Osteria Margutta – Soft lighting, background music, posters and dedications complete the atmosphere. Try specialties like the tonnarelli Margutta, linguine with prawns, hand-made tortelloni and baked turbot with potatoes. Select from the wine list or try the owners’ own Frascati. Homemade desserts like chestnut mousse flambè. Open for late night dining. Art exhibits held on the premises. Monday – Saturday from 12.30 p.m. to 3.00 p.m., from 7.30 p.m. to 1.30 a.m. (kitchen open until 12.00 a.m.). Closed Sunday.

Via Margutta, 82. Tel. 063231025. Credit cards accepted : V, MC, D.

Mangiamoci – Regional Italian cuisine (with a rich array of typical salami and rare cheeses served with fruit mustard) and young atmosphere characterized by a modern design influenced by an American-style. Dishes include fusilli with speck and zucchini, fava-bean taccole, rigatoni alla gricia, duck piccata with lemon, tempura, original salads, stuffed focaccia and super pizzas. More than 100 red and white wine labels in the international cellar (served also by glass) and cocktail bar with a wide range of whiskeys and distillates. Music in the background and candle-lit ambience. Multilingual personnel. Open seven days a week in December, dinner only.

Via di San Sebastianello, 6a (Piazza di Spagna). Tel. 066780546/48. All credit cards accepted. Reservations recommended.

Margutta Vegetariano Ristorante al Pantheon – In a characteristic piazza near the Pantheon, enjoy vegetarian pizza made with various types of flour (soy, spelt, buckwheat) and pasta dishes such as rustic garganelli with courgette flowers and pecorino cheese. Important and special selection of national and foreign wines, beer and cider. Dine outside among plants and flowers in warm weather. Well-lighted interior (four rooms), painting and sculpture exhibits. Welcoming and refined furnishings. Under same ownership is Margutta Vegetariano Ristorarte (Via Margutta, 118. Tel. 0632650577). Open every day from 10.30 a.m. to 1.00 a.m.

Piazza Rondanini, 53. Tel. 0668134544. All credit cards accepted. (££)

Naturist Club – Located in Rome’s central shopping area, a macrobiotic and organic foods restaurant. Vegetarian cuisine and fresh seafood at dinner. Inviting interiors and candle-light dining. Organic wine  and beverages are available. Buffet menu at lunch. Snacks. Organic ingredient sold. Open Monday – Saturday from 12.30 to 3.30 p.m., from 7 to 11.30 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Via della Vite, 14 4^th floor. Tel. 066792509. Credit cards accepted : MC, V.

Trevi Fountain 

Le Lanterne – Traditional as well as creative Italian cuisine, located between the Trevi Fountain and Piazza Venezia in a historic 18^th C. palazzo. A specialty of the house is the fresh baked turbot with potatoes. Large dining room available for banquets. Regional and Roman wines. Open seven days a week from 12.30 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. to midnight.

Via della Pilotta, 21A. Tel. 0669924458. All credit cards accepted

Vatican district

Ristorante il Matriciano – A long-established and widely respected family dining room. It's not fancy, but the price is right, and in summer you can opt for a sidewalk table. Let your kids feast on good, reasonably priced, homemade fare that includes such crowd pleasers as ricotta-stuffed ravioli. At the next table you're likely to see some priests from the Vatican dining. It's a safe, wholesome environment, and the food really is tasty.

Via dei Gracchi 55; tel. 06/3212327. All credit cards accepted.

Il Re di Quadri – Situated in an elegant building only steps from St. Peter’s, this new restaurant offers courteous service, a refined ambience and excellent cuisine prepared by Chef Quirino. Specialties include homemade cavatelli pasta with oil and pecorino cheese, seafood soup with mussels, clams and shrimp and baked beef filet with guanciale (a type of bacon). Well-stocked wine cellar. Reservations recommended. Open for dinner only. Closed Sunday.

Via Germanico, 170/b. Tel. 0636000169. All credit cards accepted

Pantheon - Piazza Navona area

Alfredo alla Scrofa – Who hasn’t heard of  “Fettuccine all’Alfredo” made with his coveted secret recipe since 1925? Try also the fusilli with fresh clams and porcini mushrooms. Alfredo’s spacious interior is decorated with autographs and dedications by artists and actors from the past and present. Open from 12.30 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. and from 7.30 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. Closed Tuesday.

Via della Scrofa , 104. Tel. 0668806163 / 066864219. All credit cards accepted.

Antica Trattoria Polese – Dine outside in the suggestive Piazza Sforza Cesarini, steps away from Piazza Navona. Set in the historic Palazzo dei Borgia. Inside is a beautiful basement with vaulted ceilings. Dishes include spaghetti with clams, tonnarelli pasta with cheese and pepper, veal alla fornara (very tender), chicken breast with cream and mushrooms and baked lamb. In the evening, pizza is also available. Homemade desserts and a good choice of regional wines. Air-conditioning. Open daily except Tuesday from 12.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. and from 7.00 p.m. to midnight.

Piazza Sforza Cesarini, 40. Tel. 066869543.

Ristorante Enoteca Capranica – This restaurant, a fixture in Rome’s high dining landscape, has a completely original feature: it derives from one of the cities oldest winecellars. Its location inside the renaissance-era Palazzo Capranica, just a stone’s throw from the Pantheon and Montecitorio, provides a suggestive ambience, making it an ideal setting for its renowned cuisine, with simple, refined dishes spanning the Mediterranean culinary culture.

Piazza Capranica, 99/100. Tel. 0669940992. Closed on Sunday and Saturday lunch.

Maccheroni – Near Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. The rustic structure of the interior adds to the charming ambience, as does owner Luciano Flamini. Maccheroni’s menu offers traditional homemade Roman cuisine such as maccheroni matriciana (either the red version, with tomatoes, bacon and pecorino cheese, or the white, without tomatoes) as well as Italian regional specialties. The wine list includes house wine, Chianti, and Italy’s finest labels. Open Monday – Saturday from 12.30 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m. to 12.00 a.m.

Piazza delle Coppelle, 44. Tel. 0668307895. All credit cards accepted.

Laganà – Located in the heart of Rome under the famous Tower of the Monkey, this “small but great” restaurant is inviting and warm, with host Sig. Laganà and his wife ready to welcome you. Appetizers include mixed platters either with seafood or prosciutto S. Daniele and buffalo mozzarella, while pasta dishes such as tagliolini all’ Ammiraglia with seafood and risotto with cream of scampi make great first courses. Vegetables, raw fish and chateaubriand are also served. Fresh fish arrives daily. Variety of local dishes and vast selection of wines. Open daily from 1.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. and from 7.00 p.m. to midnight. Closed Wednsday. All credit cards accepted.

Via dell’ Orso, 44. Tel. 0668301161.

Montevecchio – Situated in a hidden piazza (Piazza Navona), Montevecchio is now run by skilled chef and owner Pietro Mirto Randazzo, with important experiences in some of the best restaurants. The cuisine, based on seasonal ingredients, is rich in ideas amd imagination : sea truffles with black truffle, filet of rock fish with a saffron and courgette flower sauce, carrè of lamb with glazed scallion and grapes, variations on the duck theme and caramellized peaches on a moscato wine and currant sauce. Extensive wine list, cozy atmosphere and professional staff led by Enrico Balsani. Open daily 7.30 p.m. – 111.30 p.m. Closed Monday.

Piazza di Montevecchio, 22/a. Tel. 066861319. All credit cards accepted.

Opera Cafè Roma – Located in the historical centre, between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, this restaurant is also a pizzeria, coffee bar, cocktail and wine bar, tea room and pub where major beers – Guinness, Cruzcampo, Menabrea, Maisel’s Weisse, Kilkenny – are served. The ambience is inspired by the Teatro dell’ Opera, while the furnishings have a modern touch. Open daily from 10.00 a.m. until late. Piazza dei Caprettari, 56/60. Tel. 066877707 / 066877954.

Osteria al Vecchio Pegno – Situated steps from Piazza Navona in a tranquil alleyway enjoy fresh Mediterranean cuisine and pizza (made in the wood-burning oven, only at night) : seafood antipasti, spaghrtti baked in foil or with clams, baked sea bass and grilled gilthead bream, saltimbocca and “burn your fingers” lamb. Good homemade desserts, suitable wine list and professional service. Outside tables during warm weather. Reservations recommended.

Vicolo Montevecchio, 8. Tel. 0668807025. Open every day from 12.30 p.m. to 2 a.m. All credit cards accepted.

Ponte e Parione – Next to Piazza Navona is this very typical restaurant which recalls the old Roman inns of the 1800s. Other than all kinds of pizza, try typical Roman recipes and excellent Italian dishes including fresh buffalo mozzarella, fettuccine with zucchini and shrimp and strozzapreti pasta chicory and speck (a kind of smoked ham). In the summertime, enjoy outdoor dining. Beer on tap and good wine labels. Open every day from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. and 6.00 p.m. to 2.30 a.m. Via S. Maria dell’ Anima,62. Tel. 0668308780. All credit cards accepted.

Da Luigi – Located on picturesque Piazza Sforza Cesarini not far from Piazza Navona. Patrons can dine in a large external patio area and enjoy typical Roman and Mediterranean dishes : octopus carpaccio, fettuccine alla Luigi (shellfish, tomato and arugula), baked turbot with potatoes. Open for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday.

Piazza Sforza Cesarini, 23/24. Tel. 066865946 – 0668805463. Credit cards accepted.

La Maddalena – Near the Pantheon, take pleasure in Roman dishes revised with a special touch of imagination. Delicious first dishes include :Maddalena linguine, green pasta with filet of grouper, gnocchi with pesto and clams and tagliolini with chicory and gorgonzola cheese. Among suggested second courses are sole prepared in the “scent of the woods” style and filet on a big crouton. Rich Maddalena salads and genuine buffalo mozzarella cheese with seasonal side dishes. Desserts include lemon cake and a special semifreddo ice cream of yogurt and wild berries. All is accompanied by excellent wines carefully chosen by Signor Clemente.Open every day from 12.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. and from 6.30 p.m. to midnight.

Piazza Maddalena, 4. Tel. 066833633. All credit cards accepted.

Cul de Sac – This intimate winebar / restaurant, with outdoor tables in nice weather, boasts over 1400 Italian and foreign wines. Delicacies include homemade patè, baccalà brandade, pizzoccheri pasta della Valtellina, Roman tripe, ox-tail, onion soup, cream of red lentil soup and chickpea tortes. Located near Piazza Navona. Open from 12.30p.m. to 3.30 p.m. and from 7.00 p.m. to 12.30 a.m.; closed Monday for lunch. Piazza Pasquino, 73. Tel. 0668801094. Credit cards accepted.

Dolce Vita – Located on the splendid Piazza Navona, try exquisite cocktails accompanied by excellent Mediterranean cuisine. Live music by street musicians. Get a great tan while enjoying Italian-style breakfast. Frequented by actors. Inside you can admire splendid photos by Nino Barillari. Opens at 7.30 p.m.

Piazza Navona, 70/70A: Tel. 0668806221.

Ecce Bombo – Enjoy a soft, inviting atmosphere with candle-light dining near Piazza Navona (al fresco dining in  warm weather). Sample the delicious pappardelle pasta with eggplant or rigatoni with broccoli and sausage, filet with whiskey, calf’s liver with grapes, veal scaloppini with apples, various salads, and homemade desserts. Open Monday – Saturday from 6.00p.m. to 2.30 a.m., Sunday from 12.00 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 6.00 p.m. to 2.30 a.m.

Via di Tor Millina,22. Tel. 0668803469. All credit cards accepted.

Tosca – Whether it’s for specialties like sliced beef prepared in vinegar, linguine with lobster, tagliolini with asparagus and scampi or for pizza, this central spot next to the interesting church of S. Andrea della Valle near Piazza Navona is inviting and is decorated with themes from Puccini’s Tosca (the first act set in the above-mentioned church). Open seven days a week from noon to midnight.

Largo dei Chiavari, 83/84. Tel. 0668805505. All credit cards accepted.

La Focaccia – Only 100 meters from Piazza Navona offering Mediterranean cuisine with particular attention to Neapolitan culinary traditions. Their specialty is paccheri with eggplant and ricotta cheese. Neapolitan pizza, gnocchi e cavatelli, falafela and other Jewish dishes are also available. Nice selection of white and red wine from all over Italy, homemade desserts and wine tasting by the glass. Seats 80. After theater dining. Open every day 7.00 p.m. – 1.00 a.m.

Via della Pace, 11. Tel. 0668803312. All credit cards accepted.

Il Bacaro – Only steps away from the Pantheon is this charming restaurant, specializing in traditional Italian cuisine and offering a range of first courses such as spaghetti with mullet roe and artichokes and rigatoncini with pesto or rocket pesto. Hot beef carpaccio with soft chicory and white truffle oil is a tasty second course. Delicious desserts, extensive wine list (300 labels). Enjoy dinner outside or a romantic candle-lit meal inside. Open daily 12-2.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. to 12.30 a.m. Closed Sunday all day and Saturday for lunch.

Via degli Spagnoli, 27. Tel. 066864110. Reservation necessary. Credit cards accepted.

Il Cantuccio – Prestigious restaurant only steps from Piazza Navona and across from the Senate. Excellent dishes include bombolotti pasta with king shrimp and zucchini, gilthead bream in a zucchini and potato crust and tagliata of entrecote with rosemary. Gracious garden for outdoor dining. Top-rate wines. Open every day from 12.30 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. and from 7.30 p.m. to 2.00 a.m. Corso Rinascimento, 71. Tel. 066833567. All credit cards accepted.

Campo de Fiori

Roy Costantin – Situated in the historical centre of Rome, the Roy Costantin Restaurant invites you to try its fish specialities and a unique flambè service that will make the dish of your choice deliciously exciting. Open until late.

Piazza S.Paolo alla Regola, 40. Tel. 066869602. (Between Campo de’ Fiori and Via Arenula – behind M. di Grazia e Giustizia)

Hearthbreak Cook's Brasserie  – We’re not talking about the usual systems used for recycling air such as air-conditioners, but about an actual terrace on one of the most famous squares in the world : Campo de’ Fiori. Every night, a pilgrimage pratically takes place, young folks and those a little “less” young from all over Rome get together along with foreigners, and when having fun is goal, a visit to Heartbreak Cook’s Brasserie is obligatory because you can try typical Roman dishes, pizza, huge salads and the house wines. Open every day from 9.30 a.m. to 1.30 a.m.

Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, 53/54. Tel. 066875530. Credit cards accepted.

Ristorante S. Anna – Near the Campo de’ Fiori, delicious first courses like spaghetti al profumo di bosco and succulent second courses like fresh bass baked in rock salt, plus Roman-style pizza. Rustic sorroundings complete the atmosphere of this establishment in a historically notorious location near where Julius Caesar was killed. Open Monday – Saturday 12.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. and from 7.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. Closed Sunday.

Via di Sant’ Anna, 8/9 (Largo Argentina). Tel. 0668307190. All credit cards accepted.

Jewish section

Vecchia Roma - Best Trattoria  In the heart of the old Jewish Ghetto, a short walk from Michelangelo's Campodoglio, is Vecchia Roma, a landmark trattoria that's been feeding savvy Roman foodies for years. Even movie stars have been slipped this address as a place where they can enjoy good food and the "paparazzi will never find you." The antipasto selection is prepared fresh daily and is one of the finest in the area. The pasta and risotto dishes are succulent, and the meats--especially the lamb roasted in Roman ovens to crispy perfection--are from excellent cuts.

Via della Tribuna di Campitelli 18; tel. 06/6864604 All credit cards accepted.

Giggetto al Portico D'Ottavia – Tucked behind the ancient Portico d’ Ottavia, glimpse historical Rome and taste good Roman and Jewish cooking in a rustic, friendly setting. Specialities include : Jewish-style artichokes, fried salt-cod filets, chicory shoots with anchovy sauce and stuffed zucchini flowers. All accompanied by pleasant wines from the Castelli and other regions. Closed Monday.

Via del Portico d’ Ottavia, 21/a. Tel. 066861105. Credit cards and travellers cheques accepted.

Il Portico – Located in the heart of the Jewish Ghetto, this charming restaurant serves local food like rigatoni with offals, Roman tripe, green gnocchi in gorgonzola cheese, Jewish-style artichokes and “burn-your-fingers” lamb. Pizza served for lunch and dinner. To complement your meal, house wines from the Castelli Romani and Italian wines on request. Dining al fresco. Open daily from 12.30 to 3.30 p.m., from 6.30 p.m. to 12.30 a.m.

Via del Portico d’ Ottavia, 1/E. Tel. 066864642. All credit cards accepted.

La Taberna del Ghetto Kosher – This restaurant situated in the heart of the Jewish ghetto serves genuine Jewish Roman, exclusively kosher, cuisine. Dishes are therefore prepared with healthy products that respect the Jewish norms (under the supervision of the rabbinical offfice of Rome) : Jewish-style artichokes, homemade pasta, agnolotti pasta in meat sauce, bucatini all’ amatriciana, anchovies with endive, grilled meat, fresh fish, lamb, grilled veal escalopes with lemon, homemade cake. Kosher wines, air-conditioned interior. Take – away for Shabbat. Open daily 12 to 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, opens at 9 p.m. after the Shabbat. Closed Friday for dinner.

Via del Portico d’ Ottavia, 7B/8. Tel. 0668809771. All credit cards accepted.

Trastevere

Alberto Ciarla – For not only the best but the most beautiful seafood restaurant in Rome, go to Alberto Ciarla. This place was among the first to create new and innovative preparations of seafood, which Romans traditionally have either fried or put into soups. Overcooked seafood is definitely not on the agenda; some Romans even tried raw fish for the first time here. Although this restaurant doesn't enjoy the fame it did when it first opened, it's just as good as ever. Dishes are perfectly seasoned and designed to bring out the natural flavor of the sea.

Piazza San Cosimato 40; tel. 06/5818668. All credit cards accepted.

Riparte Cafè – A restaurant, grill, music bar and exhibition space located in the Ripa All Suites Hotel. Modern and elegant atmosphere. Personalized dishes include spaghetti cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) with asparagus tips, penne with fresh tomato, porcini mushrooms and bresaola (cured raw beef), Burgundian fondue (available for min. of 2 people), filet of grouper alla “Riparte”, carpaccio of tender beef with rughetta and Parmesan cheese and young hen with fennel and pineapple. Vast list of select Italian wines. Live music Monday, Wednsday, Thursday and Saturday. Open from 7.30 p.m. to midnight.Closed Sunday.

Via degli Orti di Trastevere, 1. Tel. 065861816. All credit cards accepted.

Sabatini - In the charming Piazza S. Maria in Trastevere, an historic establishment that is immediately associated and the tasty gems of Italian cuisine. Selected primary ingredients for a line prevailingly sea-inspired, next to traditional Roman dishes : linguine Sabatini (seafood – based), spaghetti with clams, grilled fish in citronette and a tender lamb on the skewer. Well-stocked wine cellar and professional service. Outdoor patio.

Piazza S. Maria in Trastevere, 13. Open Thursday – Tuesday 12.00 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. and from 7.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m. Tel. 065812026. Vicolo S. Maria in Trastevere, 18 Open Wednsday to Monday (same opening hours). Tel. 065818307.

Comparone – Situated in the heart of Trastevere in Piazza Piscinula, once the sight of ancient baths, Comparone is renowned for its authentic Roman dishes and for guaranteed fresh fish. Appetizers include a fried platter (salt-cod, apple, zucchini flowers, mozzarella). First courses range from classic Roman to light seafood, and entrées are divided between Roman specialties and seafood. Open Tuesday – Sunday from 1.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. and from 7.00 p.m. and 11.30 p.m.

Piazza del Piscinula, 47. Tel. 065816249

Papa Re – Located in picturesque Trastevere, this typical, cozy and inviting establishment boasts an excellent quality / cost ratio. Try the gnocchi with broccoli, tripe or pajata (veal offal) prepared Roman-style. Family run and open until late. Open Sunday – Friday from 12.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m., from 7.00 p.m. to midnight, Saturday from 7.00 p.m. to midnight. Closed Wednesday.

Via della Lungaretta, 149. Tel. 065812069 Credit cards accepted : V, MC.

Il Pastarellaro – Founded in 1848, this restaurant, the oldest in Trastevere, serves traditional Roman dishes like fried artichokes and zucchini flowers as well as first courses like bucatini all’ amatriciana and entrèes like ossobuco. Every evening piano music by pianist Luigi Tumiati ensures a warm, pleasant atmosphere. Open daily (except Wednesday) 1.00 p.m. to 3.30 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m.

Piazza San Crisogono, 33/35. Tel. 065810871 – 065896801

Credit cards accepted

Roma Sparita – Set in Trastevere with outdoor dining on a Medieval square. Favourite dishes include farfalle alla ghiottona, risotto with radicchio and walnuts, beef strips with porcini mushrooms, roast lamb, assorted pizza. During the summer, enjoy outdoor dining. Open Tuesday – Saturday 12.30 – 2.30 p.m., 7.30 – 11.30 p.m. Sunday open lunch only. Closed Monday.

Piazza S. Cecilia, 24. Tel. 065800757.

All credit cards accepted.

Taberna Piscinula – The only pizzeria in Rome with 6 dining rooms each dedicated to famous personalities of the past. Tasty pizzas prepared in a wood-fired oven with a thin Roman crust or the chewier Neapolitan one. Homemade ice cream. Typical wines are perfect accompaniments. Open Tuesday – Sunday 1.00 – 3.30 p.m. and 7.00 – 11.00 p.m. Closed Monday.

Piazza in Piscinula, 50. Tel. 065812525.

Vincenzo alla Lungaretta – In the heart of Trastevere, in business for 50 years, this restaurant offers excellent service. Local Roman specialities are served like rigatoni with offals, linguine allo scoglio and pasta with broccoli and sausage; grilled meat, fresh fish delivered daily, grilled vegetables and artichokes cooked Roman style. Pizza baked in a wood-burning oven is also served. Wines include national labels and names from the Castelli Romani. Open daily 12 – 4 p.m., 6 until midnight. Via della Lungaretta, 170 / 173. Tel. 065882876.

All credit cards accepted.

Da Vittorio – If you try a pie at Da Vittorio , deep in the heart of Trastevere, you'll probably agree with Vittorio's claim that he makes the best pizzas in Rome. The pizza Vittorio--with fresh basil, fresh tomato, Parmesan, and mozzarella--is our favorite. This is a popular, fun place, with outdoor tables in fair weather. The youthful crowd of diners fairly bursts with exuberance (not to mention pizza).

Via di San Cosimato 14A; tel. 06/5800353