Even the most passionate foodies enjoy a break from pizza and pasta after a while. Since many of us here at ROMAC are expats from all over Europe and North American we are no exception. Sometimes a creamy cacio e pepe hits the spot and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes we just want a spicy sushi roll, a classic margarita and a few tacos, a salad or some slow-smoked barbecue. So we put together the following list of 8 non-Italian restaurants to try in Rome.
Cover Photo: Tacos and Beer in Monti (Via del Boschetto, 130)
8 Non-Italian Restaurants to Try in Rome
From sushi to burgers, tacos to barbecue, our list covers the gamut of what’s not pasta, pizza or Rome’s traditional quinto quarto. If typical Roman fare is more your style, head over to our Restaurant Guide by Neighborhood for our favorites.
1. Temakhino
Brazilian sushi? Capirinhas? Instagrammable pineapple wallpaper? Yes, all of it please. With three fun locations in Rome alone, reservations are highly recommended at Temakhino as these small restaurants tend to fill up fast for lunch and dinner.
Address Borgo Angelico, 30 (Vatican) | Via dei Serpenti, 16 (Monti) | Via del Tritone, 62 (Piazza Barberini)
Hours Check individual restaurant pages for hours
2. Tacos and Beer
When it’s hot (and even when it’s not), tacos and beer just hit the spot. Aptly named, this small hole-in-the-wall place is perfect for a quick snack or a full meal of stacked tacos, cold draught beer or a tart margarita. It’s located on Via del Boschetto, one of the main arteries of the Monti neighborhood and tends to be a hangout for the younger Roman crowd, especially the musically-inclined that frequent the nearby music school. The restaurant doubles as a simple art gallery, too featuring local artists and contemporary themes.
Address Via del Boschetto 130 (Monti)
Hours 12.30pm – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm. Sundays open only in the evening. Closed all day Mondays.
3. Ginger
Ginger “Sapori e Salute” was one of the first places in the center to focus on fresh, vegetable-based alternatives to the heavy pizza and pasta options available everywhere else. Take a seat in the bright and airy restaurant for a salad and fresh juice, veggie burger or wrap. The menu is full of options for diners with vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free diets.
Address Via Borgognona 43-46 (Piazza di Spagna) | Piazza Sant’Eustachio, 54-55 (Pantheon)
Hours Both locations are open daily. Spagna location is open from 10am – midnight. Pantheon location is open from 8am – 11pm.
4. Phil’s Barbecue
If you’re visiting from the states, depending on where you’re from you may have your own opinion of barbecue. We’re not here to convert anyone, but if you’re having a craving for some slow smoked meet alla America, than you’ve got Phil’s Barbecue to get your fix. You’ll find pulled pork sandwiches, brisket, ribs, and smoked sausages to make your heart sing and help you feel closer to home.
Address Via del Foro Italico, 501
Hours Open daily 12pm – 3pm, 7pm – midnight (Saturdays and Sundays, no break)
5. Dumpling Bar
If you’re craving dumplings in Rome, this is the place. It’s a bit of a trek outside the historic center, but so worth the bus or taxi ride. The menu is vast with all sorts of steamed and fried dumplings, noodle and rice dishes. While most Chinese restaurant spots are a dime a dozen, like in most places outside China, the Dumpling Bar doesn’t compromise on quality. Expect slightly higher prices than your typical Chinese restaurant but still very affordable.
Address Piazza Antonio Meucci, 1A, 2, 2A (Viale Marconi, served by buses 780 from Trastevere and 781 from Piazza Venezia)
Hours Open Monday through Saturday 12.30pm – 3pm, 7pm – 11.30pm. Reservations recommended.
6. Marigold
Marigold is one of Rome’s newest gems. Opened in December 2018, owners Sofie Wochner (from Copenhagen) and her partner Domenico Cortese (from Tropea, Calabria) bring a fresh, international perspective to high quality, organic products available from small, local producers. Inventive in both concept and presentation, Marigold offers something for everyone. Freshly baked sourdough and rye bread as well as an assortment of pastries make their way from Sofie’s oven to the counter on a daily basis while Domenico’s imagination takes shape on the plate for breakfast, lunch, aperitivo and dinner. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast (except Mondays) and offers a real, all-day brunch Saturdays and Sundays. For a romantic evening out, dinner is available Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm, with a pre-dinner offering of craft cocktails and snacks from 6pm.
Address Via Giovanni da Empoli, 37 (Piramide – Ostiense)
Hours Open Tuesday – Sunday. Breakfast (Tue – Fri) 8am – 3.30pm; Lunch (Tue – Fri) 12 – 3.30pm; Aperitivo + Dinner (Fri – Sat) 6pm – 11pm; Brunch (Sat – Sun) 9am – 3pm. Reservations recommended
7. Avocado Bar
The avocado trend has made its way to the eternal city and established itself well at the Avocado Bar, located in the Monti neighborhood in the shade of Augustus’ Forum. From your classic avocado toast to creative wraps to breadless burgers (the bread is replaced with halves of avocado), the avocado bar is an easy go-to for the health conscious counting their carbs and calories while on vacation in Rome.
Address Via Madonna dei Monti 103
Hours Open daily 11.30am – 3pm, 6.30pm – 11pm
8. Tommi’s Burger Joint
To speak honestly, Rome is not known for its burgers. In most places, we would suggest to skip the burger menu and go for something else. But Tommi’s Burger Joint – admittedly a chain with joints in Iceland, Denmark, and Germany – cracked the code in it’s prestigious spot near the Vatican. Highly engaged on social media, Tommi’s has a large online following that caters to the young Roman crowd that swear by their creative menu of burgers and fries.
Address Viale Giulio Cesare 193/195 (Vatican)
Hours Open daily from 8am to 11pm
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What is your favorite non-Italian restaurant in Rome? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
