An alley with restaurants in the Trastevere district of Rome. Photo:Alexander Spatari/Getty Image
Rome has just been crowned the top food destination in the world by Tripadvisor in their Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Destinations for 2025. The announcement, made on January 14, 2025, has food lovers buzzing, as the Italian capital beat out other culinary heavyweights like Paris, New York City, and London. For food enthusiasts, this is the perfect excuse to book a ticket and indulge in Rome’s unparalleled gastronomic offerings this year.
Rome’s culinary excellence has long been celebrated, but its recognition as the world’s best food city comes at a moment of heightened excitement. The Eternal City is hosting the Jubilee this year, an event expected to draw over 35 million visitors. While tourists flock to see historical landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican, they’ll also discover that Rome’s true treasure lies in its food.
For those looking to explore the city’s pizza scene, Roscioli al Forno is an unmissable stop. This bakery specializes in pizza al taglio, a thick, square pizza sold by the slice, with seasonal toppings that elevate a simple dish into a culinary masterpiece. Over in the trendy Trastevere district, L’Elementare serves Roman-style pizzas that emerge perfectly charred from wood-fired ovens. Don’t forget to order the suppli al telefono, a crispy rice ball filled with gooey mozzarella and tomato sauce. Another must-visit is Trapizzino, a modern take on Roman street food, offering pizza pockets stuffed with rich fillings like oxtail or chicken cacciatore.
When it comes to pasta, the competition is fierce. Salumeria Roscioli stands out with its classic carbonara, made with guanciale and pecorino romano. Another favorite is Armando al Pantheon, a cozy trattoria located just steps from the iconic Pantheon. Their cacio e pepe is widely regarded as one of the best in Rome. If you’re willing to venture slightly out of the city center, Da Cesare offers dishes like bucatini all’amatriciana and fried gnocchi that are well worth the trip. Its newer downtown location, Cesare al Pellegrino, provides a similar menu of expertly executed Roman classics.
A restaurant table in Rome filled with pasta and pizza dishes. Christine Wehrmeier/Getty Image
Rome’s fine dining scene is equally impressive. Imàgo, located in the Hassler Hotel, offers breathtaking views of the city alongside chef Andrea Antonini’s contemporary Italian creations. For a truly unforgettable experience, La Pergola, Rome’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, is a must. Situated in the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, it delivers a luxurious blend of exquisite cuisine and exceptional service.
Of course, no trip to Rome is complete without gelato. Gelato del Teatro is a local favorite, known for its inventive flavors like Sicilian almond and raspberry sage. Other top picks include Otaleg and Fatamorgana, both of which offer a wide range of artisanal gelato that will have you coming back for seconds.
Beyond the famous food spots, Rome is full of hidden culinary gems. At the Chiostro del Bramante, a serene café tucked inside a 16th-century cloister near Piazza Navona, visitors can enjoy a quiet cappuccino and pastries. For an unexpected treat, visit the Rinascente department store on Via del Tritone, where an ancient aqueduct is displayed in the basement, and a rooftop restaurant offers stunning sunset views. For a more scenic dining experience, Hotel Eden’s Il Giardino restaurant provides sweeping vistas of the Villa Borghese gardens, making it the perfect lunch spot.
The data behind Rome’s win is equally compelling. Tripadvisor’s Seasonal Travel Index reveals that 60% of global travelers consider culinary experiences their top priority when traveling. With its rich food history and innovative dining scene, Rome has become the ultimate destination for those seeking authentic flavors and unforgettable meals.
For travelers looking to immerse themselves in the world’s best food city, Rome offers endless possibilities. From humble street food to luxurious Michelin-starred meals, every bite in this city is a testament to its culinary brilliance. So, whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, one thing is clear: all roads lead to Rome, especially for food lovers.