Take the Palate on a Flavorful Journey with These Inspiring Restaurants in Rome

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If there is one thing Italy is known for, it is the food. And while Rome might not immediately come to mind when you think of Italian cuisine, it should. The Eternal City offers an impressive selection of restaurants, from casual to upscale, that are a true delight for the senses. Some of these dining establishments are near must-see attractions, giving travelers the chance to see and taste the best that Rome has to offer.

Choosing from the many wonderful restaurants in Rome can be challenging. The carefully vetted list below will make it much easier to pick the ones sure to delight nearly any traveler.

DIP A TOE INTO ITALIAN CUISINE WITH THE CLASSICS AT CAPPERI

If there is a restaurant in Rome that could be called American-friendly, Capperi is it. The menu, which is available in an English version, features Italian classics like pasta carbonara and calzones. Even the most hesitant traveler can find something to enjoy here. However, it is originals like the Neapolitan-style pizza and tartare spigola at this affordable eatery that are favored among diners. Capperi’s prices are not intimidating, either, erring well on the affordable end. Large groups will be comfortable here, with spacious dining areas both inside and outside.

FIND COMFORT IN A TRADITIONAL ITALIAN EXPERIENCE AT ANTICA PESA

Chances are good that travelers who crave the comfort of a traditional Italian meal will find what they are seeking at Antica Pesa. This high-end restaurant housed in a grain storehouse serves standard Italian fare crafted from meticulously sourced ingredients. Further reinforcing the traditional feel is Antica Pesa’s décor, which includes oversized paintings by contemporary artists. Celebrity sightings are possible here, as well, with a substantial list of famous people having dined at Antica Pesa throughout its many years in business.

SAVOR AUTHENTIC FLAVORS AND A CHARMING SETTING AT BABETTE

Located a bit off the beaten track geographically, on a picturesque side street in the Campo Marzio area of Rome, Babette is a solid choice for Italian fare. The affordable eatery specializes in traditional dishes that have a special twist, making it suitable for those who prefer to play it safe and those who seek a taste of adventure ─ literally.

Babette was founded by two sisters, Flora and Silvia, who lovingly based the menu on secret family recipes. In addition, each ingredient is sourced locally, with great care given to its quality and flavor.

FEAST ON GOURMET SPECIALTIES INFUSED WITH ORIGINALITY AT GLASS HOSTARIA

Celebrated among Rome’s fine restaurants, Glass Hostaria offers a selection of dishes perfectly balanced in elegance, innovation and tradition. Originality and high quality are the order of the day here, and the creations by a head chef who hails from Puglia never disappoint. Glass Hostaria is also inclusive of vegetarians, going as far as to dedicate an entire tasting menu to vegetables. While the service is attentive, as is fitting of an upscale restaurant, it is neither stuffy nor overbearing.

DELIGHT THE PALATE WITH ULTRA-FRESH FISH DISHES AT PIERLUIGI

Fish is the shining star at Pierluigi, an upscale restaurant located in the Centro Storico neighborhood. In addition to its fortuitous placement in the historic center of Rome, with its charming cobblestone streets and abundance of historical sites, this nearly century-old restaurant serves superb fish dishes.

Seafood-infused pastas and ultra-fresh oysters are among the most popular culinary creations. The delectable flavor is due largely to where Pierluigi sources most of its fish: namely, from local fishermen. Once lunch or dinner has concluded, diners are well within the vicinity of world-famous historic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon and Colosseum.

SHARE A GROUP MEAL AND A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF THE ETERNAL CITY AT LA PERGOLA

Many aspects of La Pergola make it an extraordinary culinary experience. One is the view. Located in the Rome Cavalieri Hotel, which perches on the hillside like a gorgeous bird, diners get a sweeping view of the Eternal City through enormous windows. The highlights do not stop there.

La Pergola has the distinction of being the first, and only, three-star Michelin restaurant in Rome. It is hardly surprising, with Heinz Beck at the helm. In addition to being awarded three Michelin stars, Beck is a founder of the Order of the Knights of Italian Cuisine. Under this master chef’s guidance, guests are served exquisite, unique Italian and Mediterranean cuisine that boasts exceptional flavor and quality.

La Pergola is also well suited to entertaining large groups, making it the perfect fit for group incentive travel. The restaurant can easily accommodate many people without sacrificing its elegant ambiance.

ENJOY DELICIOUS DISHES AND AN UPSCALE AMBIANCE FOR AFFORDABLE PRICES AT ALTROGIRO

Some restaurants prove that you do not have to pay unreasonable prices for tasty food and a lovely ambiance. Altrogiro is one of these gems. Diners can feast on traditional Italian dishes like spaghetti carbonara and tiramisu in an atmosphere that is both romantic and chic.

If you want to enhance the intimacy for your travelers, one of the two rooms is available to reserve for private events that are small in scale. Depending on the group size, Altrogiro staff may be able to set up an imperial table or buffet table with finger food service.

GATHER AT A FAMILY-RUN RESTAURANT NEAR PIAZZA TRILUSSA SQUARE

Now in its third generation of ownership, Checco er Carettiere is a family-run restaurant widely considered an institution by locals. It has benefited from its prime location, which is just behind Piazza Trilussa Square.

Ingredients are sourced daily from local suppliers, making the cuisine ultra-fresh and flavorful. Recommended dishes include spaghetti alla carbonara, gnocchi, fettuccine with tomato sauce, spaghetti cacio e pepe, oxtail stew, eggplant parmigiana and Roman-style ossobuco. Diners should save room for one of the luscious desserts, all of which are homemade.

TASTE NAPOLITANO STYLE PIZZA RANKED AMONG THE BEST IN ROME AT GINO SORBILLO NEAPOLITAN PIZZERIA

Passing up the opportunity to eat pizza in Italy would be a cuisine crime of sorts. Gino Sorbillo Neapolitan Pizzeria serves some of the best in Rome. This achievement is notable because typically, Naples is considered to have superior Napolitano pizza options overall.

The main differentiator between the Napolitano variety and the Roman variety is the soft, sumptuous crust that seems to melt in diners’ mouths in the most delectable way. Gino Sorbillo Neapolitan Pizzeria also distinguishes itself from other Roman pizzerias with its generous assortment of toppings.

From Michelin-starred fine dining to a laid-back pizzeria, Rome has no shortage of excellent dining options. A trip to the Eternal City simply would not be complete without sampling the culinary creations available to enjoy here.

Are you considering a travel incentive program? Contact Gavel International to help plan a program that maximizes your budget and results in raving reviews from attendees.

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Jim Bozzelli

With over 34 years of experience, Jim is fluent in the ins and outs of the meeting and event world. His tenacity and creativity as a strategist have ensured that incentive programs and corporate meetings are highly polished while simultaneously achieving big-picture goals and objectives. Before focusing exclusively on corporate events and incentive programs, he enjoyed over 10 years of success managing and directing national and international sales. During this time, he worked closely with hotels and convention bureaus. His expertise was recognized with rapid promotions along the way. Over 18 years ago he joined the Gavel International team where he works tirelessly with clients to make their events shine by analyzing data, setting goals, negotiating contracts, as well as setting and managing budgets. He is currently the Vice President of Gavel International.