Rome restaurant ranking – top 10
Did you know that Rome boasts more Michelin stars than most European capitals? That’s no coincidence. That’s why the Rome restaurant ranking is anything but random!
It’s actually always been this way. Even emperors used to host feasts that lasted for hours. I remember reading about Nero’s banquets—twelve courses, the best chefs from across the empire. Today, it’s quite similar, except instead of emperors, we have internationally acclaimed chefs.
Rome boasts 13 Michelin stars across 10 restaurants as of 2024. That’s more than Madrid or Berlin. Not everyone knows this, since most people think mainly of Paris or New York.
Rome restaurant ranking – top 10 fascinating places
The tasting menu costs between 200 and 400 euros per person. Sounds expensive? Probably yes. But if you compare it to prices in London or Zurich, it’s actually not that bad. Besides, in Rome you get more than just food – you get history served on a plate.
Why should you care about this now? First of all, Rome’s culinary scene is undergoing a true revolution. Young chefs are blending tradition with modernity in ways you won’t find anywhere else.
Secondly, the pandemic changed everything. Some restaurants closed, others opened. The hierarchy has shifted. This is a good time to see what’s happening.
Thirdly—and to be honest—dining in Rome is an investment in experiences. It’s not every day you find yourself in a city where ancient ruins lie beneath your feet and masterpieces of modern cuisine are served on your plate.
In a moment, we’ll go through a ranking of the best spots. This won’t be your typical list with menu descriptions—it’s more of a practical guide for those who want to understand where it’s actually worth spending your money. And why some places are worth the wait, while others are just marketing.
Roman stars shine brightly. The question is—which ones are truly worth seeing up close?
Top 10 luxury restaurants in Rome – a detailed ranking
Our ranking is based on a combination of official Michelin Guide and Gambero Rosso distinctions, current menu prices, and feedback from regulars on the Roman dining scene. We considered not only the quality of the dishes, but also the atmosphere, level of service, and those intangible elements that make an evening truly special. Sometimes, it’s one star less, but a location overlooking the Pantheon—and suddenly, it’s a whole different story.
1. La Pergola (3★)
Monte Mario, Via Alberto Cadlolo 101. The only Roman restaurant awarded three Michelin stars. Mediterranean cuisine with modern touches, led by chef Heinz Beck. Signature dish: “Fagotelli La Pergola” with parmesan and black truffle. Tasting menu priced at €350–450. Standout feature – panoramic views of the entire city from the 19th floor of the Rome Cavalieri hotel.
2. Glass Hostaria (1★)
Trastevere, Vicolo del Cinque 58. Modern Italian cuisine set against the backdrop of a traditional neighborhood. Cristina Bowerman crafts an Italian-American fusion here. Their fine dining take on “Maritozzo” is truly revolutionary. Main courses €45-65, tasting menu €120-180. Highlight – minimalist décor in the heart of Rome’s most authentic district.
3. Il Pagliaccio (1★)
Via dei Banchi Vecchi 129. Anthony Genovese blends French techniques with Italian ingredients here. Creative cuisine with strong Mediterranean influences. Their “Spaghetto al nero di seppia” borders on culinary poetry. Tasting menu €150-200. Distinctive, intimate setting—just 25 seats.
4. Piperno
Monte dei Cenci 9, Jewish Quarter. This is more than a restaurant—it’s an institution. Since 1860, the same family has been serving traditional Roman-Jewish cuisine here. Their “Carciofi alla giudia” is an absolute classic, unmatched by any other. Dishes €35-55. What sets it apart: authenticity and recipes unchanged for decades.
5. Metamorfosi (1★)
Via Giovanni Antonelli 30/32. Roy Caceres leads a highly personal culinary project here. Creative cuisine with molecular elements, but never overdone. The “Uovo 65°C” with Osietra caviar showcases technical mastery. Tasting menu €180-220. Unique feature – every dish tells a visual story.
6. Checchino dal 1887
Via di Monte Testaccio 30. In the Testaccio district, where everything began with the slaughterhouse, they still serve quinto quarto – the “fifth quarter” of beef. Traditional Roman cuisine in its purest form. “Coda alla vaccinara” – I had the best one here. Prices range from €40 to €70 per dish. Highlight – interiors set in ancient Roman grottoes.
7. Armando al Pantheon
Armando Gargioli 31. The oldest family-run restaurant in Rome, operating since 1961. Claudio Gargioli continues his grandfather’s legacy. Classic Roman cuisine without experiments. Their “Saltimbocca alla romana” is made from a recipe dating back to Rome’s early days. Dishes €25-45. Unique feature – a table with a view of the Pantheon through the window.
8. Flavio al Velavevodetto
Via di Monte Testaccio 97. Flavio Lombardi has created a true slow food temple here. The cuisine is based on seasonal ingredients from Lazio. “Abbacchio scottadito” is prepared according to his grandmother’s recipe. Prices range from €35 to €50. A distinctive feature: walls built from ancient Roman amphorae.
9. Imàgo
A luxury restaurant in Rome, located at Piazza della Trinità dei Mont. Its menu features elegant Italian dishes that are sure to delight even the most discerning palates.
10. Al Moro
A Roman restaurant located on Vicolo delle Bollette. It offers a luxurious culinary experience with a variety of dishes that linger in your memory. The atmosphere is truly unique and intriguing.
Secrets to a Successful Reservation and the Future of Roman Fine Dining
I remember once trying to call one of those exclusive restaurants in Rome. The phone kept ringing and ringing… and then it turned out that you could only book a table three months in advance. And that was just the beginning of the adventure.
Question: When is the best time to book a table at a fine dining restaurant in Rome?
Answer: The standard is 1-3 months in advance, but some places require even more notice. OpenTable works fine, but TheFork sometimes offers better deals. Always check the cancellation policy—some restaurants charge fees as early as 48 hours before your reservation.
Dress code is a topic of its own. Smart casual sounds simple, but what does it really mean? For men – a long-sleeved shirt, dress pants, leather shoes. A tie isn’t required, but it won’t hurt. Women have more options – a dress, an elegant blouse with a skirt or trousers. Avoid sports shoes and anything too casual.
Ah, and then there’s the budget. That always hurts more than you expect. The tasting menu is around 150-200 euros per person. Wine pairing adds another 80-120 euros. Plus a 10 percent service charge, which is standard in places like this. So it comes to about 280-350 euros per person for the full experience.
But there’s a catch – check out the lunch deals. Some restaurants offer a shortened menu at lunchtime for half the price. Same food, same service.
Trends for the coming years look interesting:
• Zero waste is becoming the norm – food scraps are being repurposed
• Plant-based cuisine is making a serious entrance into fine dining
• AI-powered sommelier – apps that help you choose wine
• New venues like Tribuna Campitelli blend history with modernity
I’ve already seen the first restaurant with a robot sommelier. It felt strange, but the recommendations were actually really good. Maybe this is the future?
Honestly, the whole fine dining scene in Rome is changing faster than it used to. It’s no longer just about tradition—it’s about innovations that honor the past. Now all that’s left is to book that table and experience it for yourself.
Book a table and embark on a culinary journey
Rome is currently undergoing a culinary revolution that simply can’t be missed.
We now have the complete picture—a knowledge of the best spots, a concrete action plan, and the inspiration to explore the flavors of the Eternal City. It’s no longer a question of “if,” but “when” you’ll book your first table at a Roman temple of gastronomy.
Time to get down to business. To stay ahead of the trends and not miss out on the best deals:
- Monitor the Michelin Guide – new stars in Rome are appearing more frequently than ever
- Follow the social media of top chefs – information about tastings often appears there first.
- Plan your bookings for the shoulder season (April-May, September-October) – better availability, perfect weather
- Sign up for exclusive restaurant newsletters – you’ll get priority access to special events
- Build relationships with concierges at top hotels – they have connections we don’t even know about
Experts predict that Rome will enter the top 5 global culinary capitals within the next three years. It will likely surpass London, and perhaps even New York. Why? Because it blends tradition with modernity in a way that no one else can replicate.
Every day you hesitate is a missed chance to be part of this story. Rome is waiting—and has a table just for you.
STEV
lifestyle editor
Luxury Blog
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