Best Pizza in Rome, Italy: 15 Pizzerias for 2024

Looking for the best pizza in Rome, Italy? You’ll find it here! But you need to choose which kind of pizza you’re seeking before we can give you the best pizza places at which to get it.

There are four different types of pizzas in Rome: pizza Napoletana, pizza al taglio, pizza Romana, and pinsa.

Which is the best pizza in the Eternal City? For me, it is hands down the Napoletana-style pizza! I swoon over the charred crust and its chewy inside—a combo you can only achieve with a wood-burning oven.

Napoletana-style pizza is the original Italian pizza from Naples, Italy. The other three varieties of pizza come from Rome, and when in Rome . . .

Best Pizza in Rome, Italy

Pizza lovers in Rome, Italy, will undoubtedly want to try all four pizza styles. But if you have to choose, here are a few distinguishing characteristics to help you decide which is the best Rome pizza for you.

Pizza Napoletana

IMO, Napoletana Pizza is the best pizza in Rome, Italy — IMO, Napoletana pizza is the best pizza in Rome, Italy. Keep reading for the best places to eat!

Whether it’s in Naples or Rome, Neapolitan pizza will always be cooked in a wood-fired oven at approximately 800 degrees for about 90 seconds.

The thick-rimmed pizza has a very thin, soft center. The rim is puffy with blackened blisters that are way more tasty than they sound or look.

The classic Margherita (tomato, basil, and mozzarella cheese) is the most famous pizza Neapolitan. Other popular pizzas include zucchini flowers and anchovies, sausage and rapini, and the cheeseless marinara.

Not only is Napoletana pizza my favorite, but the art of making this most traditional pizza has even been recognized by UNESCO.

Pizza al Taglio

Rome’s pizza by the slice, pizza al talgio — Rome’s pizza by the slice, pizza al taglio

Pizza al taglio is the best Rome pizza if you’re looking for a snack or a quick lunch.

Pizza al taglio, which translates to “pizza by the cut,” is Rome’s answer to pizza by the slice. Hence, it is one of the most popular street foods in Rome.

The dough is light and airy, and these pizzas are some of the most beautiful pizzas you’ll ever see! They are cooked in large rectangular pans and cut up, often with scissors, and sold by their weight.

This street food pizza can be very plain, as in pizza bianca with just olive oil and salt, or very elaborate and colorful using any combination of meats and/or vegetables.

Pizza Romana

Roman-style pizza is sometimes called pizza tonda (round pizza) because of its shape. You can recognize a Roman pizza by its thin and crispy crust. The rim is also thin with the toppings almost reaching the edge.

More pizza toppings are always a plus in my opinion!

Since it is customary to order and eat a whole pie in Roman pizzerias, some people find this lighter dough easier to consume and still be able trek to the sights afterwards.

If you want to try an authentic pizza Romana, you can’t go wrong with a capricciosa (ham, cheese, olives, artichokes, mushrooms, and tomato sauce). It appears on every Roman pizzeria menu.

Pinsa Romana

Pinsa (pronounced “PEEN-sa”) means “to push by hand,” and that’s what’s done to the dough to form pinsa’s unique oval shape.

A combination of soy, rice, and wheat flour is used to make the pinsa dough that, when cooked, is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Pinsa looks like what Americans call flatbread. Pinsa can incorporate traditional pizza toppings or innovative ingredients like pulled pork and apple slices.

Best Pizza in Rome, Italy: Napoletana Pizza

The best Neapolitan-style pizza in Rome will be at sit-down restaurants. Whole pizzas are presented without being cut. Each one is a meal intended to be eaten by one person with a knife and fork.

Here’s where to go for the best Napoletana pizza in Rome!

Pizza Margherita at the most famous pizzeria in Rome, Italy, Antica Pizzeria Da Michele — Pizza Margherita at the most famous pizzeria in Rome, Italy: Antica Pizzeria Da Michele

1. Antica Pizzeria da Michele

The scene in the movie “Eat, Pray, Love” where Julia Roberts has her unforgettable experience of “having a relationship” with her pizza took place at the Antica Pizzeria da Michele in Naples.

The Naples location is a complete nuthouse to get into. But you’ll have an easier time getting a table to enjoy this famous pizza in Rome at the Da Michele location inside the Explora Museum.

Napoletana pizza masters consider the dough the star of the show. The menu at Antica Pizzeria da Michele exemplifies the point, only offering Margherita, Marinara, half Margherita half Marinara, and Cosacca (tomato sauce, basil, and pecorino cheese).

Address: Via Flaminia, 82, 00196 Roma RM, Italy

2. 50 Kalò di Ciro

We were told by some locals that 50 Kalò was the best place to eat pizza in Rome, Italy. Naturally, we had very high expectations—and we were not disappointed!

Ciro Salvo, a third-generation master pizzamaker from Naples, is at the helm of this Roman pizzeria. The dough is amazing, and the variety of topping offerings goes far beyond the traditional. Still, the Margherita and the Marinara will be the recommendations if you ask the servers.

If you can talk someone into sharing a pizza and a pizza fritta (which is like a fried calzone), that’s the way to go! The restaurant’s private-label beer is also exceptionally yummy!  

Address: Via Flavia, 3b, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

My husband thinks this is the best Rome pizza: mozzarella, zucchini blossoms, and anchovies. — My husband thinks this is the best Rome pizza: It features mozzarella, zucchini blossoms, and anchovies.

3. PizzaRè

PizzaRè is a neighborhood pizzeria Rome locals love. In fact, our taxi driver told us about it when we asked for the best pizza place in Rome near the Piazza del Popolo.

If you’re searching for a pizzeria in Trastevere, you’re also in luck: There’s a second location there to try the most famous food from Naples!

PizzaRè makes a wide variety of red pizzas (with tomato sauce base) and white pizzas (no tomato sauce) right before your eyes!

My husband’s favorite was the Napoletana with zucchini flowers (which also includes anchovies and buffalo mozzarella cheese). I think their quattro formaggi is the best four cheese pizza in Rome.

 Address: Via di Ripetta, 14, 00186, Roma RM, Italy

4. Ciro Purpetta

Ciro Purpetta is the best pizzeria in Rome near the Piazza della Republica and Rome Termini train station.

I’ve had so many pizzas here and the crust was perfect every time. However, my favorite thing on the menu is the calzone con scarola (calzone with escarole, olives, capers, and provolone).

In addition to the many pizza and calzone items on the menu, this hidden gem is also one of the best restaurants for delicious pasta dishes from the Campania region.

Address: Via Goito, 13, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

The best pizzerias in Rome for Neapolitan Pizza also serve calzones.

5. Gino Sorbillo Roma

If you’re looking for the best pizza Rome has in the city center, there are two Gino Sorbillo locations that fill the bill.

Pizza chef Gino Sorbillo is another master from Naples, which pretty much guarantees high-quality pizza. It’s not the cheapest pizza in town, but many of the ingredients are organic and DOP quality.  

Pro Tip: Skip the four cheese with truffle honey and stick with the popular choices like the capricciosa, cossaca, or prosciutto crudo di Parma.

Address: Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 46, 00186 Roma RM, Italy, & La Rinascente in Via Tritone 61, Roma

Best Pizza in Rome, Italy: Pizza al Taglio

Pizza al taglio is the most prolific pizza in Rome, Italy. You’ll find it in every neighborhood, at many of the bakeries, and at the food markets in Rome. Below are the best places for pizza al taglio in Rome!

Pizza al Taglio can be toppingless like pizza bianca, or loaded with colorful ingredients of any kind. — Pizza al taglio can be toppingless, like pizza bianca, or loaded with colorful ingredients of any kind.

6. Antico Forno Roscioli

It may surprise you that some of the best pizza al taglio Rome has to offer is at our favorite Roman bakery, Antico Forno Roscioli in the city center. It’s just a short walk from Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and the Piazza Campo de’ Fiori.

For the most part, Roscioli’s pizza toppings lean towards simple and traditional. One of their most popular pizzas is topped with thinly sliced potatoes. This is also a popular choice on the Rome food tours that stop here.

Interesting side note: Antico Forno Roscioli is also our favorite place for porchetta sandwiches in Rome. Especially when you order your porchetta on their pizza bread! Yes please!

Address: Via dei Chiavari, 34, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

7. Forno Campo de’ Fiori

Another bakery frequented for its pizza is Forno Campo de’ Fiori right in the square of the same name.

If you think good pizza needs toppings, think again. Pizza bianca with just olive oil and salt is their best-seller.

It’s the perfect grab-and-go for an afternoon snack.

If you need something more substantial, I like their vegetarian pizzas with cheese and zucchini or mushrooms.

Address: Campo de' Fiori, 22, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Rome, Italy’s most famous pizza al taglio is at Bonci Pizzarium.

8. Bonci Pizzarium

At first glance, Bonci Pizzarium appears to be a little hole in the wall pizzeria in the Pratti neighborhood—and it is.

But, it’s also the most famous pizza al taglio Roma foodies flock to.

The brains behind Pizzarium, Gabriele Bonci, has revolutionized street food pizza with his use of colorful creative toppings. Bonci’s creations are so gorgeous that he has been called the Michelangelo of Pizza.

Skip the line on this food tour: Pratti Food Tour.

Address: Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma RM, Italy

9. Casa Manco

The best pizza al taglio in Testaccio is at Casa Manco in the Testaccio Food Market. Historically, the Mercato Testacchio has always been known as one of the best places for cheap eats in Rome.

Ever since 2017, with the addition of Casa Manco, it’s now also known for great pizza.

This family-run pizza stand prepares seasonal pizzas using fresh ingredients and organic flour.

Address: Via Aldo Manuzio 66C, Nuovo Mercato di Testaccio, Box 22, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

Best Pizza in Rome, Italy: Pizza Romana

To have a traditional Roman pizza experience, you must try the most local version of pizza, and that’s pizza Romana. Like pizza Napoletana, its crunchy-crust cousin, pizza Romana will be found at sit-down pizzerias and restaurants. (Find out more about the different types of restaurants in Italy.)

Below are our top picks of where to try this authentic thin crust crispy pizza from Rome.

Capricciosa is a traditional pizza of Rome, Italy.

10. Emma Pizzeria

Emma’s is the best gourmet pizza in Rome’s historic center. If top-of-the-line ingredients are important to you, it’s hard to beat this Roman-style pizza.

Emma’s pizza dough was engineered by Pierluigi Roscioli, a member of the famous baking family. And each ingredient is painstakingly sourced to find the best of the best—this includes the best Italian cheeses. Emma doesn’t just have delicious pizza, it has delicious food, period. The kitchen here prepares all kinds of Italian specialties, from appetizers to pasta. Start with a salumi board, potato croquettes, or supplì (fried rice balls).

Address: Via del Monte della Farina, 28, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

11. Pizzeria Ostiense

Pizzeria Ostiense is one of the top pizza places in Rome for a real local experience. It may not look like anything special, but don’t let that fool you.

This Roman pizzeria serves many of the traditional dishes of Rome, but the thin crust pizza is what the locals come for. And it’s very affordable! Located in Testaccio, it may be a little out of the way to get to if you’re staying in Rome’s city center. But what you save in pizza cost, you can spend on a cab or Uber ride.

Address: Via Ostiense, 56, 00154 Roma RM, Italy

12. Alle Fratte di Trastevere

Alle Fratte di Trastevere is the best pizzeria Trastevere has for classic Roman-style pizza.

I’ve seen some lists that mention Pizzeria ai Marmi as the best pizza in Trastevere choice, but I think it’s overrated. Skip the crowd and head to Alle Fratte di Trastevere, where you can sit at a quiet table outside.

One of the pizzas I prefer at Alle Fratte is the capricciosa. Like Pizzeria ai Marmi, Alle Fratte adds an egg to its capricciosa, but it uses a fried egg instead of the hard-boiled one favored by ai Marmi. Fried is definitely the way to go: The runny yolk is the whole point of the egg!

Address: Via delle Fratte di Trastevere, 49/50, 00154 Roma RM, Italy

The best pizza Romana will be made in a wood-fired oven.

13. 180grammi Pizzeria Romana

The name of this pizzeria comes from the standard weight of the dough ball used for traditional pizza Romana. And while the dough may be very traditional, the toppings here, not so much.

Sure, pizza Margherita is an option. But if you make the trip out of the city center, and happen to score a reservation, you’d be wise to experiment. Try La Parmigiana Viaggiatrice, a crazy combination of Mediterranean flavors. Or for something a little more Roman, there are carbonara, amatriciana, porchetta, or cacio e pepe pizzas.

180g Pizzeria Romana has become one of the most famous restaurants for pizza Romana and thus, one of the most coveted reservations in Rome. I wouldn’t go without one!

Address: Via Genazzano, 32, 00177 Roma RM, Italy

Best Pizza in Rome, Italy: Pinsa

Pinsa, our last pizza from Rome, is served at pinsarias and restaurants throughout the city. Why choose pinsa over pizza? Because of the types of flour used, Pinsa has a reputation of being healthier, less caloric, and easier to digest compared to other Rome pizzas.

If you want to try Pinsa, our top picks are below.

Gourmet pinsa in Rome: on left, Gorgonzola and balsamic, on right, shrimp, artichoke, guanciale, and pecorino — Gourmet pinsa in Rome: On the left, gorgonzola and balsamic; on the right, shrimp, artichoke, guanciale, and pecorino

14. Pinsitaly Trevi

In the heart of Rome, just a stone's throw away from the iconic Fontana di Trevi, you’ll find one of Rome’s most popular pinsarias: Pinsitaly Trevi.

Known for some of the best pinsa pizza, excellent service, and reasonable prices, this place is always bustling. For a real treat, try their pinsa dulce—a sweet pizza topped with Nutella.

Address: Via della Panetteria, 12, 00187 Roma RM,

15. Pinsa 'Mpò - Pinseria

Located in the Prati neighborhood just outside of Vatican City, Pinsa ‘Mpò is the perfect place to refuel after visiting the Vatican Museums.

One of the things I like best about Pinsa ‘Mpò is its open kitchen, where you can watch the process of pinsa making.

This pinseria offers a small selection of three types of pinsa: red, white, and gourmet. Burrata fans like me will love the burrata, speck, and artichoke gourmet pinsa.

Address: Via dei Gracchi, 7, 00192 Roma RM, Italy

Best Pizza in Rome, Italy: FAQs 

1. Where was pizza invented? 

Culinary historians credit Naples, Italy, as the birthplace of modern pizza. However, that is a very limited definition of pizza. The origins of pizza can actually be traced back to ancient times where there is evidence of Romans, Egyptians, and Greeks eating various forms of pizza-like flatbreads.

2. Who invented pizza Margherita?

Legend has it that the classic Margherita pizza was invented in 1889 at Pizzeria Brandi in Naples, Italy. The pizza was named after Queen Margherita of Savoy who was visiting Italy when she was presented with the new style of pizza made in her honor. The red, white, and green colors of the ingredients are said to represent the unification of Italy.

3. Is Trapizzino a Roman-style pizza?

Trapizzino is the wildly popular invention of Stefano Callegari and is not considered a pizza. However, the creation does use a pizza base for its dough, which is formed into a cone and then filled. So, it’s basically a pizza sandwich cone.

4. When do Italians eat pizza?

In Italy, pizza used to be strictly considered a dinner meal, but nowadays, many Italians are eating pizza for lunch. And Romans, of course, are eating pizza al taglio as a snack whenever they get a hankering.

5. When are pizzerias in Rome, Italy, open?

Each pizzeria in Rome will have its own hours. Unfortunately, some of the best pizzerias in Rome, Italy, are only open for dinner (like 180grammi), and dinner usually starts around 7:00pm. However, some pizza restaurants (like PizzaRè) have continuous service from around noon through dinner.

6. Where’s a trendy, hip place to eat pizzas in Rome?

Seu Pizza Illuminati even has a trendy name and a trendy location in the Porta Portese neighborhood just steps away from Trastevere.

The pizza itself doesn’t really fit into any of the traditional categories for Rome-style pizzas. The pizzas are cooked in a wooden oven and have the softness of Neapolitan pizza with some of the crunchiness of the Roman style.

Address: Via Angelo Bargoni, 10 - 18, 00153 Roma RM, Italy

7. Do you need reservations to eat at the best pizzerias in Rome?

If you can make a reservation, I always recommend doing so. That being said, many pizza places in Rome don’t take reservations, so if you’re planning ahead, check before you go. Foodies visiting Rome will most likely find themselves waiting in a line at some point.

8. Are there any famous quotes about Italian pizza?

Yes! Read our article on fun Italian food quotes next!