This blog post is all about where to find the best pizza in Rome.
Rome offers a feast for the senses in every way imaginable. Ancient ruins, gorgeous piazzas, aromatic coffee bars, and, of course, countless culinary treasures.
When it comes to Italian food, most people think of classic pasta dishes in the Eternal City, but Rome’s unique style of pizza is an absolute must-try as well. If you want to try some local food in Italy, you’ll find the best pizza in Rome!
If you’re used to the thick, bubbly pies of Naples or New York, Roman pizza will feel like a whole new experience. Think thin, crisp, and often baked in large rectangular trays before being cut with scissors and sold by weight.
Below, you’ll find an expanded look at how this style of pizza differs region to region in Italy, and why you can’t leave Rome without sampling the best pizza in Rome.
This blog post is all about the best pizza in Rome, Italy.
What is Roman-Style Pizza?
In Italy, pizza traditions vary enormously from one region to the next.
Neapolitan pizza (from Naples) is known for its soft, pillowy dough and slightly charred crust, while Sicilian pizza can be thick and spongy, often baked in a pan.
Roman-style pizza, by contrast, has a paper-thin crust that’s lightly crunchy on the outside yet still tender beneath the toppings.
This gives it a distinctive “snap” when you bite in—a hallmark that connoisseurs love.
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How is Pizza Different from Region to Region?
Below is an explanation of how Italian pizza differs depending on the region it comes from.
1. Naples (Neapolitan)
Soft, chewy dough and a thick cornicione (edge). Usually baked in a wood-fired oven at very high temperatures, resulting in a slight char.
2. Rome (Romana)
Crispy, thin crust that can be eaten out of hand with minimal folding. Often made in large rectangular trays. It can also be referred to as “pizza al taglio” which means ‘pizza by the slice/weight’.
3. Sicily (Siciliana)
Typically thick, focaccia-like dough often topped with anchovies, onions, or cheese.
4. Northern Italy
Styles can vary widely, but many places opt for inventive toppings or different baking methods like gas or electric ovens, sometimes blending Neapolitan and Roman elements.
In short, pizza in Italy isn’t one-size-fits-all; you can travel a few miles and discover an entirely different method of making and enjoying it.
Why the Best Pizza in Rome is a Must-Try
Below are the reasons (you probably don’t need!) to try the best pizza in Rome. It’s a no-brainer if you’re on holiday in Italy, right?!
Variety and Convenience
A big part of Rome’s pizza culture is pizza al taglio, literally “pizza by the cut.”
Pizzerias display a variety of rectangular pizzas with diverse toppings—margherita, funghi (mushrooms), patate (thinly sliced potatoes), zucchini flowers, you name it.
You can choose a tiny sliver or a hearty slab, and they simply weigh it, charge you accordingly, then snip it off with scissors.
This system allows you to sample a handful of flavours in one go.
The Thin Crust Factor
Roman pizza’s defining trait is its ultra-thin crust. It gives the pizza a crisp finish that contrasts with the soft, saucy middle.
Because the dough is so thin, it bakes quickly, which often intensifies the flavours of the sauce and cheese.
It’s a whole different experience than biting into a thicker, more doughy Neapolitan base.
Local, Seasonal Toppings
Many Roman pizzerias take pride in using fresh, local ingredients.
You might encounter seasonal toppings like zucchini blossoms in the spring or fresh artichokes in winter.
The result is always something bright, flavourful, and reflective of the region’s terroir.
The Social Aspect
Romans love their pizza breaks—stopping by a favourite pizzeria al taglio for a quick snack or gathering friends for a casual dinner at a traditional pizzeria.
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Where to Find the Best Pizza in Rome, Italy
Below is my list of top eight best pizza restaurants in Rome, Italy and why you should try them on your next trip.
Before we dive into this list, you can also check out some of these pizza spots I mention in my Rome YouTube travel vlog. You can see what the pizza looks like before you try it for yourself!
Now, let’s get into my list of the best pizza in Rome!
1. Antico Forno Roscioli
Location: Via dei Chiavari, 34, 00186 Roma
Antico Forno Roscioli sits near Campo de’ Fiori and is an absolute must for Roman pizza lovers.
Part bakery, part deli, it’s a bustling hub where locals drop in for bread, pastries, or a quick lunch. The pizzas here are laid out in large rectangular trays with a glorious variety of toppings: classic margherita, zucchini flowers, buffalo mozzarella, and more inventive seasonal combos.
The crust is paper-thin yet sturdy enough to handle the fresh ingredients without going soggy.
I loved walking in, handing the person behind the counter around twenty euros, and asking them to create a mix of slices. They’ll cut bite-sized portions from multiple trays, and you’ll walk away with a makeshift sampler of Roman pizza bliss.
The staff is friendly and used to people ordering this way. No matter what flavours they choose for you, you’ll likely be delighted by each one.
2. Bonci Pizzarium
Location: Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma
The best pizza restaurant near the Vatican, Bonci Pizzarium is a quick detour for some of the most creative pizza you’ll ever taste.
Helmed by the renowned Gabriele Bonci, this shop draws daily crowds eager to try the latest flavour combinations on display. The pizza is rectangular, thick, and so airy, a hallmark of Bonci’s style. Toppings can include everything from burrata and figs to mortadella and pistachios.
However, be prepared for a line, especially at lunchtime.
Make sure to know: there’s a red ticket dispenser inside the store. Grab a ticket before you queue, or you’ll have to wait twice.
Once it’s your turn, I recommend giving them twenty euros and asking for a variety of slices. This ensures you’ll get to try multiple inventive toppings without having to make tough decisions on the spot.
3. Piccolo Buco
Location: Via del Lavatore, 91, 00187 Roma
The best pizzeria near the Trevi Fountain, Piccolo Buco offers a warm, intimate setting that contrasts with the bustle of Rome’s tourist hotspots.
It’s a perfect hideaway if you need a quick break from selfie-stick madness outside.
The pizzas here strike a balance between the classic Roman thin crust and something a tad more substantial, so you get both crispiness and a soft chew.
But toppings tend to be traditional. Think fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella, and maybe some basil or cured meats also. The result is a simple but delicious pie that pairs wonderfully with a glass of Italian wine.
4. Emma
Location: Via del Monte della Farina, 28, 00186 Roma
If you’re aiming for a slightly more refined dining experience, Emma, located not too far from Campo de’ Fiori, so fits the bill.
This pizzeria is known for top-quality ingredients, including organic vegetables, high-grade flour, and also fresh mozzarella.
Emma’s modern decor makes it a standout if you’re used to hole-in-the-wall pizzerias. It can get busy, so making a reservation is wise.
The pizzas adhere to Roman tradition (thin crust, deftly chosen toppings), but they do it with a level of polish that makes Emma feel like a special outing.
5. Dar Poeta
Location: Vicolo del Bologna, 45, 00153 Roma
One of the best pizzerias in Trastevere, Dar Poeta has long been a favourite among locals and in-the-know visitors.
Trastevere itself is one of Rome’s most enchanting neighbourhoods, filled with ivy-covered buildings, cobblestone streets, and also a lively nightlife scene.
While the crust here is still fairly thin, it’s got a bit more substance than at some other Roman spots.
The sauce is so vibrant, the cheese is melted to perfection, and their specialty pies (like the “Dar Poeta” with spicy salami) are well worth exploring.
If you’re feeling adventurous, also top off your meal with their dessert pizza slathered in Nutella. Yes, it’s decadent, but you’re on holiday, right?
6. Supplì Roma
Location: Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 137, 00153 Roma
Supplì Roma offers a double treat: great pizza and the star of their menu, supplì, which are basically Roman-style fried rice balls similar to arancini.
Typically, they’re filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce, resulting in a gooey, so comforting bite that’s perfect for an on-the-go snack.
Their pizza sticks to the Roman tradition of a crispy base, usually cut to your desired size with scissors.
Though the supplì often grab the spotlight, the pizzas hold their own with quality ingredients and straightforward flavours.
If you’re a carb enthusiast like me, you’ll end up juggling slices of pizza in one hand and also a fried rice ball in the other.
7. Pizzeria Ostiense
Location: Via Ostiense, 56, 00154 Roma
Venture into the Ostiense district for a more laid-back, everyday Roman vibe. Pizzeria Ostiense is a popular local hangout where you can grab a slice after work or also sit down for a relaxed evening out.
The pizza here is textbook Roman: thin, crisp, and quickly baked so the edges have a pleasant snap.
The staff is so friendly and used to casual drop-ins, making this a stress-free option if you just want good pizza without a long wait.
After your meal, you can also explore Ostiense’s street art scene or perhaps pop into a nearby bar for an aperitivo.
8. La Gatta Mangiona
Location: Via Federico Ozanam, 30-32, 00152 Roma
Located in the Monteverde area, La Gatta Mangiona (which translates to “The Gluttonous Cat”) combines a quirky name but with an earnest commitment to pizza.
This spot often flies under the radar for first-time tourists but is much beloved by locals and pizza aficionados.
While sticking to the Roman preference for a relatively thin crust, La Gatta Mangiona also experiments with slightly thicker bases and a variety of creative toppings. Think gourmet cheeses, seasonal vegetables, and also premium cured meats.
It’s a cozy, but convivial place. So perfect if you want to escape the more crowded central neighbourhoods and enjoy a slower-paced slice of Roman life.
The Best Pizza in Rome
Rome is a treasure trove of food experiences, but you’ll be sure to find the best pizza in Rome.
Whether you’re drawn to the no-frills vibe of a takeout counter where they snip a rectangle of pizza to your exact size, or you prefer a sit-down trattoria with upscale toppings, there’s something here to satisfy every craving.
From the bustling counters at Antico Forno Roscioli and Bonci Pizzarium to neighbourhood favourites like Pizzeria Ostiense and La Gatta Mangiona, each pizzeria brings its own spin on that perfect Roman crust. And all offering some of the best pizza in Rome!
So throw in a few supplì along the way, and you’ll be living la dolce vita—one slice at a time.
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