Join this tour of the best restaurants in Lazio and Umbria. These restaurants know how to prepare the most delicious local dishes and are worth a visit on your next trip to Italy!
Rome:
Panificio Bonci Roma
Via Trionfale 36
Founded by the acclaimed pizzaiolo Gabriele Bonci, this small pizzeria produces such delicious, creative and visually stunning pizzas that it has become part of many walking tours of Rome. It is not a place to sit down for a long lunch or dinner, as there are no tables or chairs. Most people enjoy their pizza outside as a quick snack or to go. They sell everything from pizza to lasagne and even homemade pastries.
Il Ciociaro
Via Barletta 21
This is definitely one of the best places to eat one of the four classic Roman pasta dishes. Choose from carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe or gricia and enjoy an authentic Roman pasta experience. Tourists have definitely discovered this place, but don't worry if you don't see many locals, as they love this restaurant too. The restaurant is owned by a lovely couple who have been running it for almost 46 years. If seeing pasta being tossed in a parmesan wheel is on your list, this is the place to go!
La Soffita Renovation
Piazza del Risorgimento 46a
An invitation to all travellers with gluten intolerance who fear there are no good gluten-free options when travelling to Rome. Even if you don't need gluten-free food, this is a great restaurant to visit for a meal. Their menu has all the classic dishes and great cocktails.
Barrios Cafe
Via Trionfale 14
When I lived in Rome, Barrios was the closest café, as it was literally a five-second walk from my front door. Regardless of the distance, I would always choose my morning coffee there. The customer service is amazing and the coffee is unbelievably good. They also have sandwiches, freshly squeezed juices and pastries.
MAE brunch & specialty coffee
Via della Giuliana 33
If you want more than coffee and pastries for breakfast, be sure to visit MAE. It's a trendier brunch spot serving everything from avocado bread to savoury pancakes. They also have a wide selection of coffees to choose from, as well as homemade pastries.
Enofficina
Via Trionfale 50
A lovely wine bar, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy tourist-filled bars. This low-key bar offers good drink options as well as snacks. Their terrace is perfect for enjoying an evening with friends.
Alle Fratte di Trastevere
Via delle fratte di Trastevere 49/50
A great restaurant in the lovely Trastevere area. The area is very lively and full of musicians and artists. The area is definitely worth a visit, but it is important to note that bus and metro connections are not the best.
Poldo e Gianna Osteria
Vicolo Rosini 6
If you want to enjoy a more exclusive lunch or dinner, I strongly recommend booking a table at this Osteria. Make sure to book in advance as the place is quite popular. The pasta dishes are delicious and the wine selection is excellent.
All'Antico Vinaio
Piazza della Maddalena 3
A famous sandwich shop that first opened in Florence. Be prepared to wait in a long queue for one of their famous sandwiches, but the price and quality are definitely worth the wait.
Il Kiosco - Fried e Drink
Largo bomboi
One of my favourite restaurants on the Santa Marinella beach. They offer great cocktails and fried seafood and pasta. The price is very reasonable and the location is perfect as it overlooks the beach. On my last visit to Rome the temperature ranged between 35-41 degrees Celsius, so a day at the beach was a must, for such days this is the perfect place for lunch or dinner!
From Rome, you can easily rent a car and drive to Umbria. It's a more budget-friendly and less touristy version of Tuscany, offering the same stunning views.
Umbria:
Osteria Il Gallo Nel Pozzo
Piazza Umberto I 10
In the small town of Panicale, you will find real restaurant gems. This is definitely one of them. It serves dishes typical of the region, accompanied by excellent wines.
Il caffè della Piazza
Piazza Umberto I 4
A nice café for morning coffee and pastries. It has a great view of the piazza and also serves good snacks if you're hungry.
Masolino
Via del Filatoio 4
This restaurant is in the Michelin Guide, and for good reason. Take advantage of the area and order a truffle pasta for a truly amazing dining experience. The inside of the restaurant is also incredible, the further you go inside the more cave-like structures you'll find. It's a piece of history that has been beautifully preserved by the restaurant's owners.
Il Pellicano
Locality Pineta 12
A great open-air restaurant serving delicious food and drinks. Very relaxed atmosphere and great for large groups.
Osteria Da Mamma Angela
Piazza del Popolo 2
Restaurant in the atmospheric Orvieto. The restaurant is located in the piazza, with a great view of the beautiful surrounding buildings. All the dishes on their menu are excellent, but I particularly recommend the gnocchi in tomato sauce and the pasta with pistachio sauce. For a starter, the courgette carpaccio is also delicious!