UPDATED FOR 2019: Visiting Rome in August used to mean eating badly or seldom, but things have changed in recent years (sadly due to the mounting economic crisis which no longer permits many businesses to shutter for a month) and now gastronomic-minded visitors need not compromise. Some great restaurants in Rome will be open for the entire month, so whether you want fine dining, the city’s best gricia, pizza, or some down-home offal, you won’t be disappointed.
Please note, these openings have been updated for 2019. They were accurate when published. Be sure to book well in advance and bear in mind that August 15 (The Feast of the Assumption aka Ferragosto) is a national holiday and most (but not all!) businesses citywide will be closed. The following places will be open August 15: Cesare al Casaletto, Tavernaccia Da Bruno, Nonna Betta, La Gensola, Antico Arco, Mesob, Pizzarium, Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fa, Open Baladin and Mostò.
And here are general opening/closing times in August for these and other venues:
Restaurants and Trattorias
Cesare al Casaletto
Via del Casaletto 45 (Gianicolense)
(+39) 06 53 60 15
Open: Thu-Tue (12:45pm-3pm & 7:45-11pm)
Closed: Wednesdays
Salumeria Roscioli
Via dei Giubbonari 21 (Centro Storico)
(+39) 06 68 75 287
Open: Mon-Sat (12:30-4pm & 4pm-12am)
Closed: Sundays, August 15th
La Gensola
Piazza della Gensola 15 (Trastevere)
(+39) 06 58 33 2758
Open: Mon (7:45am-11:30pm) Tue-Sat (12:30-3pm & 7:45-11:30pm)
Closed: Sundays all day, Monday lunch
Antico Arco
Piazzale Aurelio 7 (Trastevere)
(+39) 06 581 5274
Open: Mon-Sun (12pm-12am)
Closed: Never
Tavernaccia Da Bruno
Via Giovanni da Castel Bolognese 63 (Trastevere)
(+39) 06 58 12 792
Open: Thu-Tue (12:30-3pm & 7:30-11:30pm)
Closed: Wednesdays, August 26th to September 19th
Santo Palato
Piazza Tarquinia 4a/b (Appio-Latino)
06.77.20.7354
Open: Tue-Fri (12:30-3:30pm & 8-11:30pm) Sat-Sun (1-3:30pm & 8-11:30pm)
Closed: Mondays, August 12th to 26th
Il Sanlorenzo
Via dei Chiavari 4 (Centro)
(+39) 06 686 5097
Open: Tue-Fri (12:45-2:45pm & 7:30-11pm) Sat & Mon (7:30-11pm)
Closed: Sundays, August 4th – 25th
Piatto Romano
Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni 62 (Testaccio)
(+39) 06 6401 4447
Open: Mon-Sun (12:30-3pm & 7:30-11:30pm)
Closed: August 5th to 31st
Al Moro
Vicolo delle Bollette 13 (Trevi)
(+39) 06 678 3495
Open: Mon-Sat (12:30-3:30pm & 7:30-11:30pm)
Closed: Sundays, August 4th to September 4th
Tempio di Iside
Via Pietro Verri 11 (Colosseo)
(+39) 06 700 4741
Open: Mon-Sat (12-3pm & 7:30-11pm)
Closed: Sundays, August 11th to September 1st
Tram Tram
Via dei Reti 44 (San Lorenzo)
(+39) 06 490416
Open: Tue-Sat (12:30-3pm & 7:30-11pm) Sun (7:30-11pm)
Closed: Sunday lunch, Mondays, August 12th – 23rd
Marigold
Via Giovanni da Empoli, 27 (Ostiense)
(+39) 06 8772 5679
Open: Tue-Thu (8am-5pm) Fri (8am-11pm) Sat (9-3pm & 6-11pm) Sun (9am-4pm)
Closed: Mondays, August 12th to September 3rd
Osteria Bonelli
Viale dell’Acquedotto Alessandrino 172 (Tor Pignattara)
(+39) 329 863 3077
Open: Mon-Sat (1-2:30pm & 8-11pm)
Closed: Sundays, August 3rd to September 2nd
Sorpasso
Via Properzio 31-33 (Prati)
(+39) 06 8902 4554
Open: Mon-Fri (7:30am-1am) Sat (9am-1am)
Closed: Sundays, August 3rd to 27th
Pro Loco DOL
Via Domenico Panaroli 35 (Centocelle)
(+39) 06 2430 0765
Open: Mon-Sat (8:30am-12am)
Closed: Sundays, August 3rd to 26th
Mesob
Via Prenestina 118 (Prenestina)
(+39) 320 564 5436
Open: Every day upon booking (7pm-12:30am)
Closed: Never
Kiko Sushi Bar
Piazzale del Verano 90 (San Lorenzo)
(+39) 06 9484 9822
Open: Tue-Sat (1-2:30pm & 8-11pm) Sun (8-11pm)
Closed: Sunday lunch, Mondays, August 15th, 16th
Pizzerias
Tonda
Via Valle Corteno 31 (Nomentano)
(+39) 06 818 0960
Open: Mon-Sun (7:45pm to 11:30pm)
Closed: August 14th to 21st
Sforno
Via Statilio Ottato 110/116 (Tuscolana)
(+39) 06 7154 6118
Open: Mon-Sun (7:30-11:30pm)
Closed: August 11th to 21st
Pizzeria Ostiense
Via Ostiense 56 b/c
(+39) 06 5730 5081
Open: Mon-Sun (6:30pm-1:30am)
Closed: August 12th to 25th
180g Pizzeria Romana
Via Tor de’ Schiavi 53 (Centocelle)
(+39) 06 6932 4986
Open: Wed-Mon (7:30-11:30pm)
Closed: Tuesdays, August 15th
Sbanco
Via Siria 1 (Appio-Latino)
(+39) 06 789318
Open: Mon-Sun (7:30-12pm)
Closed: August 9th to 19th
Street Food, Bakeries, and Takeaway Joints
Trapizzino Trastevere
Piazza Trilussa 46 (Trastevere)
(+39) 06 581 7312
Open: Every day (12pm to 1pm)
Closed: August 14th and 15th
Trapizzino Testaccio
Via Giovanni Branca 88 (Testaccio)
(+39) 06 4341 9624
Open: Between Aug 5th and from Aug 24th evenings only (6pm-1am) – Normal hours: Tue-Sun (12pm-1am)
Closed: Mondays, August 12th to 16th
Antico Forno Roscioli
Via dei Chiavari 34 (Centro Storico)
(+39) 06 68 64 045
Open: Mon-Sat (7am-8pm) Sun (8:30am-7pm)
Closed: August 15th
Pizzarium
Via della Meloria 43 (Trionfale)
(+39) 06 39 74 5416
Open: Mon-Sat (11am-10pm) Sun (12-4pm & 6-10pm)
Closed: Never
Forno Campo de’ Fiori
Piazza Campo de’ Fiori 22 (Centro)
(+39) 06 6880 6662
Open: Mon-Sat (7:30-2:30pm-4:45-8pm)
Closed: Sundays, August 15th
Panificio Bonci
Via Trionfale 36 (Trionfale)
(+39) 06 3973 4457
Open: (Summer time) Mon-Fri (8:30am-3pm & 5-8:30pm) Sat (8:30am-3pm & 6-8:30pm)
Closed: Sundays, August 4th to 25th
C’è Pasta e Pasta
Via Ettore Rolli 29 (Trastevere)
(+39) 06 5832 0125
Open: Sun-Thu (8:30am-3pm & 6-9:30pm) Fri (8:30am-3pm)
Closed: Friday evenings, Saturdays, August 15th to 28th
Cafés, Craft Beer Pubs, and Wine Bars
Roscioli Caffè
Piazza Benedetto Cairoli 16 (Centro)
(+39) 06 8916 5330
Open: Mon-Sat (7am-11pm) Sun (8am-4pm)
Closed: August 12th to 21st
Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà (beers only)
Via di Benedetta 25 (Trastevere)
(+39) 06 6456 2046
Open: Everyday (11am-2am)
Closed: Never
Open Baladin
Via Degli Specchi 5-6 (Centro Storico)
(+39) 06 68 38 989
Open: Everyday (12pm-2am)
Closed: July 28th to August 4th
Mostò
Viale Pinturicchio 32 (Flaminio)
(+39) 392 2579616
Open: (May-Aug) Mon-Sat (6:30pm-1:30am) – (Sept-Apr) Tue-Sun (6:30pm-1:30am)
Closed: August 16th to 30th
Osteria di Birra del Borgo
Via Silla 26/a (Prati)
(+39) 06 8376 2316
Open: Mon-Sun (12pm-2am)
Closed: August 14th and 15th
Litro
Via Fratelli Bonnet 5 (Monteverde)
(+39) 06 45 44 7639
Open: Mon-Sat (6pm-12:30am)
Closed: Sundays, August 9th to 25th
Good to know and will pass it on.
Darn! Was hoping Flavio would be open for lunch on Sundays in August. Well, good to know…thanks for the info.
Contrary to popular belief, I think August can be a good time to visit Rome. I’ve had some nice visits there during August. I have an article on August in Italy that I’m updating – http://bit.ly/Qk1DUm – and adding a link to this post as it is very helpful.
What about September?! We arrive in Rome on 1st September 🙂
August 15th is a Wednesday. Not a Monday as stated above.
here’s where to eat year round in rome: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/katie-parlas-rome-for-foodies/id475306005?mt=8
The app is not available to download. Is it only available in Italy?
the app is dead. RIP.
Thanks – will take a look at link 🙂
I’m a fan of this blog for years. I’m in Rome right now and can confirm closure/opening for other restaurants (mostly mentioned on this blog before). While there are only 10 or so more days, hopefully this saves someone time.
Closed for August: Osteria Fernanda, L’Asino d’Oro, Tricolore, Aromaticus, Enoteca Provincia Romana, Open Colonna, Armando al Pantheon, Settimio al Pellegrino, Metamorfosi
Definitely open: La Gensola, Panella
Not sure: Le Mani in Pasta, I think, is closed too. They have a cryptic note on their website.
Also, I was sad I couldn’t locate Mesob but went to Porchettoni also mentioned here instead. I took the #14 tram and got off at the 2nd Via Pernestina stop, walked up and down 5 blocks, twice, asked some storeowners and had to give up.
Ciao Katie. My wife and I sincerely trust in your recommendations as well as just a couple other Rome foodie bloggers. I’m trying to pass on our feedback from a recent experience about a restaurant you and most everyone has promoted favorably. We thought Flavio al Velavevodetto was a great quality meal for the price and went about once a month for the authentic cucina romana, but the last few times they have declined significantly and our most recent was a complete fail. Just wanted to give you a heads up that your recommendation may need reviewing. I wrote about the experience on my blog today if you care to read more about it. Ciao!
hey nick, i have been hearing similarly negative reviews of Flavio! strongly considering removing it from the app, or else editing the entry to include caveats. it is getting harder and harder to eat well in rome these days.
I will be in Rome from August 20th through August 28th. Do you have an updated list of restaurants for 2013?
I’m enjoying your app and your blog – will you be updating this list for 2013. We’re in Rome on the 23rd, 24th and 25th and wondering about openings of such restaurants as: Da Armando, Costanza, Renato, and Trattoria Monti.
the app is more or less up to date. i will be making a few additons, which the app will register when you connect to wifi. Armando is closed and so is trattoria monti. i would never recommend the other places, tho!
Hi, i live in Bologna (350 km North from Rome) and i monthly go there. Here some restaurant i visited and enjoyed:
http://thefoodiefighter.wordpress.com/category/locali/altre-destinazioni/roma
(Many of them are already included in Katie’s list)
And here my “Wishlist”: next ones i’m going to visit:
* L’Arcangelo
* Inopia
* Salotto Culinario
* L’Acquolina
At Cesare al Casaletto on my last night, I told the waitress I’d like a plate of the gnocchi fritti and bucatini alla gricia. She paused and said, in Italian, “Just so you know, the gnocchi fritti is a pretty big serving.” I just told her it was fine.
When she left, my friend was like, “She doesn’t think you can finish all that food.” I’m like, “She obviously doesn’t know me.”
Great post and glad to see some nice options remain open. Cesare al Casaletto was our last meal and one of the highlights which I just blogged about. The only “Miss” comparably was Le Mani in Pasta but looking at your great app Katie I dont see it there now. Was it ever there? I thought it was
hey ziggy! le mani in pasta has been ditched from the app. i cut it 6 months ago. glad you made it to cesare. that place rocks!
My husband and I will be traveling to Rome on the third week of October for our 35th wedding anniversary. We are foodies and wonder if you have any recommendations.
Hi Carole, thanks for reaching out! You have excellent taste in celebratory destinations. I have lots of recommendations summarized on my apps! You can download them (depending on your smart phone software) here: http://www.parlafood.com/rome-for-foodies/
Thanks for posting the updated list, Katie. I’ll be in Rome in August so good to know. I tried to download your app but I’m getting a message saying it’s incompatible with my device – a fairly new Samsung tablet – which is unfortunate.
Hi. Do you have some list with grat restaurant in Bologna?
i do not. wish i did!
Hi Katie!
Thank you for all of your great posts. I’m planning a brief trip to Rome in September, which will be part of a larger trip to Ireland. My Mom and I are looking for great eats and ambiance, but on a budget. Do you have any recommendations? We’d like to eat somewhere in Trastevere if possible, since we’ll be on that side of the river visiting the Vatican that afternoon. Even if not in that area, any reliable and inexpensive suggestions would be so helpful!
Great list! Thanks for sharing!
Hi, Katie,
Litro’s website says they’re closed on Sundays. Is this old info on the website? I will be in Rome only briefly in September and really hoping to get there, and Sunday eve would be my best opportunity.
Litro is closed Sundays, Lisa. Sorry about the confusion!
Wow, thanks for this list! We’re leaving for Rome next saturday and I was a little worried about this. I guess there’s no need to be worried at all 🙂
Hey, Katie – is your Android app up-to-date? I’ve got just a few days in Rome in a week and don’t want to be disappointed!
Thanks,
Mark
the app fetches info from a server, so it’s dynamic and up to date!
Katie, I know it’s early days but what would be some fav. Spots to eat New Year’s Eve … Not looking for fine dining or a touristy trap gorgeous Italian food and atmosphere. We are staying in an Airbnb apart. Near Piazza Navona?
Would love your help as would like to book it in. Many thanks MJ
Hi Melanie! check out this post on xmas and NY spots. the list doesnt change much from 1 year to the next
Hey Katie, We are coming to Rome from August 2 – Aug 5. We have a reservation at Roscioli and Flavio Al Velavevodetto, but aren’t sold on Flavio. Do you have any MUST GO’s besides Roscioli if we only really have two nights there? Also any suggestions for late night food near the Trevi Fountain would be greatly appreciated. Loving your site and all your suggestions!
id visit cesare al casaletto instead of flavio. near trevi, colline emiliane sits people pretty late. ditto for al moro (but it’s pricey)
Thank you SO much. I’ll see if i can make a reservation at Cesare al Casaletto and cancel Flavio.
Hi, Katie,
Sorpasso is actually closing on August 3 until August 20 – I just had called for a reservation to find out this sad news. Thanks for your help in putting this list together!
Hi Katie. This is a wonderful post- thank you for the great list! My boyfriend and I will be staying near Piazza Navona, and a lot of your restaurant recommendations are a few miles away. Are we better off venturing out of the bustling touristy area via taxi, or are there any good spots we can check out near our accommodations? Thank you in advance!
JEs
hi there, Im confused! There are a number of place in easy walking distane of Piazza Navona. the best place in town (Cesare al Casaletto) is not in the center but well worth a trip and easy to get to with the tram from Largo Argentina!
There’s absolutely no reason to take taxis to get around Rome. Forget about them, they’re run by pirates. The Roman public transport system may be suffering problems but it’s still by far and away the best way to get to places. As KP says, the tram from Largo Argentina (get the 40 from near Piazza Navona to get there) will take you easily to Cesare a Casaletto
Hello will be in Rome middle August….the hotel (Casa Montani) recommended these that are open…are they good?:
-L’arcangelo
-Il Santa Lucia
-Da Fortunato al Pantheon
Thanks!
Santa Lucia is horrendous. Da Fortunato is meh. Way past it’s prime. too many amazing places in town to waste your time. I love the gnocchi and suppli’ at L’Arcangelo but not sure if he’s open in August. anyway, stick to the list here for best results:)
Hi Katie, you are a wonderful resource! Thank you for sharing your wisdom 🙂 I’ve downloaded your app and cross referenced with your blog for our upcoming Rome meals. We already have reservations for Roscioli and Cesare al Casaletto.
-Would you recommend Nonna Betta or C’e Pasta e Pasta (which isn’t on the app but you recommend on your blog) for Roman Jewish cuisine?
-For our final meal in Rome on September 1, would you recommend Armando al Pantheon or L’Arcangelo? Or someplace else?
By the way, I reached out to Romeo, and they are closed through September 6, although the location at the Testaccio Market is open for lunch.
Hi Katie. I will be in Rome and would love to know your favorite place for raw fish (tartars, carpaccio) and grilled fish/whole fish, octopus, calamari etc. I only eat fish and seafood. I don’t like fancy or formal or foofy…nothing touristy….but where the locals and in the know crowd goes with a awesome atmosphere. I loved Assunta Madre but would like to try something new. Would love a few suggestions from you…..thank you!
my faves are Il Sanlorenzo and Tempio di Iside but i dont know their schedule in august
Emma Pizzeria ( via Monte della Farina 28-29), usually is open in August. Retrobottega ( via della Stelletta 4) is open till August 13. Osteria 140 ( via dei Banchi Vecchi 140), is closed only in August 14-16. Two weeks of closure in August for Epiro ( Piazza Epiro 21).The new opened Osteria di Birra del Borgo ( via Silla 26, Prati district ) is open. I think all them deserve absolutely a visit!
Anyone thinking about visiting Rome in August should read Carlo Levi (the author of ‘Christ Stopped At Eboli’ among other great works). His book ‘Roma Spirata’ aka ‘Fleeting Rome’ contains several essays on living in Rome in August when the large majority of the local population flees. I have to say that since Levi wrote these during the early 60s being in Rome in August has become a rather more grisly experience. Definitely not the best time to enjoy Rome.
Hello! I am planning my trip to Italy, and came across your website. It is beautiful. We are going to be in Rome August 17-19, and I realize a lot may be closed. We will be with my parents. What are two great places you’d recommend? Any chance theres a place with a great bolognese pasta dish (my dad’s favorite, although I realize this isn’t really roman cuisine)? Thank you so much!
Katie, thank you for all of your wonderful reviews. I will be in Rome Sept 5-8 and have been trying to make dinner reservations. I’ve been disappointed to learn several restaurants are still on holiday in 2018 – for example Tavernaccia da Bruno is closed Aug 20-Sept 13, and Mazzo is closed until Sept 16. Should I be worried about other closures (shops, family businesses) in Rome in early September?
hey tori, i wouldnt be worried. almost every place is open but the few that stay open during the august holiday take some time off. shops and most everything else is open.
Ciao Eggs resta chiuso dal 10 al 22 agosto, per il resto sempre aperto pranzo e cena! Un saluto
Dear Katie,
What would be your favorite restaurants around Piazza Navona or within a easy walking distance. We are staying on Via Arco della Pace with small children in early August and may not want to travel to far. It would be nice to call in some take away if possible as well. Any thoughts?
Hi Julie! ALl of my recs are listed here. Roman trattorias don’t do much take out but there are apps like Foodora and Deliveroo that connect you to places that deliver. they aren’t exactly the best options but fine in a pinch.
Hi Katie. My friend Kedra in NYC told me about your blog. I am at La Gensola and it is amazing. Cozy and friendly with wonderful food. ????
yay!
I recommend Pizzeria Emma, via Monte della Farina ( near Forno Roscioli). It is always open in August..
Katie – I’d be keen to know where you think we can find the best Caccio e Pepe in Rome. It’s going to be part of our adventure when we’re back next May. Ciao!
I like a lot of versions. My favorites right now are at Roscioli, Cesare al Casaletto, and Santo Palato.
Just came back from Rome – not sure if these places are open in August, but good options if they are:
Piccolo Arancio (near Trevi fountain)
Da Enzo via 29 (Trastevere)
Osteria Barberini (Piazza Barberini)
Thanks for these! Will see how many we can try when we’re there…
Any ideas of restaurants that may be open Easter night 2019?
I have an Easter post, which only changes slightly each year. This is the 2018 version.
Hi – Will La Campana be open in August? (specifically 20 or 21)? I can’t seem to find any information on this.
I doubt it but honestly that place is massively disappointing.
Ciao Katie, when will you be back in Rome again?? I’d love to bring my students to a presentation of yours?
Hello! Taking a much-needed holiday then staring book research. Email info@katieparla.com to arrange a speaking engagement:)
Dear Katie!
Thank you so much for this list! My sister and I ate at Cesare al Casaletto last night and had a wonderful meal- fried anchovies, cacio e pepe, coda alla vaccinara- all excellent. But then TODAY, we made it to Santo Palato and WOW. That place won my heart- frigiletti green peppers with mint, local olive oil, rigatoni with pajata (milk fed veal intestines). Amazing. Thank you so much for helping out us tourists who can only make it to Rome in August!