The Top Michelin-Starred Restaurants in Rome

No one can deny that Rome is one of the tastiest and most romantic destinations in the world, making it the perfect place to explore exceptional dining experiences. Besides, who doesn’t think Italian food is to die for anyway?

Roman cuisine is deeply-rooted in local tradition, but that doesn’t mean it’s not evolving. True Italian gastronomy focuses on the use of fresh, regional, and seasonal ingredients – all factors that the Eternal City’s rising culinary stars do not leave off their ambitious menus.

So, once you’ve had your fill of Spaghetti Bolognese and pizza, take your pick from any of these top Michelin starred restaurants in Rome, and prepare for an unforgettable meal that takes the pleasures of “Italian cuisine” right into the stratosphere. You can discover Italian gastronomy and many beautiful places during your tour in Rome.

Aroma Restaurant

Aroma will leave your palate fresh and hungry for more. https://www.facebook.com/hotelpalazzomanfredi/photos/

Chef Giuseppe di Iorio has earned Aroma one prestigious and shining Michelin Star. Palazzo Manfredi’s intimate rooftop-garden directly overlooks the Colosseum from just across the street, with views spanning all the way to St. Peter’s dome in the distance. The colourful plates inspire palates with every home-grown herbal sprig in just the right place. Aroma offers a variety of tasting menus, including a gluten-free option, for around €180. Wine lovers can opt to add sommelier-suggested pairings for a total of €250. Specialities include roasted rabbit, steamed monkfish, and lamb-filled ravioli. Mmm!

Address: Via Labicana, 125

Hours: Mon – Sun, 7:30pm – 12am

Ristorante Il Paliaccio

Il Pagliaccio is colorful and full of intense flavors. https://www.facebook.com/RistoranteIlPagliaccio/photos/

Il Pagliaccio, which literally translates to “The Clown” in Italian, has been dubbed with two illustrious Michelin Stars. Chefs Anthony Genovese and Francesco di Lorenzo have concocted a beautiful menu, with plates that are fun and playful – as the eatery’s name might suggest. The ultimate experience is summed up with the 10-course “Circus” tasting for €185, although a smaller 8-course “Charivari” option is available for €165. Unlike the majority of Rome’s Michelin-starred hubs, Il Pagliaccio offers an affordable lunch menu, which includes 3 courses for €85. Whatever you do, don’t forget to try their delectable pastries.

Address: Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 129/a

Hours: Sun-Thu, 11:30am – 10pm; Fri-Sat, 11am – 11pm

La Pergola

La Pergola is indulgence made food. https://romecavalieri.com/la-pergola/

Rome’s Waldorf Astoria Resort, which was formally named “Rome Cavalieri Hilton”, offers a more traditional “country club” style ambience with classical touches (like the 18th century candelabra and tapestries). We recommend visiting in the Summer months for a table on the candle-lit terrace, overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica. Although it runs €260 per person, you will not regret making your way through Chef Heinz Beck’s delectable 10-course gourmet tasting menu, which includes duck foie gras, spring lobster, leg of lamb, and an impressive selection of fine cheeses. As if the food weren’t enough, you can take your pick from over 60,000 world-class wines in the cellar – and it’s no wonder this destination is Rome’s only 3-Star Michelin kitchen.

Address: Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101

Hours: Tues – Sat, 7:30pm – 11:30pm

Bistrot 64

Bistrot 64 features a Michelin Star for every pocket book. https://www.facebook.com/Bistrot64Roma/photos

Bistrot64 has made a name for itself as the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in Rome, with affordable prices everyone can enjoy. And that does not mean they are lacking in quality. Young chefs, Kotaro Noda and Emanuele Cozzo, are fans of traditional Roman cooking, which largely focused on using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients in dishes that originated as affordable dishes for the poor. Don’t let yourself be deterred – these classics include pasta, produce, and proteins that are simply out of this world. 8 courses go for €80, and it’ll only cost you €45 extra for a perfected wine-pairing. There’s an even more affordable option, though, with 5 courses for just €50. There are no excuses for anyone to miss this incredibly delightful culinary gem.

Address: Via Guglielmo Calderini, 64

Hours: Mon – Sat, 6pm – 10:30pm

Metamorfosi

Metamorfosi will change your idea of food forever. https://www.facebook.com/Metamorfosirestaurant/photos

Metamorfosi is classy and refined, with an unassuming façade and simplistic Japanese-inspired interior, and a menu worthy of its Michelin star. The 10-course tasting menu, which goes for €150, offers an eclectic gastronomical experience, with cleverly-plated and extra-fresh ingredients. Colombian chef, Roy Caceres, is internationally inspired and keen on the concept of sharing food around a table – so groups are served plates that are meant to be shared. Oh, and if you’re into all that innovative molecular stuff that gourmet chefs like to experiment with, you’ll get a hint of that here, too.

Address: Via Giovanni Antonelli, 30

Hours: Mon-Fri, 12:30pm – 2:30pm; 8pm – 10:30pm; Sat 8pm – 10:30pm

La Terrazza

La Terrazza turns eating into a divine art. https://www.facebook.com/laterrazzahoteleden/photos

Smack above Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps, enjoy an unforgettable meal on La Terrazza’s rooftop garden. This experience offers a feast for the eyes, from the artistic plating to the view of Roman monuments scattered across the city’s eternal skyline. Fabio Cervio provides a hint of local flavor as a contour to internationally inspired highlights, which include fresh truffles, sea urchin, and curried shrimp risotto. You’ll drop €200 on the 8-course tasting menu, but you’ll never forget the incredible sensorial experience.

Address: Via Ludovisi, 49

Hours: Wed – Mon, 7pm – 11:30pm

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