Restaurants Near Colosseum

Maybe you think it's hard to find good restaurants near Colosseum in Rome?

That it's too touristy of an area to eat well?

Not true!

There are some really good options, but you have to know where to go.

Restaurants near Colosseum - you DO have choices

The area of the Colosseum and Roman Forum (and Palatine Hill), is quite large and there are no restaurants on site.

There is a café at one entrance/exit of the Roman Forum, on Largo Corrado Ricci, but it's not a great meal experience, more of a convenience for a snack, drink or bathroom break.

A visit to this archeological area will usually be at least 3 hours long, so don't arrive hungry, and don't get caught in a low-blood sugar panic.

One thing I often tell people on their way to the Colosseum is to go with a sandwich, a snack-bar, or some fruit in their bag.

But if you want to eat near the Colosseum, perhaps before or after a tour, you will need to venture slightly away from the ruins themselves.

But not far.

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Neighborhoods Around the Colosseum

There are two main neighbourhoods near the Colosseum: Celio (Coelian Hill) and Monti.

Both have their share of excellent places to eat, whether for lunch, dinner, drinks, gelato, or even a quick snack.

There are also a few places to eat near Colosseum that I recommend that are not quite in either of these neighbourhoods. 

Restaurants Near Colosseum - My Picks

• Restaurants near Colosseum in Celio neighbourhood
• Restaurants near Colosseum in Monti neighbourhood
• Where to go for happy hour/aperitivo near the Coliseum
• Breakfast restaurants near Colosseum
• Gelato near the Colosseum
• A special place to eat and drink with a view of the Coliseum
• Try some off the beaten track restaurants near Coliseum

Want to see a map of all these restaurants near Colosseum?

Click here.

Restaurants Near Colosseum on the Caelian Hill (Celio)

Celio is the neighbourhood just southeast of the Colosseum in Rome.

It is a truly ancient area, where soldiers and citizens lived in Roman times.

Even today, it is a real, lived in, charming little neighbourhood, with lots of places to eat and drink.

It's the closest neighborhood with restaurants near Colosseum.

Here are some little things to know about eating and drinking in Celio neighbourhood:

Below, are restaurants near Colosseum I really recommend in Celio neighborhood.

Li Rioni - some of the best pizza in Rome

I am very partial to this pizzeria, maybe because it's not far from my house, so I go often. 

Or maybe, it's just because they serve a great pizza every time.

They do have other food there so if someone in your group wants more variety, this is a great choice.

• Address: Via S. Quattro, 24
• Phone: +39 06 7045 0605
• Hours: Wednesday - Monday: 7 PM - Midnight | Tuesday closed
  
• Reservations are essential

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i Clementini - always fresh, Roman cuisine with a twist

i Clementini has become one of my go-to restaurants near Colosseum when I go out with friends, partly because we all live nearby, but mostly because the food is fantastic.

After years of eating here, and getting to know the owners and chef, I can confidently tell you that the quality of the food here is top notch: nothing frozen, nothing they don't deem good enough to serve.

On more than one occasion I have been disappointed to find they did not have my favourite antipasto: a heaping platter of perfectly crispy fried calamari e gamberi (squid and shrimp), but it was only because they simply didn't have it fresh.

I love any of their typical Roman pastas: amatriciana that is perfectly made, with just the right pepperoncino kick, and smokey, slightly crackly guanciale ; carbonara that uses just the right amount of egg yolk so it's not overly eggy; and more.

They have excellent meat courses, some typical Roman, others more inventive.

I often get their seafood dishes, in particular the seared tuna steak with pistachio and cherry tomatoes. 

i Clementini is probably one of my favourite all-around restaurants near Colosseum.

• Address: Via di San Giovanni in Laterano, 106
• Phone: +39 06 4542 6395
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 12 - 5 PM, 6 PM - Midnight
  
• Reservations suggested
  

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il Bocconcino - lovely trattoria serving Roman cuisine

Il Bocconcino is one of the few Slow Food restaurants near Colosseum.

They serve excellent, fresh Roman cuisine, like spaghetti all'amatriciana:

Il Bocconcino has a cozy, very casual interior, and a nice setting outside, on a quiet street, where you can eat in nice weather.

• Address: Via Ostilia, 23
• Phone: +39 06 7707 9175
• Hours: Thursday - Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 11:30 PM | Wednesday closed
  
• Reservations suggested

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Sforza Piero - simple but delicious pizza by the slice, a great quick lunch

Are you looking for a quick bite for lunch before or after your visit to the Coliseum and Forum?

You'd do well to pop over to Sforza Piero, a very unassuming little place serving pizza by the slice. 

Their pizzas are simple but delicious, with a perfect, light, digestible crust.

The toppings are super fresh and tasty, not under or over done.

There is a little counter where you can sit and eat, or you can get it to go.

• Address: Via Celimontana, 17
• Phone: +39 06 7045 0644
• Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 10 PM | Sunday closed

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Restaurants Near Colosseum - in Monti

The neighbourhood (rione) of Monti is a really great Rome area to be explored, savoured, shopped and enjoyed all on its own.

There are some sights there as well. 

On this page, we'll still with where to eat there.

One street to start on, if you just want to have a little stroll and check out a few places all at once is via Urbana.

I could almost make a separate page just about restaurants on via Urbana.

But here are just a few good ones to get you started:

Broccoletti

Since discovering Broccoletti a few years ago, thanks to food-writer extraordinaire Elizabeth Minchilli, it's become one of my go-to spots for restaurants near Colosseum.

Broccoletti's concept is simple.

They use all local, seasonal ingredients to create traditional (and sometimes less traditional) Roman dishes.

You can find many typical Roman favorites, like Gricia and Amatriciana, but also other seasonal items like orecchiete with winter broccoli. 

All the wines are from Lazio, the region where Rome is.

There is an excellent selection, and the owner is often on hand to help you pick.

I love Broccoletti because every single time I've eaten here the food has been consistently wonderful.

Buon appetito!

• Address: Via Urbana, 104
• Phone: +39 06 9027 1389
• Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 12:30 - 3 PM, 7:30 - 11 PM | Monday closed
  
• No outdoor seating
  

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Osteria della Suburra

For a truly Roman trattoria meal, this is the spot. 

You'll find very casual, sometimes harried service.

You'll find typical Roman dishes you know (amatriciana, scottaditto, pollo alla romana) and others you didn't know (like lumache alla romana, Roman-style snails).

They serve foods only in season (I love their maltagliati con cozze, pecorino e fave, but only when fava beans are in season).

Finally, you'll find very good prices, despite the prime location in Monti near the Coliseum.

You can eat outside or in. 

• Address: Via Urbana, 67
• Phone: +39 06 486 531
• Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 1 - 3 PM , 7 - 11 PM | Monday closed
  
• Reservations only for first seating. This is because they don't rush people to finish their meal so cannot guarantee a table at say, 20:30. You can reserve for this time, but you may arrive and find you still have to wait
  
• Outside dining
  
• May be closed during August - call to confirm

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Urbana 47

Ubrana 47 is one of several hip restaurants near Colosseum that have opened in recent years: they have a charming shabby-chic interior; there is a open-space kitchen in the back in case you want to watch while they cook; they feature a seasonal "food of the month"; and they are open every day all day.

It's also a bonus that they have some outdoor seating, so you can enjoy the lovely neighborhood scenes and people watching as well.

• Address: Via Urbana, 47
• Phone: +39 06 4788 4006
• Hours: Wednesday - Monday: 10 AM - Midnight | Tuesday closed
  
• Open throughout August
  

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Pizza Trieste

Pizza Trieste, despite its name, specializes in pizza from Abruzzo region.

What does that mean? 

First it means a whole new choice in how to eat pizza in Rome.

Second, it means, cute little round individual pizzas, with delectably light crust and simple but super tasty toppings.

You can eat it there (standing), or take it to go.

A great option for a quick meal or snack.

• Address: Via Urbana, 112
• Phone: +39 06 481 5319
• Hours: Friday - Saturday: 11 AM - 11 PM | Monday - Thursday: 11 AM - 10:30 PM
  

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Below are more restaurants in Monti that I love, but on streets other than via Urbana:

Pizzeria Alle Carrette

One of my go-to pizzerias in this area is Alle Carrette.

This is a simple restaurant: they only have pizza, bruschetta, salads, fried appetizers (amazing ones), and that's about it.

For wine choices there is red or white (literally), but there are more beer choices.

The pizza here is superb: thin and crispy crust coming right out of a wood-burning oven that sits sort of in the middle of the place.

There is a very small and always full outside seating area but a much larger space inside. 

I have never come here without getting several of their fritti, which are some of the best in Rome: fiori di zucca (fried zucchini flowers), supplì (rice balls), fried artichokes, or olive ascolane (pork-stuffed fried green olives). 

• Address: Via della Madonna dei Monti, 95
• Phone: +39 06 679 2770
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 12 - 3:30 PM, 7 - 11:30 PM
  
• Reservations strongly recommended
  
• Outside dining

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Breakfast Restaurants Near Colosseum

As you probably know by now, Rome is not the place to get a big breakfast, Anglo-Saxon or northern-European style.

Romans eat breakfast by having a quick cappuccino and a pastry.

If you are looking for breakfast restaurants near Colosseum, your best bet is to find a nice bar that has good coffee and some delectable pastries. 

L'arte Del Caffè - Er Baretto

For some of the best coffee in the area, if not in Rome, head to L'Arte Del Caffè - Er Baretto. 

They have actually won awards for their coffee.

You'll find typical breakfast pastries, creamy smooth cappuccino, and a place to sit, inside or out.

• Address: Via del Boschetto, 132
• Phone: +39 06 482 0444
• Hours: Wednesday - Saturday & Monday: 8:30 AM - 10 PM | Sunday & Tuesday closed
  

Antico Forno ai Serpenti

And for some of the best pastries in the area, and a nice (small) sitting area to enjoy them, try Antico Forno ai Serpenti. 

They are a bakery and make pastries, breads and pizzas fresh on-site daily.

• Address: Via dei Serpenti, 122-123
• Phone: +39 064 542 7920
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8 AM - 9 PM
  
• There is also a nice happy hour here

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Gelato near Colosseum

This list of restaurants near Colosseum would not be complete without a few superb gelato stops.

There is actually a lot of gelato around the Colosseum, but there are only a few very good places for really good gelato.

Fatamorgana

Fatamorgana is hands down some of the best gelato in Rome.

And luckily for you, there is one just off via Urbana in Monti, making it an easy location to get to from the Colosseum.

• Address: Piazza degli Zingari, 5
• Phone: +39 06 4890 6955
• Email: info@gelateriafatamorgana.com
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 1:30 - 9 PM
  

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Ciuri Ciuri

You may already know that Sicily is one of the places where gelato originated.

And Ciuri Ciuri has some of the best Sicilian gelato around...not to mention a dizzying array of Sicilian pastries, including but not limited to, freshly-filled cannoli (as they should be.)

• Address: Via Leonina, 18
• Phone: +39 06 4543 8900
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 7 AM - Midnight

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Il Gelatone

Il Gelatone is not really artisinal gelato but it is yummy and creamy.

And one of our favorite stops after pizza at Alle Carrette (also on this page.)

Love their mint-chocolate chip but they have plenty of other flavors too.

Bonus for vegans - this is one of the best spots in Rome for vegan gelato!

• Address: Via dei Serpenti, 130
• Phone: +39 06 482 0187
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9:30 AM - Midnight

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Drinks Near the Colosseum - Great places for a cocktail or aperitif

A lot of Colosseum tours/visits finish around 5 or 6pm, which is too early for most restaurants to be open for dinner in Rome.

But if you want to grab a drink before dinner, or have an early, lighter dinner by engaging in the all-the-rage Roman aperi-cena (which means aperitif with so many appetisers it becomes dinner), you may enjoy these options.

Oppio Cafe - aperitivo with a view of the Colosseum

The Oppio Cafe is perhaps one of the most strategically-placed bars in Rome.

It sits right at the end of a lovely neighborhood block, that literally overlooks the Coliseum.

They have tables inside and out. 

My favourite thing about Oppio Cafe is their "happy hour."

For 10€, you get one drink and an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Yes! Now that is a rarity in Rome.

And it's not just olives and some pieces of stale pizza.

There are pastas, meats, veggies, and dessert!

And if you want another drink, it's just another 5€. 

This has to be hands down one of the best restaurants near Colosseum for: happy hour, drinks with a view of the Coliseum, or a very inexpensive dinner - not a Rome trattoria dinner but it definitely fills you up!

• Address: Via delle Terme di Tito, 72
• Phone: +39 06 474 5262
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 7 AM - 2 AM
  

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Hotel Forum - one of the best views in Rome

The Hotel Forum is a posh little 4-star hotel with an amazingly strategic location.

Their rooftop bar has exquisite views of the Roman Forum (not so much the Colosseum), and it's a lovely place for a pre-dinner aperitivo. 

No major snacks to go with, just some potato chips and olives, but views to die for.

• Address: Via Tor Dei Conti, 31
• Phone: +39 06 679 2446
• Email: roofgarden@hotelforum.com
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 4 - 11 PM | Closed earlier on Sunday evening
• Open (also to non-hotel guests) only from March to October
  

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Where to Eat and Drink Near the Colosseum, with a view

At Caffè Oppio, and Hotel Forum above, you can have nice views of the Colosseum, while sipping a drink.

If you want someplace to eat lunch or dinner and have an amazing view of the Colosseum, the best option for this does not come cheap:

Palazzo Manfredi and its Aroma restaurant - on top of the world

Aroma, the very elegant restaurant at the top of the Palazzo Manfredi, is really the place to come and splurge: you will eat at a world-class restaurant with amazing food, and the most incredible views of the Colosseum. 

This is a 1* Michelin restaurant and it shows.

The chefs have the background and pedigree worthy of the setting.

I'd say this is the finest and most romantic of the restaurants near Colosseum.

• Address:  Via Labicana, 125
• Phone: +39 06 9761 5109
• Hours: Monday - Tuesday: 7 - 11 PM | Wednesday - Sunday: 12:30 - 3 PM, 7 - 11 PM
  
• Reservations for lunch and dinner essential

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Restaurants Near Colosseum - A little off the beaten track

Do you want to have a really authentic, local Rome experience?

After a day tromping through 2000-year-old ruins, why not also delve a bit into modern local life?

These local restaurants near Colosseum are just a little off the beaten track, but still easily accessible:

Romolo e Remo

I am a bit partial to Romolo e Remo, as it's just near my house, and I go there quite a lot.

But when I take friends and family there, they always comment how much people would love this really authentic Rome eating experience.

And, it's really not far from the Colosseum so I am sharing it with you here.

Romolo e Remo is a very local neighbourhood trattoria.

They are always packed with Romans, probably because they serve good food at very good prices.

You can get all the traditional Roman-trattoria foods like thin-crust Roman pizza, typical Roman pastas, and other typical Roman dishes like trippa alla romana, coda alla vaccinara, and even occasionally rigatoni pajata.

But you can also get lots of other kinds of dishes too, like chicken breast in creamy green pepper sauce or ricotta, spinach and mushroom crepes.

I often get their fish dishes like steamed mussels and clams, or just a whole grilled sea bass with roast potatoes.

The food here is always fresh and good.

The ambiance is very local, with lots of unevenly hung, signed photos of semi-famous guests covering the walls, and the prices are really low.

There is a huge outside area for dining as well.

If you want one of the most truly local Roman restaurants near Colosseum, this is it.

• Address: Via Pannonia, 22-26
• Phone: +39 06 7720 8187
• Hours: Tuesday - Thursday: 7 - 11 PM | Friday - Sunday: 12 - 3 PM, 7 - 11 PM | Monday closed
  
• Reservations recommended
  
• Outside dining
  
• Closed very rarely, such as on August 15, and for dinner on December 25th
  

It's about a 15 minute walk from the Coliseum: Walk behind the Coliseum up the via Claudia.

Continue just over a little hill until you come to a large intersection.

Cross the intersection at the light, and continue straight ahead on via Pannonia.

Romolo e Remo is on your left, you cannot miss it.

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Farmers' Market lunch at Circus Maximus

This last one doesn't really fall into the restaurant category, as it's actually a farmer's market.

And it can be such a fun option for lunch near the Coliseum on weekends (only) when the market is open.

The market itself is a treat just to see. 

I shop there, for organic olive oils, fresh ricotta and mozzarella, eggs that are so fresh their yolks are a dark orange, every fresh herb I need, and the freshest fruits and vegetables around, in-season only of course.

But you can eat here too!

Once, I spent so much of my time going around to all the stands trying all the olive oil and tasty spreads and cheeses, that I actually was full.

It was not intentional but it was fun!

But in the back, there is a lunch counter, and for 6 Euros, you get one dish, bread and water.

And there is a little picnic area outside to sit and eat.

You do have a couple of other options: having a hot meal of whatever the prepared food of that day is, or, checking out some of the food-truck-style offerings in the back garden.

• Address: Via di San Teodoro, 74
• Phone: +39 06 489 931
• Hours: Monday - Friday: closed | Saturday - Sunday: 8 AM - 3 PM
  
• July open Saturdays only
  
• Closed August

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Unique al Palatino

This one doesn't fall into any of the main categories on this page, but it is right next to the farmers' market above, so it's a little off the beaten track.

It is, however, right next to the Palatine Hill, making it very convenient if you exit the Roman Forum from this side.

The location is fantastic, the food is delicious, and, on top of it all, they offer a beautiful setting for outdoor dining as well.

Here's a photo of their outdoor space, which is part of their private garden in the back.

This means you can enjoy your meal in peace, free from traffic or street musicians and vendors.

Unique al Palatino is one of the best restaurants near Colosseum to offer a lovely ambiance for outside dining. 

• Address: Via di S. Teodoro, 48
• Phone: +39 06 6992 1077
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 11 AM - Midnight (Bar) | Monday - Sunday: 7 PM - Midnight (Restaurant)

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Restaurants Near Colosseum - map

Here is a map of all the restaurants near Colosseum that I've talked about on this page.

It opens in a new window.