The Jewish ghetto in Rome is located at the foot of the Campidoglio and represents one of the oldest cultural neighborhoods of the city.

Today the ghetto, as it’s known by locals, is a far cry from the overly-populated, poverty-stricken quarter it was known for, even just 100 years ago. But while the buildings and streets have had a major face lift, the ancient Roman-Jewish culture persists to this day. The Jewish influence can be felt with the high concentration of Kosher restaurants and of course the large Synagogue, the largest in Rome, whose square dome purposefully stands out in the roofscape.

In terms of cuisine, the most well known dish from the ghetto is the Carciofo alla Giudìa, a local artichoke, pounded flat and then deep fried until the leaves are crispy while the heart remains soft. It’s a delicious starter to any meal, followed by pasta, meat or even fish.

The neighborhood is not one particularly inundated with tourists, if any part of the historic center of Rome can say so. But it’s still a good idea to have a plan if you plan to dine in the ghetto. Here are a handful of our favorite places to eat in the Jewish Ghetto as locals.

Nonna Betta

Tantalizing Kosher recipes in the heart of the Jewish neighborhood. Dine inside or al fresco while enjoying ancient Jewish-Roman dishes.

Photo Credit: Nonna Betta

Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 16
+39 06 6880 6263
scrivimi@nonnabetta.it
Website

Wed-Mon 11am – 11pm
Closed Tuesdays

Giggetto Hostaria dal 1923

Another fabulous Kosher kitchen dishing up Jewish-Roman dishes, famous for their
Jewish-style fried artichokes.

Photo Credit: Giggetto

Via Portico di Ottavia 21/a-22
+39 06 686 1105
info@giggetto.it
Website

Tue – Sun 12:30pm – 3:00pm, 7:30pm – 11:00pm
Closed Mondays

Sora Margherita

Forgo all the frills and sit down to a down-to-earth Roman-Jewish meal at Sora Margherita. One of the original restaurants in the ghetto, Sora Margherita is always packed so getting your name on the waitlist as early as possible is a must.

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

Piazza delle Cinque Scole, 30
+39 06 6874216
Website

Mon – Sat, with seatings at 8pm and 9:30pm
During the winter months, may be closed on Tuesdays
Closed Sundays

Piperno

For a non-Kosher experience (and the rare luxury of comfortable outdoor seating), have a look at Piperno. A local institution, Piperno is one of the oldest restaurants in the ghetto, serving up local Roman and Jewish favorites.

Monte de’ Cenci, 9
+39.06.6880.6629
Website

Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Sunday lunch only.
Lunch 12:45pm – 2:30pm
Dinner 7:45pm – 10:30pm
Closed Mondays

Boccione

A list of the best places to eat in the Jewish ghetto wouldn’t be complete without Boccione. A veritable staple in the Roman Jewish cuisine community. Try the ricotta and visciole (wild sour cherries) cake or pizze, a dense almond, dried and candied fruit pastry that’s made the historic kosher bakery famous.

Photo Credit: TripAdvisor

Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 1

Sun – Thurs 8:00am – 7:30pm
Fri 8:00am – 3:30pm
Saturday Closed

Looking for a place to stay in or near the Jewish Ghetto in Rome?

The Costaguti Experience living room with museum-quality frescoes from the late 16th century.

Have a look at all of the vacation apartments near Campo de’ Fiori managed by ROMAC. For small and large groups, ROMAC’s portfolio of apartments has something for everyone.

Looking for a place to stay that’s truly unique in Rome? The Costaguti Experience, located in Piazza Mattei at the heart of the Jewish ghetto, lets you and up to 13 of your family and friends live like Roman nobles in a 16th century palazzo!

Did we miss your favorite restaurant in the Jewish ghetto? Share your favorites and experiences with us in the comments below!