Planning to travel to Rome, Italy, for your next vacation? Well, make sure to get a taste of la dolce vita – literally. Italian food has stayed at the top of the ‘World’s Best Cuisine’ chart for a long time. Thus, Rome is an awesome place to sample some authentic Italian dishes. Going on food tours and dining in famous restaurants should be on your Rome itinerary. However, have you ever thought about going to the lesser-known and authentic food places in Rome? Yes, the ones with no line and tucked in a non-touristy neighborhood. We have compiled a list of 8 secret spots in Rome for foodies. Go check it out and go for a secret culinary galore!
Secret Spots in Rome for Foodies – Summary
- Fraschetta da Sandro
- Checchino Dal 1887
- Pizzeria Il Buchetto
- Osteria degli Amici
- Agrodolce Roma
- Radici – Pizzicheria Salentina
- E.G.G. Pasta
- Appetito Pizza Gourmet
Fraschetta da Sandro
Experience an authentic Roman vibe and delicious traditional food in this tiny restaurant. Tucked in the neighborhood of Testaccio, La Fraschetta da Sandro is a locals’ favorite. The family-run restaurant offers a handful selection of Italian wine, cheese and ham platters, tapas-sized vegetarian dishes, and sandwiches. It only costs you €1 for a glass of wine and less than €5 for a dish. Moreover, get ready to be greeted by the friendly owners and enjoy the old-style Roman hospitality. Authentic and welcoming – this restaurant is one of the best secret spots in Rome for foodies.
Location: Via Galileo Ferraris, 5, 00153 Rome
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday (8 AM – 4 PM; 5:30 – 8 PM)
Checchino Dal 1887
This restaurant takes you traveling back in time. The dining area, with its rustic decorations, antique chandeliers, and vintage seatings, will make you feel like you are in 18th-century Rome. Not only the interior is nostalgic, but also the food is magnificent. Have some authentic Roman Italian dishes in Checchino Dal 1887, ranging from cacio de pepe to steaks with delightful sauce. Also, their wine and dessert pairing is worth mentioning. Have some creamy salted caramel pannacotta with a glass of wine to spoil your tastebuds.
Location: Via di Monte Testaccio, 30, 00153 Rome
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday (12:30 – 3 PM; 7:30 – 11 PM)
Pizzeria Il Buchetto
Pizza is an unmissable dish to try when visiting Italy. Then, dig into the legendary one in Pizzeria Il Buchetto. The restaurant dates back to 1929 and keeps a traditional yet timeless recipe. It takes you back to old Rome with its vintage-styled dining area, adorned with black and white photos. Moreover, Pizzeria Il Buchetto offers classic firewood pizzas with indulgent toppings. Order their tomato-drenched Tricolore and luscious Montanara topped with thick Buffalo mozzarella. It is one of the best places for pizza in Rome.
Location: Via Flaminia, 119, 00191 Rome
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Friday (12:30 – 3 PM; 7:30 – 11:30 PM); Saturday – Sunday (7:30 – 11:30 PM)
Osteria degli Amici
When in Rome, do as the Romans do – they say. Well, many Romans choose this restaurant as their lunch place. Osteria degli Amici offers authentic Italian food, cooked based on a family recipe. Regional pasta and meat dishes are some of their specialty. You can order the cod and olive tonnarelli, rigatoni carbonara, and aged-sliced beef. Also, enhance the pleasant taste with a glass of Italian wine. Then, wrap up your meal with Osteria degli Amici’s tiramisu or ice cream-filled puff pastry. Additionally, the restaurant’s modern and comfortable interior makes it a great place to have dinner and drink with your travel buddy.
Location: Via Flaminia, 119, 00191 Rome
Opening Hours: Monday; Wednesday – Sunday (12:30 – 14:30 PM; 8:00 – 11:00 PM)
Agrodolce Roma
Located just a stone’s throw away from Trevi Fountain doesn’t make this restaurant overrated. In fact, it is one of the secret spots in Rome for foodies. Agrodolce Roma displays an adorable facade with its cream-colored walls and small al-fresco spot. It is the type of restaurant for you to take cute Instagram photos. Moreover, the food is as lovely as the architecture. Munch on tasty bruschetta topped with cream cheese, classic cacio de pepe, and saucy mussels. Also, make sure to try their tiramisu. It comes with a coffee cup, making it look unique and appetizing.
Location: Via dei Crociferi, 25, Rome
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday (12 – 4:30 PM; 6 – 10:30 PM); Friday – Saturday (12 – 4:30 PM; 6 – 11 PM)
Radici – Pizzicheria Salentina
Are you looking for something on the modern side? Then, head to Radici! This restaurant specializes in classic Italian food, as well as gin. When visiting, make sure to order their signature ‘Spinalonga’ dry gin. Also, Radici is famous for its delectable pasticciotto. They are baked fresh, ready to spoil your tastebuds with the heartwarming melted cheese. Furthermore, it stays out of the tourists’ radar, making it one of the secret spots in Rome for foodies.
Location: Via Emanuele Filiberto, 38, 00185 Rome
Opening Hours: Sunday – Thursday (12 – 4:30 PM; 6 – 10:30 PM); Friday – Saturday (12 – 4:30 PM; 6 – 11 PM)
E.G.G. Pasta
Are you looking for a budget-friendly meal in Rome? Look no further than E.G.G. Pasta. The restaurant is located only a 10-minute walk away from the Vatican Museum. You need to squint your eyes a bit to spot the restaurant’s tiny sign. Although it is small, E.G.G. Pasta offers the best and most affordable pasta in Europe. From creamy alfredo to classic basil and tomato pasta, the restaurant will surprise you with a delicious taste. Moreover, a plate of pasta starts from €5. Small and relatively hidden – it is one of the best secret spots in Rome for foodies.
Location: Vicolo del Farinone, 25/A, 00193 Rome
Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday (11:30 AM – 5:45 PM)
Appetito Pizza Gourmet
Another thing that shouldn’t be missed in Rome is street food. We recommend heading to Appetito Pizza Gourmet. This street food place offers various pizzas, pastries, and other bite-sized snacks. The restaurant’s notable dish is arancino. The Italian rice ball comes with indulgent tomato sauce and mouthwatering mozzarella strings. Also, take note that the restaurant only opens for take-away. It is one of the best secret spots in Rome for foodies.
Location: Via dei Pastini, 116, 00186 Rome
Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday (10 AM – 11 PM)
These secret spots in Rome will take you to an another level of Italian culinary journey. So, are you ready to hop on an authentic food tour in Italy? We got you covered!
JoinMyTrip has handcrafted trips to Italy and other destinations all over the globe. Every trip is crafted by passionate travelers or experienced locals that know the destinations like the back of their hands. So, you will be taken to incredible places, delicious food spots, and amazing hidden gems during the trip. Then, if you are a foodie, only top-notch restaurants and food spots are on the itinerary. Sounds like a big deal, right?
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