I’ve spent years eating our way through the best pizzerias in Rome, returning to the classics and testing every new opening, and have gathered my favorites into one definitive guide.
Pizza was originally born in Naples and has evolved over the past century. In Rome, you’ll find four main styles: paper-thin Roman pies, pizza al taglio, pinsa and Neapolitan pizza — and this guide breaks down where to find the best of each.
A few notes on how to enjoy pizza the local way. When it comes to toppings, less is more. Pizzas are served either rossa (with tomato sauce) or bianca (without) and are usually topped with one or two ingredients. The one exception is capricciosa, which is loaded with prosciutto, artichokes, mushrooms, black olives and egg. It’s popular, but you’ll never go wrong with a classic margherita.
Round pizzas are traditionally eaten at dinner because wood-fired ovens take hours to heat. Pizza al taglio (“by the slice”), on the other hand, is Rome’s all-day snack — perfect mid-morning, at lunch or late at night. And while Italians have historically paired pizza with beer, sparkling wine is increasingly having a moment.
Always start with fritti for the table! Supplì (fried rice balls with cheese and tomato sauce), fiori di zucca (deep fried zucchini leaves stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies), olive ascolane (fried olives with minced meat) and baccalà (fried cod) are the usual suspects.
Thin Roman-Style Pizza
Roman pizza is cracker-thin with a charred, shatteringly crisp crust — known locally as scrocchiarella. The dough is rolled or stretched thin and baked until golden and rigid enough to support even generous toppings.

1. Da Remo
Testaccio is filled with great Roman-style pizzerias and has long been considered one of the city’s true food neighborhoods, rooted in working-class trattorias and traditional cucina romana. Arguably Rome’s most beloved pizzeria, Da Remo has been serving thin Roman pizza here since 1935. It’s loud, chaotic and quintessentially Roman. Arrive early or expect to wait.
2. Nuovo Mondo
If Da Remo is too busy to get in, you’re in luck — Nuovo Mondo is another great pizzeria located just around the corner. Most people prefer Da Remo but I personally like the pizzas equally, though the ambiance here is a bit colder and less homey.
3. Il Grottino
Located along Via Marmorata, Il Grottino is another solid Roman-style address in the neighborhood. The atmosphere is relaxed and local, and the pizzas are thin, crisp and well-balanced — a great option if you want excellent Roman pizza without the longest waits.
4. Ai Marmi
A true Roman institution, Ai Marmi has been serving thin, crackly Roman pizza since 1931. The fluorescent lighting and cold marble tables make it feel a bit like a morgue — though I mean that affectionately. Located along Trastevere’s main drag, it’s convenient, boisterous and almost always full. The pizza is classic Roman: ultra-thin, charred and satisfyingly crisp, best enjoyed with a beer and a plate of supplì.
5. Ivo a Trastevere
Another great pizzeria in the neighborhood, Ivo a Trastevere serves thin pies as well as an array of appetizers and Roman pasta dishes. Sit outside for a quintessential Roman dining experience.
6. L’Elementare
Opened in 2017, L’Elementare quickly became one of the most popular Roman-style pizzerias in the city — so much so that there are now four locations across Rome in Trastevere, Testaccio, San Giovanni and Tuscolano. The focus is thin, crunchy scrocchiarella paired with an excellent craft beer selection. Expect balanced, well-executed classics alongside a few creative toppings, all served in a lively, unpretentious setting that feels very Roman.
7. Da Francesco
Conveniently located right next to Bar del Fico (one of the most popular bars in Rome), Da Francesco is always busy because there’s nothing better than a margherita after a spritz. Put your name on the list while you sip your drink and join a game of chess below the shady fig tree in the piazza while you wait for the restaurant to call you up.
8. Baffetto
Baffetto is one of Rome’s most famous pizzerias and the long lines are a testament to the fact that it’s featured in every single guidebook about the city. I like Baffetto and the pizza is reliably good — super thin, quick and affordable — but I’d recommend stopping by for a late lunch rather than dinner because the atmosphere is very casual. This spot has been written about for decades, so show up in odd hours (ie 2:30pm) to easily grab a seat.
9. L’Archetto
When I worked in Prati, l’Archetto was my go-to pizzeria. This spot is just a few blocks from the Vatican and prepares a wonderful pizza that’s slightly thicker than the traditional Roman crust–it’s never charred but it’s not spongey like the Neapolitan style. I usually opt for margherita con buffala e funghi and I am never disappointed. Don’t confuse this pizzeria with Spaghetteria L’Archetto, a different restaurant near the Trevi Fountain.
10. Giacomelli
Giacomelli is one of Rome’s best-kept secrets. This pizzeria is extremely popular with locals in the know, but largely undiscovered by travelers and ex-pats because it’s located north of the Vatican in a residential area.
11. Li Rioni
If you’re wondering where to have a good, local meal near the Colosseum, swing by the contemporary enoteca Wine Concept for some vino and then head over to Li Rioni a Santiquattro for a delicious Roman pizza (it’s only open for dinner).
12. Alle Carrette
I always have trouble eating in Monti’s restaurants (I don’t find them to offer a great price/value and they tend to be overhyped) so I often head to Alle Carette for a sure-fire satisfying meal. I’ve eaten here more times than I can count and love the cozy tavern feel, especially on chilly winter evenings. Don’t miss the olive ascolane and fried artichokes to start.
13. Fiammetta
This gem is one of my very favorite restaurants in Rome – it’s in a great location just around the corner from Piazza Navona (without being overrun by tourists), and has an extensive menu and low-key outdoor seating. Fiammetta also has a wood-fired oven and serves up great pizzas. Although I almost always opt for red pizzas, my favorite pizza here is a piazza bianca topped with mozzarella and verdure ripassate: a white pizza with juicy mozzarella covered in salty, spicy cicoria.
14. Er Panonto
I love Garbatella and am always happy to have an excuse to head to this charming southern neighborhood. If you’re in the area, don’t miss dining beneath the shady pergola at Er Panonto, a neighborhood pizzeria that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a small town in the Italian countryside.
15. 180 Grammi
For a more contemporary interpretation of Roman pizza, head to 180 Grammi in Centocelle. This is la scrocchiarella taken seriously: each dough ball weighs 180 grams, resulting in a thin, structured crust that’s evenly baked for maximum crunch. Toppings range from Roman classics to thoughtful seasonal combinations. It’s outside the historic center, so you’ll need to make the trip — and book ahead — but for many, this is Roman pizza at its most refined.
Neapolitan Style
Naples is the birthplace of pizza, an art form that has even been recognized by UNESCO – a well-deserved honor for my favorite food city in Italy. Neapolitan pizza is very different from Roman pizza: the crust is thicker and fluffier, and the whole pizza is moister due to extra water in the dough and the buffalo mozzarella that is usually served on top. In Naples, the most common pizzas are margherita or marinara (a simple tomato & garlic pizza, no cheese). In Rome, Neapolitan pizza often has gourmet variations.

16. Seu Pizza Illuminati
One of Rome’s most popular openings, Seu Pizza Illuminati is located near Porta Portese in Trastevere and offers a modern, minimalist dining experience in the city. The fritti here are superb (try the parmigiana, a deep-fried slice of eggplant parmesan) and the pizzas are tantalizing as well, with quality ingredients and a satisfying crust.
17. Sant’Isidoro Pizza e Bolle
Pizza and bubbles are one of the world’s most delightful food pairings. Sant’Isidoro, a stylish new pizzeria in the Prati district, has carefully studied this alchemy and serves up gourmet, Neapolitan pizzas along with sparkling cocktails. Not to mention a wine list of over 100 labels, including Prosecco, Franciacorta, natural wines and vintage Champagnes.
18. La Gatta Mangiona
This cat-themed Neapolitan pizzeria in Trastevere has long been lauded as one of the best in the city and it’s worth the trek across town to try. La Gatta Mangiona has a huge variety of pizzas and an extensive drinks list, including dozens of Italian wines and craft beers. You can also find pasta and meat dishes here.
19. Piccolo Buco
It’s hard to find good restaurants near the city’s main attractions so Piccolo Buco is a welcome exception. This Neapolitan pizzeria is one of the few decent places to dine near the Trevi Fountain. As its name suggests, it’s a small spot and makes for a good meal in one of the most touristy neighborhoods of the city.
20. Sbanco
I fell in love with Sbanco from the first bite of my lemony pizza back in 2016. Owned by Stefano Callegari, one of the master pizzaiolos in the city (not to mention the owner of Trapizzino and Sorpasso, two of my other favorite places to eat in Rome), Sbanco has delicious pies with creative ingredients and a great beer list. My absolute favorite is the Tropeana with buffalo mozzarella, red onions from Tropea, olives, and lemon zest.
21. Sforno
Another pizzeria owned by Stefano Callegari, Sforno introduced cacio e pepe pizza to Rome and for that, I will always be grateful. This special pizza comes served with a pepper mill in the center and heaps of pecorino on each slice. The secret? They bake the dough with an ice cube and then top it with grated cheese so it stays powdery rather than melting on the pizza. Sforno is located near Cinecittà so it’s a good spot to check out after a tour of the iconic film studio in southern Rome.
22. Pro Loco Pinciano
Pro Loco Pinciano is a gourmet deli, restaurant, and pizzeria located in the elegant Piazza Fiume neighborhood, meaning you’ll find well-dressed locals gathering for business lunches or dinner dates at this inviting establishment. The menu has lots of tasty options and a dozen pizzas that are impossibly light and fluffy. It also serves up some great pizzas with fruit (unusual ingredient pairings for Rome) like the Quattro Formaggi with fig compote and the Autumn Pizza with persimmon.
23. Sorbillo
It can be hard to recreate an authentic Neapolitan pizza in Rome so I was thrilled to discover that the margherita at Sorbillo Lievito Mare in Rome is every bit as excellent as the pizza you’ll find at a pizzeria in Naples. Located right near the Ara Pacis, it’s also conveniently located close to Via del Corso and the Spanish Steps. Sorbillo doesn’t take reservations so show up early during peak hours.
24. 50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo
One of the best pizzerias in Naples has officially opened in Rome. 50 Kalò di Ciro Salvo brings the legendary pizzaiolo’s meticulous Neapolitan technique to the elegant Ludovisi neighborhood, just steps from Via Veneto. The dough is exceptionally light and elastic, the crust beautifully blistered and the ingredients impeccably sourced. If you’re craving true Neapolitan pizza in Rome, this is the real deal.
Pizza al Taglio
Pizza by the slice is one of Rome’s classic street foods and a popular snack at any hour of the day or night. The toppings have gotten very experimental in the past few years and pizza masters like Gabriele Bonci have become household names in the city for their creative pairings and quality ingredients. The best tip I can give you is to order several small slices of pizza so you can try a variety of flavors–and you can’t go wrong with ordering whatever has just come fresh out of the oven.

25. CasaManco
Located inside the Mercato di Testaccio, Casa Manco is easily one of the very best pizza al taglio spots in Rome — it’s that good. The dough is made with organic flour and left to ferment for nearly 100 hours, resulting in a base that’s light, crisp and deeply flavorful. Toppings are seasonal and thoughtfully sourced, with combinations that feel both classic and inventive. My personal favorite is the Pizza Regina with diced tomatoes, capers, olives and onions.
26. Antico Forno Roscioli
Roscioli is a venerated business in Rome, with a restaurant, cafe, wine bar, and bakery to its name–all of them excellent. Try the pizza al taglio at the bakery (Antico Forno Roscioli) for a taste of Rome in a bite. Pro tip: order some slices of pizza bianca and pizza rossa to go and head over to Il Vinaietto for a glass of wine – it’s the perfect cheap and casual aperitivo with locals.
27. Forno Campo de’ Fiori
Another traditional bakery, the Forno Campo de’ Fiori has some of the best pizza bianca in the city. There are two shop fronts–the main one in the piazza with the large “FORNO” sign, and a more discreet location to the left on Vicolo del Gallo 14. I love stopping by this second spot for delicious focaccia sandwiches stuffed with spinach and mozzarella.
28. La Renella
You’ll smell La Renella before you see it because the scent of freshly baked pizza emanates from the forno and wafts out onto the streets of Trastevere, luring you in to order a slice (or two), whether you’re hungry or not. This is a favorite late-night place and has a wide variety of pizzas.
29. La Boccaccia
La Boccaccia has been sprouting up all over the city and for that I am grateful: this pizza al taglio spot always has lots of great flavor combinations and the dough is a perfect consistency–soft but crispy. I recently tried pizza with pumpkin and gorgonzola and it was excellent.
30. Pizzarium
Now that we’ve covered the more classic pizza al taglio spots, it’s time to move on to Pizzarium which has developed a sort of cult following in the city. Created by master pizzaiolo Gabriele Bonci, it offers a very different pizza-by-the-slice experience than the others. This gourmet spot uses unique ingredients, like artichokes, oxtail, persimmons, and more, and the higher price tag reflects the quality. The potato pizza here is a standout.
31. Panificio Bonci
Panificio Bonci is a small bakery that also serves Bonci’s famous pizza by the slice, although it offers fewer variations than the other spots. This is also a nice place to stop by for breakfast croissants, cakes, or seasonal baked goods, like Panettone at Christmas time.
Pinsa & Others
Pizza’s younger cousin, the pinsa, is a modern Roman invention that has gained popularity across the city in recent years. Oval in shape and made with a blend of wheat, rice and soy flours, the dough is highly hydrated and long-fermented, resulting in a crisp exterior and airy interior. It’s lighter than classic Roman pizza but equally satisfying and versatile — and ideal for sharing.
But pinsa isn’t the only alternative format you’ll find in Rome — from miniature pizzette tonde to experimental hybrids, the city’s pizza scene continues to evolve.

32. La Pratolina
Opened in 2001 and considered the first modern pinseria in Rome, La Pratolina helped introduce pinsa to a wider audience. This cozy, rustic restaurant remains a local favorite, so book in advance. The menu features excellent pinsas with or without tomato sauce — try the Sapore di Bosco with porcini mushrooms, rocket and ricotta salata.
33. Pinsere
For a more casual pinsa experience, Pinsere is a reliable choice near Villa Borghese and Termini. The setting is informal and the toppings rotate seasonally, making it an easy stop for a lighter alternative to traditional pizza in Rome.
34. Amerina La Pizzetta
Located in one of Rome’s prettiest piazzas — Largo dei Librari near Campo de’ Fiori — Amerina specializes in Roman pizzetta tonda: small, round, thin and satisfyingly crisp. Served whole or by the slice, these scrocchiarella-style pizzette are ideal for a quick, informal bite while wandering the historic center. Expect traditional toppings like rossa, margherita and simple seasonal combinations
35. Trieste Pizza
A street-food joint born in the seaside city of Pescara back in 1958, Trieste Pizza now has a number of franchises in Italy and abroad, including one in the heart of Monti. Trieste Pizza serves 6″ (16cm) personal pizzas, or pizzette, topped with quality, organic ingredients. I have to admit the pizza crust tastes a little bit like those I used to have at Pizza Hut but in a comforting way – and certainly a much healthier alternative.