Your Rome itinerary is full, but your stomach is empty. Let’s fix that without letting you miss a moment of sightseeing. Rome’s Colosseum is your dining companion at these exceptional restaurants, all accessible via Rome’s train stations and metro lines.
View of Colosseum from the terrace at Aroma in Rome. Image Credit: Aroma
Aroma
Closest station: Colosseo (Metro)
Three’s not a crowd when you make a reservation for two at Aroma: every table atop Palazzo Manfredi has a seat set for the adjacent Colosseum. Michelin-starred Chef Giuseppe di Iorio puts his own tasty touches on classic dishes, like adding undertones of blueberry and chanterelle mushrooms to marinated duck breast and adding a sage-infused cream to his saltimbocca alla romana.
La Terrazza
Closest station: Roma Termini | Termini (Metro)
Drink, dine, or do both with all of Rome sprawled out before you at La Terrazza. The Sky Bar has views of Rome’s skyline only obscured by how much wine you drink and hookah you puff. La Terrazza’s 360° panoramic views encourage you to linger a little longer, admiring the details of both the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major across the street and tagliolino cacio e pepe on your plate.
Mater Terrae
Closest station: Barberini (Metro)
Here’s one for those who need to veni, vidi, veggi their way around Rome. Mater Terrae not only has Colosseum views, but specializes in organic vegetarian and vegan dishes. One block off of Piazza Navona, this Michelin Green Starred restaurant does more than just send a salad your way and give itself a sustainable pat on the back. Settle in for the tasting menu and wine pairing; you’ll find everything from the eggplant to the risotto with porcini mushrooms as authentically Italian as any meat dish would be.
Trainline Tip: If you’re staying nearby, be sure to check out Ristorante Caffè Domiziano which was featured as a filming location for Eat, Pray, Love.
View from the terrace at Mirabelle in Rome. Image Credit: Mirabelle
Mirabelle
Closest station: Barberini (Metro)
While you can see the Colosseum from Mirabelle, we quite like it as it also overlooks Villa Borghese. A 750 label wine list offers that many more reasons to spend lunch, brunch, or dinner here. Or, if you’re pressed for time, give your sweet tooth a treat as delectable as the view, like a chocolate sorbet with black cherry sponge and caramelized cherries or a strawberry sorbet with pistachio crumble and strawberry cream.
Read also: your guide to Rome's main train hub in Italy's capital
La Pergola
Closest station: Roma Balduina
Don’t let the distance deter you from spending a night of fine dining at La Pergola. You’ll see all of Rome, including the Colosseum, but you’ll likely spend more time staring at course after course of creative fusion cuisine coming to your table. Dry-aged buffalo in water spinach crust, pigeon with popcorn cream, and a deep-fried zucchini flower on shellfish are as exciting to look at as they are to taste.
Imàgo
Closest station: Spagna (Metro)
Buck the crowd sitting on the Spanish Steps and spend time above them with an elevated meal at Imàgo. Two menus, one spring-summer and one autumn-winter, change as the world turns yet the Michelin star still shines no matter the celestial sky overhead. Anticipate antipasti like peas and caviar or tuna nigiri; expect entrées ranging from lamb and potatoes in a rosemary Bernese sauce to beef sirloin with apricots and mustard.
Les Étoiles Terrace
Closest station: Lepanto (Metro)
Keeping one eye on the Vatican and another on Castel Sant’Angelo, Les Étoiles observation deck offers a breathtaking view of Rome’s landmarks, including the Colosseum, from the west side of the Tiber. Wake up with a relaxed breakfast omelet or chocolate crêpe, settle in for homemade rigatone carbonara style for lunch, or make reservations for a full dinner spread including guinea fowl, Roman gnocco cacio e pepe, and frozen macaron tiramisu.
View of the Trevi Fountain from Hotel Fontana Trevi. Image Credit: Hotel Fontana Trevi
Best bars and restaurants in Rome with views
Looking at the Colosseum won’t make you lose your appetite, but for folks who want a taste (and view) of something different, check out these bars and restaurants in Rome with views of other landmarks.
Hotel Fontana Trevi
Closest station: Barberini (Metro)
You don’t need to toss a coin and make a wish to dine with views of the Trevi Fountain in Rome; just make a reservation for brunch at Hotel Fontana. Head to the rooftop lounge for views of the famous fountain that flow perfectly into any itinerary.
Read also: Walk in Audrey Hepburn’s footsteps with these Roman Holiday movie locations
Secret View Bar
Closest station: Cavour
It’s a little on-the-nose but Secret View Bar in the NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali hotel is a place you’ll want to keep to yourself. This rooftop bar is where you’ll want to spend happy hour; which, while technically priced at dedicated hours, has views and cocktails that’ll keep you smiling no matter the time of day.
Read also: live like a Roman emperor at the best hotels in Rome
The Court Bar
Closest station: Colosseo (Metro)
With views of the Colosseum and the Ludus-Magnus gladiator school, The Court Bar is a formidable watering hole in Rome. While you may have to (figuratively, of course) fight for a seat at the bar, it’ll be worth the wait when you’re sipping a Smoky Nero or an alcohol-free Negroni & his Brothers.
Cielo Rooftop Terrace at Hotel de la Ville
Closest station: Spagna (Metro)
Say hello to the Eternal City from Cielo, Hotel de la Ville’s rooftop terrace. Showcasing the rooftops of Rome, this glamorous restaurant’s menu ranges from pappardelle with lobster to chicken Milanese with sauteed rice.
Read also: where to find Bernini sculptures, fountains, and architecture in Rome
Terrace view at 47 Circus Roof Garden in Rome. Image Credit: 47 Circus Roof Garden
47 Circus Roof Garden
Closest station: Circo Massimo (Metro)
Overlooking the Forum yet feeling quite distant from the busyness of Rome’s famous ancient hub, 47 Circus Roof Garden at Fortyseven Boutique Hotel is a clutch place to sip an Italicus Spritz while looking at the Temple of Vesta, Circus Maximus, and the Mouth of Truth.
What is the oldest restaurant in Italy?
Claiming to be Rome’s oldest restaurant, Ristorante La Campana first opened its doors as a winery way back in 1518. Since then, this trattoria located just north of Piazza Navona near the Tiber River has traditional Roman dishes and an excellent location only a few blocks from Via del Corso.
What area of Rome has the best restaurants?
Trastevere has some of the best restaurants in Rome ranging from sit-downs to take-aways (and it happens to be one of the best neighborhoods of Rome to stay in). Expect loads of traditional food on this side of the river, and while you won’t be the only tourist roaming the streets, you’ll definitely get a more “local” dining experience in Trastevere.
What food should you not miss in Rome?
When in Rome, do as the Roman Emperors would do and gorge. We’ve got your day-one menu in Rome covered with recommendations for the best gelato in town and the Eternal City’s best pizza spots. If you’re visiting with the love of your life, put on your iron your best toga and check out the most romantic restaurants in Rome.
Don’t just take our suggestions; a Mr. Stanley Tucci has a few choice picks of his own, as seen on Searching for Italy.
Allow us to show you a menu of train routes running to and from Rome. Download the Trainline app and start planning your edible adventure in Rome today.
View of Colosseum from the terrace at Aroma in Rome. Image Credit: Aroma
