Best International & Ethnic Restaurants and Food in Rome

The Best International Restaurants in Rome

Italian food is arguably one of the most mouth-watering cuisines in the world, but we all need a bite of something different on occasion, and this can be disconcertingly hard to find in a city that reveres carbonara and espresso above all else. Thus, we’ve compiled a list of a few of our favorite ethnic and international restaurants in Rome for those nights when you’re craving a gastronomic change of pace.

Mexican Restaurants in Rome

La Cucaracha

Via Mocenigo, 10a (Prati / Vaticano)
lacucaracha.it
€€

The heart of Mexican cuisine and culture in Rome, led by the talented Diana Beltran. Expect a vibrant mix of colors, flavors, and mariachi sounds. With rich traditional dishes, spicy specialties, and a wide variety of beers and cocktails, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with authentic Mexican decor and Latin American music.

Must try: chicken or beef fajitas, guacamole, and, of course, a margarita.

Read the full review

La Punta Expendio de Agave

Via di Santa Cecilia, 8 (Trastevere)
lapuntaexpendiodeagave.com
€€€

After years of research, study, and travel in Mexico, the project La Punta Expendio de Agave was born from a collaboration between The Jerry Thomas Project Speakeasy and Freni e Frizioni. Here, the experience goes beyond food to fine drinks, where Agave spirits—particularly Mezcal and Tequila—are front and center.

Must try: signature cocktails made with mezcal and tequila, and the taco de pollo en mole.

Read the full review

El Jalapeño

Via Aurelia, 483 (Cornelia) – Box 64 Mercato Irnerio
eljalapeno.it
€

Did you know you can find authentic Mexican street food at the Irnerio market? Here, you won’t find the usual Tex-Mex dishes—instead, you can enjoy authentic specialties like pambazo (including a vegetarian option) and gringas. With a mostly Mexican clientele, you might even be lucky enough to experience a mariachi night!

Must try: Tacos al Pastor, Rosca de Reyes, and Gringaz

Discover more Mexican Restaurants in Rome

Korean Restaurants in Rome

Galbi

Via Cremera, 21 (Pinciano)
galbiroma.it
€€

This is the first Korean barbecue restaurant in Rome using oak coal. They offer genuine Korean dishes and techniques of preparation and cooking, which have ancient origins dating back more than 2000 years.

Must try: the spicy pork Galbi (slow-cooked pork ribs with a light Korean chili pesto) and the “dry-aged” beef striploin sashimi, ready to grill at the table!

Read the full review

Gainn

Via dei Mille, 18 (Termini)
GainnRome
€€

A sliding door will transport you to South Korea through chef Daniel Kim’s dishes. The chef, who in the past was at the service of the Korean ambassador stationed in Rome, offers a vast menu ranging from bulgogi (beef marinated in soy sauce and stir-fried with vegetables) to tukpokki (rice dumplings with fish and chilli), passing through the inevitable ravioli (with homemade pasta and stuffed with tofu, pork and bean sprouts) and a delicious fried chicken with fresh onions.

Must try: the Kimbap, a tasty rice roll with salt, sesame oil, carrots, cucumbers, pickled radish, and red peppers wrapped in a seaweed sheet, or the soybean soup with tofu, beef, and mixed vegetables served in a traditional clay pot.

Indian Restaurants in Rome

Krihsna 13

Via Foscolo, 13 (Esquilino)
ristoranteindianoaroma.it
€€

Between Monti and the multicultural Piazza Vittorio, you’ll find a range of Indian restaurants. Among them, Khrisna 13 stands out as one of the best. Authentic Indian cuisine with soft lighting in a cozy, welcoming setting.

Must try: chicken madras, a spicy twist on chicken in tomato sauce, and for dessert, the gulab jamun—sweet, syrup-soaked dough balls.

Jaipur

Via S. Francesco Ripa, 56 (Trastevere)
ristorantejaipur.com
€€

The Best International Restaurants in Rome

A spacious restaurant in Trastevere, perfect for a group of friends. Generous portions, Indian specialties cooked in the traditional Tandoori clay oven, and tasting menus for those who want a bit of everything.

Must try: Jaipur Special Murgh, Malai Tikka, Naan, and Samosas.

Indian Fast Food

Via Mamiani, 11 (Esquilino)
jantafastfood
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Footsteps from the Esquilino Market you’ll find this little foodieheaven serving authentic Indian cuisine. Staff is very nice and efficient. With just a few bucks, you’re guaranteed an amazing meal!

Must try: Start off with a vegetable pakora and move on to their famouschicken curry with rice or daal. It’s also great for a snack with a chai latte accompanied by Indian sweets!

Thai Restaurants in Rome

Sukhothai

Via Quirino Majorana, 199 (Monteverde)
sukhothai.it
€€

A staple among Thai restaurants in Rome, Sukhothai—located between Monteverde and Marconi—offers authentic, high-quality Thai cuisine. A bonus is the super-friendly staff.

Must try: Tom Kakai (chicken soup with coconut milk and mushrooms), Panaeng, and Pad Thai.

Chekiang Royal Thai

Piazza di Villa Fiorelli, 13, (Appio-Tuscolano)
chekiangroyalthai.it
€€

I migliori ristoranti etnici e di cucina internazionale di Roma

One of Rome’s best ethnic and international cuisine spots, this restaurant has been serving up classic Thai dishes for over 30 years. Guests can dine inside or enjoy the cozy street veranda, where the friendly staff is happy to explain the unique flavors of the extensive menu.

Musr try: Thai spring rolls, handmade dumplings, Thai basil chicken, and Pattaya rice.

Japanese Restaurants Rome

Japanese Restaurants in Rome

Hamasei

Via della Mercede, 35-36 (Spagna)
€€€

Established in 1974, Hamasei offers traditional Japanese cuisine. Frequently highlighted by the Michelin Guide, Hamasei guarantees high-quality cuisine in an elegant and discreet atmosphere. Ideal for a special occasion.

Must try: tempura morikomi and “hiyashi cha soba,” Japanese soba noodles served with a special sauce.

Sushisen

Via Giuseppe Giulietti, 21 (Piramide)
sushisen.it
€€€

Sushisen represents high-level Japanese cuisine with a blend of tradition and creativity inspired by unique, seasonal ingredients. Here, you’ll find authentic flavors and techniques, with a delightful mix of aromas and contrasts. It has two dining rooms: one with regular tables and another with kaiten.

Must try: Sushisen-style sashimi, gunkan, and assorted sushi selections.

Zen

Via degli Scipioni, 243 (Prati)
zensushiroma.com
€€€

Zen Sushi is a popular Japanese restaurant in Rome’s Prati neighborhood, known for its high-quality ingredients and menu variety. Sushi, sashimi, and other delights travel along the kaiten conveyor for diners, who also have the option of table service. The interior is beautifully designed in tones of red, orange, and black.

Must try: If you’re hungry, go for the Sushi and Sashimi Boat, featuring nigiri, gunkan, hosomaki, uramaki, and sashimi.

Check out the best sushi spots in Rome

Chinese Restaurants Rome

Chinese Restaurants in Rome

Dao

Viale Jonio, 328/330 (Jonio)
daorestaurant.it
€€€

Opened in May 2011 on Viale Jonio, Dao is one of the best places in Rome to experience authentic Chinese cuisine. Dao’s menu is defined by high-quality ingredients, precise cooking, and a balance of flavors. This restaurant brings Chinese tradition to life with authentic recipes that carry a sense of ancient culture. There’s also a Dim Sum Bar, a stylish lounge area dedicated to tasting dishes, wines, and cocktails.

Must try: Cha Sha Bao, turbot basket, or Duo Jiao—steamed sea bass with ginger, leeks, and a spicy sauce.

De Zhuang Hot Pot

Via di San Vito 15/16 (Esquilino)
dezhuang_hotpot_italy
€€

If you think you’ve explored every flavor of Chinese cuisine, get ready for a delightful surprise at De Zhuang. This restaurant offers an exciting variety of menus, dedicated to the unique experience of Chinese fondue or hot pot-style dining. Every table features a central, steaming metal cauldron, inviting guests to cook their own meals and experiment with different tastes.

Must try: Chinese Hot Pot. This interactive dining method fosters a sense of connection and shared experience. You can tailor your spice preferences with six degrees of intensity, ranging up to the highest level of 75.

Read the full review of De Zhuang Hotpot

Hang Zhou da Sonia

Via Principe Eugenio, 82 (Piazza Vittorio Emanuele)
soniahangzhou
€€

I migliori ristoranti etnici e di cucina internazionale di Roma

Sonia—aka Fenxia Zhou—is the charismatic owner who has turned her restaurant in Piazza Vittorio into a magnet for both locals and celebrities. Her approach? Serving a classic Chinese menu that also includes unique dishes less known in the West.

Musr try: steamed dumplings, Sichuan-style spicy chicken, and the outstanding duck.

Oolong

Piazza di S. Paolo alla Regola, 39/40 (Campo de’ Fiori)
oolong.it
€€

The best restaurants in Rome’s Centro Storico

Oolong, meaning ‘blue tea’, is an elegant Chinese restaurant tucked away in the quiet Piazzetta di San Paolo alla Regola. Nestled in a Roman-era basement, its atmosphere is cozy and intimate. The menu offers refined and unique dishes.

Must try: the typical Chinese duck, served in three different ways: lacquered, stewed or in broth.

Discover more Chinese Restaurants in Rome

brazilian fusion restaurant rome

Japanese Brazilian Fusion Restaurants in Rome

Temakinho

Via dei Serpenti, 16 (Monti)
Borgo Angelico, 30 (Borgo)
Roma Rinascente (Centro Storico)
temakinho.com
€€

Temakinho was the first to bring Japanese-Brazilian fusion cuisine to Rome, inspired by the century-old Japanese immigration to Brazil. This blend combines the lightness of Japanese nikkei cuisine with Brazil’s tropical ingredients. Try their temaki, packed with fresh ingredients and made to order to keep the seaweed crispy, alongside a caipirinha. With Brazilian music in the background, the atmosphere is set.

Must try: salmao gostoso tartare, oceanic amberjack temaki, and passionfruit caipirinha

Finger’s Roma

Via Francesco Carrara, 14 (Flaminio)
fingersrestaurants.com/i-ristoranti/fingers-roma/
€€

If you are looking for a transformative and multicultural gastronomic experience, Finger’s Roma is for you. A stone’s throw away from Piazza del Popolo, this extraordinary restaurant in Rome lets you step into a corner of Japan, take a detour to Brazil, and lose yourself in the myriad of mingling flavors.

The all-Japanese kitchen staff provides ample choice for any palate, between classic Japanese dishes and Brazilian-Japanese fusion; Finger’s offers something for everybody, sporting a biblical menu counting 77 dishes to choose from.

Read the full review

Check out the best Japanese-Brazilian restaurants in Rome

vietnamese restaurant rome

Vietnamese Restaurants in Rome

Mekong

Via Enea, 56/A (Furio Camillo)
sites.google.com/site/ristorantemekong
€€

A refined, elegant spot and one of the few places in Rome to experience authentic Vietnamese flavors—sweet, sour, spicy, and seasoned with traditional sauces. Pho (pho bo) and spring rolls (cha gio) are staples, while the essential ingredient in many dishes is Nuoc Mam, a fermented fish sauce. The menu also offers noodles and traditional desserts like mango cream.

Musr try: pork nem rolls (wrapped in lettuce and mint) and vegetable patties.

malaysian_restaurant_rome

Malaysian Restaurants in Rome

Court Delicati

Viale Aventino, 41 (Circo Massimo)
CourtDelicati
€€

This spot is perfect for anyone curious to explore Malaysian cuisine, with additional Chinese and Thai specialties on the menu.

Must try: Marmite chicken, avocado with shrimp, and Laksa Curry Melaka.

Syria Restaurant Rome / Kebab in Rome

Middle Eastern Restaurants in Rome

Ali Babà Kebab

Via dell’Arco di Travertino, 27 (Tuscolana)
€

For many, the best kebab in Rome. The lamb (and sometimes veal) is high-quality, perfectly spiced, and usually free of fat and cartilage—a great start. Plus, the typical Arabic flatbreads are homemade and served fresh from the kitchen, with lamb, chicken, or beef options and over 20 different condiments to choose from, including various veggies and sauces.

Must try: The Kebab, of course! But also save room for some traditional appetizers and desserts.

Mezè Bistrot

Via di Monteverde, 9b (Monteverde)
mezebistrot.it
€€

Mezé Bistrot brings the old tradition of mezé—an assortment of small dishes served before the main meal. Enjoy a variety of creamy dips like chickpea hummus or eggplant babaganush, along with salads, fried bites, warm bread, and arak (an anise-flavored spirit). After the mezé, the meal continues with options like brik, couscous, shish kebab, Jerusalem chicken, pasta with anchovies and fennel, and pasta with eggplant.

Must try: Hummous, babaganoush, Taboulé, labane con zahatar and shish kebab.

Taberna Persiana

Via Ostiense, 36/H (Ostiense)
tabernapersiana.com
€€

THE place to taste authentic Iranian cuisine in Rome. Three brothers from Tehran founded the restaurant in 2008 – a small cozy place packed with Iranian rugs and hospitality, where you can get a real taste of Persian cuisine by Moda, one of the founder’s companions.

Must try: the stews with rice, either the Chelo Khalal with beef stew, almonds, barberry berries, dried lemons and tomato or the Chelo Fesenjan with chicken stew, pomegranate juice, walnuts and saffron. The mixed appetiser is also a great way to taste a few delicacies. If you like hummus, it’s delicious at this restaurant.

Yalla Yalla

Via Gallia, 170 (San Giovanni)
yallayallroma.it
€

Yalla Yalla is Rome’s first Lebanese street food spot. It’s a cozy place with tables both inside and along the sidewalk. A unique feature: they serve homemade ayran, a yogurt-based drink with water and salt.

Musr try: falafel, hummus, and babaganoush.

Aqla – Street food medio-orientale

Via Andrea Busiri Vici 11 – 13 (Monteverde)
aqlastreetfood
€€

Huda, ripieno di stufato di carne zighinì

In Monteverde, there’s a place where Yemeni flavors meet Ethiopian cuisine. This women-led venture is run by three women: Samantha, Nada, and Nada’s mother, Aqla, who inspired the restaurant’s name. An interesting detail: the sandwiches (made with Roscioli bakery bread) are named after Nada’s family members who live around the world.

Musr try: mutabbaq, sambusa, and the “huda” stuffed with zighinì-style meat stew.

Greek Restaurants Rome

Greek Restaurants in Rome

Ilios

Via Gabriello Chiabrera, 114/120
iliospita.it
€

This Greek street food spot in the San Paolo neighborhood is loved by locals. The owners are Greek-born Italians who serve up some of Greece’s best-known dishes, from Gyros Pita to chicken and pork Souvlaki, and even desserts.

Must try: the moussaka and “Mykonos”—a pork souvlaki pita.

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Ouzeri

Via dei Salumi, 2 (Trastevere)
A.C.Hellas
€

This is a cultural association, which means you’ll get a member’s card, it also means they will be music and dancing- lots of dancing.

Must try: dolmades, tzatziki, pita bread, top it off with an ouzo shot

French_restaurant_rome

French Restaurants in Rome

Le Carré Francais

Via Vittoria Colonna, 30
€€

Just behind Piazza Cavour, this bistro brings a touch of France to Rome. It’s a multi-functional space featuring a gourmet menu from breakfast to dinner and a boutique offering an impressive selection of takeaway items. Alongside the wine and champagne selection, there’s a daily assortment of 21 different types of bread, including the iconic baguette.

Must Try: the delicious Croque-Monsieur, or the beef tartare paired with a good French red wine.

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La Renardière

Viale Aventino 31, 33 (Aventino)
La-Renardiere
€€€

A traditional French restaurant in Aventino, blending art deco and art nouveau with modern touches, making it a “petit coin de Paris” in Rome. Nadine Renard, founder of La Renardière (meaning “The Fox’s Den” in Italian), aims to introduce diners to authentic French home cooking in a welcoming, cozy, and unpretentious setting.

Must try: oyster lovers can’t miss out on the Fine de Claire oysters from Normandie or the traditional Bourguignon snails or the homemade duck foie gras. Every day you’ll also find a dish of the day!

Dal Francese all’Alberone

Via Cesare Baronio, 141 (Appio-Tuscolano)
Dalfranceseallalaberone
€€

This charming French bistro and wine bar serves authentic specialties under the expert guidance of its Toulouse-born owner. On the menu, you’ll find fresh French cheeses, charcuterie, pâtés, Pyrenees duck baguettes, savory and sweet crêpes, and much more. The wines deserve special mention—they’re exclusively French and come from independent winemakers: whites, reds, rosés, organic options, and champagne.

Must-try: Croque-Monsieur, Brittany sardines, and Raclette with melted cheese served tableside.

venezuelan restaurant in rome

Venezuelan Restaurants in Rome

El Maíz – Arepera

Via Tolemaide, 16 (Prati)
facebook.com/elmaizroma/
€€

A Venezuelan family with Italian origins runs this small yet flavorful restaurant. Just a secret, if order a whole dish like Pabellón criollo scares you because it’s a significant portion, best order a crunchy Empanada Dominó, filed with a typical Venezuelan fresh cheese and black beans. Add the spicy sauce for a sexy touch and enjoy!

Must try: if you want to impress your date, ask for the queen of Arepas: ”Reina pepiada,” a soft and hot corn bread filled with minced chicken and avocado. Don’t forget to ask for a cold beer, the best drink on a tropical night.

best scandinavian restaurants in rome

Scandinavian Restaurants in Rome

Smor Cucina

Via C. Paoletti, 23 (Trieste)
smorcucina
€€

The first venue in Rome entirely dedicated to Viking dishes in a street food version combined with traditional dishes from Trieste. This is THE place to taste rye bread, salmon, herring and lots of butter!

Must try: obviously the Smørrebrød, the typical and delicious Nordic sandwiches, made with sourdough rye bread (rugbrød) covered with Danish butter and dressed with marinated salmon, smoked herring, smoked beef carpaccio and more.

russian georgian restaurants rome

Russian Restaurants in Rome

Matrioska

Via Della Collina Volpi, 6 (San Paolo)
Caucaso Associazione Culturale
€€

Ever thought you’d find a Russian restaurant (complete with a Russian karaoke room) in Rome? Welcome to Matrioska, a cultural association offering a truly unique experience. With a retro ’80s vibe, matryoshka dolls, Russian flags, and a few Cyrillic books scattered around, it immerses you in a distinctly Slavic atmosphere. The menu features Russian, Ukrainian, Moldovan, and Caucasian specialties.

Must try: Ukrainian borscht, a beetroot soup, and Georgian khinkali, dumplings filled with meat.

Georgian Restaurants Roma

Aisi

Via Enrico Cravero, 22-24 (Garbatella)
ristorantegeorgiano_aisi
€€€

Located in the Garbatella area, this restaurant serves traditional Georgian cuisine paired with the renowned local wines, famous for their quality and natural approach. The warm and welcoming decor features a classic Caucasian style, with a large central fireplace.

Must try: Khachapuri, a cheese-filled bread with an egg on top; khinkali, broth-filled meat dumplings; and lamb stew in a plum and tarragon sauce.

AUTHOR NOTE: Special thank you to the following writers who contributed reviews: Angela Gleason, Sara White, Ivan Marra, Livia Hengel, Hannah Trice, April Putnam, Rasa Makaraityte, Lis Sanchez, Margaux MacNeil, Lachlan Probyn and Adriana De Noble.