Five Spots to Eat Delicious Pasta in Rome, Italy

If you're visiting Rome, it's 100% inevitable that you're going to be eating a lot of pasta. To be in the birthplace of some of the most iconic pasta dishes on the planet and not eat pasta at least once a day might actually be a crime. And even if you don't eat any of the traditional Roman recipes (which I describe more about here), there are no shortage of incredible restaurants serving delicious pasta wherever you turn in Rome - yes, even some of the touristy ones! Whether you're looking for some fun-filled ravioli, a plate of gnocchi drenched in a creamy sauce, or the classics like cacio e pepe or carbonara, this city truly has it all on the menu. Here are five of my favorite spots to grab a gorgeous plate of pasta in Rome!

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1. Ristorante Al Piave

Located between Roma Termini and the Villa Borghese, this little restaurant has a wonderful staff and a nice patio to enjoy your meal under the Italian sun. With a robust menu filled with pastas, meats, seafoods, sides, salads, and desserts galore, the only trouble you'll have here is deciding what to get. The ravioli was absolutely delicious (especially drenched in parmesan), and ending your meal with an espresso is a must.

STANDOUTS:

Ravioli freschi di ricotta di bufala, pachino, burrata e basilico (Fresh ravioli with buffalo ricotta, cherry tomatoes, burrata and basil)

2. Ristorante Massenzio Ai Fori

I don't mind a touristy restaurant if they're touristy because they serve great food, and Massenzio Ai Fori is one of those anomalies. You'll find this restaurant down the street from the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, and though it'll likely be packed, you'll still get great pasta and great service here. Our waiter was so friendly and welcoming, helping us choose a wine to start with and having general great vibes all around - and when I took my first bite of that carbonara, I *definitely* audibly groaned. There's nothing like a traditional Roman pasta in the heart of Rome, my friends.

STANDOUTS:

Spaghetti alla carbonara (Spaghetti with bacon, egg, and pecorino cheese)

3. Armando al Pantheon

Another potential touristy spot, but this one didn't feel touristy at all. An institution since the 60's, Armando al Pantheon is located - you guessed it - right outside the Pantheon. We were craving another traditional plate of pasta, and this proved to be the perfect spot to get it. The spaghetti all'amatriciana was the absolute perfect portion size, and the restaurant's ambiance was ideal for a warm end-of-summer day in Rome: bustling but not overcrowded, with lots of chatter and moving parts in the background of a still intimate setting. Seriously, what's better than enjoying lunch with a friend in your own little corner of a busy restaurant?

STANDOUTS:

Spaghetti all'amatriciana (Spaghetti with tomato sauce, pecorino cheese, pork cheek and black pepper)

4. Osteria DaVero al Pigneto

In the neighborhood of Pigneto, southeast of the main city center of Rome, you'll find this gem of a restaurant on a small but characteristic street. This was absolutely the best plate of pasta I ate during my entire time in Rome, and though it's a bit out of the way in terms of location, it's fully worth the tram ride. If the thought (and picture) of strozzapreti pasta swimming in the perfect blend of pistachio cream, burrata, and herbs isn't enough to make you try it, I don't know what is.

STANDOUTS:

Strozzapreti con crema pistachio, burrata, e basilico (Pasta with pistachio cream, burrata, and basil)

5. Il Mozzicone

A lovely little stop on our way out of Vatican City was Il Mozzicone, this restaurant with a terrace on a charming cobblestone street. (not unlike so many others in Rome). The gnocchetti was gorgeous, made with fresh, flavorful ingredients, and it paired beautifully with an Aperol spritz and a gentle October sunshine. Definitely make a stop here if you're in the mood for a quaint meal full of people watching and great food!

STANDOUTS:

Gnocchetti con pachino, speck croccante, crema di bufala e rughetta (Potato gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, crispy speck ham, buffalo mozzarella and rocket)

Honorable Mention: Up Sunset Bar - Rinascente

Sadly, Up Sunset Bar is permanently closed according to Google Maps - however, I still needed to give it a shoutout because even though it was definitely touristy and overpriced, the lamb ravioli I got here was out of this world! Super small portions, but absolutely stunning in presentation and flavor. Plus, the free chips with our drinks made up for the portion size a little bit.