The 11 Best Restaurants Near the Spanish Steps in 2024 - The Roman Guy (2025)

Looking for the best places to eat near the Spanish Steps, Piazza del Popolo, or Via del Corso in Rome?The good news is, there are tons of fantastic restaurants and trattorias nearby—you’ve just gotta distinguish them from the tourist traps.Our local guides have done that for you in this curated list of the best restaurants near the Spanish Steps.

Pro Tip:When you find helpful travel content, bookmark it in your browser so you can circle back to it on your trip. These restaurant recommendations will come in handy when you’re hungry in Rome. Also, check out our dedicated guide to Rome to help you plan a memorable trip and the top foods you have to try in Rome.

Top Places To Eat Near the Spanish Steps

When I first moved to Rome, I didn’t like the Spanish Steps area. It felt too fancy, and I was worried I was getting ripped off everywhere. After about ten years, I have grown to appreciate the area. Over time, I found some of the more local spots in this area, otherwise overrun with tourists.

After exploring all there is to do near the Spanish Steps, you’ll have worked up quite an appetite. Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine and a great atmosphere in one or more of these great restaurants near the Spanish Steps. If you’re looking for restaurant recommendations in other areas of Rome, use the toggle menu below.

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Pastificio Guerra

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€ | Street Food Pasta | Takeaway

This is probably the best cheap place to eat in Rome. A plate of pasta costs roughly €4 for an abundant portion and it’s in the ritzy Spanish Steps area. What are your options? Choose between the two kinds of pasta they decided to make that day.

Pasta comes in a plastic container with a fork, napkin, and plastic cup for you to pour yourself some water from the jug. They sell glasses of table wine for a euro or so extra. If you’re in the area and it’s lunchtime, I recommend giving this place a try. Especially if you’re on the go, it’s an experience.

Address: Via della Croce, 8

Ginger (Sapori e Saluti)

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€€ | Casual Contemporary | Outdoor Seating | Health Focused

Ginger popped up about a decade ago and it’s really cool. They serve fresh juices, seasonal pasta dishes, and generally great food. For lack of a better description, the food tastes like the restaurant looks.

It’s fresh, clean, and innovative. I got a Carbonara di Zucca (Pumpkin Carbonara), which is an Italian fall pasta equivalent to a pumpkin spice latte and it was to die for.

They have ample outdoor seating and they’re always full of people. You could probably make a reservation, but every time I’ve gone there I simply put my name in, grab a juice, and wait 15 or so minutes for a table.

The clean dishes, outdoor seating, and cool atmosphere make Ginger one of my favorite lunch restaurants near the Spanish Steps—maybe even in Rome! They have a coffee bar where you can get an espresso and they’re open throughout the day, which is convenient when you need an energy boost to continue sightseeing!

Address: Via Borgognona 43-46

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Ciampini Bistrot

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€€ – €€€ | Classy Italian | Outdoor Seating | Kid Friendly

Ciampini is a Roman staple frequented by the who’s who of Rome. It’s always filled with Roman nobles and the best-dressed people in town. While it’s not very expensive, it’s not very cheap either.

The food is great, the restaurant is small, and the service is classy. Nothing there is cutting-edge; it’s great Roman food in an up-scale atmosphere surrounded by people to match. Ciampini Bistrot is far enough from the Spanish Steps on the other side of Via del Corso that it isn’t overrun with tourists but close enough that you can get there in a couple of minutes.

This is one of my personal favorite restaurants near the Spanish Steps for a classy meal at an outside table. You’ll want to make a reservation if you want a table outside for lunch.

Address: Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 59

Osteria Siciliana

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€€€ | Upscale Sicilian| Great Atmosphere

I happened upon this restaurant with my wife around Christmas time, and we were drawn in by the ambience and colorful plates. The restaurant is super modern but the dishes are classy and colorful Sicilian fare.

It’s a very upscale restaurant with limited tables and a beautiful atmosphere. Honestly, I’d recommend it on looks alone, but the food is also amazing. I haven’t seen this in any guidebooks yet, so it appears to be a locals’ secret. Check it out.

Address: Via del Leoncino, 28

Casina Valadier

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€€€€ | Fine Dining | Terrace Seating | Great Views

This restaurant, which is more of a palace, is named after Giuseppe Valadier.He was an architect who designed and outlined much of the area between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo.

This is the poshest area of Rome, and Casina Valadier is without a doubt the most extravagant place to dine. Be ready for a wonderful night out and be sure to wear your classiest attire. The food is amazing and so is the view. Casina Valadier is perched up on the edge of Villa Borghese, which makes it one of the best restaurants with a view near the Spanish steps.

Address: Piazza Bucarest

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Zuma

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€€€ | Sushi | Rooftop Terrace | Bar

Yes, this is a Japanese restaurant! It makes this list because it is a really cool restaurant with a great bar, beautiful interior design, and an incredible rooftop terrace. You don’t have to eat sushi in Rome, but it is worth it to get a drink here. And when you see some of the apps, you’ll probably end up ordering dinner.

This is a really cool place and you’ll find yourself surrounded by locals—and locals only. Zuma is great for a longer stay in Rome if you get tired of carbs or for anyone who comes to the city frequently.

Address: Via della Fontanella di Borghese, 48

Mercato Monte D’oro

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€ | Street Food and Market | Kid Friendly | Lunch Only

My office is a block from this market and I eat lunch here almost daily when I’m in Rome. Mercato Monte D’oro is a tiny little lunch market and when you walk in, you’ll find a pasta place front and center.

Order a pasta dish off the menu, which changes daily. Don’t be surprised if the ladies at the counter remember your face the next day—they’re the greatest.

Address: Largo Monte d’Oro, 95

Spaghetti

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€€ | Casual and Small | Kid Friendly

Directly across the street from Mercato Monte D’oro is Spaghetti, and the food is good. The owners also happen to be the chefs and the waiters. They are both a little crazy and make great food.

The name says it all—you’ll eat spaghetti here. They have a rotating menu of classic Italian dishes from all over. Fresh ingredients make them all taste delicious, so pick anything and you’ll be fine.

Address: Via dell’Arancio, 60

Dal Bolognese

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€€€ | Upscale | Outdoor Seating | Great View

If you’re looking for an impressive restaurant with tons of outdoor seating, this place fits the bill. It is a classy and timeless Italian restaurant that has focused on high-quality ingredients, great presentation, and one of the best non-rooftop views in Rome.

The food is fancy and the service is more comparable to what you’d expect in your home country. You can easily come here for a classy meal and be surrounded by Roman nobles—the world’s elite.

Address: Piazza del Popolo, 1

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Ristorante Ad Hoc

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€€€ | Upscale Intimate | Great Wine | Varying Menu

Do you love wine and cool restaurants? Ad Hoc is something you can definitely write home about. Enjoy a killer meal and an amazing bottle of wine in a super intimate setting.

The name defines the menu: changing often and with variations. The dishes are artistic, clean, and delicious. You can’t say too much or too little about this place. Make a reservation for the cabana room.

Address: Via di Ripetta, 43

Pompi Tiramisù

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€ | Take Away Dessert and Cafe | Best Tiramisù

Pompi has consistently made the best tiramisu in Rome for decades. This little cafe sells world-famous treats, and you should consider skipping dessert at your sit-down restaurant, take apassagiata (stroll) to Pompi,and try the tiramisù, of course.

Address: Via della Croce, 82

Need To Know About Dining in Rome

Reservations:You can make reservations and it’ll probably work, but most inexpensive restaurants treat reservations loosely due to the number of no-shows. Ask for a glass of wine while you wait.

Service:Don’t get up in arms if it takes a while for the waiter to come over or if you can’t get their attention. Enjoy your time—you’re on vacation!

Tipping:A few euros per person is great. If you want to give 10-20%, be our guest but it’s not necessary. That said, everyone likes more money.

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The 11 Best Restaurants Near the Spanish Steps in 2024 - The Roman Guy (2025)

FAQs

What cafe is at the bottom of the Spanish Steps in Rome? ›

Babington's tea room, established in 1893, is a traditional English tea shop at the foot of the Spanish Steps in the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, Italy.

Can you eat on the Spanish steps? ›

Offenders who ignore officers' warnings risk a fine of 250 euros (370 Cdn), which can go up to 400 euros (590 Cdn) if the steps are dirtied or damaged. "Visitors are not allowed to sit on the steps. They are also forbidden to eat or write on the stairs.

What is significant about the Spanish steps in Rome? ›

The Spanish steps represent figuratively and metaphorically the close relationship between the Sacred and the Eternal city, shown through the elevation and vastness of the monument. The longest and widest steps in Europe are also an important landmark in Rome as they host events and are home to Italian traditions.

Who lived by the Spanish steps in Rome? ›

In the piazza, at the corner on the right as one begins to climb the steps, is the house where English poet John Keats lived and died in 1821; it is now a museum dedicated to his memory, full of memorabilia of the English Romantic generation.

Is Spanish Steps a good area to stay in Rome? ›

The Spanish Steps and the surrounding neighborhood are widely regarded as the most beautiful part of Rome. Neoclassical buildings in beautiful condition line the streets here. It's home to most of the major attractions that first-time visitors to Rome want to see, so staying here is advantageous.

What is the fountain at the bottom of the Spanish Steps? ›

In the centre of Piazza di Spagna, at the foot of the spectacular Spanish Steps, is the fountain built between 1626 and 1629 by Pietro Bernini, father of the famous Gian Lorenzo, whose intervention cannot be excluded.

Can you drink the water in front of the Spanish Steps? ›

The water in the fountain comes from aqueducts and is potable. People often drink directly from the fountain or fill their water bottles.

Is the Spanish Steps worth it? ›

It's worth visiting this piece of history and even walking up the 135 steps! The Spanish Steps look like a grand staircase with three different terraces which refer to the Holy Trinity. You may also notice how the steps look which is a Rococo style that originated in France.

How much is the fine for sitting on the Spanish Steps? ›

But as of 2019, a ban has been introduced to prevent tourists from sitting on the 135 steps, spanning from the Trinita de' Monti to the Piazza di Spagna. A hefty fine of €250 awaits anyone spotted using the steps as a resting spot, enforced by whistle-wielding high-vis-wearing officials patrolling the area by day.

Are the Spanish Steps free? ›

You'll find the Spanish Steps, as well as the Keats-Shelley House, some elaborate Roman homes and lots of shopping, off the Spagna metro stop. The steps are free to visit 24/7.

What do Italians call the Spanish Steps? ›

Spanish Steps is not the Real Name

In Italian, they simply refer to them as la Scalinata which derives from their proper name, “La Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti.” French and Spanish would follow similarly.

How much does it cost to go to the Spanish Steps in Rome? ›

Prices. The Spanish Steps can be visited for free.

Do the Spanish Steps lead to the Trevi Fountain? ›

Spanish Steps to Trevi Fountain walk route

The length of this walk is about 1 km or well under a mile. If you walked it without stopping at a brisk pace it would be only around 15 minutes. However, this is the ancient centre of Rome, where every turn, nearly every building is of interest.

Why is the Trevi Fountain famous? ›

The Trevi Fountain was not only created to be a work of art but also a political statement. It was commissioned by Pope Clement XII, who wanted to showcase the power and influence of the Catholic Church in Rome.

Who lived next to the Spanish Steps? ›

This house next to the Spanish Steps is where English poet John Keats died of tuberculosis aged only 25. Its bookshelf-lined rooms, practically unchanged since 1909 when the museum was dedicated, evoke the impoverished lives of Keats and his housemate, painter Joseph Severn (1793–1879).

What is the piazza at the bottom of the Spanish Steps? ›

The Piazza di Spagna is a square in the centre of Rome, the capital of Italy. It lies at the foot of the Spanish Steps and owes its name to the Palazzo di Spagna, the seat of the Embassy of Spain to the Holy See. The Column of the Immaculate Conception is in the square.

What is the oldest coffee shop in Rome near Spanish Steps? ›

The Antico Caffè Greco (pronounced [anˈtiːko kafˌfɛ ɡˈɡrɛːko]; transl. "Old Greek Café"), sometimes simply referred to as Caffè Greco, is a historic landmark café which opened in 1760 on Via dei Condotti in Rome, Italy.

What is the cafe in front of the Pantheon in Rome? ›

Tazza d'oro is just in front of the Pantheon, to the east of the piazza, and Sant'Eustachio is on the west side about a block away. Cathryn Boethel enjoying her granita di caffé. La casa del caffé tazza d'oro is mentioned in many guide books for having some of the best coffee in Rome.

What is the brown in Spanish cafe? ›

Yes, the commonly used word for the color brown here in the US is "café". The word "pardo" also means brown, but we don't typically use it in our daily spoken language.

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