Few places capture the energy and beauty of Rome quite like Piazza Navona. With its elegant fountains, lively street performers, and grand Baroque architecture, this famous square is one of the world’s great public spaces. Built on the site of an ancient athletic stadium, its distinctive oval or “race-track” shape reflects its past. While today it buzzes with visitors and locals soaking up the atmosphere, often from the tables of the restaurants near Piazza Navona.
From cozy trattorias and traditional Roman kitchens to stylish wine bars and cafés. There are countless options just steps from the square, for you to eat, drink and watch the world go by. If you’re looking for great places to dine in this iconic neighborhood, here are some of the best restaurants near Piazza Navona to try…
8 Best Restaurants near Piazza Navona
Armando al Pantheon
A three-minute walk east of the plaza, Armando al Pantheon is one of the best restaurants near Piazza Navona. It has been in the business of satiating Roman appetites since 1961. In addition to making ideal versions of Roman staples, people particularly come here for the carbonara.
The one problem, however, is that everyone loves Armando and its classic wood-clad old-school atmosphere. So make a reservation as far in advance as possible.
Pizzeria Baffetto
Located on Via del Governo Vecchio, one of the most charming, curvy streets behind Piazza Navona is Pizzeria Baffetto. Yes, there are a lot of tourists who come to this 50-year-old spot. Yes, there’s always a line. And yes, the wait is worth it.
Baffetto makes classic old-school Roman pizzas. That means crispy cracker-thin crust covered in tomato sauce, a sprinkling of mozzarella, and whatever else you might add to it. The crust is satisfying but light, so ordering a whole pie to yourself isn´t a bad idea!
Emma Pizzeria
A six-minute walk south of Piazza Navona, Emma Pizzeria is another great Roman pizzerias you’ll find in the historical center. Emma makes her classic thin-crust Roman pies with organic ingredients and it shows in the taste. Splurge and get the margherita di bufala for a flavor-popping pizza experience.
Traveler’s tip: Have just a day to see all of Rome’s amazing sites? It’s not impossible—if you do it right. Check out our guide on what to see and do in 24 hours in Rome.
Fiammetta
Fiammetta was founded by the Christiani family who come from a town near Pisa in northern Tuscany. This classic Roman trattoria is located just north of Piazza Navona. It has been serving up high-quality Roman and Tuscan fare since 1944.
Start with an order of classic bruschetta. Then move on to the excellent pasta dish cacio e pepe, or a cracker-thin pizza a la Romana.
Il Convivio Troiani
North of the square, Il Convivio Troiani isn’t the cheapest Roman restaurant you’ll come across. But this Michelin-starred spot is splurge worthy. The chef here adds a lot of bold and intriguing twists to classic dishes.
‘Opened in the early ‘90s, the restaurant owners originally hailed from La Marche, so expect an influence that goes beyond Lazio. The 3600-bottle wine list is one of the best you’ll find in the historical center.
Pierluigi
Founded by Umberto Pierluigi in 1938, this is one of the oldest restaurants near Piazza Navona. Pierluigi focuses on seafood. Cast your gaze and your taste buds upon variations on the theme of just-pulled-from-the-sea crudo, tartare, and carpaccio before diving into various pastas laced with lobster, shrimp, scallops, or oysters. For something heartier, the saffron-laced sea bass filet is excellent.
Pipero
Michelin-starred and sought after by locals and visitors alike! Pipero is a splurge, but put yourself in the hospitable hands of owner and maître d, Alessandro Pipero, and you’ll be very happy. The restaurant offers only prix-fixe tasting menus.
Choose between a three-, six-, or eight-course meal. And prepare to be wowed by dishes that blend the flavor profiles of Rome and southern Italy. The carbonara here is especially worth your attention.
Supplizio
Chef Arcangelo Dandini, who runs the show at his excellent, eponymous restaurant in Prati. L’Arcangelo, is the man behind this casual spot in the labyrinth of lanes wedged between Piazza Navona and the Tiber River.
Supplizio makes just one thing: Suppli, the baseball-sized fried rice balls stuffed with savory things. For example, you can get suppli stuffed with classic pasta ingredients, such as carbonara, Amatriciana, and cacio e pepe.
Insider’s tip: If you really want to experience Roman cuisine and bring more than memories back home, why not consider a Pizza Making Class in Rome? Once you learn the tricks of the pizza-making trade, you’ll never order out again!
FAQs – Eating at Restaurants Near Piazza Navona
How much does it cost to eat near Piazza Navona?
Prices can vary widely depending on the type of restaurant. A casual meal such as pizza, pasta, or street food might cost €12-€20 per person. A full dinner with wine at a traditional trattoria could range from €30-€50. Fine-dining restaurants or Michelin-starred spots in the area can easily exceed €80-€120 per person, especially if you opt for tasting menus.
Do you need reservations at restaurants near Piazza Navona?
Because Piazza Navona is one of the most popular areas in Rome, reservations are strongly recommended. Especially for well-known restaurants and for dinner between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM. Some casual places and pizzerias operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but even then you are likely to encounter a line during peak hours.
Is tipping expected in restaurants in Rome?
Tipping in Italy is appreciated but not mandatory. Many restaurants already include a coperto (a small cover charge, usually €1 – €3 per person) on the bill. If you enjoyed the service, it’s common to leave a few extra euros or round up the bill. Compulsory tips like those in the United States are not expected. However, tips are much appreciated by the wait staff, as they see it as a compliment about their good service, not a given.
What time do locals usually eat dinner near Piazza Navona?
Romans tend to eat dinner later than visitors might expect. Most locals sit down for dinner around 8:00 PM or later, and restaurants often don’t get busy until then. If you prefer a quieter experience, consider dining earlier in the evening or going for a long lunch when the pace around the piazza is a little more relaxed.
As you can see, there are plenty of amazing restaurants near Piazza Navona. And if you’re left with wanting more of Rome’s top culinary spots, why not sign up for an amazing food tour in what is, without a doubt, one of the world’s top culinary cities? You have many options to choose from! Including our much-loved Testaccio food tour with local market visit or touring Trastevere’s local restaurants, ending with a sunset cocktail on a rooftop.