The best romantic restaurants in Rome
The perfect spots for a tête-à-tête, from traditional Roman addresses to creative fine dining
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply planning a memorable evening with someone close, Rome offers plenty of special settings: the dining scene here is vast and varied, with an almost endless array of surprises. You will find addresses championing classic Italian cooking alongside creative forays abroad, exotic flavours, stylish dining rooms and timeless atmospheres.
Where should you book? We have selected the tables across the Eternal City that delight both the eyes and the palate: here are the best romantic restaurants in Rome for an effortlessly successful date night.
Glass Hostaria
Vicolo del Cinque, 58
Chef Christina Bowerman’s cooking is a conversation between cultures and places near and far under the Roman sky, bathed in the glow of a Michelin star. Glass, a ristorante-hostaria, reshapes ancient local traditions without distorting them, offering delicate, masterful interpretations. The à la carte menu brings together land and sea to tempt all five senses, with dishes reflecting the chef’s travels and career in an elegant synthesis. Two tasting menus are also available for an inventive, surprising dinner.
Idylio by Apreda
Via di S. Chiara, 4/A
Idylio By Apreda is the Michelin-starred restaurant inside the luxurious The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, moments from Piazza della Rotonda and the Pantheon. Discretion and chef-led cooking define the experience, with gourmet interpretations by Chef Francesco Apreda combining Mediterranean flavours, international touches and subtle Asian influences. To tempt your palate, choose from three tasting menus (six, seven or eight courses), an à la carte selection and delicious vegetarian options.
Pipero
Corso Vittorio Emanuele II
Far more than simply a Michelin-starred address, Pipero is a landmark of contemporary Italian dining. Cuisine, art and design come together at number 2 Corso Vittorio Emanuele, right in the heart of Rome. Guests are invited on a creative journey that highlights exceptional Italian ingredients through unexpected combinations. Each dining room has an intimate, refined atmosphere that makes it ideal for a special evening with your partner.
Ristorante Vista | Casina Valadier
Piazza Bucarest, Villa Borghese
A dining haven inside Rome’s most famous green expanse: Villa Borghese. Set among fountains, ponds, Italian gardens and English lawns, Casina Valadier is a neoclassical nineteenth-century mansion that houses Ristorante Vista. At the helm, Chef Massimo D’Innocenti prepares nuanced, seasonal dishes with an elegant aesthetic and balanced flavours. In winter, dinner is served on the sheltered rooftop, while during warmer months the outdoor terrace provides views framed by the surrounding park.
Adelaide
Via dell’Arancio, 69
Adelaide is a ‘living-room restaurant’ with dinner and a cocktail bar named after the historic Princess Borghese. The elegance of the setting reflects the place it sits in, Hotel Vilòn, a true benchmark of Rome’s most exclusive hospitality. Adelaide serves a seasonal menu featuring Mediterranean dishes and lightly revisited Roman classics. A spacious dining room provides an ideal retreat on colder days, while the courtyard patio, brightened by greenery and imbued with an old-world charm, is open all year round and perfect in warm weather.
Colbert
Piazza di Spagna, Viale della Trinità dei Monti 1a – Villa Medici
Perched on the Pincian Hill with sweeping views towards Piazza di Spagna, Colbert is a cafe-restaurant made for leisurely, cultured lunches. Set inside the historic Villa Medici, a hub of European art and culture, it serves an approachable menu ranging from trofie al pesto and lasagne to paccheri alla carbonara and potato gnocchi. Chef Nicolò Galeani draws on traditions from across Italy, showcasing fresh seasonal produce with an international touch.
Vittorio Spezie e Cucina
Via Foscolo, 20-22
From the Esquilino towards the East, all the way to South America. As the name suggests, Vittorio offers a gastronomic tour that starts in Rome, crosses Italy and circles the globe. Aromas and spices elevate the dishes, crafted with produce from the iconic market in Piazza Vittorio. A restaurant, yes, but also a cocktail bar dedicated to mixology and a pizzeria exploring inventive doughs leavened for 72 hours. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with every detail recalling the style of the ‘900 for a romantic dinner in another era.
Zuma
Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 48 – Palazzo Fendi
A stylish Japanese escape overlooking the Eternal City. Set inside Palazzo Fendi, Zuma is a fashionable venue featuring a modern rooftop terrace and contemporary cuisine that quickly won over locals. The menu centres on Japanese flavours with creative twists and premium ingredients. Sushi, sashimi and traditional soups sit alongside meats cooked over the robatayaki grill, including Black Angus, Iberian pork and Wagyu ribeye. Japan has rarely felt closer.
