The racetrack-shaped Piazza Navona, one of the world’s great public spaces, owes its form to the fact that in ancient Roman times it was an athletic stadium. The piazza and the narrow streets that surround it, are always bustling. Boutiques, restaurants, cafes, wine bars, butcher shops, wine bars, souvenir shops, and some of the best restaurants near Piazza Navona are all waiting to be discovered.
In the center, Bernini’s masterpiece, Fontana dei Quattro Fuimi, an ode to the world’s four great rivers, is one of the most awe-inspiring fountains in all of Rome. The cafes that line the square might be pricier than most, but one of the great Roman pastimes is sitting there, nursing a glass of wine or a cappuccino and watching the people walk by.
In addition to the square-lined cafes, there are a handful of great Roman eateries in the streets surrounding the famous square. When you’re in the area, or lost in the maze of medieval streets nearby, there are several where you can plonk down at a table, figure out where you are, and then tuck into a perfect bowl of pasta. To help you decide which ones are really worth your time, we’ve compiled a list of the 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 and 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, a few swipes of tomato sauce, a sprinkling of mozzarella, and then whatever else you might add to it. The crust is satisfying but light, so a whole pie to yourself might not even fill you up.
Emma Pizzeria
A six-minute walk south of Piazza Navona, Emma Pizzeria is one of the better 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.
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Fiammetta
This classic Roman trattoria, located just north of Piazza Navona, has been serving up high-quality Roman and Tuscan fare since 1944. Fiammetta was founded by the Christiani family who come from a town near Pisa in northern Tuscany. Start with an order of classic bruschetta and then move on to the excellent Roman pasta dish cacio e pepe or consider getting 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 and its 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 then 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 the ingredients of classic Roman pastas, such as carbonara, Amatriciana, and cacio e pepe.
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.