Tonnarelli, extra virgin olive oil and Lazio wines on Via dei Serpenti
Towards evening, Via dei Serpenti changes pace. The shops of Monti pull down their shutters, the outdoor tables fill up and the smell of tomato sauce drifts out of the door at number 110. This is Osteria Oliva, an intimate place where the evening unfolds slowly.
The osteria opened in 2016 on the ground floor of Condominio Monti, the early 20th-century building that BZAR hotels has turned into a boutique hotel, a short walk from the Colosseum and the Imperial Forums.
When it comes to pasta, the kitchen makes no compromises. Carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe and gricia: the four Roman classics, all made with tonnarelli, just rough enough to hold the sauce. The rest of the menu follows the seasons and the market. Right now that means gnocchi with oxtail ragù, a dish that in Rome tastes of Sunday lunch, tagliolini with baby octopus ragù and lemon essence, and beef tartare with hazelnut mayonnaise and pecorino.
Starters and mains arrive in the middle of the table, as the line printed on the menu suggests: “sharing is loving”. If you’d rather not choose, go for the tasting menu: starter, pasta, main course and dessert for €35, the same for the whole table. Finish with the homemade desserts, tiramisù or torta caprese with lemon custard.
Then there’s the olive oil that gave the place its name. You can start with freshly baked bread and three extra virgin olive oils, tasted one after another as you would with wine, to discover how much they change from one region to the next.
The wine list stays local, with Frascati and Cesanese from Principe Pallavicini, both also available by the glass. For something from further afield, there’s Franciacorta, Brunello and Amarone.
The osteria is open every day for lunch and dinner, and works just as well for a dinner for two as for a night out with friends or a business lunch. And when dinner is over, the evening doesn’t have to be. A few floors up is Spritzeria Monti, on the roof of the same building, with a romantic view over the rooftops of Rome. If you’re staying at Condominio Monti, all you have to do is take the stairs.
A 1920s-Style Cocktail Bar with Live Music in Monti
Blackmarket Hall, with its romantic lighting, secret rooms, and uncanny resemblance to a roaring-twenties speakeasy, welcomes mixology enthusiasts, foodies, and music lovers alike. From its unassuming exterior, you’d never guess the treasure trove of creativity, cocktails, and culture that lies within. But step through its doors, and you’ll find a bohemian haven.
Held in by the thick velvet curtains, dark wood surfaces, and red walls, Blackmarket Hall is an atmospheric experience where you can let your hair down and enjoy quality refreshments. The creators at Blackmarket have truly achieved how to make a space feel inviting and intimate, from the decor to the menu, and although the hall is just a short walk from the Colosseum, walking in will feel like you’ve stepped into a secret.
With two downstairs garden areas, two sitting rooms, two bars, and outdoor heaters for the winter, Blackmarket Hall is incredibly spacious. The venue serves a wide range of luxuriously curated cocktails alongside international dishes.
They host an extensive aperitivo from 6:00–9:00 PM featuring tastings and gourmet pairings, plus weekly specials, and their kitchen is open every night until midnight. Choose from four tasting boards (cured meats and cheeses, vegetarian, meat or fish), each served with a drink, for €14 to €18.
Their wine list is equally impressive, with a wide selection of Italian wines, including natural wines, as well as Champagne.
The cocktail menu blends inventive signatures with timeless classics, often built on locally sourced ingredients. Highlights include the Palom-ini, a citrusy riff on the Bellini, and the Salty Cardinal, a playful take on the Cardinale (a Negroni-style mix of gin, Campari, and dry vermouth).
The Hall doesn’t skimp on food, either. There’s a full menu, from hearty burgers and eclectic small plates to share to pasta and meat and fish mains, with dedicated plant-based sections for vegetarians and vegans. Recent additions include the Monticiane, the kitchen’s homemade take on montanarine (small fried pizzas), named after the neighborhood, a carbonara burger, a tomahawk steak and a long list of tapas.
LiveMusic plays a central role at Blackmarket Hall. These days the line-up leans toward R&B, soul, pop and black music, with the occasional gypsy jazz and swing night that suits the 1920s setting. Shows start at 9:30 PM, and you’ll find live music at BMH two to three nights a week, with events posted on their Instagram. Whether you’re there to sip a cocktail or soak in the performances, the ambiance alone is worth the visit.
A few tips from the Roman insiders: get there early as seating fills up quickly (though they do accept reservations), explore the iconic neighborhood of Monti with a pre- or post-bar stroll, and chat with the welcoming bartenders if you’re not sure what to order. The staff’s passion and expertise will guide you to your perfect drink.
Blackmarket Hall is more than just a bar, it’s an experience that captures the essence of Rome’s artistic and eclectic spirit. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a music lover, or simply someone looking for a unique night out, this hidden gem promises an evening you won’t soon forget. Once you’ve discovered its charm, you’ll understand why it’s one of Rome’s best-kept secrets.
A sophisticated and modern restaurant within the Double Tree by Hilton Rome Monti Hotel.
The Mamalia restaurant is a culinary gem located inside the DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti Hotel. Open year-round from breakfast to dinner (from 6pm to 10pm), this restaurantin Rome offers a unique dining experience in a modern and elegant setting, bathed in warm natural light in the morning and soft lighting in the evening.
Starting with breakfast: the offerings range from sweet to savory, including vegan and gluten-free options, as well as yogurt, cereals, fresh fruit, and typical products from Lazio, all accompanied by Lavazza tea and coffee.
For dinner, the atmosphere becomes even more refined, with an original gastronomic journey designed by the chef, respecting tradition and the seasonality of the ingredients. The cuisine honors Italian culinary tradition while embracing contemporary influences.
The restaurant’s menu, accessible directly from the hotel rooms for guests, offers a wide selection of refined Mediterranean dishes. Starters include Mediterranean prawns with mango, radishes, cucumbers and Serrano chili pepper, as well as tuna carpaccio with green bean salad. For first courses, highlights range from Acquerello risotto creamed with Roman courgettes, anchovies and mint to pici pasta with farmyard ragù, toasted hazelnuts and Pecorino di Fossa cheese.
For meat lovers, Mamalia relies on the expertise and quality of the Galli butcher shop, a symbol of excellence in Rome for over 70 years, offering the best meats from Italian and European farms.
Indulge in the beef ‘tagliata’ yoza selection, rosemary entrecôte yoza selection, or the scottona burger with burrata cheese from andria, caramelized onion and lettice.
Three types of Roman-style pizzas complete the menu: Margherita with Buffalo Mozzarella and EVO Oil, Diavola Pizza, and Vegetable Pizza with Mozzarella and Grilled Vegetables.
Alongside the culinary offerings, Mamalia also boasts a selection of prestigious national and international wines, with a special focus on Lazio wines. Let the staff help you choose the perfect wine to accompany your dinner!
Mamalia complements the food and beverage offering of DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti alongside Mùn rooftop cocktail bar. With top-quality local ingredients and the chef’s creativity, the restaurant combines originality and tradition in the heart of the Monti district, making it a refined choice for an unforgettable evening in Rome.
A rooftop cocktail bar in Monti with panoramic views, craft cocktails, and a chic industrial atmosphere
One of our most beloved neighborhoods in the heart of Rome’s city center is Monti. Rione Monti is an eclectic neighborhood where classic meets bohemian: the Colosseum is a stone’s throw away, yet the neighborhood is full of hip restaurants, shops, and creatives left and right.
DoubleTree by Hilton Rome Monti brings a fresh perspective to one of Rome’s most vibrant neighborhoods, offering guests and locals a stylish setting where contemporary hospitality meets the timeless charm of the city. From its elegant interiors to its panoramic rooftop, the hotel invites visitors to experience Rome throughout the day and into the evening, with Mùn Rooftop Cocktail Bar as one of its standout highlights.
Of the three sister restaurants that are part of Enjoy Roma Monti, we have Mùn Rooftop: a dual space cocktail lounge bar and rooftop on the 8th floor of the hotel that transports guests to sky level, making the stars and moon seem right at your fingertips. The panoramic views showcase some of Rome’s most beautifully iconic places and sites, from overlooking the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore to admiring Gianicolo Hill and the industrial Gasometro di Roma from a distance. A 360 view of the Eternal City that will be sure to leave you speechless.
Mùn is not just any rooftop bar, as the architectural and interior designs are well worth mentioning. Upon stepping out of the all-glass elevator, you are first welcomed to the cozy inside lounge and cocktail bar. There is an effortless flow and balance between warm Tuscan orange tones on the walls, wooden tables mixed with rustic chairs, and slate gray metallic fixtures, creating an environment that is elevated and chic with some modern hints.
As you step outside to the rooftop outside space, not only are you met with the views mentioned above but also with a warm, yet refreshing breeze during the summer nights with the light of the moon. Relax under the oversized umbrellas and couches, or choose a high-top table to enjoy your cocktail of choice with those you love.
Indulge yourself with drinks signed by Mùn’s very own bartenders. Cocktails are elegant and contemporary while still incorporating the heart of traditional Italian mixology. They also have a great selection of wines, beers and non-alcoholic choices. Pair your beverage with an aperitivo accompanied by tapas.
Mùn is open everyday from 5.30 pm to 12.00 am and is accessible to the public, not just to the hotel guests.
Just steps from the Colosseum, you can enjoy a breakfast, lunch, or an aperitivo at the stylish Aurora Bistrot in Monti
Whether you’re walking over from the Colosseum or the Fori Imperiali, Aurora Bistrot & Bar awaits you inside the elegant Nerva Boutique Hotel.
The moment we stepped inside, we were immediately impressed by the attention to detail. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, blending modern design and nostalgic charm; the candles cast a soft glow, and the art on the walls adds a creative touch to a place that is both warm and sophisticated.
Breakfast: The Aurora Bistrot Way
Start your morning right at Aurora Bistrot, with their homemade whole wheat banana pancakes, made with berries and maple syrup – or opt for the chocolate version for a sweet twist. Their homemade pie of the day is always a treat, or you can enjoy a fresh seasonal fruit salad for something lighter.
For something hearty, go for the organic cereals and muesli with your choice of yogurt or milk. If you’re craving an authentic Italian flavor, instead, don’t miss the Caprese salad with fresh Stracciatella and Naples tomatoes – a perfect way to fuel your day.
At Aurora Bistrot, lunch is a real delight
With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, their menu features delicious homemade bites served in a relaxed yet lively setting.
For lunch or brunch, try the avocado toast with smoked Norwegian salmon, or the wholegrain banana pancakes with berries. Another favourite of ours is the bruschetta with stracciatella, fresh truffle and Neapolitan tomatoes: a must! The menu also includes colourful salads, such as the “Puglia”, with avocado, tomatoes, stracciatella, cucumber and cornbread, or the “Tropical”, a more exotic option with mango and sumac.
And, for cheese lovers, we recommend you don’t miss the premium selection of cold cuts and cheeses – like Pecorino al Tartufo and Stracciatella di Puglia.
The Aurora Spritz: From 4pm Until Late
As the evening rolls in, Aurora Bistrot is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Italian aperitivo with a modern note.
For Spritz aficionados who want to stay true to the classic recipe while adding a twist, you absolutely must try the “Aurora Spritz.” Sparkling, citrusy, and refreshing, it’s made with Prosecco for a delightful kick.
Instead, if you’re open to broadening your cocktail horizons, in addition to traditional favorites, Aurora Bistrot offers an impressive selection of signature cocktails. Some of our absolute favorites include “Nero The Cruel,” made with mezcal and red fruits, “Livia’s Garden,” a gin-based creation, and last but not least, “Augustus Whisper,” a vodka-based cocktail with a unique touch.
To go with the drinks, we couldn’t resist their taglieri (charcuterie boards), which are perfect for sharing. Our favorite was the Patanegra and mortadella paired with 48-month-aged Parmigiano, but also, you’ll definitely want to try the premium selection with Pecorino Romano al Tartufo, Gorgonzola Arioli, and Stracciatella di Puglia. For something a little different, we tried the crispy homemade spring rolls and Bajias, which matched wonderfully with our drinks.
Five O’Clock Means Spritz… But Sometimes It’s Tea Time!
Not in the mood for an alcoholic aperitivo? No worries – there are also fresh, healthy smoothies on the menu. We highly recommend the “Tropical Sunrise” made with mango, banana, and orange. Alternatively, you can try one of their refreshing virgin cocktails, like the “Virgin Moscow Mule” or the “Virgin Mojito.”
Also, if you’re in the mood for something warm, Aurora Bistrot has you covered. From 4 PM onwards, you can also enjoy a relaxing break with a selection of premium hot teas, served with homemade cookies and the sensational cake of the day crafted by their talented chef, Antonella. We absolutely loved the peach jam crostata – a true highlight.
Live Music Nights
Aurora Bistrot also hosts live music evenings, mainly dedicated to jazz, with changing line-ups ranging from trios to duos with a singer. Events usually take place from 5.30pm to 9.00pm, more frequently on weekends, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. For the latest schedule and details, guests can check Aurora’s Instagram profile.
We Loved It, and You Probably Will Too
Aurora Bistrot isn’t just a spot to grab a drink or snack. Whether you’re here for a cocktail, sharing a charcuterie board, or relaxing with tea and pastries, you’ll feel right at home.
We loved the friendly atmosphere, the focus on quality, and the charm of the place. It’s the kind of spot where time slows down, and you can truly enjoy life the Italian way. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Rome, we’re pretty sure you’ll love it as much as we did.
Discover the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Rome
Italy and Rome are not exactly known for being havens for vegans and vegetarians. But if you think a diet without prosciutto and mozzarella will lead you to the brink of starvation, then you are mistaken. Not only is Italian cuisine fresh, flavoursome, and adaptable, but Rome is also bursting with great spots for veggies and vegans alike. Here are our top picks!
Eating Out
Écru
Via Acciaioli 13 (Centro storico) Mon-Thur-Fri-Sun 12pm-9pm, Saturday until 11pm 06.68804282 ecrurawfood.it
Elegant and innovative, Écru is the perfect place for a vegan breakfast, brunch, lunch or snack when you’re out and about in the centre of Rome. The dishes prepared daily by Écru’s chefs are both sweet and savoury; crepes, cereals and breads, but also fruit and vegetable salads, vegetable purees, sushi and more. Theirs is a high-protein, nutritious and balanced menu that is both healthy and tasty.
Il Margutta Vegetarian Food & Art
Via Margutta, 118 (Popolo) Daily 10.30am – 11.30pm 06.32650577 ilmargutta.bio
A sleek affair nearby Piazza del Popolo, Il Margutta is the perfect place for vegetarian dining when you’re out and about in the centre. Part veggie restaurant, part contemporary art gallery, Il Margutta is a multi-sensory experience. With over 50 different dishes to choose from, meals that are meticulously arranged on your plate and an extensive wine cellar, you can’t go wrong. A “Green Brunch” is also available every weekday.
Hands down, Mater Terrae is the most beautiful vegetarian/vegan restaurant in Rome. Why? Oh, only because it’s located on the rooftop of an exclusive hotel with beautiful views of the Eternal City in all its glory. With an award-winning chef who is committed not only to providing vegan and vegetarian dishes but to preparing organic dishes without eggs, gluten, and sugar, this is the place to go where you can feel both fabulous and fit.
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 107/A (Centro storico) Mon – Fri 10am-11pm, Sat – Sun 9am-11pm 06.87728433 buddyroma.com
Friends of the veggy can rest assured. In a lovely and cozy place – centrally located – you will be able to enjoy an all vegetarian and vegan menu, rich and delicious, and appreciate the beauty of Rome, at a great price. And if you are not veggy fundamentalists, start with dessert!
Aromaticus
Via Urbana, 134 (Monti) – Via Natale del Grande, 6/7 (Trastevere) Tue – Sun 11am – 11pm 06 4881355 aromaticus-roma.com
Aromaticus Rome is a charming and original spot where nature, food, and atmosphere come together in a harmonious way. The concept revolves around aromatic herbs, which take center stage both in the space and on the menu, creating a fresh and distinctive experience. It’s ideal for a light lunch, brunch, or aperitivo in a relaxed and carefully designed setting.
Particularly noteworthy is the fully vegan offering at Ops!, which serves a buffet menu, also available for takeaway, in complete safety. Simple yet imaginative dishes, with a promise of organic and locally sourced ingredients. Located in the Nomentana area, right next to Porta Pia, even non-vegans might be pleasantly surprised.
__________________________
Le Bistrot
Via delle Sette Chiese, 160 (Garbatella) Mon – Sat 8pm – 11pm 06.5128991 ristorantelebistrot.com
Le Bistrot is a vegan restaurant in the Garbatella neighborhood near Via Ostiense, one of Rome’s nightlife hubs. In this tiny restaurant, you will be able to relax and unwind in a cozy atmosphere, as if you were sitting in a friend’s living room, with equally friendly service. You’ll be able to try a good selection of exclusively vegan original plates, designed for everyone and close to the Italian culinary tradition. The restaurant also offers a good choice of wines and a good selection of relaxing music.
Five-hundred meters from the Vatican and Metro stop Ottaviano, Ma Va? (meaning, “Really?”) has been a certainty for the vegetarians and vegans of Rome for a while now. If you follow a plant-based lifestyle you certainly will not miss out on the experience of a typical Italian trattoria coming here! Although it is a small space, the environment is friendly and laid-back, and the open kitchen lets you peek into what the chef is doing. The restaurant takes special care of those with food intolerances, and small pets are welcome. Ma Va?aims at creating the least environmental impact, by choosing local and organic foods, with an exquisite outcome.
__________________________
Rifugio Romano
Via Volturno, 39/41 (Castro Pretorio) Tue – Sun 12.30pm – 11pm 06.4880945 rifugioromano.com
A few steps from the Termini Station, Rifugio Romano (Roman Sanctuary) has got all the feels of a typical Italian restaurant. However, it does an incredible job of combining Italian tradition with vegan innovation. Its cuisine is open to everyone to experience, both vegan and not. In fact, the friendly and welcoming ambiance of this restaurant is part of their philosophy: they strongly believe in food as an experience of sharing, and despite our lifestyles may differ, we all sit at the same table here. They offer a wide and careful selection of beers and wines. The “must-try” dish here is the vegan carbonara: you will remain surprised.
Vitaminas 24 stands in the middle of the artsy neighborhood of Pigneto, where Francesco, the owner, started exporting some of the flavors of his native region of Ciociaria (in Lazio) in 2011. A colorful and completely cruelty-free space, this restaurant boasts an incredible variety of vegan and vegetarian options, with foods coming from the Lazio region, as well as tropical fruits. The menu changes daily based on seasonal and local availability, and the cooking methods used here are delicate and natural. It is a completely plastic-free restaurant, and all the takeaway cutlery is biodegradable. Smoothies, soups, burgers, pasta: Vitaminas 24offers them all. At the entrance of the restaurant, you will see a luminous sign that says “bio”: they saved them from the luminous sign of the previous business that stated “polli e abbacchi” (chicken and lamb): now it is telling a new and completely different story!
__________________________
Flower Burger
Via dei Gracchi, 87 (Prati) Daily 12pm – 3pm, 7pm – 10.30pm. Also delivery. 06.5404267
Flowers are colorful, and so are Flower Burgers. Flower Burger was born by an idea of young entrepreneur Matteo Toto who decided to merge the vegan and the burger cultures together, creating a truly delightful option for all budgets. Shocking pink and ocean blue buns, green and black bread, colorful sauces and splendid french fries. The colorants of the buns are all-natural: yellow buns are made from turmeric, pink ones from cherry and beetroot extracts, black ones from vegetable charcoal and so on. This is what you’ll find at FlowerBurger, the first Italian vegan burger fast-food franchise, which was born in Milan in 2015. Now its buds sprouted and spread all across Italy, including Rome. Try them all!
__________________________
Veghometro
Via del Gazometro 38 (Ostiense) Mon – Sun 12.30am – 3:30pm, 6:00pm – 11.30pm instagram.com/veghometro/
The “home of vegans” in the heart of Ostiense is a great place to savour Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist and a dash of Asian inspiration. From à la carte lunch and dinner to buffet lunch only on weekdays (with set price per 100 grams of serving), this cool industrial location is also the perfect spot to hang out with friends while tasting a vegan aperitivo. The menu includes vegan sushi rolls, revisited Roman classics (such as carbonara and cacio e pepe), pinsa, tandoori stews, vebabs and stir fries with vegetarian and vegan ingredients.
__________________________
Romeow Cat Bistrot
Via Francesco Negri, 15 (Ostiense) Tue – Sun 10am -11pm 06.57289203 romeowcatbistrot.com
A concept inspired by the success of Japanese Neko Cafes, Romeow is Rome’s first ever first ever Cat Café. Here you can enjoy a completely vegan menu along with the company of six felines that inhabit the locale. A purrfectly sublime place to grab a coffee, have dinner, try a raw, vegan treat from the pasticceria and make a furry friend.
Via Vasto, 4 (Re di Roma) Mon – Tue 12pm – 4pm, Wed -Sat 12pm-4pm & 6pm-10.30pm 06.89134914 instagram.com/vegjoy/
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and aperitivo. At Veg Joy you’ll always find something vegan to eat at any time of the day. Born as a takeaway place, you can now dine too, either outside or inside. You will find healthy, organic, and local foods. Smoothies are a big one here! Although the products and preparations are mostly seasonal, some dishes are prepared all year long. Veg Joy is not only a cafè and a restaurant: they also organize caterings for events and prepare dinners at home. Definitely worth a try in all their shapes and forms.
Ever wondered what guilt-free, mouthwatering chocolate heaven would be like? Welcome to Grezzo! The artisan chocolatiers based in Monti offer desserts, gelato and biscuits: all totally raw, totally vegan, totally gluten free and totally amazing. Oh and they are all free from sugar, flour and soy. That’s right, it’s basically good for you. Some might consider the prices a little steep, but it’s worth it when you take into account the quality of the produce. The raw chocolate gelato is a must!
__________________________
Julietta Pastry and Lab
Via Francesco Negri, 25/2 (Ostiense) Tue – Fri 8:30am – 6:30 pm, Sat 9:00am – 6.30pm, Sun 9:00am – 5:30pm Juliettapastryandlab
From the creators of Romeow Cat Bistrot, Julietta is a true paradise on Earth for pastry and cake lovers in the vegan world. Besides mouth watering delicacies, such as the iconic New York Roll, croissants, cheese cakes, colourful macarons and special maritozzi, this lab also produces a range of fermented products such as tempeh, tofu, kimchi, and vegan cheeses. And the cherry on top of the (vegan) cake is that you can also learn how to make them at home by joining one of the many workshops organised at the lab.
__________________________
Radagast Vegan Bakery
Via Teano, 309 (Prenestino) Tue-Sun 10am-7pm 06.217232 radagast.it
Radagast Vegan Bakery produces 100% vegan products. It is a great alternative for vegans, people with milk and egg intolerances, and those who want to expand their culinary experiences beyond what they already know. They will be surprised! You can find cakes, cheesecakes, cookies, cupcakes, brownies, smoothies, coffee, and much more. You can stay and eat something there or take it away. Radagast Vegan Bakeryeven prepares cakes and catering options for events. To reach them, you need to take Metro C and hop off at the Teano stop, from there it is a 5-minute walk.
If you’re cooking at home and need animal-friendly ingredients, Natura Si is a great chain of organic supermarkets that offer a host of staple veggie/vegan produce along with regular organic fare. You can find everything from veggie burgers, seitan and tofu to yeast flakes and vegan mayo. For a list of stores in Rome, check their website.
__________________________
Vegan Store Box 83
Via Lorenzo Ghiberti, Nuovo Mercato Testaccio (Testaccio) Tue – Sat 8.30am – 2:30pm veganstore83
Perhaps one of the most interesting entries on this list is Vegan Store Box 83, the first vegan and organic food stall in a local market in the Testaccio neighborhood, a 10 minute walk from Metro B Piramide. Here you can find anything a vegan dreams of: seitan and tempeh, vegan sausages, 100% vegan cold cuts that resemble completely those coming from the Italian gastronomy, vegan cheeses, teas, legumes, rice, and much more, including self-care products! All of this is done in the complete respect of animals and the planet.
__________________________
Vegustibus
Via Giovanni Andrea Badoero 70/ 72 (Garbatella) Tue – Sat 8:00am – 8:00pm, Sun 8:00am – 1:00pm vegustibus_garbatella
If you like cooking and are always on the hunt for new vegan ingredients, pay a visit to this pet-friendly shop just a few steps away from the Garbatella Metro station. Owners Marco and Matilde will guide you through shelves and fridges filled with everything from vegan cheeses and charcuterie, spreads, drinks, pasta, personal care products and many other surprises. Don’t miss the chance to grab a bite too: you can choose among sweet and savoury vegan snacks, such as supplì, tramezzini, crostatine, cakes and much more.
The Major Hotel’s rooftop gives Italian aperitivo a Middle Eastern twist
Between Monti and the multicultural streets of Piazza Vittorio, Masa sits on the top floor of The Major Hotel, with the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore so close it feels within reach and the rooftops of Rome stretching all the way to the Janiculum Hill. Opened in July 2023, this rooftop brings together Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking, with spiced dishes made for sharing and a cocktail list built around fermentation.
The name says a lot. Masa is a word found in many Mediterranean languages, and it can mean both a journey and something as precious as a diamond. At the table, that translates into conviviality: every meal opens with mezè, the small plates of Levantine cuisine, which arrive in the middle of the table for everyone to share.
The terrace
The rooftop is divided into three areas: the first part of the terrace, facing Santa Maria Maggiore, where you can have drinks and dinner; a bar that looks straight out of a Wes Anderson movie; and a more intimate dining area at the far end, with its own panoramic view over the city.
Aperitivo with a view
Aperitivo is served from 6 to 8 p.m. The Aperitivo Experience costs €35 and includes a drink of your choice with four mezè selected by the chef. The current selection includes a puff pastry tartlet with wild salmon and whipped sour butter, cured beef with sage mayonnaise and fried capers, Hummasa, the house chickpea velouté served with pita, and breaded anchovies with wild fennel and a sweet and sour sauce. If you want to stay longer, you can add more dishes from the all-day menu.
Cocktails
The drinks list by bar manager Alessio Di Stefano draws on fermentation, a technique with deep roots in the Middle East, using ingredients like milk kefir, fermented lime honey and fermented coffee and banana. The names come from Arabic. Na’ana, meaning “mint,” mixes Ketel One vodka, arak and mint cordial, softened by milk kefir. Shams Paloma, “sun,” is a golden take on the Paloma, with saffron-infused Casamigos tequila, Campari, lacto-fermented grapefruit and pineapple soda.
For bitter lovers, Marahmar brings the Mediterranean scrub into the glass with Campari, Fusetti bitter, sage, rosemary, basil, olives and lacto-fermented orange. Qadim Fashioned, “ancient,” reworks the Old Fashioned with Bulleit bourbon, Johnnie Walker Black Label, tonka bean, fermented banana and coffee, chocolate bitters and almond milk, while the Dāykiri pairs Zacapa 23 rum with jasmine and bergamot cordial, fermented lime honey and berry yogurt.
Dinner
Chef Danilo Mancini, who trained at the Hotel d’Inghilterra and worked as sous chef to Angelo Troiani, cooks with a lot of spices, but keeps them balanced. In his words, he had to test every dish “over and over again” to make this cuisine work for everyday dining in Rome.
Dinner starts with mezè, from €15 to €22. Highlights include the Giudea, a crispy artichoke with black garlic mayonnaise and fermented Moroccan lemon, the Altart, a lamb tartare with turmeric kefir, capers and licorice reduction, and the Samak, locally caught fish with truffle fumet, prunes, sesame and Tuscia hazelnuts. For a group, the Diyafah (€75) brings six mezè to the center of the table: the word means hospitality in Middle Eastern culture.
Pasta dishes include the Rishta (€25), Monograno Felicetti spaghettini with sour butter and homemade bottarga, and the Qamar (€24), fresh pasta filled with potatoes and chestnuts, with blue cheese cream and crispy leek. Among the mains, the fish shawarma (€32) comes with a root vegetable salad, BBQ mayonnaise, seaweed oil and lime gel, while the Asado (€28) features beef ribs slow-cooked and glazed with acacia honey. Vegetarians can go for the Shiflour (€24), cauliflower on a saffron and coconut milk velouté.
All desserts are €14, from the Rikota, sheep’s milk ricotta with almond and cinnamon crumble, spiced pear gel and warm salted caramel, to a crème caramel with sumac and lemongrass.
Lunch and weekends
On weekdays, the lunch menu is lighter: try the Roman-style artichoke, the pacchero with beef ragù, made from Asado trimmings in a no-waste approach, or a tajine with meat, fish or vegetables, served under its traditional conical lid. On Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to 4 p.m., the full dinner menu is also available at lunch.
Masa is open every day from noon to 3 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.
From authentic trattorias to new gourmet openings: where to eat in Rome this year
Rome’s dining scene keeps moving in 2026, with new openings that blend tradition and innovation, local roots and international influences, casual energy and polished settings, from pizzerias to characterful bistros.
From the historic centre to emerging neighbourhoods, these addresses capture the capital’s culinary buzz: 15 different places to explore, with flavours worth discovering, spaces worth lingering in, and menus that reflect a city constantly in dialogue with global food trends. Below, a curated, narrative guide to the restaurants, bistros and pizzerias to have on your radar this year.
Via della Tribuna di Campitelli, 18 (Ghetto Ebraico)
06.96007084
tribunacampitelli.com
Set inside a 16th-century palazzo just steps from Piazza d’Aracoeli, Tribuna Campitelli has quickly become one of the most talked-about openings of 2025–2026. The concept goes beyond a standard restaurant: think of it as a dining lounge, with a strong wine list, a carefully designed cocktail bar, intimate rooms and an outdoor terrace overlooking the square. Chefs Francesco Brandini and Roberto Bonifazi build seasonal menus that pair modern technique with solid Roman–Mediterranean foundations, focusing on quality ingredients and clean execution. It works equally well for a formal dinner or a refined aperitivo with selected labels and champagne, while the elegant setting, and a cellar overseen by Daniele Gizzi, ties the experience together.
Isotta
Via Carlo Livi, 12 (Torrevecchia)
06.23209132
isottatrattoria.it
In Torrevecchia, IsottaTrattoria Cortese is a neighbourhood trattoria with a contemporary lens on Roman cooking. Warm and straightforward, wooden tables, open kitchen, a rustic touch, it keeps the offer focused and seasonal. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred chef Davide Puleio, the kitchen balances memory and modernity, with careful sourcing and cooking methods designed to let flavours speak. An easygoing spot for dinner with friends or a relaxed date, with simple, functional service.
GNOCCO Osteria Alla Scrofa
Via della Scrofa, 100 (Piazza Navona)
06.59872957
gnoccoroma.it
Gnocco is a central Rome address that leans into Italian tradition with a playful, “pop” twist under chef Davide Cianetti. The spirit is convivial and unfussy, but the cooking is solid: seasonal ingredients, familiar flavours, and a menu that nods to the Roman table. As the name suggests, gnocco takes the spotlight—fried gnocco, the classic potato version, and the Roman-style semolina variation. A reliable choice for honest Italian plates in a simple, well-kept setting with good value for money.
Nobu Restaurant Roma brings its internationally renowned Japanese-fusion philosophy to Via Vittorio Veneto, with a subtle Mediterranean touch. It’s known for high-end sushi, signature dishes like Black Cod Miso, and carefully crafted cocktails, all served in a sleek, show-stopping setting. Nobu remains a go-to name for anyone looking for top-level contemporary Japanese dining in Rome, especially for special occasions or trend-led nights out. Its prime location and global brand appeal also make it a strong option for visitors from abroad.
Nomos Ante
Via di S. Paolo alla Regola, 3 (Regola)
06.84102388
nomosante.plateform.app
Nomos Ante is the fine-dining restaurant on the ground floor of the Nomos Hotel, quickly emerging as one of Rome’s most interesting new openings of 2025–2026. At the helm is chef Giulio Luigi Zoli, a 35-year-old Roman with an international background shaped by years alongside Anthony Genovese and in top kitchens abroad. His cooking is precise and personal, blending Italian roots with global influences through a technique-driven style focused on balance and carefully selected ingredients. The menu is offered through tasting journeys – Arché, Métron and Télos – while HENRYTIMI’s pared-back interiors of travertine, wood and clay tones set an almost contemplative mood.
Stecca
Viale Guglielmo Massaia, 28 (Garbatella)
06.01906053
steccaroma.it
Opened in Garbatella in autumn 2025, Stecca is the result of a collaboration between Flavio De Maio (the longtime host behind Velavevodetto) and Abruzzo-born Franco Franciosi (of Mammaròssa). The space is intimate, around 35 covers, and conceived as a “multisensory lab” where food, music and conviviality overlap, with design cues drawn from the neighbourhood’s historic homes. Stecca refuses a single identity (not strictly Roman, not strictly Abruzzese): instead it serves shareable plates, a constantly changing daily menu, and a wine list built around authentic producers. Bread plays a central role as a symbol of craft and sharing, while the mood shifts with light and music, turning dinner into conversation as much as cuisine.
SantoPalato
Via Gallia, 28 (San Giovanni)
06.77207354
santopalatoroma.it
A staple name in San Giovanni’s food scene, SantoPalatorevisits Roman classics with a modern edge, aiming for a balance between tradition and contemporary flair. The carbonara remains the headline act, alongside a roster of reworked favourites supported by a wine list designed to complete the experience. New daily specials on the blackboard keep regulars, and newcomers, coming back.
VICI Bistrot & Ristorante
Via Vittorio Veneto, 62 (Via Veneto)
06.42010788
rome.intercontinental.com/it/vici
Inside the five-star InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace, VICI stands out for a well-crafted contemporary Italian offer, handled with precision by chef Marco Ciccotelli and a sharp front-of-house team. The kitchen finds a solid middle ground between familiar classics and modern interpretations, supported by a carefully chosen wine and cocktail selection. It’s a convenient option for light lunches, business moments, or relaxed, intimate dinners in a polished setting.
Orient Express La Minerva – Gigi Rigolatto
Piazza della Minerva, 69 (Pantheon)
06.8444293
gigi-restaurant.com/rome
In Piazza della Minerva, Gigi Rigolatto sits between restaurant and bar, offering Italian and European-inspired dishes reinterpreted with contemporary techniques. The vibe is lively, the menu familiar but updated, an easy fit for a business lunch or an informal dinner while exploring the Pantheon area.
Bap is a popular, informal address with a young, dynamic approach to street-food-style dishes and bistro comfort. Set in a high-traffic area, it works for quick breaks, light lunches or casual dinners, with a strong focus on ingredient quality and good value. It’s also a dependable breakfast stop, thanks to its baked goods, cakes and carefully prepared hot drinks.
Mazzo
Via degli Equi, 62 (San Lorenzo)
06.69420455
mazzoroma.it
Mazzo lands in Rome with a hybrid restaurant–wine bar format, built around bottles and dishes meant for the table to share. Chefs and owners Francesca Barreca and Marco Baccanelli frame the experience as convivial and flexible: a curated selection of labels paired with a menu that moves between tradition and more creative ideas. A strong pick for long aperitivi, informal dinners, or evenings centred on discovering interesting Italian wines in a youthful, lively setting.
Cavour 313
Via Cavour, 313 (Monti)
06.6785496
cavour313.it
A longtime fixture in Monti, Cavour 313 is a wine bar and bistro known for its bottle list and simple plates executed well. It’s kept its personality through the city’s shifting food trends, offering thoughtful food-and-wine pairings in a comfortable setting, ideal for a relaxed date night or an evening with friends.
Casa Malgarini
Via della Giustiniana, 670b (La Giustiniana)
06.87772889
casamalgarini.it
Casa Malgarini offers a more intimate, high-quality experience outside the tourist centre. Chef and owner Leonardo Malgarini puts ingredient quality first, shaping month-by-month menus that lean increasingly vegetable-forward without losing balance. Service is warm and attentive, and the garden adds a distinctive note—perfect for slow dinners or Sunday lunches with time to spare.
YEZI
Via Collina, 23 (Sallustiano)
06.83848288
yezirestaurant.com/rome
YEZI brings contemporary Asian flavours to Rome with a confident, international feel. The menu blends tradition and creativity with careful presentation and balanced seasoning, drawing on pan-Asian influences, an appealing alternative when you want something beyond Italian without leaving the city.
Avenida Calò
Viale Pinturicchio, 38 (Flaminio)
06.89238209
avenidacalo.it
Avenida Calò is a standout pizzeria known for a well-worked dough, quality ingredients and a style that bridges tradition and innovation. With a varied menu and a loyal following, Francesco Calò is widely considered one of Rome’s top contemporary pizza makers. The dough, offered through different techniques and formats, can be explored via tasting routes or shared at the table. Don’t skip the kitchen starters, and save room for desserts that avoid the obvious.
For the New Year we have compiled a list of the newly-established, or recently renovated, establishments that most deserve a visit from Romans and passing customers.
Connexion
