The Vatican and its nearby Prati neightborhood are known by locals as some of the most chic areas of the city, marked by streets lined with prestigious architecture, excellent shopping, and plenty of restaurants.

So we put our heads together to bring you our list of the 8 best restaurants near the Vatican and Prati, to guide you away from the “Tourist Menu” and gouged prices by less-than-authentic sidewalk cafes and trattorias. And instead steer you to the top picks by locals that are certain to serve up the best in local flavors and flare from the Vatican restaurant scene in Rome.

Only fresh, natural, raw and vegan at Solo Crudo

1. Feeling like something Raw & Vegan?

When you’ve had just about enough pasta Carbonara and pizza, go raw and vegan near the Vatican.

Solo Crudo

Website http://www.solocrudo.com/

Address Viale Federico Cesi 22 / 00193 Roma

Hours Closed Sunday

2. Need a bite on-the-go?

On your way to the Vatican Museums grab a slice of pizza or focaccia and something cool to drink.

Pizzarium

Website http://www.bonci.it/

Address Via della Meloria 43 – 00136 Roma

Hours Open Everyday from 11am to 10pm

3. Looking for the perfect pasta?

Even the regal area near the Vatican has a few authentic, home-grown pasta restaurants. Try their signature Cacio e Pepe or Carbonara Verace!

Cacio & Pepe

Website http://www.trattoriacacioepepeprati.com/

Address Via Giuseppe Avezzana 11 – 00195 Roma

Hours Closed Sunday

Lovely reading nook at Settembrini

4. After dinner coffee, digestif, or something sweet?

Continue your dinner conversation while sipping a digestif, or curl up with a good book in the afternoon.

Settembrini

Website http://viasettembrini.com/

Address Via Luigi Settembrini 21 – 00195 Roma

Hours Open Everyday from 7am to 1am

5. An elegant dinner

Take date night to the next level with a meal by local celebrated chef Cristina Bowerman at her fine dining restaurant near the Vatican.

Romeo

Website http://www.romeo.roma.it/

Address Via Silla 26/A – 00192 Roma

Hours Open Everyday from 9pm to midnight

Ristorante Pupina

6. Craving homemade?

If it’s a hole-in-the-wall kind of place full of locals that you’re looking for, go here. Fresh pasta and typical Roman dishes, all made in house.

Pupina

No Website – it’s that authentic! (See Menu)

Address Via Marianna Dionigi, 37 – 00193 Roma

Hours Closed Sunday | €6 – €22

7. On the lookout for fish?

An authentic trattoria-style fish restaurant near the Vatican dishing out high quality plates at reasonable prices.

Il Bar Sotto il Mare

Website http://www.ilbarsottoilmare.it/

Address Via Tunisi 27 – 00192 Roma

Hours Open Everyday

8. Cooking at home? Get groceries (or for just a great coffee)

Find everything you’ll need for a home cooked meal with many of the same products that you’d find at your supermarket at home.

Castroni

Website http://www.castroni.it/en

Address Via Cola di Rienzo 196 – 00192 Roma

Hours Closed Sundays and for lunch (from 1-3:30pm)

The Mazzini Apartment near Piazza Mazzini in Prati features 5 bedroom and 3 baths, recently renovated in a calm, minimal design.

Need a vacation rental near the Vatican?

For the most passionate foodies to try all our top picks, you’ll need an accommodation nearby. Fortunately ROMAC has several great options whether you’re traveling as a couple, a small family, or a big group of friends!

For an accommodation near the Vatican for a couple, see our Giulio Cesare apartment.

For the perfect accommodation close to the Vatican Museums, check out the Vaticano Apartment

If you’re traveling with all your friends and family, stay at the Mazzini Apartment vacation rental near Piazza Mazzini.

*Have you checked out our site dedicated entirely to video tours of our apartments? Click here to see ROMAC video!