Favorite Restaurants in Centro Storico (Rome)

Taverna del Campo

This historic café in Piazza Navona has been open since the start of the 19th Century when it was an inn. In 1931 it reached the peak of its success largely thanks to a truffle-inspired confection which was invented by its manager, the secret recipe of which has been handed down ever since. The specialty is the tartufo (truffle) but there is also the usual array of coffee variations all of excellent quality. There are many tables outside which are always filled with tourists or businessmen.

Caffè della Pace

Close to Piazza Navona, the Café della Pace has been in existence for almost 100 years. It is an ideal place to sit at any time of the day and watch the crowds pass by. Divided into two beautifully decorated rooms which are popular with the rich and famous, it offers a full range of delicacies to eat and drink from morning to evening. In summer it is pleasant to sit outside in the lovely small square.

Cook's Brasserie

Looking out onto historic Campo de' Fiori, this brasserie offers pizzas and restaurant service as well as a traditional bar fare. Make the most of the outdoor tables in good weather.

Papok

This restaurant specializes in fish - for example, the Ciecatiello with zucchini and Squid, Squid Salad, Grilled Squid, Linguine with Swordfish and Eggplant, and many other sea delicacies. There is also a choice of meat dishes and first-course vegetable dishes. The desserts are made on the premises and include the standard Tiramisù, Semi-freddo and cakes. In summer you can sit outside.

La Cicala e la Formica

This restaurant is right in the center of historical Rome, close to the Roman Forum. The decor is well finished and the walls are decorated with paintings by contemporary artists. The atmosphere and food makes it just right for tourists looking for traditional Italian cooking, but it is also a favorite with Italians who love Mediterranean recipes. If you prefer fish, visit on Tuesdays and Fridays. There are many Sicilian delicacies; Spaghettini alla Siciliana with anchovies, meat roulades, eggplant croquettes and many side dishes  like eggplant with tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese, grilled peppers, sliced peppers with olive oil, tomatoes and onions, chicory to name a few.

Ristorante Boccondivino

This is an elegant restaurant in the heart of old Rome with al fresco seating during the summer. The menu is modern, offering new flavors for demanding palates. Tagliatelle with lemon and cinnamon, Baccalà on Fried Polenta, and many other fish dishes are available. There is also a huge cheese selection with accompaniments of honey and jams. Being near to the Senate and Montecitorio, Ristorante Boccondivino is visited by many Italian politicians. It is suitable for business meetings as well as romantic meals. The decor is a mix of romantic and modern.

Ditirambo

Here the bread and pasta are homemade; enjoy them with walnuts, olives, pumpkin seeds or anything else the cook churns out deliciously. The pasta is hand-made and served with tasty garnishes such as tagliatelle with chestnuts or the more traditional tonnarelli with cheese and pepper. The second course dishes include savoy roulades in tomato sauce and roast salmon. All desserts are homemade too. The wines are excellent and are supplied by the well-known wine maker Cavour. The interior resembles a country inn with wood -work and country-style pictures. The seating is comfortable and air conditioning makes it pleasant in summer.

Rosati

Once a popular rendezvous for film stars and TV personalities in the 1960s and 1970s, this former hippy hang-out has become a fashionable place to meet for coffee or business lunches. The recent addition of a first-floor dining room, which serves food throughout the day, caters to the large numbers of visiting tourists and foot-weary pilgrims. Rosati serves wonderful coffee, a variety of gelato flavors and snacks ranging from light to hearty.

Abbey Theater

This pub, located in one of the busiest areas in Rome is where to find a slice of Ireland in Italy. TV, pop-videos and live Irish music abound. They offer hot dishes and a cold buffet, as well as draft-Guinness, and various Scottish and Irish whiskies. The pub offers a daytime version of happy hour called "Happy Lunch", as well as tea and petit fours during the afternoon. This welcoming pub, considered one of the best in the city is laid out in typical Irish style with lots of little rooms linked by narrow corridors.

Osteria Le Streghe

Eat outside in the summer and enjoy sitting quietly watching Rome's daily life. The restaurant's name, The Witches, comes from the three owners: Paola, Lina and Manuela. It is only Paola who actually does any of the wonderful cooking. There is Tagliolini with Chicory and Gorgonzola, or spaghetti with broccoli and truffles, as well as tuna fish with cabbage. Do not miss the risotto with rose petals. If you like fish, then you should go on Friday. There is a fairly good range of wines and you can eat lunch at a reduced price from the self-service area. The restaurant is pretty, with perfect lighting and friendly service.

Hosteria del Pesce

Serving up lobster, scampi and shrimp and all kinds of fruit from the sea, this fairly new restaurant evokes the feeling of ancient Rome, how it used to be so many years ago.  They also offer an excellent wine list. 

Ristorante Giuda Ballerino

This is a restaurant or pizzeria for those who love comics! The owner of the restaurant is a consummate comics addict and customers can choose a comic which they want to have a look at and then while they wait for their menus, they can read them or take a look at their friend's choices. So it good food and great comics.