Brian Nagele
The Colosseum is a must-see if you’re visiting Rome.
The impressive landmark creates a fantastic backdrop for your vacation photos and a historical venue to marvel over.
You could spend an entire day exploring the Colosseum, but you have to eat eventually.
I liked starting my day with a mimosa before exploring the city.
I found several good places to eat, some of which were magnificent!
Here is my guide to the best places to eat near the Colosseum.
I think you’ll quickly see why these places are my favorite restaurants near the Colosseum.
La Taverna dei Quaranta
Via Claudia, 24, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 366 352 5313
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Found near the corner of Via Claudia and Via Annia, La Taverna dei Quaranta is a straight shot down the street from the Colosseum.
I found this restaurant while wandering through Parco Celio when I noticed it had such a fantastic view of the landmark.
You have a unique view of the Parco across the street from inside the building.
Everything that I saw come out of the kitchen looked and smelled delicious.
But after spending a lot of time trying new things around town, I wanted to try some homemade carbonara.
Aside from this delicious dish, I highly recommend trying their daily salad.
While I only stopped by here a few times during my trip, the different dishes were amazing every time.
While their menu was a bit pricey, the food was well worth it.
Pizzería Luzzi
Via Celimontana, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 709 6332
Located on the corner of Via Celimontana and Via di S Giovanni in Laterano, Pizzería Luzzi is tucked near several cafes and eateries.
This laid-back spot has an amazing view of the Colosseum.
And despite the busy street nearby, it feels like a great spot to sit and watch the world go by.
You can also never go wrong with their amazing meals for affordable prices.
If simple and tasty is your style, Pizzería Luzzi has the menu for you.
I highly recommend trying their oxtail and eggplant parmesan.
And, of course, their pizza is a must. You can also never beat 5€ wine with their tiramisu.
The place can get busy throughout the day, but it’s worth the wait!
Aroma
Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 9761 5109
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Aroma is the perfect spot if you are looking for refined dining with a spectacular view of the Colosseum here in Rome.
Situated at the top of the Palazzo Manfreddi hotel, you genuinely have a front-row seat to this historic landmark.
Because of its high-end pricing, I could only visit once, but that lunch left a big impression on me for the rest of my trip.
The staff was accommodating and found the perfect wine pairing for the testing course I chose.
The restaurant’s menu is made to give you a wide array of tastes and textures at fixed prices.
I just so happened to choose the course with some of the most delicious scallops I had had up until that point.
I’m sure that every guest has a unique experience with Aroma, and I cannot recommend it enough to get a taste of Italy that you won’t soon forget.
Li Rioni a Santiquattro
Via dei SS. Quattro, 24, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 7045 0605
A trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some Pizza, and if you’ve just come from visiting the Colosseum, Li Rioni a Santiquattro is the perfect place to find some of the best.
Not only is it reasonably priced, but everything on the menu is delicious.
I’d recommend the Pizze Bianche to anyone adventurous.
It doesn’t have a tomato base like regular pizza.
Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with a Margherita. It’s a simple topping but an absolute must-try.
al42 by Pasta Chef Rione Monti
Via Baccina, 42, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 488 3198
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Located in a delightful, quiet, and low-key alleyway about a ten-minute walk from the Colosseum, al42 by Pasta Chef Rione Monti is a hidden gem.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the service is top-notch.
As for the food, I’d recommend the Aubergine Parmigiana for those who fancy a carnivorous feast.
However, as the name suggests, the true specialty of this place is pasta!
The Gnocchi Pesto was my personal favorite, but if you’re after something a little lighter, give the Fettuccini Alfredo a whirl.
Contrario. Vineria con Cucina.
Via Ostilia, 22, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 709 6206
Not even a full block away from II Bocconcino is this very sophisticated restaurant.
If you have searched for good restaurants near the Colosseum, odds are this place has crossed your radar.
Located between Via Capo d’Africa and Via dei SS Quattro, this is another spot that’s very close to the Colosseum.
Even though it’s set up away from the city bustle, it’s very popular with locals and tourists alike.
The staff was very helpful with everything from wine selection to serving entrees and helped me find their carbonara-seared tuna.
While I was mostly there to try the wine, I enjoyed that dish a lot and ended up having it quite a few times.
I was also very fond of their octopus, and their cocoa crumble was the perfect way to round out each meal I had there.
Divin Ostilia Food & Wine Bar
Via Ostilia, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 7049 6526
At this point in my trip, I had found two great places to eat on the Via Ostilia and decided to take another walk down my favorite street to find another spot to try.
And just as expected, I found another gem. Divin Ostilia is a small bar and restaurant that packs a big punch.
I knew I was hooked when I walked into the warm and welcoming interior, and the food did not disappoint.
Every dish I ordered from their menu was a treat to my taste buds.
I highly recommend trying their gnocchi and veggie pizza.
Their desserts are another must if you want to take a bite from your friends’ selections.
I was a fan of their cheesecake and run cake, but everything that landed on my table was great.
And while I have my taste for wine, the staff was extremely helpful with finding a good pairing for each of my meals.
Crab
Via Capo d’Africa, 2, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 7720 3636
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Right near the Colosseum, you can find this delightful restaurant with a special knack for making amazing seafood.
You can indulge in everything from urchins, octopus, sea bass, king crab, and more.
My personal favorite was the Linguine Pastificio Mancini con mazzancolle e aglio nero, which is the perfect blend of pasta, shrimp, and black garlic.
I washed it down with some prosecco. It was a match made in heaven!
The atmosphere was lively and boisterous but also comfortable, and the decor looked amazing, rounding it off to be an incredible experience from start to finish.
Il Bocconcino
Via Ostilia, 23, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Phone: +39 06 7707 9175
Just down the street from the Colosseum is this quaint little restaurant with fine food and service.
While it doesn’t have a front-row seat to the Colosseum in all of its splendor, I loved visiting this spot because it gave me a break from the bustle of the city.
The establishment feels very rustic and homey, a complete contrast to the touristy points of interest just up the street.
I had just finished a tour when I stopped by here the first time, and it quickly became my go-to place if I wanted to unwind for the evening.
Every dish I tried at II Bocconcino was delicious, but my personal favorite was the rabbit ragu pasta.
I also recommend any dish with the restaurant’s homemade meatballs.
And if you’re looking for something to wet your palette, their wine selection is top-notch.
Their server also makes an excellent mojito.
