Few cities do good food like Rome. Actually, no, scratch that; nowhere does good food like Rome. Putting together a list of the best restaurants in Rome is one of travel writing’s great joys. Sure, you need to wipe up the dribble from the keyboard now and then, but this northern powerhouse has a reputation for gastronomic greatness that is not overblown in the slightest. If you want gourmet cuisine, Rome is waiting for you.
That being said, there is a homely element to Rome cooking that often gets overlooked among the Michelin stars and celebrity chefs. After all, there’s more to this city than high-end opulence. Rome is a place where neighborhood pizzas and traditional trattorias jump to previously unforeseen heights, a city where international flavors have made their mark and continue to do so. Finding spectacular food here isn’t difficult, but some things demand trying at least once.