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Best Italian Restaurants in Vatican City

Best Italian Restaurants in Vatican City

Curated guide featuring 7 outstanding restaurants, all rated 4.5+ stars

Home › Where to Eat › Best Italian Restaurants in Vatican City

When most visitors think of Vatican City, they picture the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica – but savvy food lovers know this tiny sovereign state harbors some of Rome's most exceptional Italian dining. Here, centuries-old culinary traditions meet the passionate craftsmanship of local chefs who've perfected their recipes in the shadow of Michelangelo's dome. From family-run trattorias serving handmade pasta that's been rolling off the same wooden boards for generations, to innovative street food vendors reimagining classic Roman flavors, Vatican City's restaurant scene pulses with an authenticity that's increasingly rare in tourist-heavy areas.

This guide showcases 10 outstanding Italian restaurants that have earned their stellar reputations through consistently exceptional food and service – each boasting ratings of 4.5 stars or higher from thousands of diners. You'll discover everything from intimate osterie where locals gather for late-night carbonara, to bustling pastificio workshops where you can watch artisans craft fresh tagliatelle before your eyes. Whether you're craving a leisurely multi-course feast after exploring the Vatican Museums or seeking a quick but memorable bite between sightseeing, these carefully selected gems will transform your visit from ordinary tourism into an unforgettable culinary journey through Italy's greatest flavors.

Featured Restaurants

La Nuova Piazzetta
$$

La Nuova Piazzetta

★★★★☆
4.8
(43,632 reviews)

Tucked away on a charming Roman side street, La Nuova Piazzetta has earned an exceptional reputation among both locals and travelers, with nearly 44,000 glowing reviews praising its diverse menu and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant's impressive 4.8-star rating speaks to consistently excellent food and service that keeps diners coming back for authentic flavors in the heart of Rome. Book ahead or arrive early, as this hidden gem's popularity means tables fill up quickly, especially during peak dining hours.

Vicolo del Buon Consiglio, 23/a, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
351 940 4029
Pastasciutta
$

Pastasciutta

★★★★☆
4.7
(8,889 reviews)

This beloved Roman gem near the Vatican serves up authentic pasta dishes that have earned raves from nearly 9,000 diners, making it a true local favorite discovered by savvy travelers. The combination of traditional recipes, generous portions, and wallet-friendly prices creates an unbeatable dining experience that keeps both tourists and Romans coming back. Arrive early for lunch or dinner to snag a table, as this popular spot fills up quickly once word gets out.

Via delle Grazie, 5, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Museum Restaurant
$

Museum Restaurant

★★★★☆
4.6
(6,467 reviews)

This beloved neighborhood gem near Vatican City has earned a stellar reputation among both locals and tourists, as evidenced by its impressive 4.6-star rating from over 6,000 reviews. The diverse menu and welcoming atmosphere make it a reliable choice for quality dining without breaking the bank. Book ahead or arrive early, as this popular spot fills up quickly thanks to its unbeatable combination of good food, fair prices, and consistently excellent service.

Via Santamaura, 5, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Tonnarello San Pietro
$$

Tonnarello San Pietro

★★★★☆
4.8
(4,978 reviews)

This beloved Roman gem near the Vatican has earned an impressive 4.8-star rating from nearly 5,000 diners who rave about its authentic atmosphere and diverse menu offerings. Travelers consistently praise the welcoming service and quality dishes that showcase both traditional Roman flavors and international options. Book ahead or arrive early, as this popular spot fills up quickly with both locals and visitors seeking a memorable dining experience in the heart of Rome.

Via del Mascherino, 80, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale
$$

Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale

★★★★☆
4.7
(4,716 reviews)

This beloved artisanal pasta shop in historic Borgo Pio has earned an exceptional reputation among both locals and tourists, with nearly 5,000 glowing reviews praising their handcrafted approach to Italian classics. The combination of authentic homemade pasta, welcoming atmosphere, and prime location near Vatican City makes it a standout choice that consistently delivers on quality without breaking the bank. Arrive early during peak tourist season, as this popular spot tends to fill up quickly with savvy travelers who've discovered this neighborhood gem.

Borgo Pio, 186, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Ristorante Arlù
$$

Ristorante Arlù

★★★★☆
4.5
(2,708 reviews)

Tucked away in the charming Borgo Pio neighborhood near Vatican City, Ristorante Arlù has won over nearly 3,000 diners with its welcoming atmosphere and diverse menu that caters to various tastes. The consistently high ratings suggest this local gem delivers reliable quality and friendly service that keeps both tourists and Romans coming back. Book ahead during peak tourist season, as its proximity to St. Peter's and stellar reputation make tables highly sought after.

Borgo Pio, 135, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
La Locanda di Pietro
$$

La Locanda di Pietro

★★★★☆
4.6
(2,438 reviews)

This beloved neighborhood gem near Vatican City has earned a stellar reputation among both locals and travelers, with over 2,400 glowing reviews praising its warm hospitality and consistently excellent food across multiple cuisines. The impressive 4.6-star rating speaks to La Locanda di Pietro's ability to deliver memorable dining experiences that keep guests coming back. Book ahead during peak tourist season, as this popular spot fills up quickly with savvy diners who've discovered its charm through word-of-mouth recommendations.

Via Sebastiano Veniero, 28/c, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

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