Instead of heading to the most popular tourist restaurants in Rome, here are some local restaurants that will show you true Roman cuisine. The style is quick and casual making it easy to stop by one of these while touring the Colosseum or the Trevi Fountain.
If you visit the Jewish Ghetto in Rome, stop by Sora Margherita for a great bite to eat. Opened in 1927, Sora Margherita is a small Roman restaurant that serves handmade pasta and their specialty artichokes alla Romana (which means “Roman-style”) or alla Giudia (a classic Jewish Roman dish). Surround yourself with locals and be prepared to be served by a waitress that might not speak much English.
A place filled with more locals than tourists is Miraggio Ristorante Pizzeria. Right across the street from the Tiber River, Miraggio serves authentic food at reasonable prices. If you want to get away from the main tourist hustle and bustle, Miraggio would be the place to go. Stop for a bite here and then head out for a walk along the Tiber and a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica just down the road.
Before you leave Rome, Pizzeria Da Baffetto must be a stop in your itinerary. Well-known for their handmade dishes and family atmosphere, locals, tourists and celebrities alike ensure that they taste Baffetto’s pizza. “Low, crunchy and full of seasoning” is how Baffetto’s describes it, making it truly a Roman meal. Come with cash and an empty stomach to taste the pizza that has been made here for over 50 years in this corner of Rome.
And finally, gelato. Just next door to Baffetto is the Frigidarium – a gelateria dedicated to giving Italian ice cream personality. Set across from the Piazza Navona and a stroll from the Pantheon, the Frigidarium is the perfect place to cool down and have some all-natural gelato while walking around in the heart of the city.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. So, on your next trip to Rome, skip the restaurants that cater to tourists and go to these local spots for an authentic bite.
