When in Rome: The Best Places to Eat, Drink & Dance in the Italian Capital
The Italian capital of Rome is awash with things to see, a city where history comes alive. From the legendary Colosseum to the Roman Forum and the ancient Pantheon, you won’t run out of places to visit in the city. But after a busy day of sightseeing, you don’t want to spend hours looking for somewhere to eat, or to enjoy a quiet drink. And if you’re planning a late night out, you need to know the best places to go in advance. That’s where we come in! In this Rome nightlife guide, we’ll highlight our recommendations for the best places to eat, drink and dance in Rome.
Are you visiting Rome for the first time and want some general advice? In addition to a Rome nightlife guide, we have a blog post on visiting Rome for the first time.
Rome Nightlife Guide
The Best Places to Drink in Rome
For wine: Il Goccetto
Address: Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
The first thing you notice as you stroll into Il Goccetto is the series of wine racks towering upwards higher than you can reach. Hundreds and hundreds of bottles of Italian classics and more recent delights. The bar is a contrast of the new and old, with modern art on the walls but with wooden 17th century panels in the roof, creating a delightful ambiance. Often busy with locals (always a good sign), this bar is classy without being pretentious, and with more than 850 wines to choose from, you’re sure to find something you like to drink. There isn’t a wide food menu, but a fab choice of bar snacks and titbits including cured salmon and prosciutto. The staff are wine experts, and happy to share a recommendation with you.
For cocktails: Culto Trastevere
Address: Vicolo Del Quartiere, 7A, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Located right by the river in the Trastevere district and housed in a former religious curios shop, Culto Trastevere has earned quite a name for itself as one of the best cocktail bars in the Eternal City. A ‘temple of mixology’, its mixology tapas pairs light bites with handcrafted cocktails, perfect for a late dinner and drinks. The walls are decorated in trinkets harking back to the building’s past, and the drinks themselves also have names reminiscent of the religious wares formerly sold here. The cocktails change each season too, so returning visitors need not find somewhere new to visit!
For beers: L’Antica Birreria Peroni
Address: Via di S. Marcello, 19, 00100 Roma RM, Italy
If it’s a beer you’re after, then where better than the iconic brewery of one of Italy’s most recognisable exports. Since 1906, locals and tourists alike have drunk refreshing lager in this venue, and much of the history of the venue is told on the walls. All of Peroni’s classics and some lesser-known gems are served here, and since it’s been brewed onsite, it doesn’t get much tastier! There’s a shop for souvenirs, and a separate lunch and dinner menu for those looking to enjoy a bite.
For coffee: Tazza d’Oro
Address: Via degli Orfani, 84, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Are you familiar with granita al caffè? This slushy coffee drink actually originated in Sicily, but it’s the perfect antidote to a hot Roman summer. It can be served with whipped cream, it’s half coffee and half dessert. If you’re after a morning wake up, then Tazza d’Oro can help here too! One of the city’s most recognised coffee stops, Tazza d’Oro dates to 1946 and is popular with locals for their morning coffee hit. If one drink isn’t enough, then you are more than welcome to purchase packs of coffee beans or tea from the shop, and there’s even a vending machine dispensing packs of coffee all day and all night.
For a drink by the Colosseum: The Court Mixology Bar
Address: Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
If you’re looking to enjoy a drink in view of Italy’s most famous monument, then you need to be careful to avoid the tourist traps. The Court is one such bar, though this doesn’t mean it is cheap! But when a bar is consistently ranked as one of the top 50 in the world AND the accompanying restaurant has a Michelin star, you do perhaps expect to pay a little more! Housed at the top of the 5-star Palazzo Manfredi hotel, the rooftop terrace here is one of the best places in the city to sample the ancient Colosseum, which is brightly illuminated at dusk. Open until 2am and offering a wide array of beer, wine, cocktails, the price tag may mean you only stay for one drink, but it’ll be a drink with a view!
The Best Places to Eat in Rome:
For pizza: Pizzeria Ostiense
Address: Via Ostiense, 56, 00154 Roma RM, Italy
Located right by the Ostiense metro station and around a 25-minute walk from the Colosseum, Pizzeria Ostiense is for those who want to enjoy a classic Italian pizza experience. No modern twists, no fancy sides, just good, old-fashioned pizza. The restaurant specializes in thin crusts, with toppings applied sparingly to avoid overloading the dough. Paired with traditional starters such as croquettes and olive ascolane, this is pizza the way the Italians intended it. And who are we to argue with that?
For seafood: Pierluigi
Address: Piazza de’ Ricci, 144, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Famous for its outdoor seating area in Piazza Ricci, Pierluigi has been serving locals and tourists some of Rome’s finest seafood since 1938. With a fresh catch brought in daily from the coast, diners can pair their seasonal seafood with a wine from the extensive selection or a hand-crafted American cocktail. The menu is extensive and well-priced, but there are no non-seafood options, so keep this in mind if any of your travelling party don’t eat fish!
For gelato: Fassi Gelateria
Address: Via Principe Eugenio, 65-67, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
Whilst gelato is easy to find in the Italian capital, it’s a little tricker to find somewhere that hasn’t been completely taken over by tourists, with English pop music blaring in the background! Fassi Gelateria manages to maintain an authentic charm, sticking to the traditions that have served it so well since it opened in 1880. As well as offering a range of classic flavours, such as pistachio and vanilla, more unusual options include currant and eggnog, whilst you can also indulge in freshly baked cakes and semifreddo (an Italian frozen dessert).
For dining on a budget: Ristorante Romolo e Remo
Address: Via Pannonia, 22, 00183 Roma RM, Italy
Well-located just a 20-minute walk from the city centre, Ristorante Romolo e Remo is a great option for those looking to enjoy dinner after a day of sightseeing, without breaking the bank. Serving fresh Roman classics at great prices, it’s the perfect choice. With pasta dishes from €10 and few dishes costing more than €15, it’s easy to enjoy a meal for 2 including drinks and dessert for less than €50. Romolo e Remo serves almost exclusively local produce, including a range of meats, fish, pizza and a rotating menu of Roman specials.
Do you want more suggestions for restaurants in Rome? Check out our blog post here.
For traditional Roman cuisine: Osteria da Fortunata.
Address: Via del Pellegrino, 112, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
For splurging: La Pergola
Address: Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, 00136 Roma RM, Italy
At the other end of the spectrum, Rome offers plenty of opportunities for splashing the cash on fine dining, with a plethora of Michelin star eateries that need to be booked well in advance. And one of the best options in the city is Le Pergola, which was awarded three Michelin stars in 2022. Located at the top of the elegant Rome Cavalieri Hotel, it has been closed for renovations for a good while, but is re-opening in spring 2024, perfect for visitors to the city to enjoy. Prices are as you would expect, averaging around €70 for a main course, with options including baby squid and saffron risotto, filet of veal and turbot cooked with ash and pumpkin.
The Best Places to Dance in Rome
For late night raving: Sharivari
Address: Via de’ Nari, 14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
No Rome nightlife guide would be complete without a Nightclub. Rome has a three-tiered nightclub open until 4am every night apart from Monday, Sharivari is where it’s at if you’re looking for a late night in Rome. Located just south of the famous Pantheon, it offers a central location and multiple rooms of techno, house and hip-hop. Hosting a line up of local and international DJ’s, tickets on the door cost €11 – 20 (sorry boys) and this place gets seriously packed at the weekend.
For opera: Teatro dell’Opera
Address: Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
The 2,200 capacity Teatro dell’Opera is a classic music venue in the heart of old Rome, located just a short walk from the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. Since opening its doors in 1880, it has played host to operatic stars from around the world but is best known for being the stage where operas greatest super group, The Three Tenors, took to the stage for the first time in 1990. The trio was made up of Italian Luciano Pavarotti and Spaniards Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras. Today, performances continue, with almost daily performances during the summer months.
For live music: Lanifico
Address: Via di Pietralata, 159A, 00158 Roma RM, Italy
Lanifico is located on the northern outskirts of Rome, housed in a former wool mill. This flexible venue is renowned across the city and houses all manner of different events, including live music, DJ sets and art exhibitions. There’s also an onsite restaurant and a secret rooftop garden, the perfect place in which to enjoy a sundowner overlooking the Aniene River. With a constantly rotating schedule of events, it’s well worth checking out what’s on during your stay in Rome.
The Best Areas in Rome for a Night Out
We’ve given you specifics for where to head in Rome for the best food, drinks and live music. But what if you’re looking for a more general guide on where to go for a night out in Rome. These are some of the city’s liveliest and most popular districts.
Are you planning on visiting Rome in the winter? Be sure to read our blog post on Rome in the winter.
Trastevere
Nestled on the west bank of the Tiber River, centuries old Trastevere is known for tradition, and is home to a range of historic establishments for eating and drinking. The neighbourhood’s medieval streets come alive at dusk, as this bohemian quarter transforms into a hub of activity, where locals and tourists mingle in its bustling piazzas and narrow alleys. Trastevere is renowned for its traditional trattorias, serving authentic Roman cuisine amidst a backdrop of lively conversation and clinking glasses. After dinner, visitors can wander through the neighbourhood’s charming lanes, stopping at cozy wine bars for aperitivo or enjoying live music performances in tucked-away venues.
If you’re planning to stay in Trastevere and want some advice on where to eat, check out our guide on the best restaurants in Trastevere.
Monti
Located in the heart of ancient Rome, Monti exudes an eclectic charm with its cobblestone streets, artisan boutiques, and trendy bars. This historic neighbourhood is housed just steps away from key landmarks such as the Colosseum, and it invites visitors to explore its vibrant art scene and unique cultural offerings. In the evening, Monti comes alive with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying aperitivo in chic wine bars or sampling creative cocktails in relaxed lounges. The intimate atmosphere and picturesque squares, such as Piazza della Madonna dei Monti, provide the perfect setting for a memorable night out in Rome.
Testaccio
Testaccio is housed around Monte dei Cocci, a large artificial mound of discarded pottery dating back to the Romans. So large is the mound, that caves were dug into it, many of these have since been converted into edgy bars, clubs and restaurants. Testaccio is also known as Rome’s foodie district, home to bustling food markets and traditional trattorias. Visitors can indulge in authentic Roman cuisine, from crispy fried artichokes to hearty pasta dishes, before exploring the neighbourhood’s vibrant nightlife scene. Testaccio’s clubs and bars pulse with energy, drawing crowds of partygoers eager to dance the night away to live music or DJ sets.
Campo de’ Fiori
A historic square south of Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori pulsates with energy at all times, hosting a lively fresh produce and flower market by day. But it is in the evening that the square really comes to life, with a plethora of bars, pubs, and wine taverns lining its cobblestone streets. Visitors can soak up the lively atmosphere, sampling local wines and cocktails while mingling with locals and fellow travellers. Street performers add to the ambiance, creating a dynamic and unforgettable experience in the heart of Rome.
Our Rome Nightlife Guide
Rome is one of Europe’s classiest city destinations, offering a wealth of historic landmarks and things to see and do. The city’s dining scene matches this class, with a range of options available for those looking to indulge, and also to keep things on the cheaper side. The city has a diverse scene for those looking to enjoy a few drinks on a night out and several venues open until the early hours. Rome offers something for everybody to enjoy, which is what makes it one of Europe’s most enduring destinations.
