Rome and pizza have a complicated relationship. Neapolitans will remind you (loudly) that pizza was born in Naples. But Romans have their own deeply proud pizza tradition — the thin, crispy, almost cracker-like pizza romana tonda, plus the glorious pizza al taglio sold by weight from glass cases across the city.
We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts from r/rome, r/ItalyTravel, r/travel, and r/Pizza to find the spots that actual Roman residents and experienced Italy travelers recommend over and over. From legendary Neapolitan imports to old-school Roman pizzerias to the best slice shops — these are the pizzerias worth your time in the Eternal City.
📊 How we built this list
We analyzed 150+ Reddit posts and 800+ comments across r/rome, r/ItalyTravel, r/travel, r/Pizza, and r/askitaly — spanning 2022 to 2026. Pizzerias were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users across separate threads. Every spot on this list was mentioned by at least 3 different people. We weighted long-term Rome residents' picks more heavily than first-time visitor posts.
What to order: Any pizza — the dough is the star. The cornicioni (crusts) are impossibly light and "soffiati" (puffed). Try their seasonal specials with premium toppings. Reservations are essential — book several days ahead.
"Seu Pizza Illuminati is definitely one of the best Neapolitan pizzerias in town. The dough is exceptional and the ingredients are top quality."
— r/rome · Best Pizza in Rome, Aug 2024
"Seu pizza illuminati is the best contemporanea pizza in Rome, 5th best pizza in the world according to top 50 pizza. You need to make your reservation in advance and hope you are lucky to find a spot."
— r/rome · Best Pizza Spots in Rome, Aug 2024
"At Seu Illuminati it is essential to make reservations, even several days in advance."
— u/MassimoDecioMeridio, r/rome · Aug 2024
tabiji verdict: The consensus pick for best pizza in Rome — period. Ranked 5th in the world by 50 Top Pizza, Seu's dough is in a class of its own. It's a bit outside the center and reservations are mandatory, but every Roman foodie we found on Reddit agrees: this is the one. Worth the trek and the planning.
What to order: The pizza fritta (fried pizza) is legendary — a must-try alongside any regular pizza. Their dough uses fresh ingredients from Campania. The margherita is a perfect benchmark. No reservations needed — just queue.
"50 Kalò and get the pizza fritta!"
— u/vicarem, r/ItalyTravel · Aug 2024
tabiji verdict: Ciro Salvo's Rome outpost of his legendary Naples pizzeria. The dough is impossibly light and hydrated, the ingredients are sourced directly from Campania. Conveniently located near Termini, no reservation needed (just a line). The pizza fritta alone is worth the visit. If Seu is booked, this is your move.
What to order: Any classic pizza — the beauty is in the impossibly thin, cracker-crisp base. The margherita or a simple capricciosa lets the crust shine. Opens only for dinner (from ~7 PM). No reservations — arrive early or queue.
"Pizzeria da Remo a Testaccio, nota per la sua base sottile e croccante, è molto popolare tra i romani."
— u/Sisyphus_Rock530 (30 pts), r/ItalyTravel · Best Pizza in Rome, Aug 2024
tabiji verdict: The quintessential Roman pizza experience. Thin as a cracker, blistered, no-frills — exactly what pizza romana should be. The Testaccio location is authentic and loud. Dinner only, no reservations, lines form by 7:30 PM. This is where Romans eat pizza. Full stop.
What to order: Point at whatever looks good — everything is exceptional. The combinations change daily. The dough is airy, crisp on the outside, impossibly light inside. Sold by weight, eaten standing or walking. A few pieces make a perfect lunch.
"Bonci"
— multiple users across r/rome threads (consistently mentioned as top taglio) · Jun 2025
tabiji verdict: Gabriele Bonci is considered Rome's pizza al taglio genius — and possibly the world's best. His toppings are creative, seasonal, and boundary-pushing, but the dough is the real star: 72-hour fermented, airy, and crispy. It's standing-only and always packed. The perfect Vatican-area lunch stop.
💰 €3–€10 (by weight)
📍 Via dei Chiavari (near Campo de' Fiori)
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: The pizza rossa (tomato, no cheese) — Roman street food at its purest. Also try the pizza bianca (just olive oil and salt), the porchetta-stuffed pizza, and the supplì next door at the salumeria. Perfect mid-morning or lunch snack.
"Went to Antico Forno Roscioli and had the most amazing porchetta pizza with potatoes on top. I still love a NYC slice but Rome pizza is incredible at some places."
— u/miclee15 (26 pts), r/ItalyTravel · Best Pizza in Rome, Aug 2024
"You are probably referring to Forno Roscioli, right? If so I definitely agree with you: the best pizza rossa al taglio in town."
— u/MassimoDecioMeridio, r/rome · Aug 2024
tabiji verdict: The Roscioli empire is Roman food royalty, and this forno (bakery) is where it all started. Their pizza rossa is the benchmark — just tomato sauce on perfect dough, nothing more needed. The porchetta pizza is life-changing. Grab it to go and eat walking through the centro storico. Budget-friendly and unforgettable.
What to order: The classic thin-crust pizza — simple toppings work best here. The margherita or prosciutto e funghi. Ask for Ercole (the long-time pizzaiolo) if he's working. Dinner only. Cash preferred.
"Came here to say 'Pizzeria Da Baffetto.' Far and away some of the best pizza I've ever had anywhere."
— u/gn3296, r/rome · Pizza Recommendations, Oct 2024
tabiji verdict: A Roman institution since 1969. The location on charming Via del Governo Vecchio is unbeatable, and the pizza is authentic thin-crust Roman style. Yes, it's known by tourists too, but the line of Italians outside confirms it's still the real deal. Expect communal tables and no-nonsense service — that's part of the charm.
💰 €9–€16/pizza
📍 Via del Monte della Farina (near Campo de' Fiori)
📌 Google Maps →
What to order: Their thin-crust pizzas with high-quality toppings — the burrata pizza is exceptional. Also excellent supplì (fried rice balls) as a starter. Reservations recommended for dinner.
"Emma vicino Campo de' Fiori, famosa per la sua pizza a crosta sottile e ingredienti di alta qualità."
— u/Sisyphus_Rock530 (30 pts), r/ItalyTravel · Best Pizza in Rome, Aug 2024
"I went to Emma today based on this recommendation from 10 months ago. Grazie!"
— u/keenanandkel, r/ItalyTravel · Aug 2024
tabiji verdict: A more polished, modern take on Roman pizza. The ingredients are a step above most pizzerias, the space is stylish, and it's perfectly located near Campo de' Fiori. It's slightly pricier than the old-school joints, but the quality justifies it. Great for a nicer pizza dinner without going full fine-dining.
What to order: Their seasonal creative pizzas with unusual topping combinations — they push boundaries while respecting tradition. The dough is excellent. Check their specials board.
"I lived in Rome for several years and I think this one was my favorite."
— u/GezertEagle, r/rome · Jun 2025
tabiji verdict: The locals-only pick. Tucked away in residential Monteverde, far from any tourist route, this is where Romans who care about pizza go. The creative toppings and excellent dough have earned it a devoted following. You'll need to make the trek, but expats who lived in Rome for years consistently name this as their favorite.
What to order: Thin, crispy Roman pizza — keep it classic. Also absolutely get the supplì (fried rice balls) and the fiori di zucca fritti (fried zucchini flowers). Get there early or face a serious queue.
tabiji verdict: Nicknamed "l'obitorio" (the morgue) for its cold marble tables, Ai Marmi is Trastevere's most authentic pizzeria. Dirt-cheap, paper-thin pizza and some of the best supplì in the city. No frills, no pretense — just excellent Roman pizza in a lively neighborhood. The perfect Trastevere dinner before a passeggiata.
What to order: Classic Roman thin-crust pizzas. The location near Torre Argentina means it's walkable from most major sights. Good, honest pizza at fair prices.
"Pizzeria Florida near Torre Argentina. I dream of that pizza. Trust me."
— u/LifeWithFiveDogs (3 pts), r/ItalyTravel · Best Pizza in Rome, Aug 2024
"Seconded, nice people too."
— u/marshalltownusa, r/ItalyTravel · Aug 2024
tabiji verdict: A neighborhood gem hiding in plain sight near one of Rome's busiest intersections. While tourists flock to overpriced spots near the Pantheon, locals pop into Florida for proper thin-crust Roman pizza. The "I dream of that pizza" quote from a traveler says it all — unpretentious and genuinely delicious.
What to order: Naples-style pizza with a puffy, charred cornicione. It's a tiny place (the name means "little hole") — be prepared to wait in line. Worth it for the quality-to-location ratio.
"Came here to say this! Lovely place. The line moves at a good pace and worth the wait!"
— u/bigbadbret, r/rome · May 2025
tabiji verdict: The rare great pizza near a major tourist attraction. Most places near Trevi are overpriced traps, but Piccolo Buco serves legitimately excellent Neapolitan pizza. The tiny size means lines, but they move fast. A lifesaver when you're sightseeing in the centro and need proper pizza.
What to order: Pizza by the slice — the classic margherita or whatever seasonal topping catches your eye. Pair it with a supplì from a neighboring stall. Perfect market lunch while exploring Testaccio.
tabiji verdict: The Testaccio Market experience in a pizza slice. Friendly owners, great vibes, and excellent pizza at market prices. Combine it with supplì from the stall next door and a trapizzino from Trapizzino's stand for the ultimate Testaccio food crawl. Lunch only (market hours).
What to order: Traditional Roman-style thin and crispy pizza. The no-frills atmosphere is part of the appeal — this is how Romans actually eat pizza. Close to Piramide metro.
"Pizzeria Ostiense is one of my favorites (I live in Rome). It's close to Piramide, so not in the center. You barely see tourists there. The pizza is Roman style (not Neapolitan), which I prefer."
— u/Wild_Engineer_4552, r/rome · Best Pizza in Rome, May 2025
"I came here to recommend Pizzeria Ostiense."
— u/platyp9, r/rome · Jun 2025
tabiji verdict: The true locals-only pizzeria. "You barely see tourists there" is the highest compliment a Roman can give. The pizza is classic Roman tonda — thin, crispy, no pretension. Slightly outside the center near Piramide, but easily metro-accessible. If you want to eat where Romans eat, this is it.
What to order: Their pizza has a slightly thicker, chewier crust than typical Roman style — a hybrid approach. The calzone with ricotta and Nutella for dessert is legendary. Good for groups.
"Dar Poeta. I'm telling you this is where you need to go. I had a chance to live in Rome for 5 months and this is the place. Pizza is my favorite food and friends refer to me as a pizza snob."
— u/Piperwarrior808, r/rome · Best Pizza Spots in Rome, Aug 2024
tabiji verdict: A Trastevere institution with passionate defenders on Reddit. The slightly thicker crust won't please Roman purists, but plenty of expats who lived in Rome name it their go-to. The Nutella calzone is a rite of passage. Some say it's not as good as it used to be — judge for yourself.
What to order: Neapolitan-style pizza with excellent dough and fresh toppings. Reservations are strongly recommended — this is a popular spot with limited seats.
"Mariuccia near Campo di Fiori. I was in Rome for a week and I must have eaten there 4 or 5 times. You will have to make a reservation."
— u/cannonstotheleftofus, r/rome · Best Pizzerias in Rome, Apr 2025
"Enjoyed Mariuccia for sit down."
— u/Due_Flan_699, r/rome · Apr 2025
tabiji verdict: When someone eats at the same pizza place 4-5 times in a single week, you pay attention. Mariuccia is the kind of place that creates repeat visitors — small, personal, and consistently excellent. The Campo de' Fiori location is convenient, but reservations are non-negotiable. A lovely spot for a proper pizza dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pizza in Rome?
Based on Reddit consensus, Seu Pizza Illuminati is the top pick for Neapolitan-style pizza in Rome, with exceptionally light dough and premium toppings. For authentic Roman-style thin and crispy pizza, Pizzeria da Remo in Testaccio is the locals' favorite. For pizza al taglio (by the slice), Bonci Pizzarium near the Vatican is considered the best in the world. The "best" depends on which style you prefer.
What is the difference between Roman pizza and Neapolitan pizza?
Roman pizza (pizza romana tonda) is thin, crispy, and cracker-like with minimal cornice (raised edge). It's made with olive oil in the dough for crunch. Neapolitan pizza has a soft, puffy cornicione (crust), a slightly charred exterior, and a tender, sometimes wet center. Rome also has pizza al taglio (by the slice) — thick, rectangular, sold by weight — and pizza alla pala (paddle pizza), which is oblong and lighter. Most Romans prefer their local crispy style.
How much does pizza cost in Rome?
A whole pizza at a sit-down pizzeria costs €7–€16 depending on toppings and location. Pizza al taglio (by the slice/weight) runs €3–€8 for a filling portion. Upscale spots like Seu Pizza Illuminati or Emma range €10–€18 per pizza. Avoid tourist-trap pizzerias near major landmarks charging €15+ for mediocre pizza — walk 2-3 blocks away for better quality and lower prices.
Do I need a reservation for pizza in Rome?
For Seu Pizza Illuminati, absolutely — book several days in advance. Emma and Mariuccia also benefit from reservations, especially for dinner. Most traditional Roman pizzerias like Da Remo, Ai Marmi, and Da Baffetto don't take reservations — just show up and expect to wait in line. Arrive before 8 PM to minimize waits. Pizza al taglio shops (Bonci, Roscioli) are walk-in only.
When do Romans eat pizza?
Romans traditionally eat pizza for dinner, not lunch. Most sit-down pizzerias open around 7–7:30 PM and peak at 9–10 PM. Pizza al taglio shops are open during the day and make excellent lunch options. Some pizzerias only serve dinner (Da Remo opens at 7 PM). If you want pizza for lunch, head to a taglio shop like Bonci, Roscioli, or Casa Manco at Testaccio Market.