Best Restaurants in Rome

With a growing international influence on chefs, there's been an uptick in a trend toward marrying flavors from various backgrounds to create new fusions, which you'll find on display in Italy's capital city. Here are some of the best restaurants in Rome, whether you're looking for classic tastes or the future of Italian food.

Il Convivio

Head north of Piazza Navona to Vicolo dei Soldati, and you'll find Il Convivio, which offers one of Rome's most treasured dining experiences. The restaurants owners – a trio of brothers – are well known to scour local markets for the best quality ingredients they can find, adjusting their menu on the fly. Il Convivio has an excellent antipasti selection, highlighted by such dishes as squid ink risotto and caramelized tuna fillet served with rosemary and chestnut honey.

For your main course, you can select from any number of classically-inspired dishes, including breast of guinea fowl (a perfect winter dish) and sole ragout served with spaghetti. Il Convivio is one of the few restaurants in Rome to earn a Michelin star, and it is an excellent place to splurge during your trip. Reservations are required, and the restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Hostaria del Moro da Tony

Hostaria del Moro da Tony, located in Trastavere, is far from a splurge spot. This restaurant in Rome is a favorite amongst expats, students, and locals who want classic, well done Italian fare. The restaurant is deceptively large, and its team of waiters works quickly to clear you a table and bring you fresh bread and wine. Ask for the rosemary flatbread, and prepare to enjoy hot, airy pieces of yeasty heaven. Tony himself will most likely be in the building, and he'll probably come to your table at some point during your meal.

Make a point of being friendly and memorable. As for the food, you'll find that the risottos are universally delicious. The chicken parmesan may not be a traditional Roman food, but Tony makes a truly top-notch rendition, so it is a popular choice amongst kids and homesick students. When you're finished with your meal, Tony may offer you a free taste of dessert or limoncello. As previously noted, it's a good idea to be memorable.

The more he likes you (and the more you come to this restaurant in Rome, so consider stopping in more than once during your stay), the better end-of-meal surprise you'll get. Prices are very reasonable; you can leave Tony's without spending more than 15 or 20 euro per person. Reservations are not required at this restaurant in Rome, and a short wait (15 minutes in a worst-case scenario) can earn you a glass of wine on the house.

Il Pagliaccio

Il Pagliaccio is unique in that it offers high end food at reasonable (for the quality you're getting) prices. The chef, who was born in France to Italian parents, honed his craft in Asia, and these international influences are readily apparent in his cooking. The food is decidedly Italian, but you can see the chef's willingness to include influences from other cooking cultures. If it's your first time eating here, try one of the taster menus.

The lunchtime option is the most reasonably prices at around 70 euro, and three more are offered at dinner, with prices ranging from 85 to 150 euro. If you're set on ordering just one dish, try the duck as your main course. It is superbly cooked and divided into two servings, one with hazelnut milk and the other in tamarind sauce. Save room for dessert. You won't be disappointed. Il Pagliaccio is one of the best restaurants in Rome because it offers a gourmet dining experience at prices that can be swallowed by a variety of travelers and diners.

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