Whereas the city below can often seem loud, busy and chaotic, respite can be found in the Rooftop restaurants in Rome. Dangling a few Michelin stars, many offer breathtaking views; some a full 360 degrees of it, so you can’t go wrong wherever you go. What’s left is for you to decide what to eat, and with that in mind, here’s a little help.
10 best picks of Rooftop restaurants in Rome
La Pergola
Where better to start our culinary journey of dining with a view than from the very top, quite literally, at La Pergola at the Rome Cavalieri. La Pergola is one of the best restaurants in Rome, if not Italy, and the only one to have been awarded three Michelin Stars, which it has proudly retained for over a decade.
Open only for dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, the menu offers a fusion of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine and a view of Rome like none other, not to mention a wine cellar with over 65,000 bottles of wine and a water menu to boot. Don’t panic, though – you are in very good hands and have your table all evening to fully immerse yourself into this lifetime experience.
- Booking is recommended at least four months in advance, with a 72-hr cancellation/change period. Please note that the restaurant will be closed for summer break from 14-29 August.
- Address: Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, 00136, Rome
Aroma restaurant
Located on the top floor of Palazzo Manfredi (a 17th Century residence in the heart of Rome), there is yet another Michelin star restaurant, Aroma. This intimate Michelin star restaurant not only serves exquisite classic Italian dishes, but it also offers unparalleled views of the Colosseum: views that can be enjoyed all year round thanks to retractable walls and roof. There’s a choice between an a la carte or, if you prefer sampling a bit of everything, a tasting menu, with a wine pairing option guided by the friendly and knowledgeable sommelier, of course.
- Aroma is open for lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 hrs and every day for dinner from 19:30 hrs. Booking is highly recommended, and the dress code is smart casual. However, there is a more casual Bistro next door that offers views of the Colle Oppio Gardens with food and service of the same standard.
- Address: Via Labicana, 125, 00184, Rome
Mater Terrae
We’ve established that Rome is not short of romantic settings, but surely, one of the most beautiful of them all must be the Raphaël Hotel, on the roof of which you will find Mater Terrae. Located at Piazza Navona, Mater Terrae offers a 360-degree view of the famous Italian skyline and the tinkling fountains of the piazza below.
The restaurant serves fine Italian vegetarian and vegan cuisine, prepared with organic and seasonal ingredients. The food is so good you will not miss the meat. To continue with their green eco-ethos, even the wines are organic. A restaurant that cares not only about your wellbeing but the environment too.
- Booking is highly recommended. Mater Terrae is open daily from 12:00 hrs.
- Address: Largo Febo, 2 00186, Rome
Terrazza Borromini
Yet another rooftop restaurant located at Piazza Novana, Terrazza Borromini is set in a 17th Century palazzo and overlooks the piazza’s fountains with views of St Peter’s. Start with a drink at the roof terrace bar on the 5th floor, which only recently opened to the public. Then head down to the 4th floor with views just as stunning for your dinner. The cuisine is Mediterranean with a classic traditional Roman twist, using ingredients sourced from all over Italy.
- Open daily, Terraza Borromini’s lunch service starts at 12:00 hrs, and dinner is served from 19:00 hrs. Reservation is recommended.
- Address: Via di Sant Maria dell’Anima, 30, 00186, Rome
Zuma
These days, it appears that a city is not complete without a Zuma restaurant and in Rome, it even comes with a view. Spread over two floors, on top of the trendy Fendi Palazzo, you have a choice of a beautiful indoor restaurant or an outdoor terrace, both offering a modern take on traditional Japanese dishes.
You can choose from a menu of small sharing dishes, or just be brave and let the chef decide what’s for dinner whilst you enjoy your views and soak in the trendy atmosphere. There is a vegetarian offering, too, and you will find the staff friendly and the service impeccable.
Whilst you could just walk in at lunchtime and manage to get a table, it’s highly recommended to make a reservation for evenings. Lunch is served every day from
- 12:00 hrs and dinner from 19:00 hrs.
- Address: Via della Fontanella de Borghese, 48, 00186, Rome
Acquaroof Terrazza Molinar
Seeing as we are hanging out with the hip crowd, we had better head to this glamorous and sophisticated spot at the Hotel First Arte; we did pack a slinky number, after all. Acquaroof is a modern fine dining experience with attitude. The menu, seafood-based whilst traditional Italian, is creative and is offered via a-la-carte, a tasting menu or in tapas form for dishes that can be shared.
- Open from 07:30 hrs every day, this is a place you can easily spend the whole day without tiring of the views and food. Lunch is served from 12:30 hrs, and dinner starts from 19:30hrs. Booking is highly recommended, especially for the evening.
- Address: Via del Vantaggio, 14, 00186, Rome
Ristorante Roof Garden
With endless views stretching from Piazza Venezia as far as the Colosseum, this flower-filled restaurant at the top of the Hotel Forum specialises in international cuisine with an Italian flair.
The menu is extensive; it’s one of those places you wish had a tasting menu so you could try as many dishes as possible. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff accommodating. Don’t forget to pop to the American bar at the top for either an aperitif or digestif.
- They are open for lunch from 12:30 hrs on Saturday and Sunday. Dinner is served from 19:30 hrs Monday to Saturday.
- Address: Via Tor de’ Conti, 25, 00184, Rome
La Terrazza Bar
If you are seeking a more laid-back way to dine in the evenings without compromising on your views, then this intimate and relaxing setting is just it. Set at the top of the boutique Hotel Capo d’Africa, La Terrazza offers casual but refined Roman cuisine with a view of the Abside dei SS. Quattro Coronati, a rare example of medieval art in Rome.
- The terrace is best enjoyed in the evenings.
- Address: Via Capo d’Africa, 54, 10084, Rome
The best rooftop restaurants in Rome – Angelina
If you want something even more low key, like pizza – oh yes, we are in Rome after all – it doesn’t come with a better atmosphere than at this shabby chic restaurant. Located in the Testaccio Quarter, one of the most historic parts of Rome and an area known for its pizzas, you’ll find the elegance of Angelina. The place buzzes with atmosphere: reclaimed wooden tables, whitewashed walls and large wood-fired ovens that offer delicious pizzas and BBQ meats. The terrace, filled with lemon and olive trees and perfect for the warm months, overlooks the ancient market square.
- Open for lunch every day from 12:30 hrs and dinner from 19:30 hrs.
- Address: Via Galvani, 24a, 00153, Rome
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