Restaurants near Rome Pantheon - know where to go!

Looking for restaurants near the Rome pantheon?

This may be one of the most restaurant-dense areas in Rome.

How do you know which ones are good? 

Restaurants Near the Pantheon By Type

On this page you'll find my favorite:

• Traditional Roman cuisine
  
• Inexpensive places to eat
• Romantic restaurants
• Something different

First, a word about outside dining near or in front of the Pantheon:

Restaurants near the Pantheon with outdoor dining

There are many restaurants near the pantheon and even in front of it where you can eat outside.

If you eat on Piazza della Rotonda, the piazza where the Pantheon is, you will pay for the privilege.

And the food is not likely to be anything great.

But I know it can be special to eat while gazing at this amazing building.

So by all means if you feel like doing it, you should!

---

Roman trattorias near the Pantheon

You can easily find traditional Roman cuisine near the Pantheon.

Plenty of Romans live in the historic center, and a lot of typical Roman trattorias near the pantheon have a local clientele.

Yes, you will run into other tourists, especially if you go on the early side (7 or 7:30pm).

But if you book on the later side, when Romans eat (2-ish for lunch and after 9 for dinner), you will not only be eating where the Romans eat, but also with them.

Armando al Pantheon

Established in 1961 by Armando Gargioli (whose sons Claudio and Fabrizio now run the place), Armando al Pantheon is one of the most traditional (and most popular!) restaurants near the Pantheon.

They have all the classic Roman pastas, along with wonderful, simple soups.

No matter what you do, save room for dessert and get the ricotta pie.

It is out of this world.

• Address: Salita dè Crescenzi, 31
• Phone: +39 06 6880 3034
• Hours: Monday - Saturday: 12:20 - 3 PM, 7 - 11 PM | Sunday closed
• closed most of August, and over the Christmas/New Year holidays
• About 40-45 Euros per person
• Outdoor seating
• Reservations are a must, and usually days in advance. You may have an easier time getting a booking for lunch. (A caveat: Dinner bookings are for 7 or 7:30 pm, or 9:30 pm or later.)

---

Osteria del Sostegno

This cozy trattoria is not only one of my favorite places to eat in the Pantheon neighborhood, it is one of my favorite places to eat in Rome.

My go-to dish here is their chicken cacciatora, made the old-fashioned way: no tomatoes, just white wine, rosemary, garlic, and vinegar. 

A caveat: Be prepared for the Roman way of slow service: they get very busy especially in high season, so you might feel ignored.

Just relax and enjoy the food.

• Address: Via delle Colonnelle, 5
• Phone: +39 06 679 3842
• Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 12:30 - 3 PM, 7:30 - 11:30 PM | Sunday: 12:30 - 3 PM | Monday closed
  
• About 35-40 Euros per person
  
• Reservations strongly recommended, especially in high season and on weekends. One nice thing is they do NOT engage in the 2-seating schedule, so you can book the time you want.
• May be closed during parts of August - call to confirm
• There is outdoor seating but . . . you either sit in the covered space next to the main restaurant, which is not really outside (except people feel they can smoke, and do), or you can sit at one of the two-top tables they put along the alley leading up to the restaurant.

---

Da Fortunato al Pantheon

Da Fortunato has been a fixture on the local must-eat-at scene since 1975.

One of the last of the original old-fashioned restaurants in Rome's historic center (along with Armando, Da Gino and Settimio to name a few), Da Fortunato al Pantheon is frequented by politicians, Roman elite, and in-the-know long-term visitors to Rome.

The old-school waiters are gracious, unobtrusive and professional.

But let's talk about the food: I have almost melted over their pasta with white truffles (about 45 Euros, although that is what real white truffles cost).

They specialize in fish, but they also have plenty of meat and veggie choices.

And of course they are experts at Roman cuisine like carbonara (which is reasonably priced, as it should be.)

• Address: Via del Pantheon, 55
• Phone: +39 06 679 2788
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 12:30 - 4 PM, 6:30 - 11:30 PM
  
• About 35-45 Euros per person
• Outdoor seating with a (partial) view of the Pantheon!
• Reservations strongly recommended, especially for outdoor dining.

---

---

Dal Cavalier Gino

It does not get much more Roman than this.

They only take cash (trust me that is very Roman.)

But come for the good food and the friendly service.

And the bustling ambiance, and the kitschy décor!

This is another one of the best restaurants in the area when you want basic Roman dishes like spaghetti cacio e pepe, amatriciana or carbonara.

On Fridays they have classic Roman fish specialties, like oven-baked  baccalà (cod) with potatoes.

You will also find old-style dishes like squid with peas, oven-baked rabbit, involtino alla romana, and my personal favorite, baked anchovies gratin.

The prices are very reasonable.

• Address: Vicolo Rosini, 4
• Phone: +39 06 687 3434
• Hours: Monday - Saturday: 1 - 3 PM, 8 - 11 PM | Sunday closed
• Closed Sunday and most of August and Christmas holidays
  
• About 30 Euros per person
  
• No outdoor seating
• Booking is an absolute must, even at lunch. Dinner reservations are for either 20:00 when they open (and often they tell you you must be done by 21:30), or 21:30 or later.

---

Inexpensive Places to Eat Near the Pantheon in Rome

While you can easily eat quite cheaply near the Pantheon at the abundant gelato and pizza by the slice spots in the area, there are a few good places to eat in the area that are budget-friendly.

The restaurant above, Da Gino al Cavaliere also belongs in this category.

Here are a few more of my favorite spots:

Enoteca DI Sardegna PIGNA

Enoteca di Sardegna Pigna is a tiny shop specialising in Sardinian food products.

The owner Stefano (who is Roman but loves Sardinia) also has 3-4 little tables where you can plop down and sample some food.

And Sardinian wine!

While it's not a restaurant, you can try some yummy, carby, cheesy treats.

Read more about them on my lunch page.

• Address: Via della Pigna, 3/3A
• Phone: +39 06 678 9374
• Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 11 AM - 8 PM | Monday closed
  
• Outdoor seating: a few small wooden tables

---

Pizza ZaZà

If I'm looking for something quick to eat when I'm near the Pantheon, Pizza Zazà is usually my first choice.

It is indeed quick (and cheap), but the main seller for me is how amazing this pizza is.

It may look like a hole in the wall, and I suppose it is, but don't let that fool you.

This is truly some of THE best pizza you will find in Rome.

Trust me.

• Address: Piazza di S. Eustachio, 49
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10 AM - 11 PM
  
• Take-away, or you can sometimes prop your tray on some carts out in front.

---

ANTICO FORNO LA STELLETTA

As its name suggests, Antico Forno is an old-style Roman bakery, selling specialty and seasonal products along with breads, savory pizza, and pastries. 

One of my favourite things about it is the aroma that wafts down the street as you approach it.

I always visit it while shopping along via della Stelletta.

• Address: Via della Scrofa, 33
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8 AM - 8 PM
  
• No seating, take-out only

---

Enoteca Corsi

Enoteca Corsi is one of those simple, casual, inexpensive restaurants that's perfect for lunch in between sight-seeing.

The food is simple, good, and affordable.

• Address: Via del Gesù, 87/88
• Phone: +39 06 679 0821
• Hours: Monday - Friday: 12 - 3:30 PM, 7 - 10:30 PM | Saturday: 12 - 3:30 PM | Sunday closed
• No outdoor seating
• Booking not necessary, but you may have to wait in line

---

Ciao Checca

Ciao Checca is a great spot for bio/organic/healthy good food to go. 

Excellent also for vegans and vegetarians and for those looking for gluten-free options.

• Address: Piazza di Firenze, 25-26
• Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:30 AM - 10:30 PM | Saturday: 10:30 AM - 10:30 PM | Sunday: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM
  
• Take-out only

---

Romantic Restaurants near the Pantheon in Rome

---

Casa Bleve

With its high ceilings, widely spaced tables, and soft warm light glowing from the stained glass on the ceiling, Casa Bleve is one of the most romantic restaurants in Rome.

Eating at Casa Bleve is a sublime experience for the gorgeous ambiance and wine options alone, but the food is also very good.

It's a little pricey, but worth it if you want a special dinner. 

• Address: Via del Teatro Valle
• Phone: +39 06 686 5970
• Hours: Monday - Thursday: 12.30 - 3 PM, 7 - 10.30 PM | Friday - Saturday: 12.30 - 3 PM, 7 - 11 PM | Sunday closed
• No outdoor seating
• About 35-45 Euros per person not including wine

---

Osteria dell'Ingegno

This is one of the best restaurants near the Pantheon for ambiance, location, and food.

I love Osteria dell'Ingegno for these reasons:

1. Their food is innovative, and always fresh and delicious.
2. Their location is wonderful, right on the piazza overlooking Hadrian's palace. If you sit in the front section (or outside when they have outdoor seating), you can see this ruin just outside.
3. They are one of the few restaurants in Rome that get lighting, ambiance, and music just right. 
4. They have a pastry chef. Trust me when I tell you not to miss dessert here!

NB - In the same piazza you will find one of my favorite wine bars in Rome, Spiriti.

You can read more about them on my page about wine bars or on my page about where to get drinks near the Pantheon and Spanish Steps.

• Address: Piazza di Pietra, 45
• Phone: +39 06 678 0662
• Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 10 - Midnight | Monday closed
• About 30-35 Euros per person
  
• Outdoor seating

---

Restaurants near the Pantheon - something different

If you are looking for more innovative or unusual places to eat in this area, try these options for something different.

Retrobottega

Retrobottega is one of the most inventive restaurants on Rome's historic center.

Billed as a "laboratory where food happens", the chefs cook behind an open counter, visible to everyone.

There is nothing "simple" or "plain old..." about anything here.

• Address: Via della Stelletta, 4
• Phone: +39 06 6813 6310
• Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 8:30 PM - Midnight | Monday closed
  
• No outdoor seating
• Bookings are a must

---

Retro Vino

Retrobottega recently expanded and opened this more casual spot just behind their main restaurant (above).

Open all day long, here you can come enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a glass of wine if you like.

There are almost no classic dishes here but the seasonal menu is always fascinating and diverse, with something for everyone.

This spot is also excellent for a cappuccino + cornetto (croissant) breakfast, Roman style.

• Address: Via d'Ascanio, 26a
• Phone: +39 06 6813 6310
• Hours: Tuesday - Sunday: 8:30 AM - 11:30 PM | Monday closed
  
• Limited outdoor seating
• Bookings are possible but not necessary although you might have to wait

---

ObiCà

Can you imagine going to a bar for mozzarella tastings?

Did you even know there could be so many kinds of mozzarella that it would warrant a "tasting" experience?

There is cow's milk mozzarella, buffalo mozzarella, smoked mozzarella . . . and oh so many more! It's a mozzarella bonanza!

There is also a regular menu with pastas and other dishes.

The best part (in my humble opinion)?

In summer, you get a little chocolate-covered ice-cream treat with your coffee.

I'd come just for this!

This is one of those places that has it all - typical Roman food, healthy, bio, great options for vegans and vegetarians, slow food, fair prices, and covered, outdoor dining!

• Address: Piazza di Firenze, 28
• Phone: +39 06 683 2630
• Hours: Monday - Thursday: 10 AM - 11:30 PM | Friday - Sunday: 11 - Midnight (They serve coffee and pastries in the morning.)
• Daily happy hour from 6 PM
  
• About 30-40 Euros per person
• Outdoor seating: they have a fairly big covered piazza, with cooling fans in summer
• Booking is usually not necessary

---

Ginger

Ginger first came on the Rome scene when they opened on via Borgognona near the Spanish Steps.

As modern as it is, I mostly find Italians eating there.

Italians often are looking for new/modern, and often for healthy/light things to eat, especially at lunch.

They have a second outpost on piazza Sant'Eustachio, where you can also find Sant'Eustachio coffee, ZaZa Pizza, and Punto Gelato.

• Address: Piazza di S. Eustachio, 54
• Phone: +39 06 686 4995
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8 AM - 11 PM
  
• Reservations accepted but not necessary

---

Kisaki Ramen & Sushi

Looking for something really different?

One of the best restaurants to get ramen in the eternal city is in short walking distance from the Pantheon.

Kisaki Ramen and Sushi also serves up some seriously high-quality sushi (with prices to match, as you'd expect.)

• Address: Piazza Capranica, 75
• Phone: +39 06 678 5838
• Hours: Monday - Sunday: 12 - 10:30 PM
  
• Reservations accepted but not necessary (you can book on their site)

---

---

Restaurants Near the Pantheon in Rome, Italy - a map

Click here to visit my interactive Google map showing all the restaurants listed on this page.

It will open in a new window.

---

---