You probably already know this. I am obsessed with Rome. But I don't have 10,000 recs for you. I think the greatest thing about eating in the Italian capital is finding your spots, becoming a regular, and returning over and over. This is something even a casual visitor can do--try it! Go to the same coffee shop every morning during our stay and watch how they warm to you with each visit. The comfort of being a regular isn't just about that warm and fuzzy feeling. It's also because I don't think the city is packed with places worth your time, euros, and attention. Especially in the center of town. I spend a lot of time walking around centro in the mornings and I see the ingredients that get delivered to most places and it's not the farm fresh, organic stuff you would expect from Rome's romantic reputation. A lot of it's junk. So here's where to eat if you want to have an incredible experience and support awesome people while you do it.

For the classics, I love Armando al Pantheon. Yeah, it's right next to a major tourist destination but the Gargioli family is really devoted to the memory of their founder/father/grandfather Armando and they make great food. Online bookings open a month out and they go fast. Hire me for a culinary itinerary and I can help you with that:)

For super honest, affordable, delicious Roman/Umbrian/Sardinian specialties, plus pizza, served with a smile, Tavernaccia Da Bruno is it. Just don't get used to the kind and gentle service--it's not the norm here!

In the neo-trattoria category (that is, classics with some modern technique or contemporary tweaks), I love Cesare al Casaletto and Santo Palato. Also Cesare has incredible pizza. Everyone skips it in favor of the delicious pastas but they shouldn't. Basically you go there to carbo-load.

There are so many great places for pizza by the slice it's crazy. Obviously Pizzarium and Panificio Bonci are at the top. Antico Forno Roscioli and Forno Campo dei Fiori are great central locations for pizza bianca and pizza rossa slices.

Skip the Campo dei Fiori Market and visit a place that retains its Roman character. Go to Mercato Trionfale or even Mercato di Testaccio.

For gelato, check out Stefano Ferrara Gelato Lab, Otaleg, Il Gelato di Claudio Torce', Gori, Fatamorgana, Fior di Luna, Neve di Latte, Al Settimo Gelo, and Gelateria dei Gracchi.

Century-old Regoli and newly opened Roscioli Caffè offer excellent traditional Roman pastries, while Faro and Pergamino do great coffee.

C'e' Pasta…e Pasta is amazing for Roman Jewish classics in a cafeteria setting. Casalino in the Ghetto does nice friend things and pastas and is kosher.

Thristy? My favorite wine bars are Bulzoni, Il Goccetto, Beppe e I Suoi Formaggi, Sorso, La Mescita, Il Piccolo, Latteria, and L'Angolo Divino. For Italian craft beer beer, go to Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà, Open Baladin, Birra +, Artisan, and Jungle Juice. 

There are many more tips on my post about where to eat and drink in Rome in 2023 and in my Eater 38 guide (updated quarterly).