Our Top 10 Shortlist of the Best Restaurants near Colosseum Rome

Many people when they visit Rome like to go to the Colosseum as it’s the largest amphitheatre ever built, dating from 72AD. Romans take their food and wine very seriously so you will never be stuck for somewhere to enjoy a good meal, in fact at times it can be overwhelming.

If you’re looking at eating dinner before 8 PM you’re going to be in for a shock. Roman natives start eating at 8 and when summers comes around they will eat much later.

The best thing to do is to grab a slice of pizza as a snack if you’re an earlier eating and then do as they do in Rome.

Here is a guide to find the best restaurants near the Colosseum in Rome!

The best restaurants near the Colosseum

Here are our top picks for choosing the best restaurants near the Colosseum in Rome.

Trattoria Luzzi

Luzzi is one of the most popular restaurants near the Colosseum in Rome and is located only a few blocks away from the Colosseum. This is a more tourist friendly restaurant with the check tablecloths, English language menus and earlier opening time for dinner. The trattoria has been serving Roman food a short walk from the Colosseum since 1945.

The service is usually very prompt and the menu value for money with most pizzas and pastas costing under €10. They’ll charge you depending on the size of the plate so it’s perfect for those with small children. This is less for the foodies and more for those want good low cost food and quick service, it is also more family friendly than other offerings on the list. A ten-minute walk from the Colosseum, it might not have the freshest ingredients and won’t offer a wine list but it will fit a certain need.

Whilst not gourmet Michelin star standards the food is still a tasty mix of authentic Italian and easy to access tourist favourites like Spaghetti Bolognese and lasagne. Luzzi can get busy around rush hour so it’s a good idea to reserve or to come during off-peak times.

• Address: Via di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 88
• Phone: +39 06 709 6332
• Hours: Thu – Tue 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
• Price range: $
• Website

Li Rioni

If you’re looking for the typical Roman pizzeria experience near the Colosseum then Li Rioni is the place to go. With a spacious interior and outside al fresco seating, it’s worth booking for this popular restaurant.

They offer from dough all the classic pizzas from four cheeses to Margarita and more modern ones that include salmon and broccoli toppings. All their pizzas are made from dough that has been left to mature for over 18 hours before being rolled into the classic Roman thin base and then cooked on a smoky wood fire. For non-pizza eaters they often goodies like salted cod fillets, battered mozzarella and stuffed zucchini flowers.

The service is very brisk so it’s vital to act fast when ordering and paying as to cut out as many steps as possible. The trick in these traditional Italian restaurants is to not let the waiter out of your sight until you have ordered and paid. This restaurant perhaps not the best choice if you are in a rush but it does offer an authentic Italian experience.

• Address: Via dei Santi Quattro 24
• Phone: +39 06 7045 0605
• Hours: 19.00-midnight. Closed Tuesdays
• Price range: $
• Website

La Taverna dei Quaranta

La Taverna Dei Quaranta has been serving traditional Italian food since 1982 and is near the Colosseum, just a five-minute walk. Despite being in a popular tourist area, this restaurant is geared more towards locals. This menu offers no surprises but there is always a great selection on the specials board. The food at this family-run restaurant has been described by former New York Times food critic Frank Bruni as “sensational”, and is cooked by the owner Alessio, whose children work as waiters.

The restaurant is located in Rome’s historical Rione Celio district which has been host to many historical moments and overlooks both the Servian Wall and the Piazza Del Celio. The restaurant has separate diner rooms with air conditional and overlooks the beautiful Via Claudia. The aim to offer customers an authentic Roman tavern experience and is one of the best restaurants in Rome.

The authentically Roman cuisine is made from handed down recipes which include fresh fetticce, tender Abruzzo meat, fried cod and oxtail. All the pasta and pizza is homemade in front of customers on a wood oven. The restaurant takes pride in its homemade desserts which include cheesecake, tiramisu and apple pie.

 Tip

It’s recommended to order seafood on Tuesdays and Fridays, as this is the day the good catch comes in, to eat gnocchi on Thursday as is the tradition in Rome and try the offal specials on Saturday. If you don’t have a reservation try grabbing lunch here.

• Address: Via Claudia, 24, 00184
• Phone: +39 06 700 0550
• Hours 11am-11:30 pm
• Price range: $$-$$$
• Website

Caffè Propaganda

From the exterior Caffe Propaganda looks like a Parisian bistro with sleek tiles and a long zinc cocktail bar but in fact it’s one of the best restaurants near the Colosseum in Rome. Caffe Propaganda offers a contemporary menu that blends classic Italian food with trendy international influences. The place has generated most buzz than any other Rome establishment in recent years, this is due to the respected Arcangelo Dandini and beloved Pastry Chef Stéphane Betmon.

They offer everything from mini sliders to bite-sized tortellini filled with carbonara sauce. Their dessert menu is innovative, ditching the classic rustic puddings for the cleverly presented tiramisu nestled in a sugar egg shaped shell. In the week they offer an eclectic mix of sandwiches, avant-garde cuisine, Italian classics and high class desserts; and on the weekend they offer a brunch menus. The meal is affordable at roughly €25 for a 4-course menu.

This is also an excellent establishment for those who just want to stop off for a drink as the drinks are made by one of the best bartenders in Rome who creates a selection of innovative and bold cocktails.

• Address: Via Claudia
• Phone: +39 06 9453 4255
• Hours: Mon – Sat 12–3:30pm, 6:30pm–2am
• Price range: $$-$$$
• Website

Taverna Dei Fiori a Imperialli

Taverna Dei Fiori Imperialli is just a short walk away from the Colosseum in the Rome neighbourhood of Monti. The family-run business is owned by Alessio, who has a menu which mixes modern favourites with Italian classics such as fettucine alla carbonara, bucatini all'amatriciana and cacio e pepe made with black truffle. Their attention to detail and popularity have pushed the prices above the average trattoria but the quality of food and central location makes it worth the splurge.

They also have an extensive and unique range of secondi meats which includes chickens with almonds and lemons, veal with gorgonzola and Marsala; and beef fillet stuffed with prosciutto.

Deemed one of the best restaurants in Rome, the establishment is favoured by the likes of Al Pacino and Dustin Hoffman so be sure to book ahead.

• Address: Via della Madonna dei Monti 9
• Phone: +39 06 679 8643
• Hours: 12.30-15.00 17.30-22.00, Closed Tuesdays
• Price range: $$ – $$$
• Website

Urbana 47

Urbana 47 is professional chefs favourite restaurant in Rome due to their selection of produce, all handpicked from small farmers across Lazio and committed to cooking with the seasons. The restaurant is tucked away in trendy the Cavou area of Rome and offers a more modern laid back vibe compared to the busy family run alternative the city offers.

Fresh pasta is made on site using organic flour and eggs before being used in dishes such as ricotta and prosciutto tortelloni and pork ravioli. Their high class menu offers dishes like swordfish ceviche and mixed vegetable millefeuille. Urban 47’s aim is to offer Michelin style food, ingredients and presentation but with an affordable price tag (their main course menu offers food for between €12 and €22).

Urban 47  is a great choice for travellers interested in Roman ruins, food and sightseeing as it is close to an underground station, less than ten miles from the airport and offers a guesthouse above the restaurant.

• Address: Via Urbana, 47
• Phone: +39 06 4788 4006
• Hours: 8.30am-midnight.  ‎
• Price range: $$-$$$
• Website

Aroma

Aroma will give you one of the most luxurious diner experiences in the Italian city. The Aroma restaurant is located on the jaw-droppingly beautiful roof terrace of the five-star Palazzo Manfredi Hotel. Near to the Colosseum, guests have spectacular views of the amphitheatre and surrounding city. The 28 seat restaurant is perfect for intimate and romantic dinners but also accepts private event bookings.

Roman born head chef Di Lorio’s menu focuses on the glory of Italy’s best fresh ingredients, with a traditional menu that makes this one best restaurants near the Colosseum, Rome. The one Michelin star restaurant is not for those on a budget as a tasting menu will set you back €180 and main courses start from €42.

• Address: Via Labicana, 125
• Phone: +39 06 97615109
• Hours: 12.30-15.00. 19.30-23.00
• Price range: $$$$
• Website

Tempio di Iside

The Calabrian chef Francesco Tripoldi serves fresh fish at this cavernous restaurants near the Colosseum, which is often referred to as Rome’s best kept secret. The menu is divided into cooked and raw which includes salads, pasta, fish and meat.

The restaurant is known for its crudi di pasce (a raw fish dish) as well as a selection of other locally sourced, fresh fish. The menu is always changing along with the seasons and the selection of fresh food available at the time.

Due to its reputation as the best fish restaurant in Rome reservations are recommended to made at least 24 hours in advanced and the dress code is smart. One of the fanciest places to eat near the colosseum rome.

• Address: Via Pietro Verri 11
• Phone: +39 6 700 47 41
• Hours: 12–3pm 7:30–11pm  Closed on Sundays
• Price range: $$$$
• Website

Where to find the best restaurants near Colosseum, Rome?

Celio and Monti are the two main neighbourhoods in Colosseo area. They both have an excellent selection of places to eat near the Colosseum Rome. Whether it be lunch, dinner, a gelato or a quick bite.

Find out all the restaurants location

What you can eat in one of the best Restaurants near Colosseum, Rome

Any Roman will agree that before your main course try a fritti: a deep fried goodie. Try a fried rice ball with ragu and mozzarella known as a suppli or a deep fried mozzarella stuffed zucchini flower. Every Italian region has a preferred street food and Rome worships the pizza slice, keeping the pairings simple by using fresh ingredients like tomato, parsley, sea salt and rosemary.

Conclusion to the places to eat near the Colosseum Rome

A visit to the Colosseum will take around three hours so don’t arrive hungry. Whether you want five Michelin star dining, contemporary cocktails or rustic family cuisine Rome can offer it.

In the Colosseum area, you will find a large choice of the best restaurants in Rome. You can also check our article about the 11 Best Bars near the Colosseum if you just want to have a drink. Wherever you decide to eat whilst visiting the Colosseum in Rome, enjoy bella Roma!