tiny and always lively, with a few stools and lots of people hanging out on the street. Bonus: a solid craft beer menu. You’re steps from Ponte Sisto and all the bars of Trastevere, so this is my go-to for fueling up before a night out or after bar hopping. I still think about their garlicky chicken trapizzino.

9. Movie Restaurant

• 📍 Location: Near Via Veneto / Ludovisi Area
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Italian / International / Themed Dishes
• 🔥 Standout Features: Movie memorabilia/props decor, film-themed menu items, immersive cinematic atmosphere, unique concept.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Movie buffs, themed dining fans, fun casual dinners, unique date nights, and cinephiles.

Lights, camera, eat! The Movie Restaurant offers a dining experience immersed in the world of cinema. Expect the decor to be packed with film memorabilia, iconic props, and movie posters. It’s a fun, visually engaging theme perfect for film lovers of all ages.

The menu features dishes playfully named after famous movies. Consider “The Godfather” pasta alla Norma. “Pulp Fiction” burger or “La Dolce Vita” tiramisu are other examples of their Italian and international crowd-pleasers. It’s about enjoying food in a unique setting.

10. La Pergola

La Pergola is Rome’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant, perched on a hilltop inside the Rome Cavalieri. This is special-occasion territory: panoramic city views, thick carpets, silverware heavy enough to use as a weapon. Heinz Beck’s kitchen delivers show-stoppers like the famed fagottelli “La Pergola” (pasta pillows that literally burst in your mouth) and a cedar wood-smoked lamb that will ruin all other lamb for you. Ask for the cheese trolley. It’s as mind-blowing as the wine cellar. The whole place radiates old-school glamour, with a terrace that’s epic for golden hour cityscapes. Even the bathroom is fancy. After dinner, check out Monte Mario park for a peaceful finale. My tip: budget for the full experience – you only live once.

11. Eden Ristorante

• 📍 Location: Monteverde Vecchio (Near Basilica di S. Pancrazio)
• 💲 Price range: $25 – $50 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Roman / Italian / Pizzeria
• 🔥 Standout Features: Serving since 1927, traditional Roman/Italian food, pizza, pleasant garden/outdoor space, private rooms available.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Traditional Roman/Italian fans, pizza lovers, pleasant garden dining, group events/celebrations, and neighborhood gem seekers.

Serving the charming Monteverde Vecchio neighborhood since 1927, Eden Ristorante Pizzeria is your spot for classic Roman and Italian comfort food. They pride themselves on warm service and offer a tasty menu of traditional meat and seafood, plus delicious pizzas.

Their wood-fired pizzas, like a classic margherita or a capricciosa, are highly rated. Traditional Roman pasta dishes such as amatriciana or carbonara, and simple grilled meat or fish entrees, are also excellent. The garden space is perfect on a nice day.

12. Gelateria del Teatro

This isn’t just a gelato shop – it’s one of the most creative in the city, tucked away on a cobbled street near Castel Sant’Angelo. Gelateria del Teatro experiments with crazy flavors like sage and raspberry or rosemary, honey, and lemon, alongside pitch-perfect pistachio and chocolate. The space is tiny but charming, with an open kitchen so you can see everything being churned. Expect a line, but it moves fast. There’s a little bench out front – snag it if you can, or wander down to the bank of the Tiber with your cone. I tried fig and ricotta and immediately understood the hype – this is what gelato should taste like.

13. Ristorante Ad Hoc

• 📍 Location: City Center (Near Piazza del Popolo / Spanish Steps)
• 💲 Price range: $80 – $150+ per person (Tasting menu focus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern Italian / Truffle Focus / Fine Dining
• 🔥 Standout Features: Specializes in truffle dishes, extensive wine list (over 1,000 labels), intimate/romantic setting, tasting menus.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Truffle lovers, wine connoisseurs, romantic dinners, special occasions, and refined Italian dining.

Indulge your senses at Ristorante Ad Hoc, an elegant restaurant renowned for its focus on exquisite truffles and an incredible wine selection. This hidden gem in Rome offers a refined dining experience, centered around tasting menus that showcase seasonal truffles.

Their tagliolini with fresh black or white truffle (depending on season) is a must-try. Other dishes like beef carpaccio with truffle or a creamy truffle risotto also highlight their specialty. Their wine cellar is legendary, with knowledgeable staff to guide pairings.

14. EPIRO

EPIRO feels like a neighborhood club for food obsessives. It’s in San Giovanni, away from the tourist mobs, and has this warm, hipster-luxe vibe with hanging plants and fun vintage bits. The menu is compact but focused – fresh pastas, playful appetizers, and a few killer mains (get the tonnarelli with pork ragù). Their natural wine selection is reason enough to visit, with regular tastings and events. If you’re a bread geek, their house loaves are stellar. It’s a relaxed, chatty spot that attracts a local crowd, making it great for feeling like you’re in on a secret. I loved sipping my orange wine and people-watching from their little streetside tables.

15. InRoma

• 📍 Location: Monti District
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Roman / Pasta Focused
• 🔥 Standout Features: Classic Roman pasta dishes (Cacio e Pepe/Carbonara), cozy trattoria feel, often family-run vibe, authentic local spot.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Classic Roman pasta fans, authentic local dining, casual/cozy meals, exploring Monti, and value-for-money eats.

Get a taste of authentic, no-frills Roman cooking at InRoma, a charming trattoria nestled in the cool Monti neighborhood. This kind of spot is where locals go for perfectly executed classic pasta dishes. It feels cozy, maybe a little loud, and wonderfully genuine.

Trying their soul-satisfying cacio e pepe is essential. Rich carbonara, or a classic amatriciana, made the traditional way, are also fantastic. Expect simple, delicious food focused on quality ingredients, often with a friendly, family-run atmosphere.

16. Pianostrada

Pianostrada is hands-down one of the prettiest restaurants in Trastevere – all greenery, open kitchen energy, and a lively courtyard that feels like a secret garden. The starters are a highlight: order the fried zucchini blossom burger (yeah, it’s iconic) and one of their gorgeous bread baskets. Their homemade pastas and daily “pani” (think gourmet sandwiches) are equally photogenic. Expect a mix of locals and in-the-know visitors, plus an easy-going playlist in the background. Perfect for brunch, a late lunch, or a dinner that goes long into the night. Porta Portese flea market is nearby if you want a pre-meal stroll. I’m obsessed with their bright, flower-strewn patio vibes.

17. Pompi Tiramisu

• 📍 Location: Multiple (Near Spanish Steps, Vatican, Re di Roma, etc.)
• 💲 Price range: $5 – $10 per portion
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Tiramisu Specialist / Dessert Shop
• 🔥 Standout Features: Famous tiramisu (multiple flavors), iconic Roman dessert spot, quick takeaway boxes, consistent quality.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Tiramisu lovers, dessert cravings, quick sweet treats, experiencing a Roman classic, and budget indulgence.

You haven’t truly done dessert in Rome until you’ve had tiramisu from Pompi. This legendary spot, “Kingdom of Tiramisu,” specializes almost exclusively in the beloved coffee-soaked dessert. They offer delicious variations, all served in convenient takeaway boxes.

Their classic tiramisu is a must. Also popular are the pistachio tiramisu or the strawberry tiramisu (fragola). Grabbing a box of Pompi is a simple, affordable, and utterly delicious Roman ritual for locals and visitors alike.

18. Donkey Punch

If you’re craving something offbeat and unapologetically fun, Donkey Punch has you covered. This is a punk-themed sandwich shop in Trastevere that’s all about overstuffed, cheekily named panini (order the “Godfather”). The shelves are lined with cult movie posters and rock memorabilia, while punk and metal blast from the speakers. Don’t skip their homemade sauces or the craft beer fridge. Ideal for fueling up before a night out or a quick bite after exploring the street art in the neighborhood. I was genuinely surprised at how insanely good their sandwiches are – it’s rowdy, it’s weird, and I loved every second.

19. Blackmarket Hall

• 📍 Location: Monti District
• 💲 Price range: $15 – $35 per person (Drinks/Aperitivo focus)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cocktail Bar / Aperitivo / Light Bites
• 🔥 Standout Features: Vintage/speakeasy vibe, craft cocktails, cozy/dim atmosphere, popular for aperitivo, eclectic decor.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Cocktail lovers, vintage/speakeasy fans, atmospheric drinks, pre-dinner aperitivo, and cool Monti hangs.

Slip into a stylish, dimly lit world at Blackmarket Hall in the trendy Monti neighborhood. This bar embraces a cool vintage/speakeasy aesthetic with eclectic decor, plush seating, and a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for conversation and cocktails.

They’re known for well-crafted cocktails, both classic and creative. An “Espresso Martini” or a signature “Blackmarket Negroni” are good choices. They also offer a selection of aperitivo snacks like olives, nuts, or small bruschetta.

20. Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale is an indoor food paradise right at Termini Station, where dozens of vendors run everything from classic Roman pizza by the slice to obscure regional pastas and truffle panini. It’s busy but never overwhelming thanks to lots of seating, and you’ll find cool murals and an energetic buzz that feels like a cross between a hip cafeteria and a gourmet market. Highlights: Stefano Callegari’s trapizzino stand and the Sicilian cannoli bar (go for the pistachio). Great for groups, picky eaters, or a pre-train snack. You’re right at the city’s main transit hub, so you can pop in and out easily. I love hopping from stall to stall and trying a little bit of everything.

21. Pasta Imperiale

• 📍 Location: Multiple Locations (Often near tourist spots like Pantheon/Navona)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $20 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Fresh Pasta / Fast-Casual Italian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Fresh pasta made daily (visible), choose pasta shape & sauce, quick counter service, affordable option.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fresh pasta lovers, quick/casual meals, budget eats near sights, customizable pasta, and simple Italian goodness.

Craving fresh, delicious pasta without the fuss near Rome’s sights? Pasta Imperiale is your answer. This popular fast-casual spot lets you watch them make fresh pasta daily, then you simply choose your pasta shape and pair it with a classic Roman sauce.

Trying their fresh tonnarelli cacio e pepe is essential. A classic spaghetti carbonara or rigatoni all’amatriciana are also fantastic. It’s served quickly in convenient takeaway containers, perfect for a satisfying and affordable meal on the go.

22. Cencio la Parolaccia

• 📍 Location: Trastevere
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $70 per person (Dinner + “Show”)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Roman
• 🔥 Standout Features: Infamous for intentionally rude/insulting service & songs, rowdy/theatrical atmosphere, traditional food served amidst chaos.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Thick-skinned diners, unique/bizarre experiences, rowdy group fun, prank lovers, and experiencing Roman folklore.

Enter at your own risk! Cencio la Parolaccia (“The Foul Mouth”) in Trastevere is infamous not just for its traditional Roman food, but for its intentionally rude, insulting, and vulgar service, complete with bawdy songs performed by the staff.

The Roman food is standard trattoria fare. Expect dishes like pasta all’arrabbiata, saltimbocca alla Romana (veal with prosciutto and sage), or abbacchio scottadito (grilled lamb chops). You don’t go here for a quiet meal; you go for the bizarre, legendary experience. It’s a hidden gem in Italy for sure.

FAQs about The Most Unique Restaurants in Rome

Still wondering where to eat in Rome? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Rome’s best restaurants.

What is the number one restaurant in Rome, Italy?

It’s tough to pinpoint the best restaurant in Rome as it really depends on what you’re looking for. However, if you’re after a truly unique experience, I’d recommend Tramjazz. It combines great Italian cuisine with live jazz music on a moving tram. The food is classic Italian, and the journey takes you past some iconic sights. It’s perfect for a special night out.

Where do the Italians eat in Rome?

Italians in Rome often eat at places that might not be on the typical tourist trail. One such spot is Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere. It’s a small, family-run trattoria known for its authentic Roman dishes. I highly recommend trying the Cacio e Pepe here. Get there early or book in advance because it’s always packed with locals!

What food should you not miss in Rome?

You absolutely can’t miss trying a classic Carbonara when in Rome. InRoma is famous for its Carbonara, and it’s a dish that truly represents Roman cuisine. Also, Roman pizza, thinner and crispier than its Neapolitan cousin, is a must-try. For dessert, indulge in gelato from places like Giolitti. And don’t forget to sample Roman street food like supplì (fried rice balls).

How expensive is Rome to eat and drink?

The cost can vary widely. For a meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay around €15-€30 per person. If you’re looking for cheaper options, places like Pasta Imperiale offer delicious pasta at great prices. For drinks, a coffee typically costs around €1-€1.50, and a glass of wine can range from €4 to €8.

What is a typical breakfast in Rome?

Breakfast in Rome is typically light and sweet. A cappuccino and a cornetto at a local café is the norm. I enjoy starting my day at Sant’Eustachio Il Caffè. It’s a bustling place near the Pantheon, perfect for people-watching and soaking in the morning Roman atmosphere. Another favorite is Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria for their delicious pastries.

Coolest and Quirkiest Restaurants in Rome: Recap

Exploring Rome’s beautiful spots through its unique restaurants has been an incredible journey. Each restaurant I’ve visited offers something special. From the jazzy vibes of Tramjazz to the historic charm of InRoma, there’s a flavor and experience for every taste.

Rome’s dining scene is diverse and vibrant. From high-end dining experiences to delightful cheap eats, it’s among the many things to do in Italy. My journey through these unique restaurants has been a highlight of my time in Rome, and I’m sure it will be for you too.

Remember, part of the fun is discovering your own favorite spots. So, when you fly to Rome, eat as the Romans do…and enjoy every bite of this foodie adventure!