10 romantic restaurants in Rome for the best date night
With so many historic landmarks, beautiful piazzas, and charming culture, Rome is one of the most romantic cities in the world. It can’t be chalked up to one reason, but the Eternal City has more idyllic places for a couple to share a meal than almost any other place. Whether it’s a centuries-old fine dining establishment, a piazza-side wine bar, or even a gelato stand, Rome’s restaurants are simply oozing with romance and charm.
If you’re planning a trip for Valentine’s Day or are celebrating a special occasion, you want things to go perfectly. Doing a little bit of research ahead of time will go a long way in setting up the perfect romantic dinner. One way to stay organized is by finding a luggage storage location in Rome to keep your bags. Another way is to make sure you know where you're headed for dinner. Just remember, not every date needs to be at a Michelin-star restaurant.
Here are the best romantic restaurants in Rome:
Adelaide Ristorante & In Salotto
Just walking down Via dell'Arancio with your date is romantic, but by stopping at the stunning Hotel Villon, you’ll find one of the most romantic restaurants in Rome. You don’t need to be a guest at the hotel in order to dine at their fine dining restaurant, Adelaide. However, if you want to make your trip to Rome as romantic as possible, you can always opt to stay at this luxury hotel. Both the hotel and restaurant feature elegant, modern design that is well-suited for a romantic meal with delicious food. The open-air dining room and lounge will feel comfortable throughout the year, especially when the weather is perfect. Reservations are recommended, as this boutique hotel isn’t huge, and neither is the restaurant.
Their menu has modern takes on Italian cuisine along with a few surprising twists. Everything from veal to their unique take on spaghetti will satisfy your craving for Italian flavors but also keep things interesting.
Our recommendation:
A romantic dinner should start with a tasty cocktail, and Adelaide’s lounge pours a few signature drinks from their mixologist along with classics like the Negroni. If it’s one of those sweltering Roman summer days, a spritz is a perfect way to cool down. There’s also a deep wine list to explore for dinner.
Location:
Via dell'Arancio, 69, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Price level:
$$$
Antico Arco
Located in the restaurant mecca Trastevere neighborhood, this fine dining institution is one of Rome’s most romantic restaurants. Just walking up to Antico Arco from Piazza Garibaldi is highly recommended. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city, and you’ll catch a glimpse of the Colosseum and even the Spanish Steps from afar.
Once you’re inside, you’ll be treated to classic Italian fare prepared perfectly and elegantly presented. There’s just the right amount of modern touch to this place. It keeps its authentic character while achieving a level of quality and innovation that makes it one of Rome’s culinary gems.
Our recommendation:
The risotto with rotating toppings is the most popular item on the menu. It also never hurts to add truffles to everything you order. The wine list is exceptional here, but if you just got done walking up the hill from Piazza Garibaldi, you’ll want something light and refreshing like Prosecco or a spritz.
Location:
Piazzale Aurelio, 7, 00152 Roma RM, Italy
Price level:
$$$
Aroma
Located on the top floor of The Relais & Châteaux Hotel is Aroma, a bright and airy fine dining restaurant specializing in Roman cuisine. The views of Colle Oppio alone attract droves of local and traveling customers. The dining spaces are comfortable but chic, with the perfect atmosphere for a date.
Aroma isn’t the biggest restaurant, so seating can be limited. This adds to the intimate environment that makes Aroma perfect for dates. Making a reservation (thankfully, you don’t have to be a hotel guest) is the best way to make sure the evening runs smoothly.
Our recommendation:
The entire restaurant’s concept is based on traditional Roman dishes driven by fresh, seasonal ingredients. The food mixes modern and classic sensibilities and is incredibly approachable. Definitely check out the bar area before your romantic dinner for an aperitif to enjoy the stunning views. You’ll definitely spark some jealousy with Instagrams of the food, the bar, and the view.
Location:
Via Labicana, 125, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Price level:
$$$$
Imàgo
One way to impress a date is to make reservation months in advance for a Michelin-starred restaurant, which is exactly what you need to do to find a table at this intimate restaurant. Enjoying panoramic views of Rome’s historic city center from the sixth floor of Hotel Hassler, along with a glass of wine and traditional Italian food, is the perfect way to spend an evening.
Our recommendation:
Expect modern and inventive dishes from a menu that rotates almost daily. Each of these dishes has been plucked and placed and designed and labored over, which has the deserved title of “tweezer food.” But it gets Michelin stars for a reason. It’s delicious, thought-provoking, and impressive. Tip: eat a big lunch before heading to Imàgo because the portions aren’t massive here.
Location:
Piazza della Trinità dei Monti, 6, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Price level:
$$$$
The Library
The Library checks all the boxes for what you expect of romantic restaurants in Rome. It’s a classic restaurant with a dimly lit dining room, candle-lit tables, and even a performer singing traditional Italian songs. This place is almost cartoonishly romantic. And yet, it never goes too far, so the only cheese involved will be the parmesan you’re adding to the delicious pasta or regional Italian dish you’re eating.
Despite the reputation, The Library is a surprisingly casual place to grab a meal. It’s just off the main street in an alley, and grabbing a table isn’t impossible. If there’s a wait, it’s well worth it because this is a true Roman institution.
Our recommendation:
Work off an indulgent meal by taking a romantic stroll around Piazza Navona, which is only a few minutes from The Library. The Pantheon and Trevi Fountain are also nearby. It’ll cap off a memorable evening, and there will be plenty of cafés and wine bars to pop into to keep the night going.
Location:
Vicolo della Cancelleria, 36, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Price level:
$$$
Ristorante Mirabelle
This rooftop restaurant is located at the Hotel Splendide Royal and boasts a truly elegant dining room suitable for a romantic evening. The panoramic views of Rome will be the first thing you notice, but soon you’ll be captivated by the unbelievable food and drink. Mirabelle serves one of the best-tasting menus in Rome, and the sommelier-curated wine list is truly impressive.
The food takes inspiration from traditional Italian food and adds some modern touches. Mirabelle is also one of the best options for gluten-free dining in Rome, which will come as a relief in a city dominated by pasta and arancini. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Our recommendation:
Wine enthusiasts will have an amazing evening exploring their impressive menu. Getting here early to enjoy a drink before your meal is recommended because the wine selection is that good, but the views of Rome’s historic city center are even better.
Location:
Via di Porta Pinciana, 14, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Price level:
$$$$
Il Pagliaccio
If you’re hoping to impress your date with a romantic meal and scored a reservation to a Michelin-starred restaurant like Il Pagliaccio, then you’re looking good. Known for its superb food by renowned chef Anthony Genovese and intimate setting, Il Pagliaccio is one of Rome’s most romantic restaurants and should be at the top of your list of date night destinations.
If you have a few weeks (or months), you should be able to snag a reservation. This is an upscale restaurant with upscale expectations for all involved, so dress to impress.
Our recommendation:
Expect modern cuisine with a wide spectrum of influences. Il Pagliaccio showcases regional Italian ingredients, but the palate is global. If you’re looking for familiar favorites, this might not be your best option. This place won Michelin recognition for taking food to the next level, not for being a romantic restaurant. But if you’re trying to impress a foodie, there’s no better restaurant in Rome.
Location:
Via dei Banchi Vecchi, 129/a, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Price level:
$$$
PER ME - Giulio Terrinoni
When a chef’s name is mentioned in the name of a restaurant, you know the food is going to be stellar, the ambiance will be refined, and the check won’t be cheap. That’s certainly the case with Giulio Terrinoni’s Per Me, which combines his Michelin star pedigree with a stylish and modern dining room. Of the many very reputable dining establishments, this has to be the best place for a romantic dinner. Creative takes on traditional Italian seafood classics and a sommelier-driven wine list make this a fine dining powerhouse in Rome.
Our recommendation:
Located on the typically gorgeous Vicolo del Malpasso, you’ll want to find a table outside. The people-watching will be fantastic, but the street is quiet enough that your evening will still be intimate. Make a reservation well in advance because this space is small, and the restaurant is world-renowned.
Location:
Vicolo del Malpasso, 9, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Price level:
$$$$
Retrobottega
Romantic restaurants don’t necessarily have to conform to the candle-lit scenes inspired by Lady and the Tramp and every other 1990s movie. They can be sleek, modern, and even fun. Younger couples visiting Rome will undoubtedly enjoy the novelty of Rome’s historic trattorias and cafés, but that doesn’t mean every meal has to be in a 200-year-old piazza-side restaurant. Retrobottega’s location is also superb, with both the Pantheon and Piazza Navona within walking distance. If you indulge a little too much, taking a romantic stroll down some gorgeous cobblestone streets will be the perfect way to cap off a romantic evening.
A few tips: making a reservation during the weekend is all but required. The clientele, though hip and younger, are well dressed. Impress your date by remembering that the silverware is kept in a drawer at each place setting. Yes, this place is that modern.
Our recommendation:
They have a five-course tasting menu as well as a la carte options, which both rotate regularly. The prix fixe menu is reasonably priced compared with other restaurants, and Retrobottega does a nice job coursing the meal out between their mains, sides, and apps. Carnivores will doubtless opt for the wild boar tartare to start, but there’s a myriad of delicious options ranging from veal to cuttlefish.
Location:
Via della Stelletta, 4, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Price level:
$$
Zia Restaurant
The Trastevere neighborhood is absolutely stacked with superb restaurants, making it the best destination for a romantic dinner. One of the most romantic restaurants in the area is Zia, which combines classic Italian cuisine with modern cooking techniques and presentation. The food, dining room, and ambiance are all sleek and sexy, making it the perfect place to bring a date. The dining and lounge designs are heavily inspired by Scandinavian minimalism, which will be a nice contrast from your standard (almost too quaint) historic Roman trattoria.
Rome is more often associated with historic and classic cuisine than modern culinary innovations, but Zia has managed to marry the two to create one of Rome’s most interesting menus.
Our recommendation:
The seasonal menu changes quite a bit, but you can expect well-executed regional Italian cuisine that goes way beyond pasta. Carnivores will love Zia, as the menu favors hearty cuts of lamb, continental delicacies like sweetbread, and even pulled pork. All are paired with super fresh produce. While some of these options may sound austere, especially options like sweetbreads, each dish has an inventive modern twist.
All of this may sound overly indulgent, but the prices aren’t exorbitant, especially their €55 five-course tasting menu.
Location:
Via Goffredo Mameli, 45, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Price level:
$$
Conclusion
With so many romantic restaurants and cafes in Rome, you don’t necessarily need to opt for a world-famous fine dining institution or Michelin-starred restaurant. Sometimes, choosing a hole-in-the-wall wine bar with traditional Roman street food or finding one of Rome's best rooftop terraces will do for a romantic dinner. Wherever you choose to enjoy a candlelit dinner with your significant other, just know you have plenty of amazing choices. And there’s no way to go wrong.
