Discover the best restaurants for dining al fresco in Rome, from hidden gardens and rooftop terraces to outdoor tables in charming piazzas.

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Rome is at its best when meals move outdoors. From hidden hotel gardens and panoramic rooftops to candlelit terraces and tables set on charming piazzas, the city offers countless places to dine al fresco. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a relaxed aperitif or a summer lunch in the shade, here are some of the best outdoor restaurants in Rome.

INSPIRATION

Romantic
Garden

Via di San Teodoro, 48
06.69921077

Step inside to immerse yourself in a dreamlike atmosphere: ancient olive trees and citrus trees hidden by the clamor of the city. This peaceful garden restaurant is the perfect oasis for a candlelit dinner and a taste of refined Mediterranean flavours. Try the delicate scialatielli with burrata, tomato sauce and basil, followed by grilled sea bass with roasted potatoes, and finish with Unique’s homemade tiramisu.

Via della Madonna dei Monti, 28
06 699 0968

An intimate space designed for dinner, aperitif, or to simply browse through their impressive offering of products, with only a few tables outside. Come by for dinner to indulge in authentic dishes from Puglia and Piedmont. If you want to taste a perfectly-made parmigiana this is the place. And don’t leave without trying the riso, patate e cozze.

Via Di Monte Polacco, 2
06 8892 2987

Tucked away in a quiet corner, just a stone’s throw away from the heart of Monti, you’ll find the cozy Cuoco e Camicia. Seasonal products, a lovely service and a delicious menu that stays true to Italian origins while giving them a creative twist. Definitely don’t leave without having tried the ravioli filled with carbonara! If the weather allows, sipping a glass of wine on Cuoco e Camicia’s charming al fresco tables sitting on a cozy cobblestoned street is just the cherry on top of the cake.  

Pizza
Budget-friendly

Via Madonna dei Monti, 95
06.6792770

If you need to fulfil that pizza craving, search no more. Footsteps from the Roman Forum in a cobblestoned street in the , you’ll find the renowned Alle Carrette. Delicious thin-crust pizza cooked in a wooden oven, fast and friendly service and a great price-quality ratio. Once you’ve tried their fritti, it’s a guarantee you’ll be back for more. And the best part? It’s one of the few places in Monti where you can eat al fresco both in the winter and in the summer. Cheers to that!

Via del Velabro, 9

Retrobottega is one of Rome’s most original and acclaimed restaurants, with a cuisine that breaks away from Italian tradition without losing sight of it. Located on the top floor of Rhinoceros, it offers an ever-evolving menu of creative, technically refined dishes, from katsu-sando to unexpected risottos and a tiramisù that has earned a reputation of its own.

Open from breakfast through dinner, Retrobottega also features a bar with natural wines and carefully crafted cocktails. Its outdoor space overlooking Via del Velabro, just steps from the Arch of Janus and the Roman Forum, adds a striking setting to an already memorable experience. Booking recommended.

Roman classics
Historic

Via della Scrofa, 104/A
06.68806163

Just in front of the iconic Alfredo alla Scrofa restaurant you’ll find “” – an outdoor oasis that was once a parking lot and a meeting point. Not only can you dine there, but also sit down, relax, and write poetry while sipping a cocktail (the exclusive Alfredo’s Cup is a great one). Order the legendary Fettuccine Alfredo, the vignarola or the yummy cotoletta alla milanese.

Elegant
Cocktails

Via di Ripetta, 12
06.90218872

is an exquisite bar with elegant French salon accents and pompous chandeliers, but also a restaurant with the coziness of a Roman trattoria. But the decor isn’t everything: Il Marchese creates their magnificent dishes and signature cocktails with the desire to fuse together two different souls and create a unique and surprising balance of contrasts. Il Marchese is also Europe’s first Amaro bar with more than 500 different liqueur labels.

Romantic
Courtyard
Hotel dining

Via dell’Arancio, 69
06.878187

The restaurant at , named Adelaide in honor of Princess Borghese, has stunning open-air courtyard where the essence of Mediterranean cuisine mixes with Roman traditions with creative twists. Here, the union between simplicity and passion, gives rise to flavours that evoke nostalgic childhood memories and the enthralling scents of the sea.

Piazza seating
Wine selection

Piazza di Pietra, 45
06.6780662

In the shadow of the majestic temple of Hadrian, you will find Osteria dell’Ingegno with its beautiful outside space in Piazza di Pietra. Since 1997, for over 20 years, the Osteria has been one of the few places in the center where one can truly feel at home, because the host will remember your name once you go back. The menu is based on traditional and seasonal Italian cuisine with a flair of ingegno. The wine list has over 300 wines.

Roman classics
Piazza seating

Piazza delle Coppelle, 54/55/56
06.45502826

If you’re looking for an authentic place to eat in the Historic Center, which is no easy task, Coppelle is a great choice. The restaurant serves Roman classics such as rigatoni alla gricia, saltimbocca alla romana and polpette al sugo, but if you’re after something lighter to balance the summer heat, try the tuna tartare with avocado or their cicchetti, small tastings of different dishes. Sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere of Piazza delle Coppelle, one of the area’s most charming corners. Every Sunday, the vibe gets even livelier with a DJ set.

Roman classics
Good value

Piazza delle Coppelle, 44
06.68307895

Right across from “osteria delle coppelle” you will find this hidden gem. Named after the familiar pasta style known all around the world,  is your typical Roman restaurant with a diverse selection of dishes to choose from. With an outside seating area as well, you’ll be feeling like a local in no time.

Healthy
Vegan options

Via Borgognona 43-46 – Piazza Sant’Eustachio, 54-55 – Via del Corso, 173
06.96036390 | 06.6864995

A favorite place among locals of all ages, Ginger is a healthy option that you can rely on when in Rome. With two locations, Ginger has been a solid eatery option while cruising the centro storico. Especially great options, this is a location you’ll want to try if you’re looking for big salads, rich soups, and healthy beverages to accompany your meal.

Rooftop
Fine dining
Cocktails

Piazza di San Silvestro, 8
06.98261430

Brand new and already one of the most talked-about openings of 2026, Quid is a restaurant with a 360-degree rooftop terrace in a prime central location, just steps from Piazza Venezia and Via del Corso. The panoramic view over Rome is simply extraordinary, offering a sweeping glimpse of the city’s main monuments. The kitchen serves well-executed contemporary Italian dishes, from a revisited gricia to the chocolate praline trolley, while the bar offers creative and original cocktails. Service is warm, attentive and professional. Ideal both for a full dinner and for one of the city’s most spectacular rooftop aperitifs. Open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Seafood
Elegant

Piazza Nicosia, 24
06.6896299

This dining spot footsteps from Piazza Navona is a guarantee when it comes to . The setting is simple and elegant, and has remained the same through the decades. Order the tuna tartare with avocado as a starter, followed by the juicy spigola in crosta di patate. The wine selection is spectacular, with the best of Italian wine labels to choose from. The atmosphere, the food and the friendly service make it a must-stop for seafood lovers. Reservations are musts.

Rooftop
Romantic
Hotel dining

Piazza della Minerva, 69 (Pantheon)
06.844293

The rooftop restaurant of the Orient Express La Minerva offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Rome, with its domes and historic rooftops. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a sunset aperitif. The cuisine is contemporary Mediterranean, with a strong focus on seasonality and high-quality ingredients. Don’t miss the seafood crudo, homemade pasta, and the selection of artisanal desserts. Gigi Rigolatto is an invitation to experience the city at a slower, more relaxed pace.

Scenic location
River view

Via Ponte Quattro Capi ,17-18 (Isola Tiberina)
06.6877662

Cross the Ponte Fabricio, Rome’s oldest and only original bridge, to the Isola Tiberina and take a seat under the sun at Il Tiberino, a gem in the center of Rome. Situated in between the and , the terrace overlooks the beautiful Basilica San Bartolomeo all’Isola, built over the ruins of a millennia-old Roman temple. At Il Tiberino, enjoy some people watching, good food and friendly service before walking down the stairs for a walk on the Tiber River. A must for those looking for a stylish Roman experience. 

Roman classics
Romantic
Piazza seating

Piazza dei Ponziani, 7
06.5818355

This is one of the most popular . Da Teo opens up onto a quaint little piazza where tables are arranged underneath a dreamy canopy illuminated with white lights. Enjoy the classic Roman primi and secondi dishes like amatriciana, carbonara, and saltimbocca, and expect friendly and efficient service.

Regional Italian
Wine selection

Piazza di San Giovanni della Malva, 14
389.9484851

Dominating the characteristic Piazza dI San Giovanni della Malva in Trastevere, Bacco stands apart for its pastel colors and delicious smells. Not limited to Roman cuisine, Bacco also offers Sicilian and Tuscan specialities. The menu and wine pages are very diverse, and they recently expanded their selection of brewed digestive liqueurs that will take you on an imaginary tasting tour throughout Italy.

Fine dining
Garden
Historic

Via Garibaldi, 18
06.5809236

Typical Roman dishes made from lovingly sourced ingredients make up this restaurant, housed in a grain storehouse that once belonged to the neighbouring Papal State. Its dining rooms have been graced by a whole host of celebrities in its time, and it remains a landmark for traditional Roman cuisine in the city. Its outdoor, terraced garden rounds out your elegant dining experience.

Best cacio e pepe
Piazza seating

Piazza di Santa Cecilia, 24
06.5800757

Hailed by chef and TV personality Anthony Bourdain as having “the best cacio e pepe in Rome” (their version is served in a crispy parmesan cheese bowl) this lovely little trattoria is a must for any good foodie. Their outdoor seating overlooks Piazza di Santa Cecilia in a tranquil part of the Trastevere neighborhood, away from the chaos. Make sure to make a reservation – it’s nearly impossible to snag a table without one!

Best carbonara
Historic square

Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 18
06.51531465

Set on one of Rome’s most historic squares, built over the ruins of the Theatre of Pompey, Luciano Cucina Italiana has become a go-to address for those in search of the city’s best carbonara.

Made with semi-aged guanciale and a distinctive preparation technique, the dish is unique: different from the classic version, yet deeply authentic. The outdoor tables on the square make the experience even more enjoyable in summer. Also worth trying are the tiramisù, considered by many among the best in Rome, and the Roman-style tripe.

Roman classics
Good value

P.za della Cancelleria, 80
06.6897080

Located between Piazza Navona and this osteria serves authentic Roman cuisine in a warm, welcoming setting, with the option to dine outdoors. The carbonara is a must-try, one of the best in Rome.

Seafood
Celebrity spot
Piazza seating

Piazza de Ricci, 144
06 6861302

A favorite of A-list celebrities and moguls like Charlize Theron, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jamie Foxx, Pierluigi is where to go if you want to see and be seen. Besides its impressive clientele, the restaurant is also known for its outdoor seating on the historic Piazza de Ricci, as well as a spectacular menu that specializes in seafood. Reservations are a must!

Pizza
Good value

Via Monte della Farina 28/29
06 6476 0475

Go to Emma to taste the real Roman thin and crispy-crusted inside a modern interior space. Ingredients are as fresh as they get, and the quality is sky high. During the good season, sit down in their charming outdoor area and enjoy the Roman weather. Just a stone’s throw away from Largo Argentina, Emma is the perfect place for post sightseeing lunch, or for a yummy dinner before diving into Roman nightlife. The must-orders? Their margherita with buffalo mozzarella! Simple but golden!

Jewish-Roman
Piazza seating

Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 57
06.68892868

Located in the main square of the Jewish Ghetto, Ba’Ghetto has nearly become a household name when it comes to Judaic Roman cuisine.  All the typical recipes are reinvented in a modern version. The wine list has a wide selection of Italian and Israeli labels, with tags from France, Chile and California. Grab a table outside and watch the sauntering foot traffic as your enjoy a generous serving of their famed fried artichoke.

Good value
Wine pairing

Via dei Falegnami, 14
06.92118504

In the heart of the , just steps from the Portico d’Ottavia, Bottega Tredici has become one of the most appreciated restaurants in recent years for its great value for money and creative Italian cuisine. The outdoor tables on Via dei Falegnami offer an intimate, authentic atmosphere, away from the most touristy routes. Don’t miss the tasting menu with wine pairing and the cod ravioli. The kitchen focuses on seasonal ingredients, the service is professional, and the staff is also attentive to specific dietary needs.

Historic (since 1860)
Roman classics

Via Monte dè Cenci, 9
06 6880 6629

Tucked away in a quaint piazza in the Jewish Ghetto, this historical restaurant has been around since 1860, making it older than the unified Italian Republic. The restaurant offers exquisite, traditional Roman fare under the 19th century fresco painted ceilings. After a stroll in this beautiful neighbourhood, Piperno is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy lunch or dinner al fresco on its charming cobblestone street. Don’t leave without ordering their fried antipasti and their costolette di abbacchio.

Aperitivo
Casual bites

Piazza Mattei, 7/8 (Quartiere Ebraico)
06.59871785

Located in Piazza Mattei, this spot offers a peaceful setting, ideal for breakfast or an outdoor aperitif accompanied by the gentle sound of the Turtle Fountain. It’s perfect for a quick yet high-quality lunch break, as well as for aperitifs and dinners with sharing plates. Highlights include cacio e pepe potato chips, a selection of flavourful bruschette and excellent fried chicken. The bar also offers a solid, extensive selection of wines and cocktails.

Boat restaurant
Cocktails
Unique experience

Lungotevere Arnaldo da Brescia
06.94368869

If you are after something on the unconventional side, look no further than . A boat, a restaurant, and a cocktail bar all wrapped up in one, Baja literally floats on the Tiber River, and its sought after location makes for an exotic and luxurious dinner. Set sail on a mini-vacation from Rome, while you sip expertly mixed cocktails and nosh on Italian cuisine.

Secret garden
Art Nouveau
Cocktails

Via della Penna, 22
06.3610841

The secret garden of Hotel Locarno, one of Rome’s most beloved historic hotels, is the kind of discovery you don’t easily forget. Hidden behind an Art Nouveau doorway just steps from Piazza del Popolo, it offers refined cocktails, soft music, small bites and quality cuisine from breakfast until late at night.

Thanks to its dining anytime-anywhere concept, guests can book a table in different areas of the hotel, from the secret garden of Bar Locarno to the panoramic Terrazza Locarno. With its old-world atmosphere, lamps, climbing plants and Art Nouveau tables, it is the perfect setting for an aperitif or dinner away from the usual tourist routes.

Hotel dining
Poolside
Peruvian fusion

Lungotevere Arnaldo Brescia, 2 (Popolo)
06.3207042

Inside the luxurious Palazzo Dama you’ll find Pacifico, a restaurant in between your traditional Italian lunch and Peruvian inspired dinner. Crystal chandeliers dominate the atmosphere but you may also dine outdoors in the beautiful poolside garden. The must-order? The ceviche.

Hotel dining
Courtyard

Via di Ripetta 232
06.3222381

San Baylon is the restaurant of the elegant Palazzo Ripetta, not far from Piazza del Popolo. In addition to the various rooms of the 16th-century palace, San Baylon also boasts a beautiful inner courtyard, known as Piazzetta Ripetta, where guests can dine during the pleasant season. They offer reinterpretations of classic dishes and culinary creations that vary based on seasonality and the expertise of the Executive Chef.

Rooftop
Seafood
Fine dining

Via del Vantaggio, 14
06.3200655

Linger over lunch, enjoy a perfectly-mixed cocktail for aperitivo and stay on for dinner at Acquaroof while taking in the breathtaking views of Rome. Located on the of The First Hotel, this restaurant offers stunning panoramic views of the Eternal City, paired with a sweeping menu. The focus is on seafood, with a rich selection of caviar, oysters, seafood crudités and more from their fish bar.

Greenhouse
All-day dining

Via Decio Filipponi, 1
06.83986929

What’s better than being immersed in nature? Surrounded by a garden and plants in Monte Mario, Le Serre by Vivi Bistrot offers brunch, lunch, tea time, aperitivo, and dinner, so you can go at any time of the day. The restaurant is built within a former greenhouse and has a colorful outdoor area where you’ll be able to enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine mixed with subtle flavors from all over the world. 

Lush garden
Luxury hotel

Via del Babuino, 9
06.32888870

If you’re after the classic hotel club sandwich or a light meal in a lush garden setting, head to Le Jardin de Russie at Hotel de Russie, right on the haute couture of Via del Babuino. During the good season, immerse yourself in the garden area for a brunch or light lunch, and sit back, relax and enjoy the tranquil oasis this hotel has to offer. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City.

Garden
Museum café
Natural wines

Via Antonio Gramsci, 63
06.32651236

Caffè delle Arti, located within the , offers the opportunity to enjoy a moment of relaxation in a truly enchanting setting, particularly the outdoor garden situated right in front of Villa Borghese. Both for lunch and dinner, you can taste delicious dishes that blend Roman tradition and innovation. They also offer a wide selection of natural wines and the special cocktails for aperitivo, all inspired by the arts.

Courtyard
Fine dining
Romantic

Salita di San Nicola da Tolentino, 14
06 45249354

Just steps from Via Veneto, and one of the city’s newest destinations for al fresco dining. Its spacious inner courtyard, lush and green, offers an elegant and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for warm evenings. In the kitchen, Chef Antonio Gentile creates a dialogue between Rome and Na