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The Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Rome

Some of Romes best restaurants are in central locations with outstanding views
Some of Rome's best restaurants are in central locations with outstanding views | Photo by Kenneth Coffie on Unsplash

Rome has no shortage of laid-back trattorias and trendy streetfood joints serving up delicious local cuisine and cheap vino, but some occasions call for an altogether more refined experience. From panoramic rooftops to Michelin-starred decadence, here is a list of some of the very best gourmet food experiences in the Eternal City.

Situated on the rooftop terrace of the 5-star Hotel Hassler, Imàgo takes pride of place at the very top of the Spanish Steps in the heart of the centro storico. The beautiful dining room, romantic ambience and panoramic vista provide a perfect backdrop to sampling the stunning food, which has earned the restaurant a well-deserved Michelin star. Seamlessly combining Italian tradition with cutting edge techniques and international ingredients to create uniquely delicious plates. Try one of the tasting menus to sample the full range of flavours, while gazing out at the domes and rooftops of the Eternal City.

La Pergola

Hotel Restaurant, Italian, Seafood, Mediterranean

La Pergola
© Maria Pasquale
The father of Rome’s fine dining scene and the only restaurant in the city to boast three Michelin stars, La Pergola occupies the top floor of the luxurious Rome Cavalieri hotel, and offers a delectable menu of sumptuous delights accompanied by awe-inspiring views. Under the expert guidance of German-born chef Heinz Beck, the food is faultless and is matched with an impressive wine cellar of 60,000 bottles. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with prices to match.

Glass Hostaria

Restaurant, Contemporary, Italian

Glass Hostaria
© Snob Production

Located in the pretty Trastevere neighbourhood, Cristina Bowerman’s Glass Hostaria stands out with its contemporary decor and experimental Italian/Mediterranean dishes, in an area more famed for family-run restaurants and cheap snack spots. The menu is regularly updated to showcase the best seasonal produce and there is an expert sommelier on hand to guide you through the impressive wine list. Don’t miss the signature dishes including beef tartare or ravioli filled with 60-month aged Parmesan and butter.

Metamorfosi

Restaurant, Italian

Metamorfosi
© Maria Pasquale
Metamorfosi is a smart, modern restaurant located on an unassuming street in the classy residential neighbourhood of Parioli. The pristine yet informal dining room provides just the right atmosphere to sample Colombian-born chef Roy Caceres’s carefully honed menu of revisited Italian favourites and more innovative creations. Be sure to sample the Uovo 65° Carbonara, a clever reinterpretation of the Roman staple which sees a slowly cooked egg served with crispy guanciale bacon and crunchy fried pasta then topped with a parmesan foam.

Aroma

Restaurant, Italian, Contemporary

Aroma
© Maria Pasquale

Boasting an impressive view of the Colosseum from the top floor of nearby hotel Palazzo Manfredi, Aroma is ideal for those wishing to combine fine dining with a touch of Roman history. The 7-course tasting menu is a great way to eat through a selection of chef Giuseppe di Iorio’s modern creations, which are frequently updated with the seasons. Try gin-infused Iberico pork or green risotto with quail, just make sure you leave enough space for the mouth-watering desserts.

Pipero

Restaurant, Italian

Pasta with broccoli and sausage at Pipero al Rex
© Maria Pasquale

Pipero (formerly Pipero al Rex) opened in 2011, and has recently moved to a new swanky premise on Corso Vittorio Emanuele. It has gained a loyal following over the years and a Michelin star thanks to the winning combination of restaurateur Alessandro Pipero and chef Luciano Monosilio. With a cuisine firmly based on Roman favourites, the quality of ingredients and modern techniques give the menu an intriguing twist on some of Rome’s best-loved dishes. Don’t miss the Carbonara, which is considered to be one of the best in town.

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