Vatican City, the smallest fully-independent nation-state in the world, is a haven for art connoisseurs, history buffs, and foodies! Being the residence of the Pope, the Vatican City is perhaps one of the most important cities for Christians across the world. The famous ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City is also another crowd-puller.
When it comes to food, Vatican City has traditional Italian cuisine that is very similar to the regional cuisine of Italy’s capital city, Rome. The Vatican City is sprinkled with cafe-style eateries and pizzerias that serve delicious Italian fare such as pasta, polenta, and risotto. All the waiting, queuing, and walking in and around Vatican City is bound to make you feel happily tired and hungry. So after you are done exploring the smallest city in the world, sit back and relax at one of these popular restaurants in Vatican City.
Top 10 Restaurants In and Around Vatican City you Must Try
Budget Restaurants
Duecento Gradi
Bored of eating pizza and pasta every day? Try Duecento Gradi, a sandwich shop near Vatican City that is known for making the tastiest sandwiches with a unique combination of fillings. The trendy sandwich shop is a favorite amongst the locals and is worth trying, especially if you are looking for innovative and creative food.
- Cuisines: Italian
- Price for two: €8-12
- Open Hours: Campo di’ fiori, cavour, cornelia, malatesta and mastai
Campo di’ fiori, cavour, cornelia, malatesta and mastai
Panificio Bonci
The Panificio Bonci, named after its owner Gabriele Bonci, is one of the best pizza places near Vatican City and in Rome as well. If you are looking for a great dining option where you can grab a quick bite after exploring Vatican City, the Panificio Bonci is the place to be!
- Cuisines: Italian, Romana, Lazio, and Central Italian
- Price for two: €30-40
- Open Hours: Friday, Saturday, and Monday-8:45 AM to 8:30 PM. Tuesday to Friday-8:45 AM to 3 PM and 5 PM to 8:30 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Arancini, pizza al taglio, panini, porchetta and tiramisu
Mid-range Restaurants
Il Bar Sotto il Mare
The Il Bar Sotto il Mare is a fantastic seafood restaurant near Vatican City that serves some delicious dishes. This place is a tiny joint located on Via Tunisi with an indoor and outdoor seating. Located near the entrance of the Vatican museums, at the Il Bar Sotto il Mare, you can expect quick service, good prices, and delicious dishes. Be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the restaurant has got you covered!
- Cuisines: Seafood
- Price for two: €40-50
- Open Hours: Monday to Sunday-12:30 PM to 3 PM and 7:30 PM-11 PM
King prawns, clams, oysters, lobster pasta, and crab pasta
La Zanzara
The La Zanzara restaurant is one of the most popular restaurants near Vatican City. Staying true to its roots, the restaurant churns out delicious and authentic pastas, salads and cocktails that taste as good as they look. Owing to its popularity, we recommend that you make reservations at La Zanzara to avoid waiting outside.
- Cuisines: Italian and international
- Price for two: €36-50
- Open Hours: Monday to Sunday-12 PM to 1 AM
Eggplant parmigiano, selection of meats, amatriciana pasta, cacio e pepe pasta and porcini crème brûlèe
Tre Pupazzi
The Tre Pupazzi restaurant is located in a building that dates back to 1625. With its medieval-style halls and prime location-just between the Vatican City, St. Peter’s, and Castel Sant'Angelo, this restaurant is a must-try! The friendly staff and amazing service at the restaurants guarantee you a great dining experience.
- Cuisines: Italian, Portuguese, and Mediterranean
- Price for two: €40-60
- Open Hours: Monday to Saturday-12 PM to 3 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM. Closed on Sundays.
Saltimbocca, ossobuco, abbacchio, pizza capricciosa and tartufo
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Trattoria Vaticano Giggi
If you are looking for a truly authentic dining experience, then check out the Trattoria Vaticano Giggi. The restaurant is a reflection of its owner ‘Giggi’ who was born and raised in Rome where he got the opportunity to participate in films and meet some of the important icons of Italy. His restaurant brings traditional Roman cuisine to the table at unbeatable prices. His enthusiasm for what he does is contagious and makes every dining experience a genuine one.
- Cuisines: Italian, Mediterranean, and Romana
- Price for two: €30-50
- Open Hours: Monday to Saturday- 9 AM to 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM-10:30 PM. Sundays-9 AM-3:30 PM
Bruschetta, pasta Carbonara, cherry dessert, lasagna and tiramisu
La Soffitta Renovatio
The La Soffitta Renovatio restaurant is a family-run restaurant that has been owned by the Di Michele family since the early 1900s. Despite changing its locations in and around Rome, the restaurant has always remained true to its roots. Nestled in the heart of St Peter's Square, this Abruzzese eatery seamlessly combines traditional food with modern fare that has evolved over time.
- Cuisines: Italian, Pizza, and Seafood
- Price for two: €40-50
- Open Hours: Monday to Saturday-11 AM to 11:30 PM. Sundays-11:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
Spaghetti with clams, zucchini flowers, chickpea, and chestnut soup, Roman-style braised oxtail, and duchess di parma pizza
L'Isola della Pizza
Founded in 1985, the L'Isola della Pizza is another popular family-run eatery in Rome. The restaurant started as a small-scale pizzeria and has now grown to include delicious pasta and meat dishes. The pizza dough at L'Isola della Pizza is left to rise for 48 hours and then baked in an oak wood oven so you can imagine how sumptuous their pizzas will be.
- Cuisines: Italian, Steakhouse, and Pizza
- Price for two: €40-50
- Open Hours: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday-12:30 PM to 3 PM and 7:30 PM-12 AM. Closed on Wednesdays.
Pizza Gigante “Isola”, ortolana pizza, Danish beef, panna cotta “Isola” and mousse al cioccolato “Isola”
Expensive Restaurants
La Pergola
La Pergola is an institution in Italian dining. The 3-Michelin-starred restaurant is the most expensive and the best restaurant near the Vatican. Perfect for a fancy night out or a special occasion, La Pergola promises you one of the best meals you’ll ever have in Rome! Dress well, bring an appetite and your checkbook-and you are good to go.
- Cuisines: Italian, Seafood, and Mediterranean
- Price for two: €90-100
- Open Hours: Tuesday to Saturday-7:30 PM to 11:30 PM. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Fagotelli “La Pergola,” tangerine jelly, artichoke textures, fennel risotto with scallops, and duck foie gras
Il Sorpasso
If you are coming from St. Peter’s Basilica, then the closest eatery for you would be Il Sorpasso. With its casual atmosphere, amazing ambiance, and tasty food, Il Sorpasso is a genuine restaurant that promises you a good and reasonably-priced meal that will leave your tummy feeling very happy. The high-quality food and their presentation at Il Sorpasso can give any fancy restaurant in Rome a run for its money.
- Cuisines: Italian
- Price for two: €60-80
- Opening Hours: Monday to Friday-9 AM to 1 AM. Saturdays-9:30 AM to 1 AM. Closed on Sundays.
Fettuccine with pumpkin, orecchiette pasta with broccoli and Italian sausage, chicken salad, meatball sandwich, and zabaione “alla nonna”
Bonus: Hidden Gems
Feffo
Feffo is a popular dining destination for locals and tourists alike. The menu features a variety of Italian dishes, including homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and mouthwatering desserts. The restaurant's attentive staff provides excellent service, making guests feel welcomed and cared for.
- Cuisines: Italian
- Price for two: €40-50
- Opening Hours: Daily - 7 AM to 8 PM
Macaroons, Italian Coffee, Pistachio cannoli pastry, Panini
Scialla
They are known for their delicious and authentic Italian street food. From mouthwatering pizza slices to savory arancini, Scialla offers a wide range of options that will satisfy any craving. Their menu also includes fresh paninis, fried seafood, and homemade gelato. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, making it the perfect place to grab a quick bite or enjoy a meal.
- Cuisines: Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean
- Price for two: €20-30
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday - 11 AM to 4 PM, closed on Sundays
Pizza pies, Lasagna Bolognese, Carbonara, Tiramisu
Recommended Vatican City Tickets
Vatican City Restaurants FAQs
Have all your Vatican City questions answered and plan your visit like a pro!
Some popular dining options in and around Vatican City include Panificio Bonci, La Zanzara, and Tre Pupazzi.
It is a good idea to make a reservation at the restaurants near Vatican City to avoid waiting times and queues.
La Pergola is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Rome. The restaurant has been awarded 3 Michelin stars and if you want to have a meal, we recommend that you reserve a table in advance.
There is no dress code for dining at restaurants near Vatican City. However, if you are visiting a Michelin-starred restaurant such as La Pergola, it’ll be nice if you dress well.
Not really. The price varies according to the restaurant you choose. For example, if you choose to go to Duecento Gradi, you can enjoy a delicious meal for €8-12, but if you go to a fancy restaurant such as La Pergola, you’ll end up spending around €90-100.
