In Rome, all you have to do is go up a few floors, slip into a hidden courtyard, or choose the right neighborhood to find yourself in another city: slower-paced, more picturesque, more enjoyable. With rooftops overlooking the cityscape, secret gardens, well-kept outdoor seating areas, and terraces surrounded by greenery, the capital knows how to win you over, especially when the warm weather arrives.
The great thing is that today you’ll find not only remarkable views but also a culinary scene far more interesting than it was a few years ago. Alongside historic spots, there are contemporary kitchens, well-designed cocktail bars, innovative pizzas, international concepts, and bistros that make you say “I’d come back here in a heartbeat” right from the first toast.
Whether you’re looking for an aperitif with a view, an al fresco dinner, a weekend brunch, or a charming spot to impress without falling into the usual déjà vu, here are 15 venues selected and updated for 2026. Some are already well-known, others are more eclectic or less predictable, but they all have one thing in common: being outdoors here is truly a pleasure.
53 Untitled
In the historic center, 53 Untitled remains one of the most compelling spots for those who want to dine well outdoors without ending up in a mere tourist trap. The outdoor seating area is cozy, the cuisine is personal and seasonal, and the restaurant continues to be listed by Michelin as a Bib Gourmand, a sign that the value for money remains excellent. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a refined yet affordable dinner, with well-thought-out dishes and service that’s attentive without being overbearing.
Average cost: €40–55.
Baccio e i Gradini
A neighborhood pizzeria with outdoor seating. If pizza makes you happy, Baccio e i Gradini is the place for you. Locatedon the Aventine Hill, just a stone’s throw from the Pyramid of Cestius, this spot has built a distinct and recognizable identity over time: light dough, long rising times, and carefully sourced ingredients. Baccio’s Margherita with stracciata cheese from Andria and basil pesto is one of those you’ll want to order again, and the seasonal “Baccio pizzas” (like the one with Mantua pumpkin cream, provola, goat cheese, and Giffoni hazelnuts) are worth trying at least once.
But before the platters, order the “gradini”: double-baked pizza slices, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, to share in the center of the table. In the warmer months, the outdoor seating expands to accommodate about 70 guests. Also excellent for an aperitif. Average cost: €20–30 per person.
Bottega Tredici
Want to eat in Rome’s alleyways? Between the historic center and the Ghetto area, Bottega Tredici is one of those spots that works well for any time of day. The outdoor seating makes the restaurant particularly pleasant when it’s hot, while the menu focuses on contemporary cuisine, a focus on quality ingredients, and a convivial atmosphere that remains one of its strongest points. Must-try: the platters of artisanal cold cuts and cheeses and the fresh pasta of the day.
Average cost: €30–40 per person.
Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto
In Monteverde, along Via del Casaletto, Trattoria Da Cesare is barely visible from the street: it looks like a private courtyard, not a restaurant. That is precisely where its charm lies. A vine-covered pergola shades the outdoor seating area, where you can enjoy lunch and dinner in the shade during the summer. This restaurant has been around since the 1950s and is one of the most respected institutions of Roman cuisine in Rome. Order therigatoni with pajataorRoman-style tripe, two classics prepared with a dedication that prioritizes substance over presentation.
Reservations are almost always required: this isn’t a place you can just drop by on a whim, and that says a lot. Average cost: €35–40 per person.
Experience Bistrot Villa Pamphilj
There’s a spot inside Villa Doria Pamphilj Park that few truly know about, yet it deserves a place on any serious list of where to dine al fresco in Rome: it’s Vivi Bistrot, with tables on the lawn, garden trees, twinkling lights, and that rare feeling of having left Rome without moving more than a few kilometers from the center. The atmosphere is that of a well-curated, colorful organic bistro, with a menu focused on fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients—closer to healthy, contemporary cuisine than to classic Roman tradition—but with prices that are rarely found in such a beautiful setting. Be sure to order the bowl of seasonal vegetables with hummus and grains and the stuffed focaccia of the day.
If you go on a Sunday morning, brunch amidst the greenery of Pamphilj is one of those Roman moments worth marking on your calendar. Average cost: €20–25 per person.
L’Osteria della Trippa
No compromises, no concessions to trends: L’Osteria della Trippa in Trastevere serves Roman cuisine with character, and the outdoor seating in the warmer months adds just the right touch of informality. Coming here means choosing a flavorful Rome, “popular” in the truest sense of the word. Obviously, Roman-style tripe is the dish to order, but the menu also features a well-executed coda alla vaccinara and a selection of Lazio wines that pair perfectly without overpowering the food.
There’s also a tasting menu entirely dedicated to offal. Average cost: €35–45 per person.
Antéla Urban Garden
Tucked away insidethe NH Collection Roma Centro but with its own street entrance, Antéla’s Urban Garden is one of those discoveries that makes you wonder, “Why didn’t I know this existed?” Over a hundred seats surrounded by greenery, right in the heart of the Prati neighborhood: a completely unexpected outdoor spot in Rome, ideal for both an aperitif and an informal dinner. The cuisine tells a Mediterranean story with nods to Sicilian tradition: among the dishes to try are the reimagined eggplant parmigiana tapas and the raw seafood from the evening menu.
The drink list has a distinct signature, featuring signature cocktails designed for sharing. Average cost for an aperitif: €15–20; dinner: €40–55 per person.
Pierluigi
Since 1938, Pierluigi has held its ground on one of Rome’s most beautiful Renaissance squares. The outdoor seating on Piazza de’ Ricci, with over 200 seats, is one of the city’s most iconic open-air spaces, frequented by generations of Romans who love quality seafood. The daily catch goes straight from the counter at the entrance to your plate: don’t miss the spaghetti with clams and bottarga—a favorite among the capital’s regulars—and the yellowtail tartare with citrus. For those who want to be adventurous, the lobster is a house classic.
The wine cellar boasts over 14,000 bottles. It’s not the place to skimp, but it’s worth every euro. Average cost: €65–90 per person.
Campo Osteria
One of the most compelling new openings of 2025 in the Prati neighborhood, Campo stands out for a conceptual coherence that is not all that common. Chef Mattia Chendi’s cuisine speaks of seasons and the local terroir, with dishes that taste homemade without being nostalgic. The outdoor seating area surrounded by greenery is designed to be enjoyed, not just photographed. Be sure to order the bigoli with white rabbit ragù and the slow-cooked seasonal vegetables—the most surprising part of the menu.
The wine list features small Italian producers with a lot of character. Average cost: €35–45 per person.
MAIO Restaurant & Rooftop
Let’s now talk about terraces and rooftops to check out this summer, where you can eat well in a great atmosphere. On the sixth and seventh floors of La Rinascente on Via del Tritone, MAIO is probably Rome’s most versatile rooftop for al fresco dining: it effortlessly covers brunch, lunch, aperitifs, and dinner. Chef Luca Seveso ’s cuisine focuses on contemporary Italian fare using top-quality ingredients: the daily selection of oysters and fish tartares are among the most popular choices, while the evening menu offers a more structured selection.
The view isn’t the one from classic postcards, but the city center’s rooftops seen from here have a charm all their own. Average cost: €40–50 per person.
Terrazza Nainer
Six levels, a view over the rooftops of Rome and Villa Borghese, and a Roman crowd that frequents it regularly: Terrazza Nainer is one of those open-air rooftops where you feel you’re not just passing through, but truly experiencing the city from a different angle. The highlight isthe aperitif, featuring cocktails created by bar manager Francis Cortez; the seasonal signature drinks change with the seasons and are designed to surprise.
The menu is simple, meant for sharing, designed to complement the drinks without stealing the show. Average cost of an aperitif: €15–20.
Hiromi La Terrazza
In the Monti neighborhood, on the rooftop of the 77 Hotel, Hiromi La Terrazza is the perfect choice when you’re looking for an outdoor spot in Rome with serious contemporary Japanese cuisine. The aesthetic is refined, the atmosphere cozy: no crowded, sprawling terrace, but an intimate setting that aligns with the restaurant’s identity. Order the chirashi of the day, prepared according to market availability, and the steamed gyoza with dashi and yuzu—the perfect way to start the evening.
The sake selection is among the most interesting in Rome. Average cost: €50–65 per person.
47 Circus Roof Garden
Many of the capital’s rooftops focus on famous monuments. The 47 Circus Roof Garden chooses a different Rome: the Forum Boarium, the Temple of Vesta, the Mouth of Truth, the Circus Maximus. A quieter and perhaps more evocative view, which takes on an almost ethereal quality in the evening. The cuisine is Mediterranean with a contemporary twist: paccheri with red shrimp and burrata and sea bass in a herb crust are among the most popular dishes.
A great choice for dinner with a view when you want something special but not overpriced. Average cost: €55–70 per person.
Hey Güey
On the rooftop of Chapter Roma, Hey Güey brings a Mexican vibe with plenty of personality: bright colors, mezcal- and tequila-based cocktails, a blue Ape truck serving up dishes designed for sharing, and the perfect music to take your time. It’s one of Rome’s most unconventional outdoor spots, ideal for those not looking for a formal dinner but rather an evening that unfolds naturally. Order the salmon tostadas with avocado and jalapeño and the house empanadas.
It’s open seasonally, so check the hours before you go. Average cost: €35–50 per person.
Trattoria Zarazà — Frascati
When Rome gets too hot and you’re craving a short but effective getaway, Frascati is the answer. Trattoria Zarazà boasts seventy years of history, a terrace overlooking the valley and Rome, and a cuisine that speaks the dialect of the Castelli without any pretension. Order the homemade Tuscolana-style porchetta and the whole devil’s chicken —a dish to share, as noisy and satisfying as it should be. Local wines do the rest. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Average cost: €30–40 per person.