Restaurants Near The Colosseum

Looking for a delicious restaurant near the Rome Colosseum? Check out these five hot spots:

1. Taverna dei Quaranta

If you are looking for a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and traditional Roman cuisine with some regional Italian additions, then Taverna dei Quaranta is your spot, located very near the Colosseum. While this family-run trattoria embraces its rich history dating back hundreds of years, there is nothing out-dated about it. Recently renovated with high ceilings and typical Roman architecture, friendly faces and delicious aromas of fresh Roman dishes welcome regulars and visitors alike.  Come experience the stunning views of the Colosseum from the second floor terrace while you enjoy a delicious meal. Some favorite classic Roman dishes include the thinnest crust pizzas cooked in a wood fire pizza oven, cooked apples and zucchini, homemade pasta, fried codfish, a selection of homemade desserts, and of course, a wine list handpicked by Antonio, the restaurant’s owner and sommelier.

Information:
For Reservations for individual bookings or group bookings:
Taverna dei Quaranta
Via Claudia, 24 - 00184,
Roma
Tel. +39 06 7000550
Email: prenota@tavernadeiquaranta.com
Website: www.tavernadeiquaranta.com

2. Il Tajut

While people may agree that Il Tajut isn’t “perfect”, so much of its charm comes from the very fact that it is different. A small, family-run restaurant with a whimsical atmosphere (the chef is also the owner), the menu features Friulian food, which is a northern Italian region with German and Swiss-influences. The prices are moderate and the food is delicious, offering specialties like frico, which is a flat cake of potatoes, onions and cheese (pictured above). Some other favorite dishes include the hearty goulash stew, tagliolini with venison ragu, and smoked ricotta cheese. There is also an extensive wine list featuring many northern Italian wines that are hard to find in other regions. Best part is, it’s so near the Colosseum you can walk there in 10 minutes!

Information:

Il Tajut
Via San Giovanni in Laterano 244, in Celio, near San Giovanni in Laterano
Dinner only; open from 7pm daily.

Tel: Giustino +349 6418088
Email: giustino@iltajut.it
Website: http://www.iltajut.it/

3. Luzzi: Pizzeria & Roman Style Cuisine

Looking for a local joint only a 5 minute walk from the Colosseum? At Luzzi, you can enjoy a traditional Roman lunch or dinner out in the open at this popular trattoria- for unbeatable prices. Enjoy fresh pasta made in-house, like Lasagna di Carne or Fettuccini Bolognese. Even if you opt for one of the delicious specialties like oxtail or fresh sea bass, you will be pleasantly surprised at the bargain. Caution, the pizza chef is only in at dinnertime, so word has it that you should choose another dish at lunchtime. Fortunately, there are plenty of flavorful menu items, from bruschetta to tasty secondi. As it’s a popular spot, the service can be a little disorganized, but it’s popular for a reason, so sit back, relax and enjoy this Italian experience!

Information:

Luzzi
Via S. Giovanni in Laterano, 88 – Via Celimontana 1-3 00184
Tel: +39 06 709 6332
Open noon – 11pm, Closed Wednesday, Open August

4. Trattoria Monti

As one of the most popular local trattorias in Rome, Monti is recommended in nearly every major travel guide book. The cuisine is namely marchegiano (from the region of Le Marche on Italy’s central Adriatic coast), and the menu features handmade egg-based pastas, small game birds, rabbits, and some fish. Monti is reasonably priced, high quality and authentic, evident by the fact that it is always packed with regulars, and bookings are essential days in advance. The charming Camarucci brothers run the place, and will warmly tell you the specials as prepared by their Italian mother in the kitchen, using only the freshest ingredients. Begin with the tortini (or flan) of the day, which is a a delicious egg custard mixed with cheese or seasonal vegetables- the tortino al parmigiano is a favorite.  The pasta is equally as savory, with dishes like tortello al rosso d’uovo, a large raviolo filled with ricotta, spinach, and egg yolk, topped by a light tomato and basil sauce. Main courses include fish and meat, like rabbit stuffed with sausage and truffles, or swordfish cooked to perfection with flavorful spices. Try chestnut mousse for dessert, and of course, select from an extensive (and well-priced) wine list. This restaurant is near the Colosseum and is a Roman culinary attraction in and of itself!

Information:

Via San Vito 13A, Rome, 185
Tel: +39 06-4466573

5. Hostaria da Nerone

Hostaria da Nerone is a restaurant very near the Colosseum, only one block north, nestled in a tree-lined street just out of the bustling crowd of tourists. It is a small, family-run spot since 1929, frequented by locals and visitors alike. There are a few tables outside for good weather days; it feels like a neighborhood place despite being so near one of Italy’s most popular attractions. Dishes are very reasonably priced, and include Roman specialties such as cazzimperio – raw fennel served with a dipping sauce of oil, parsley and black pepper with a sprinkling of pecorino cheese. The large anti-pasti bar offers a huge selection of grilled vegetables among other delicious items including frittata de carciofi (like an omelette with fresh artichoke hearts), marinated eggplant and white anchovies. The pastas are fresh and flavorful, as are the main dishes, like Saltimbocca alla Romana (thinly sliced veal with ham and sage). For the less faint-hearted, there is a selection of delicacy dishes like brain, intestines and tripe. As they say, “When in Rome…”

Information:

Hostaria da Nerone
Via delle Terme di Tito, 96, 00184  ‎
Tel: +39 06 474 5207
Address: Via delle Terme di Tito, 96 Roma
Closed: Sundays and August

Other locations

If you know of other great restaurants near the Coliseum, leave some feedback in the comments section below.