With its quaint piazzas and panoramic rooftop terraces, Rome is a city made for drinking and dining al fresco, soaking in la dolce vita and the city’s quintessentially ‘small town’ atmosphere. Day or night, summer or winter, the Eternal City’s mild temperatures ensure that eating outside is a 365-day-a-year affair but it’s especially delightful on long summer evenings as the sky slowly turns from pink to blue to a black tapestry dotted with stars.
Discover our 5 favorite restaurants for dining al fresco and consider booking a private chef to cater your own rooftop dinner in one of TreasureRome’s luxurious terrace apartments.
Set within one of Rome’s most discrete – and loveliest – piazzas, Pierluigi is one of the most romantic places to enjoy a meal in Rome. The historic seafood restaurant (open since 1938) is a favorite of celebrities, politicians, and other VIPs for its five-star service, fabulous and fresh cuisine, and extensive wine list with over 1,500 labels. Be sure to book ahead to snag a table out on the coveted patio.
Trastevere is filled with delightful Roman eateries but our favorite is undoubtedly Trattoria Da Teo. The restaurant is tucked into a corner in an unassuming little piazza and has plenty of outdoor (and indoor) seating so it’s a great place to try dishes like amatriciana, carciofi, and, cacio e pepe at any time of the year. It’s particularly evocative in the evenings as the sun begins to set and the temperatures begin to drop.
One of the most unique places to eat in Rome is outside on the banks of the Tiber River. Baja is a boat-restaurant permanently docked along the river so it’s another great choice for dining year-round. We love coming here for brunch on the weekends when Baja serves up a bountiful buffet of hot dishes (quiches, pastas, meats, etc) plus cheeses, vegetables, and more. It’s also a nice place to dine during holidays.
The younger sibling of Rome darling Pianostrada, Pianoalto is a rooftop restaurant located in south Rome, making it one of the few places to offer a perfect view of the surrounding industrial skyline. The urban garden has romantic details and the menu serves everything from gourmet sandwiches and succulent pasta dishes to burgers, focaccia, and plenty of antipasti and side plates you can share or enjoy all to yourself.
Just steps from Piazza del Popolo, Babette is a hidden gem with a French spin. This chic bistrot has a beautiful interior courtyard, making it a romantic place for a relaxed meal, and has an ample list of pastas, fish, and meat courses. It’s particularly inviting for vegetarians too, though anyone in your group will be satisfied with the options. In the cooler months, you can also sit inside and enjoy the whimsical decor.
Looking for more dining options? Check out some of our favorite Trattorias in Rome.
