Christmas in Rome: Where to Eat and What to Order

Rome at Christmas is a feast not only for the eyes but also for the palate. Between the twinkling lights, festive markets and centuries-old traditions, the Eternal City offers countless opportunities to savour holiday flavours — from family-run trattorias serving Roman classics to Michelin-starred restaurants crafting seasonal tasting menus. Here’s your guide to where to dine during the festive season and what to put on your plate.

Where to Eat in Rome at Christmas

Traditional Trattorias in Trastevere – Cosy, candle-lit and full of character, trattorias like Da Enzo al 29 or Antica Pesa serve authentic Roman dishes in a warm setting. Book early for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Historic Restaurants in the Centro Storico – Try Armando al Pantheon or Hostaria Costanza for a festive menu rooted in Roman culinary heritage.
Hotel Restaurants – Luxury hotels such as Hotel de Russie, JK Place Roma and Rome Cavalieri offer lavish Christmas brunches and dinners, perfect if you want a refined, stress-free experience.
Jewish Ghetto Specialties – The area’s iconic kosher restaurants like Nonna Betta and BellaCarne offer dishes inspired by centuries-old Jewish-Roman recipes.

Restaurants & Trattorias in Monti

The Monti district, just a short walk from the Colosseum, combines bohemian charm with culinary excellence. Its narrow cobbled streets are lined with stylish wine bars, hip cafés and family-run trattorias. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, consider:

La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali – A family-owned spot known for blending tradition with modern twists, offering seasonal pasta dishes and Roman mains.
Urbana 47 – A farm-to-table restaurant with creative menus, often featuring organic, locally sourced ingredients in festive dishes.
Ai Tre Scalini – A historic wine bar serving hearty Roman fare, perfect for a cosy Christmas evening.
Osteria al 16 – An intimate eatery with authentic recipes and generous portions, ideal for a relaxed holiday lunch.

What to Order on Christmas Eve (La Vigilia)

Italian tradition dictates that Christmas Eve dinner is a meat-free, fish-based feast. In Rome, that means:

Fritto Misto di Mare – Lightly battered and fried squid, shrimp and anchovies.
Spaghetti alle Vongole – Pasta with clams in garlic, olive oil and parsley.
Baccalà alla Romana – Salt cod cooked in tomato sauce with raisins and pine nuts.
Insalata di Puntarelle – Chicory shoots tossed in an anchovy-garlic dressing, a Roman winter favourite.

What to Order on Christmas Day

Christmas Day lunch is hearty and celebratory, often lasting for hours. Expect:

Lasagna al Forno – Layered pasta with meat ragù, béchamel and parmesan.
Abbacchio al Forno con Patate – Roast lamb with rosemary potatoes.
Carciofi alla Romana – Braised artichokes with garlic, mint and parsley.
Pangiallo Romano – Traditional Christmas cake with nuts, honey and candied fruit.

Sweet Treats Not to Miss

Panettone Artigianale – Handcrafted panettone from local bakeries such as Roscioli or Grué.
Torrone – Nougat made with almonds, hazelnuts or pistachios.
Mostaccioli – Spiced biscuits coated in chocolate, often served with sweet wine.

Practical Dining Tips

Reserve weeks in advance for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Check set menus and prices in advance — many restaurants offer fixed holiday menus.
Public transport runs on a reduced schedule on 24–26 December; plan your travel accordingly.