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The Colosseum, located in central Rome, is one of the main attractions in the capital and in Italy overall. We’ve put together a list of the best nearby restaurants which are worth the price you pay for the view of that magnificent Flavian Amphitheatre.

Colosseum

Trattoria Luzzi

This restaurant can become very busy at rush hours, so it might be a good idea to make a reservation if you have a specific date in mind or if you want to dine in a large group. The atmosphere is authentic, the food is locally sourced and is largely reliant on the traditions of Roman cuisine. What stands out is the wood-oven pizzas and the different sorts of pasta that are served each day. What’s more, the prices are very affordable and the staff is warm and welcoming.

via di San Giovanni in Laterano 88, Rome, Italy

Taverna dei Quaranta

This one’s atmosphere is talked about throughout the capital, and it will leave a memorable mark on your holiday in Rome. With the high-vaulted ceilings and the checked table cloths, Taverna dei Quaranta provides visitors with an authentically Roman ambience which hints of a bygone era. This, in fact, is a tavern, with all its authenticity, quality food and indelibly welcoming charm.

via Claudia 24, Rome, Italy

Colosseum at night

Hostaria da Nerone

Established in 1929, this hostaria on the peripheries of the Colosseum has a long history of food making. It is not the classic tourist trap, but a local trattoria with an excellent selection of Roman food. It is often very busy, but the staff do their best to ensure quality and service throughout. If in doubt, try the grilled vegetables, the clam spaghetti or the lasagne – all top-notch options.

via delle Terme di Tito 96, Rome, Italy

Hostaria al Gladiatore

This is a restaurant which combines authentic Roman cuisine with more elaborate dishes. It features a lunch menu with the usual specialities, such as carbonara and various sorts of pizzas, as well as a sumptuous dinner menu with dishes that are hard to forget. It is the ideal choice for a candlelit evening, especially in the summer, when many tables are set outside. Hostaria al Gladiatore offers a wonderful panorama of the Colosseum and it places great emphasis on the quality of food and service.

piazza del Colosseo 5, Rome, Italy

Crab

If you love seafood and feel like splashing out on a romantic dinner, this is the place for you. With a vast selection of the best fish dishes, Crab will remain etched in each and every customer’s memory. The menu is a little on the pricey side, but the quality of food and service is truly top-notch. The staff are serious, professional, accommodating and more than happy to help if they can. Just entrust your romantic seafood dinner to them – they will know just what to recommend!

via Capo d’Africa 2, Rome, Italy

Maccheroni all’amatriciana

Goloseum

This is the perfect place for every tourist who is looking to have a quick lunch before plunging back into the Roman Dolce Vita. Although it tends to get quite busy, it is worth the line considering the low prices and the amazing value. Goloseum offers pasta, sandwiches and pizzas on the go, but they never neglect quality. It is the perfect street-food spot in Rome; as testified by the lunch-time queues of Italians and locals.

via San Giovanni in Laterano 80, Rome, Italy

Divin Ostilia

Divin Ostilia is something of a secret spot near the Colosseum. It stands out as a wine bar which serves excellent pasta and antipasti, such as cheese and all sorts of cold meat. The place is quite small, so it might get difficult at times to get a table, but rest assured that the staff will try their best to find a place for everyone. The primi are wonderful and are usually different from the traditional dishes you can find elsewhere in the capital. The selection of wines and craft beers is also diverse; great for drinking under the Italian sun.

via Ostilia 4, Rome, Italy

About the author

Luca is an Italian studying medieval and modern languages in England with a passion for food, art, and nature. He loves reading, writing, taking pictures and learning new things - and he always tries to advertize his city with poor results. Traveling is something Luca cannot do without, although he always feesl limited by the little time he has - he likes to do more stuff than he actually manages to do. Time generally slips through Luca's fingers and he hates that feeling. 24/7 books lover, he finds literature particularly appealing and loves having his head buried in books.

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