Where to eat near the Trevi fountain: my selection the best restaurants in Rome Trevi district for a non touristy meal (very hard to find in this area!)
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most visited attractions in Rome and the area around it is among the most touristy in the city.
The high level of crowds means finding a a good meal in this neighbourhood is harder than elsewhere; however, it is possible to have a good meal near the most famous fountain in Rome!
I am from Rome and while I do not particularly enjoy this area for a meal out (too crowded. Also too high a chance to pick a mediocre place), over time I have found some nice addresses that manage to still offer a good meal, good service and decent prices despite the high footfall.
Today, I share these addressed with you. I hope you enjoy them!
Please note: this list is based on my own personal research. I do NOT receive any commission, favor, discount nor freebies for including certain establishments over others. I only list restaurants I personally believe offer the best experience.
Piccolo Arancio
Il Piccolo Arancio is a bit of a find and one of my favorite restaurants near the Trevi Fountain for quality and value for money.
I first discovered it when looking for an informal place to go with the kids, suddenly hungry during one of our ‘playing tourists in our hometown days’ and since then I have found its quality to be consistently good.
The menu offers traditional Rome dishes (carbonara, gricia, amatriciana, cacio e pepe), staples such as ravioli, gnocchi and lasagne, but also nice seafood options, including starters and mains, meat and of course desserts.
The place is small, has indoor and outdoors tables and good air conditioning (inside) in summer. Booking recommended and available online
Address: Vicolo Scandenberg 112, 00187 Rome Web: https://www.piccoloarancio.it
Colline Emiliane
Colline Emiliene is a very well known restaurants in Rome, a place that made a name for itself decades ago and managed to keep the quality consistently high event since.
Like the name suggests, specializes in food from the Emila Region (food valley of Italy!): here you find delicious tortellini, lasagne, tortelloni, gnocchi, delicious meats and desserts to match. The atmosphere is sober and traditional.
The pasta, of course, freshly made.
Booking essentials, reservations by phone only.
Address: Via degli Avignonesi 22, 00187 Rome Web: https://www.collineemiliane.com
Piccolo Buco (Pizza)
Piccolo Buco means ‘Little hole’ and indeed, this place it tiny!
Yet, it punches well above its weight as it served amazing pizza, which many agree to be the best pizza in Rome!
The pizza in question here has a fluffy dough with a high frame, it is made with top ingredients and is light but filling. I usually prefer thin crust pizza but this one is lights and it deserves its fame.
Piccolo Buco is very very popular so unfortunately you normally have to queue, potentially for quite a while. But if you want a great pizza, it will be worth it.
As well as pizza they serve caprese salad and platters (look under ‘antipasti’ = starters).
Address: Via del Lavatore 91, 00187 Rome Web: https://pizzeriapiccolobuco.it
Ristorante Abruzzi
Ristorante Abruzzi is a restaurants just like they used to be when I was a kid, a place with informal atmoshere, traditional Roman food and good value for money.
The menu is traditionally Roman and seasonal: as well a Rome staples such as carciofi alla romana (roman style artichokes) and carbonara you find nice meat option such as their nice steak with peppercorns.
Address: Via del Vaccaro 1 / Piazza SS. Apostoli, 00187 Rome Web: https://www.ristoranteabruzzi.it
Sora Lucia
Sora Lucia is restaurant with traditional decor and menu options and a bit of a find in the touristy Trevi Fountain area.
The restaurant is about 5 minutes walk from the Trevi Fountain yet manages to stay local and authentic, it still has good prices and it maintains the down to earth atmosphere that Rome does so well. It still feels very much a family place!
The best dishes here are those of the tradition: carciofi alla gouda (deep fried artichokes), carbonara, cacio e pepe, tiramisu.
A solid address for an informal meal. Address: Via Rasella 38, 00187 Rome
Where to eat near the Trevi Fountain: pin this!
looking for more restaurant recommendations? Read also:
The best restaurants near the Colosseum
Where to eat neat the Vatican – my top places
The best kid-friendly restaurants in Rome city center