By Jessica Russo
Sure, everybody goes to Rome for its fascinating history and old-world charm, but let's be honest - we also go for the food. Basically, you're not doing Italy right if you don't have pizza at least once... or once a day, if you're anything like us.
While there's no such thing as "bad pizza," you owe it to yourself to taste the very best. Visit these must-try pizzerias and sink your teeth into the crusty, saucy, cheesy goodness that everybody raves about. When in Rome!
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Da Remo
Piazza di Santa Maria Liberatrice, 44, 00153 Roma
Walking into Da Remo, the inviting staff will make you feel like family. You'll quickly notice the aroma of fresh bread baking in a wood-burning oven! Praised by tourists and locals alike, Da Remo easily tops the list of Rome's best pizzerias. Bite into the flat, crispy crust of a Da Remo margherita pie, and your whole perspective on good pizza will be changed forever. These pizzas are designed to hold few toppings so you can savor the fresh, flavorful balance of sauce and cheese.
Ivo a Trastevere
Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 158, 00153 Roma
This buzzing pizzeria is the perfect place to land after an exciting day of sightseeing. "Ivo" is a local go-to spot for college kids, tourists, locals - basically everyone. What's better than a cold beer, thin-crust pizza, and a laid-back environment? Try the famous sausage pizza, or go for the capricciosa, topped with mushrooms, egg, olives, prosciutto, tomato, and cheese! Ivo also serves up some incredible pasta dishes. Mangia!
Pizzarium (Bonci)
Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma
This Roman gem has been recommended by locals, tourists, and critics, like Anthony Bourdain! Owned by chef Gabriele Bonci, Pizzarium offers quite the lineup of delicious pizza al taglio, meaning "by the slice." Each pizza is dressed in a dazzling array of toppings, like fresh spinach, goat cheese, lemon artichoke, mortadella, porcini mushrooms, rabbit, zucchini, foie gras - the list goes on forever. With all these decadent toppings, our favorite part of Pizzarium's 'za is still the crust. YUM. So, how does this place work? You choose your pizza, you tell the employees how much you want, they weigh it, you pay and enjoy!
Ai Marmi
Viale di Trastevere, 53, 00153 Roma
This traditional Roman pizzeria can rack up quite the line, but trust us - it's worth the wait. When you do sit, you'll squeeze cozily between other pizza lovers sitting at long marble tables. Order the cheesy riceballs for a pre-pizza appetizer, then feel your palate explode with flavor as you bite into crusty, crispy goodness. When in season, try the pizza fiori di zucca (zucchini flowers) for an authentic taste!
Emma
Via del Monte della Farina, 28, 00186 Roma
Conveniently located in the heart of Rome, this beloved restaurant is way more than just a pizzeria - it's a full upscale restaurant! Start off by sharing a mouthwatering pizza with buffalo mozzarella, then indulge in classic Roman dishes, like carbonara and amatriciana. Eating at Emma means guaranteed deliciousness.
Forno Campo de' Fiori
Piazza Campo de' Fiori, 22, 00186 Roma
At this buzzing bakery, you'll find crispy panini, fresh-from-the-oven sweet treats, and - of course - some of the best pizza in Rome. Forno Campo de' Fiori isn't like most Roman pizzerias, in that it offers pizza al taglio - that's right, slices! Grab a slice of mouthwatering margherita or perfect pizza bianca as you stroll through the sights.
Pinsere
Via Flavia, 98, 00187 Roma
Ask any local Roman where to go for good pizza, and they'll tell you, "Pinsere!" This pizza palace means "Think" in English, and we think Pinsere's pizza is some of the very best in the city. This shop sets itself apart from other pizzerias by offering a different crust style called "pinsa," a lighter, toastier, oval-shaped dough. When you walk inside this little "pinsa-ria," you'll see a display case filled with premade pizzas. Pick which one you want, and they'll bake it right in front of you! From sausage and pesto to the award-winning pumpkin pizza, Pinsere has got pizza down.
Sforno
116, Via Statilio Ottato, 110, 00175 Roma
Five miles from the city center, this pizzeria has attracted tourists, locals, and food critics since it opened. Many claim that Sforno is Rome's best pizzeria, but you'll just have to taste for yourself! Savor the delightful flavors of this Naples-style pizza, and be sure to try some of Sforno's other dishes, like pastas and fried appetizers.
La Gatta Mangiona
Via Federico Ozanam, 30-32, 00152 Roma
Serving up both classic and creative pies, this staple pizzeria is often packed - and rightfully so. This buzzing hot spot keeps the drinks pouring and the pizzas cooking. With quality ingredients and perfect wine pairings, you can expect to have one of your favorite meals at La Gatta Mangiona.
