Rome is famously a city of carbonara and amatriciana, leading many visitors to overlook the fact that the Tyrrhenian coast lies only an hour away. While tourists pack into heavy-sauce trattorias near the Pantheon, the city’s best seafood is often found away from the historic center. Authentic Roman fish cookery relies on the daily haul from Fiumicino and Anzio, favoring raw crudo or simple salt-crust preparations over elaborate techniques. You must book ahead for dinner, which rarely starts before 8:30 PM, even on weeknights.
Search for the most serious kitchens in the residential stretches of Prati or the quiet corners of Monteverde. Avoid any menu that reads like a greatest-hits compilation of every Italian region. Instead, seek out spots in Testaccio that work directly with small-scale fishmongers. These places prioritize seasonal catch over permanent menu items, meaning what you eat depends entirely on the morning arrival from the docks. Reservations are essential, as these tables fill with locals who eat late and stay long. Here is where to start.
© Photo Credits: Taverna Trilussa
01.Taverna Trilussa
What is it? Taverna Trilussa is a restaurant located at Via del Politeama, 23/25, 00153 Roma RM. The kitchen focuses on Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, with a specific emphasis on seafood.
Why we love it: It manages the rare feat of being a dedicated seafood house that feels distinctly Roman, avoiding the tourist-trap tropes common in this part of the city. The terrace dining provides a view that justifies the price, turning a standard Italian meal into a deliberate, romantic event.
Good to Know: The outdoor seating at Taverna Trilussa fills quickly, so prioritize a terrace table when you book to take full advantage of the views.
© Photo Credits: Per Me Giulio Terrinoni
02.Per Me Giulio Terrinoni
What is it? Per Me Giulio Terrinoni sits on Vicolo del Malpasso, a five-minute walk from Campo de' Fiori and within a short stroll of both Piazza Navona and Via dei Coronari. This contemporary, creative Italian restaurant holds a Michelin star and ranks among the top 50 Grandi Ristoranti in Italy.
Why we love it: While many restaurants in this central Roman cluster rely on heavy foot traffic, Per Me Giulio Terrinoni justifies its place in the highest price tier by delivering a consistent, high-level fine dining experience. The 4.75 rating across nearly 800 reviews proves that its focus on creative, modern technique over standard tourist fare earns the loyalty of both locals and visitors.
Good to Know: The creative nature of the kitchen at Per Me Giulio Terrinoni thrives on experimentation, so opt for the tasting menu to best understand the chef’s current approach to fine dining.
03.Il Giardino
What is it? Il Giardino is a restaurant located at Via Ludovisi, 49. It focuses on Italian, seafood, and Mediterranean cuisines.
Why we love it: It leans into a fine dining aesthetic that feels tailored for a romantic evening. The layout prioritizes the terrace, which allows the Mediterranean menu to feel connected to the outdoor setting.
Good to Know: The terrace at Il Giardino provides a distinct vantage point for a high-end seafood dinner in the city.
© Photo Credits: Imà go
04.ImĂ go
What is it? ImĂ go is a fine dining restaurant on Piazza della TrinitĂ dei Monti, just one hundred meters from the Spanish Steps. It holds a Michelin star and is ranked among the best luxury restaurants in Italy according to the 50 Top Italy guide.
Why we love it: While most dining rooms in this district prioritize proximity to the nearby Trevi Fountain or the luxury shopping on Via Condotti, Imà go justifies its premium price point by anchoring its Italian, Mediterranean, and seafood-focused menu with a refined, terrace-adjacent setting. The Wine Spectator Excellence Award confirms the cellar’s depth, which consistently attracts guests who lean on the venue’s high 4.80 rating as a marker of reliable execution.
Good to Know: The dress code at ImĂ go is strictly smart and elegant, so pack a blazer for dinner.
© Photo Credits: Cielo Terrace
05.Cielo Terrace
What is it? Cielo Terrace sits on Via Sistina, a four-minute walk from the Spanish Steps. It serves a menu focused on Italian, Mediterranean, and seafood preparations in a formal, fine-dining setting.
Why we love it: The restaurant provides a rare, quiet vantage point for those navigating the heavy foot traffic of nearby Via Condotti and the Trevi Fountain. Its consistent performance with diners—evidenced by a 4.78 rating across 512 reviews—makes it a dependable choice for travelers who prioritize a refined atmosphere alongside their meal.
Good to Know: The terrace at Cielo Terrace requires a smart and elegant dress code, so save your casual travel gear for your walk back toward the shopping district.
© Photo Credits: Terrazza Monti
06.Terrazza Monti
What is it? Terrazza Monti sits on Via Nazionale, 82. This Italian and Mediterranean seafood restaurant is a ten-minute walk from the Trevi Fountain and a fifteen-minute stroll from the Colosseum.
Why we love it: The terrace layout provides a distinct vantage point over the city streets below, setting it apart from the windowless interiors common to this area of Rome. While it ranks among the more expensive dinner options, the balance of the seafood-forward menu and the elevated, romantic setting justifies the price.
Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Terrazza Monti suits the outdoor setting, so choose layers that transition well from the cooler evening air to the warmth of the dining room.
© Photo Credits: The Sanctuary
07.The Sanctuary
What is it? The Sanctuary sits at Via delle Terme di Traiano, 4A. It is a restaurant located a twenty-minute walk from the Colosseum and roughly twenty-five minutes from the Roman Forum.
Why we love it: The Sanctuary balances a Mediterranean and seafood-focused menu within a strictly high-end price bracket. Its appeal relies on a synthesis of modern culinary techniques and a visual environment that prioritizes fine dining over casual fare.
Good to Know: The Sanctuary positions its Mediterranean and seafood-driven menu to emphasize a romantic atmosphere that feels removed from the high-traffic retail corridors of Via Condotti.
© Photo Credits: Pierluigi
08.Pierluigi
What is it? Pierluigi sits at Piazza de' Ricci, 144, an address that places it a five-minute walk from Piazza Navona and less than ten minutes from the Pantheon. It is a fine-dining destination specializing in Mediterranean and Italian seafood, holding an Excellence Award from Wine Spectator.
Why we love it: While many establishments near the Trevi Fountain rely on proximity to capture diners, Pierluigi earns its high guest rating through a focus on luxury seafood that rarely misses. The terrace provides a rare Roman setting that manages to feel both private and connected to the street life of the Piazza, justifying its place at the top of the price scale.
Good to Know: Pierluigi maintains a strictly smart and elegant dress code, so trade your sightseeing sneakers for formal footwear to match the expectations of the room.
© Photo Credits: Acquolina
09.Acquolina
What is it? Acquolina sits on Via del Vantaggio, a ten-minute walk from Piazza del Popolo. This fine dining restaurant holds two Michelin stars and ranks among the top luxury venues in Italy.
Why we love it: It separates itself from the high-traffic tourist corridors of Via Condotti by maintaining a rigorous focus on seafood-forward Mediterranean cooking. With 350 reviews bolstering a 4.75 rating, it manages to sustain a high-level fine dining experience that justifies its place on the La Liste rankings.
Good to Know: The terrace at Acquolina offers a rare vantage point for a seafood-focused meal, provided you adhere to the smart and elegant dress code.
© Photo Credits: Terrazza Flavia
10.Terrazza Flavia
What is it? Terrazza Flavia sits at Via Flavia, 106, a ten-minute walk from the crowds of Piazza Barberini. It is a fine dining restaurant focused on a mix of contemporary and classic Italian cuisine.
Why we love it: While many tables in this district lean into tourist-heavy tropes, the high guest rating reflects a precision in the kitchen that justifies the premium price tag. It pairs a formal, romantic atmosphere with a terrace that offers a vantage point over the city, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a quiet dinner just minutes from the activity of Via Veneto.
Good to Know: The terrace at Terrazza Flavia is the primary draw for those adhering to the smart and elegant dress code; dress for the night air if you plan to dine outside.
