Ask locals. From Tokyo to New York City, gustatory advice to live by for hungry travellers of all budgets. In Rome, however, the question Where do I have dinner? is liable to elicit a million answers and spark feisty debate.

Such is the case in a cradle of civilisation city like the capital of Italy, where food is much more than fuel and, indeed, much more than pleasure. The country’s passionate, diverse and regionalistic culinary heritage has spawned verse, poetry and song and, if one accedes to all the hyperbole, a kind of mysticism (what else, after all, is Carlo Petrini’s Slow Food movement?).

All of this coalesces in Rome, a city where one can sup like a king on humble focaccia and gelato or choose from a bevy of gems at the top-end of the spectrum. Whatever the case, be sure to pencil in these ten spots the next time you visit the Eternal City.

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Nonna Betta
Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 16

Nestled in the old Jewish ghetto of Rome, Nonna Betta whips up bona fide cucina kosher. Have the artichokes.

Freni e Frizioni
Via del Politeama, 4

Freni e Frizioni (translation: Brakes and Clutches) is a soulful dive cum art bar with a modest menu of pastas, pizzas and salads. Negronis anyone?

La Pergola
Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 16

The luxe realm of Chef Heinz Beck inside the Rome Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria is the only three Michelin star restaurant in Rome.

Sora Lella
Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 16

Sona Lella takes its tagline, “il Ristorante dell’Isola Tiberina”, to heart. One taste of the suppli alla carbonara and you’ll swear the kitchen is chock-full of nonne.

I Porchettoni
Via Del Pigneto, 68

It’s a crime to leave Rome without a taste of authentic porchetta. That’s where I Porchettoni comes in. Skip the wine and wash it all down with a cold Peroni.

Cacio e Pepe
Via Giuseppe Avezzana, 11

Cacio e Pepe’s signature dish consists of pasta, oil, black pepper and cheese. That’s it, that’s all. Naturally, it’s gobsmackingly delicious.

Pizzarium
Via della Meloria, 43

Granted, it sounds like a poorly-conceived strip mall chain in the suburbs of New Jersey but legendary chef Gabriele Bonci makes some of the best pizza by the slice in Italy.

Pascucci al Porticciolo
Viale Traiano, 85, Fiumicino

It’s near the airport and has a Michelin star. Pascucci al Porticciolo’s elegant take on simple, rustic, Roman cuisine trumps airline food any day.

Oliver Glowig
Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 16

What is it with German chefs and Michelin stars in this city? Oliver Glowig has two for his eponymous and gorgeously twee trattoria inside the Aldrovandi Villa Borghese. Well worth the splurge.

Gelateria dei Gracchi
Via dei Gracchi, 272

What, you thought we forgot dessert? Scratch that. Gelateria dei Gracchi is a breakfast-lunch-and-dinner kind of joint. As in maybe the best gelato ever.

Where to stay in Rome:

Marriott Grand Hotel Flora Roma

Artemide Hotel Rome

Franklin Feel The Sound Hotel Rome

Rome City Guide