Romantic Restaurants in Rome

By Elyssa Bernard

December 14, 2022

Looking for romantic restaurants in Rome? With this romantic city as your backdrop, you are spoiled for choice!

Romantic Restaurants in Rome - What to Look For

When I think about eating out in Rome for myself (with friends or with my husband), most of the time this conjures up a vision of bustling pizzerias or brightly-lit buzzing local spots.

Love the fun vibe (and the food!) at this local Testaccio eatery, Da Oio a Casa Mia. But the close tables, bright lights and good-natured chattering does not make for a very romantic ambiance.

That's often where the best food is, and it’s just the nature of Rome dining that places tend to be brightly lit, with bad acoustics.

Of late, more restaurants in Rome do seem to be getting the lighting done right, but these are still in the minority.

I’m used to this now so I barely notice it but that does not make for a very romantic meal for a date night if that’s what you are looking for.

Romantic Restaurants in Rome - My Picks

To me, a romantic restaurant in Rome (or just about any place I suppose) should be quiet, low-lit, intimate, with discreet service, and of course, they should have wonderful food.

And sometimes, especially in Rome, you can add the bonus of a spectacular piazza or breathtaking view. 

These are my picks for the best Romantic Restaurants in Rome:

• Michelin-starred Rome restaurants
• More Rome restaurants with a view
• Upscale, elegant Rome restaurants
• Romantic wine bars in Rome
• Romantic trattorias in Rome

Would you like a map of them all? Hop to the bottom of this page.

Romantic Restaurants in Rome - Michelin Starred

Does it go without saying that pretty much any Michelin-starred restaurant will be romantic? Choosing fancy restaurants for anniversary celebrations or special occasions is an easy proposition at this locations!

Below are places I’ve either tried personally, or know about through foodie and chef friends.

La Pergola - Chef Heinz Beck

Rome’s only 3*** Michelin restaurant La Pergola, is guaranteed one of the most romantic restaurants in Rome. 

It might be the romantic setting in the uber-chic 5* Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel, opened in the 60’s but completely refurbished while keeping its style.

It might be the sensational view over sparkly Rome below.

But there is no doubt that super-star chef Heinz Beck is the main reason this will be one of the most incredible meals of your life.

Details: 

• Address: Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101
• Phone: +39 06 3509 2152
• Opening hours: Mondays CLOSED | Tuesday-Saturday: 19:30-23:30 | Sundays CLOSED
• Reserve as far in advance as possible
  

In the same hotel, there is another restaurant run by talented chef Fabio Boschero. 

L’Uliveto is a bit more accessible (in terms of price but also booking availability), and is also quite romantic. 

Eating poolside at Chef Fabio Boschero's L'Uliveto restaurant at the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria is a romantic, and delicious, way to spend an evening in Rome! Photo Credit - Rome Cavalieri

Imago

The one, the only, magnificent luxury Hotel Hassler in Rome, at the top of the Spanish Steps also happens to have a Michelin-star restaurant.

Admire the stunning Spanish Steps on your way to the romantic Hassler hotel

Details: 

• Address: Hotel Hassler | Piazza Trinità dei Monti, 6
• Phone: +39 06 6993 4726
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 19:00-23:30 
• Jacket required for gentlemen
  
• Reservations essential
  

Mirabelle

Inside the Hotel Splendide Royal near the top of the Via Veneto.

Via Veneto is a great place to have a romantic stroll after enjoying a great meal!

As places to eat for anniversary goes, stunning views over Rome from the 1* Michelin starred restaurant Mirabelle, make this one of the most romantic restaurants in Rome.

Gorgeous twinkly views of the Borghese Park and Vatican City. An elegant, old-style decor and cozy dining room, but dining here is a wonderful experience, with first-rate service and food. I don’t work for Michelin, but in my very humble opinion, they deserve their star!

Details: 

• Address: Via di Porta Pinciana, 14
• Phone: +39 06 4216 8838
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00-14:30, 18:30-22:30
• Reservations a must

Glass Hostaria

My favorite thing about Glass Hostaria in Trastevere is how gorgeous it is.  They were one of the first Rome restaurants to really get design and lighting right.

Enjoy a truly romantic meal at Glass Hostaria before finishing off your evening exploring Trastevere

The interior of Glass Hostaria has to be one of the most beautiful architectural settings in Rome's restaurant scene. 

Chef Cristina Bowerman is one of Rome's best.

Her food is creative but always Italian.

Between the food, the lighting, the decor, and the location on a small Trastevere street, this is one of the most romantic restaurants in Rome.

Details: 

• Address: Vicolo del Cinque, 58
• Phone: +39 06 5833 5903
• Opening hours: Monday-Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday-Sunday: 12:30-15:00, 19:30-23:00
• Reservations strongly suggested
• No outdoor dining

Il Convivio Troiani

The quiet, understated elegance of il Convivio adds to the romantic ambiance at this 1* Michelin restaurant near Piazza Navona, making it one of the best fancy dinner date restaurants! 

Il Convivio is super close to Piazza Navona

Creative, delicious food at this 1* Michelin restaurant near Piazza Navona.

Set in a subdued, almost hushed ambiance, with lots of space between tables, soft, warm lighting and perfect service, this excellent restaurant is guaranteed to offer you a romantic evening out in Rome.

Details: 

• Address: Vicolo dei Soldati, 31
• Phone: +39 06 686 9432
• Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 19:30-23:00 | Sundays CLOSED

Marco Martini Restaurant

I love the ambiance at this restaurant on the Aventine Hill, not far from the Circus Maximus.

It's warm yet modern, and gets all the comfort and design stuff right.

The evocative Circus Maximus makes for a romantic backdrop

The interior of the Corner restaurant is romantic all by itself, and in warm weather, you can also eat outside.

Next to the restaurant, you get the bonus rooftop bar as well. There's no view, but it's still one of the most romantic restaurants in Rome.

Details: 

• Address: Viale Aventino, 121
• Phone: +39 06 4554 8810
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 12:00-15:00, 19:00-00:30 | Saturday: 19:00-00:30 | Sundays CLOSED
• Reservations recommended

Aroma 

This 1* Michelin restaurant, located inside the elegant 5* hotel Palazzo Manfredi, offers one of the most stunning views in Rome - directly onto the beautifully lit Colosseum in all its glory. 

This is the view of the Colosseum from Aroma, the Michelin-star restaurant at the top of the Hotel Manfredi in Rome.

So far I've only been for cocktails, but people I know who have eaten here say it’s fabulous.

Details: 

• Address: Via Labicana, 125
• Phone: +39 06 9761 5109
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:30-15:00, 19:00-23:00
• Reservations for lunch and dinner essential

Moma

Near Piazza Barberini/via Veneto, Moma restaurant has long been one of my go-to restaurants when I want excellent food and a mellow ambiance.

And in 2018, they received their first Michelin star! Well-deserved!

Staying near Piazza Barberini? The wonderful Moma restaurant is right around the corner!

Here again, the setting of Moma restaurant is romantic, but my reason for coming has always been for the food.

It's romantic to dine upstairs in the inviting main dining room with giant windows overlooking the street. (There is not much of a view, but the inside setting is warm and cozy).

Details: 

• Address: Via San Basilio, 42
• Phone: +39 06 4201 1798
• Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 12:30-15:00, 19:30-23:00 | Sundays CLOSED 
• About 35-45 Euros per person
• There is also an outdoor space, for drinks or dining, and a very small bar on street level, nice for a coffee, or a very affordable drink/happy hour
• The restaurant is upstairs (or outside)

Romantic Restaurants in Rome - with a view

These Rome restaurants may not have a Michelin star, but if a breathtaking view is what you're after, you've got it!

Les Etoiles 

Enjoy stunning views of Saint Peter's basilica when you dine at Les Etoiles.

Enjoy views of St Peter's Basilica as the sun sets - what could be more romantic!

This gorgeous rooftop bar and restaurant is in the 4-star hotel Atlante Star.

The only meal I've had here was on our wedding night, which was a while ago (1999!) But it was wonderful and the view of St. Peter’s is stunning.

They also have a romantic rooftop bar (one of my favorites in Rome), with stunning views

Details: 

• Address: Via Giovanni Vitelleschi, 34
• Phone: +39 06 687 3233
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:00-01:00

The Terrace

This rooftop restaurant in the luxury 5* Hotel Raphael offers some of the most beautiful views of Rome.

I've only had drinks up here, not dinner, but those I know who have eaten here say the food is wonderful.

The hotel is right in the center of Rome, and when you dine on the roof, you get views all around you, from Piazza Navona to St. Peter’s Basilica to surrounding rooftops and church domes. Not to mention the food is supposed to be amazing!

Details: 

• Address: Largo Febo, 2
• Phone: +39 06 682831
• Opening hours: Bistrot Bar: Monday-Sunday: 11:00-23:00 | Gourmet Restaurant: Monday-Sunday: 12:00-15:00, 19:30-23:00

Casina Valadier

This villa near the top of the Spanish Steps and on the edge of the Villa Borghese park affords gorgeous views of the city’s rooftops laid out before you.

St. Peter’s dome is one of the best parts of the landscape. The food is quite good and the service professional. A friend of mine was proposed to here, and I doubt she is the only one this happens to!

Details: 

• Address: Piazza Bucarest
• Phone: +39 06 6992 2090
• Opening hours: Mondays CLOSED | Tuesday-Sunday: 11:30-23:00

Romantic Restaurants in Rome - Not Michelin but elegant and upscale

Casa Bleve

The most romantic thing about Casa Bleve is the entire restaurant itself (photo of the dining room is at the top of this page).

The wine selection at Casa Bleve is one of the things that makes it one of the most romantic restaurants in Rome.

With its low-lit stained glass ceiling, hushed but warm and convivial atmosphere, this is hands down one of the most romantic restaurants in Rome.

Not only that, but you can count on superb food, and an amazing wine cellar.

Details: 

• Address: Via del Teatro Valle 48-49
• Phone: +39 06 686 5970
• Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 12:30-15:00, 19:00-22:30 | Sundays CLOSED

Molto

Molto is just another local neighborhood restaurant.

The romantic mood at Molto makes for a wonderful dinner in Rome.

Molto in the Parioli neighborhood is a great choice for an intimate meal with your loved one

Except when the neighborhood in question is Parioli, that means a beautiful, elegant, restaurant where the upper-crust locals go to dine when they want to see and be seen.

The food is fantastic, and the ambiance and lighting are perfect. If you're looking for cute dinner restaurants, this one should be at the top of your list!

Details: 

• Address: Viale dei Parioli, 122
• Phone: +39 06 808 2900
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00-16:00, 19:00-23:30 

Clotilde

The first thing you notice when you walk into Clotilde is how lovely it is. The second thing is the chairs. You just want to sit there and enjoy it all. And they are as comfortable as they look.

But this page is about romantic restaurants in Rome and so yes, I must say that Clotilde is right up there. The ambiance is lovely, warm, cozy, and romantic.

But the best part is the food. 

Clemente Quaglia is from Ciociaria, a part of Lazio just south of Rome.

He creates innovative dishes that are inspired from his Ciociara roots, which means, using very simple ingredients.

And the result is a kind of local, yet improvised regional cuisine. And it's all delicious!

Details: 

• Address: Piazza Cardelli, 5
• Phone: +39 06 6880 5145
• Opening hours: Mondays CLOSED | Tuesday-Sunday: 12:30-15:30, 19:00-23:00 

Romantic Restaurants in Rome - Enotecas

If you're looking for romantic restaurants in Rome, but more to have a drink or aperitivo, try these:

Achille al Parliamento

There is a restaurant at Achille, and it also has a Michelin star.

But I put them here because I like the wine bar more than the restaurant (as my sister says, "sorry, not sorry.")

Achille al Parlamento is a romantic place for a glass of wine in Rome.

Deep, comfy cherry-red seats, and low lighting, and a wonderful wine list, plus their location right near the Pantheon, all make for an excellent choice for a romantic aperitivo.

Details: 

• Address: Via dei Prefetti, 15
• Phone: +39 06 687 3446
• Enoteca: Monday-Saturday: 10:00-24:00, 17:00-01:00 | Sundays CLOSED
• Restaurant: Mondays CLOSED | Tuesday-Saturday: 12:30-15:00, 19:00-22:30 | Sundays CLOSED

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Del Frate

Del Frate is one of the loveliest wine bars in Rome and a popular local spot. The interior design is warm and inviting and romantic.

This enoteca has a beautiful ambiance, and a killer wine list. And the food is wonderful too!

An excellent choice in Prati for a romantic enoteca.

Details: 

• Address: Via degli Scipioni, 118/122
• Phone: +39 06 323 6437
• Opening hours: Monday: Aperitivo 18:00 – 20:00, Dinner 20:00 – 01:00 | Tuesday-Saturday: Lunch 12:30 – 15:30, Aperitivo 18:00 – 20:00, Dinner 20:00 – 01:00 | Sundays CLOSED
• In December, also open Sundays
  

Spiriti

This view can be yours if you visit Spiriti

If you’ve read other parts of Romewise, then you know how much I love this wine bar near the Pantheon, right on Piazza di Pietra and close to other sights like the Spanish Steps.

If you snag one of the tables at the front (or outside if you're brave or it's warm enough), you can even spend your time gazing at Hadrian’s temple.

Details: 

• Address: Piazza di Pietra, 32
• Phone: +39 06 6919 0445
• Opening hours: Monday-Wednesday: 11:00-16:00, 17:00-01:00 | Thursday-Saturday: 11:00-16:00, 17:00-02:00 | Sundays CLOSED

i Colori del Vino

Enoteca i Colori del Vino is one of the loveliest wine bars in Rome, with a superb wine selection, soothing atmosphere, and even delicious food!

Along with Spiriti, i Colour del Vino is my other favorite wine-bar in Rome.

Wine, ambiance, food...head here for a romantic pre-dinner drink, or even to enjoy dinner here!

Details: 

• Address: Via Aureliana, 17
• Phone: +39 06 474 1745
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 10:30 – 14:30, 17:30 – 20:00 | Saturday-Sunday CLOSED

Romantic Restaurants in Rome - Trattorias/Osterias

If you want some ideas for romantic restaurants in Rome that offer a more traditional, low-key setting, generally with more affordable prices, try these trattorias for great food, nice lighting, and romantic ambiance:

Trattoria Monti

Trattoria Monti is already one of my top-five restaurants in Rome. Which means, come for the food!

One of my favorite overall trattorias in Rome, Trattoria Monti is also a romantic place to eat.

But they get everything else right too - lighting, decor, ambiance, service.

As far as "local" trattorias go, this is one of the more romantic restaurants in Rome.

Details: 

• Address: Via di san Vito, 13/A
• Phone: +39 06 446 6573
• Opening hours: Mondays CLOSED | Tuesday-Saturday: 13:00-14:45, 20:00-22:45 | Sunday: 13:00-14:45
• Reservations are essential
  
• May be closed during August - call to confirm

Flavio ai Quiriti

Flavio ai Quiriti is the more romantic of his Rome locations. 

Testaccio is a very Roman neighborhood, filled with excellent eateries

Flavio al Velavevodetto in Testaccio is one of the city’s quintessential Roman trattorias.

But it's a little hectic (which is normal), and crowded.

Flavio has another restaurant in Prati, Flavio ai Quiriti. Go to this Flavio if you are looking for a more romantic trattoria.

Details: 

• Address: Piazza dei Quiriti, 5
• Phone: +39 06 3600 0009
• Reservations strongly suggested
  
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:30-14:30, 19:30-22:30 

osteria dell'Ingegno

Dining inside Osteria dell'Ingegno is romantic, but so is eating outside in warm weather, or even close to the window, which looks out onto Hadrian's temple

Just near the Pantheon, this restaurant gets everything right: innovative, fresh, very Italian cuisine; excellent low warm lighting, soft music, and friendly service.

They also have a pastry chef so save room for dessert. I strongly recommend the tarte tartin with homemade cinnamon gelato and mascarpone cream.

Details: 

• Address: Piazza di Pietra, 45
• Phone: +39 06 678 0662
• Opening hours: Mondays CLOSED | Tuesday-Sunday: 12:00-24:00
  

Il Bacaro

The setting of Il Bacaro, with its sweet outdoor dining area, and cozy indoors, makes for a romantic place to eat in Rome

Near the Pantheon, this tiny restaurant has a pretty little setting under some vine-covered trellises.

If you eat outside, there are only about 6 tables but it's very sweet to have the grapevines above you. (Caveat, any time you eat outside on a street, expect that musicians and vendors will approach you. Maybe not so romantic.)

Inside is warm and inviting but tables are close together.

The food is good, but not amazing.

The best part about eating here is the cozy feel and the setting, and proximity to the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Trevi Fountain, which makes for some beautiful and romantic post-dinner strolling. 

Details: 

• Address: Via degli Spagnoli, 27
• Phone: +39 06 687 2554
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:00-23:00

other wonderful romantic restaurants that have a special menu for valentine's day - updating for 2023

MADEITERRANEO/UP SUNSET BAR

You can find their special Valentine's Day 2022 menu here (58 Euro per person, beverages not included). You can book a table through their website or by email sanvalentino@madeiterraneo.com

Details: 

• Address: Via del Tritone, 61
• Phone: +39 06 6992 2284
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 10:00-23:00

ALL'ORO

You can find their special Valentine's Day 2022 menu here (180 Euro per person, beverages not included). 

Details: 

• Address: Via Giuseppe Pisanelli, 23/25
• Phone: +39 06 9799 6907
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday: 19:00-23:00 | Saturday-Sunday: 12:30-14:30, 19:00-23:00

ACQUOLINA

This 1-star Michelin restaurant offers a special menu for Valentine's Day 2022 dinner, curated by their Chef Daniele Lippi for €140 per person (beverages not included).

As an alternative, they have a Acquaroof Terrazza dinner in the same location, with a menu for €90 per person (beverages not included).

Details: 

• Address: Via del Vantaggio, 14
• Phone: +39 06 3201590
• Opening hours: Monday-Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday-Saturday: 19:00-21:30 | Sunday: 12:00-14:00

Pantheon Iconic Rome hotel

Idylio by Apreda, 1-star Michelin restaurant at the Pantheon Iconic Rome hotel offers a menu for €160 per person (beverage not included) for Valentine's Day 2022. See the menu here.

Alternatively, the hotel has Divinity Restaurant & Lounge Bar where the 2022 Valentine's day dinner is €90 per person; you can find the menu here. They also have a special Valentine's Day afternoon tea menu, €50 per person.

Details: 

• Address: Via di Santa Chiara 4-6 
• Phone: +39 06 8780 7080 (Idylio) | +39 06 8780 7060 (Divinity)

Romantic Restaurants in Rome - a Map

With this map of all the romantic restaurants in Rome listed on this page, you can select by any category to see where they are. (It opens in a new window)

Each map point also shows the address, website and phone number.

Want to save this page about Romantic Restaurants in Rome to Pinterest? Pin it here!