Where can you enjoy the best brunches in Rome? We leave for a trip to the Capital in search of the best places for brunch.
Brunch, a combination of breakfast and lunch.
This meal was adopted from Anglo-Saxon countries; in recent years, it has spread rapidly in Italy and become very popular. It originated as a Sunday tradition, a day when people sometimes tend to skip breakfast to compensate for Saturday night excesses or because they get up later. Brunch is usually eaten between 11.00 am and 3.00 pm and involves both sweet and savory food options at the table, usually presented in a lavish buffet.
The main difference between breakfast and brunch in Italy is the time of day and amount of food.
Breakfast in Italy is typically a light meal eaten around 7-8 AM. It usually consists of a cup of coffee (cappuccino or espresso) with a pastry or a slice of toast. Some Italians may also opt for a bowl of cereal or yogurt.
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Brunch is a more substantial meal that combines elements of breakfast and lunch. It is typically eaten between 11 AM and 3 PM, often on weekends or holidays. Brunch in Italy can include a variety of dishes, such as eggs, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, salads, fruits, yogurt, granola, and pastries. Some restaurants also offer buffet-style brunches with a wider selection of food.
In essence, breakfast is a quick and light morning meal, while brunch is a more leisurely and filling meal that bridges the gap between breakfast and lunch.
Rome has not escaped the brunch craze: whether you are just passing through, for work or on vacation, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many places that offer broad ample menus.
Ten of Rome’s best brunch places
If you’re looking for a leisurely breakfast or a hearty brunch, Rome has you covered. Here are some of the best brunch places in the city:
1. Rosti al Pigneto
- Address: Via Bartolomeo D’Alviano 65, Roma
- Phone: 06 2752608
Rosti offers a served brunch consisting of 5 appetizers, 3 entrees, 2 main courses, a side dish, and two desserts, available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12.30 pm to 4.00 pm at the cost of €20. The strong points of this location are the outdoor spaces, including a corner dedicated to the little ones.
2. Gusto
- Address: Piazza di S. Apollinaire 41, Roma
- Phone: 06 62286019
One of Rome’s first eateries to adopt the brunch concept, the peculiarity of ‘Gusto lies in its pricing formula: you pay according to the weight of what you eat. There’s a huge variety on offer, so it’s good to keep an eye on how much you pile on your tray! Up to 500 g the price is €15 (including orange juice and Nescafé) and it increases by €2.50 for every additional 100 g.
3. Ciclostazione Frattini
- Address: Via P. Frattini 136/138, Roma
- Phone: 06 5503707
In addition to featuring a very rich menu – including fresh pasta, creamed soups, cheeses, fish, then “pizza alla pala” and American Breakfast favorites and homemade desserts – Ciclostazione Frattini has a veranda where brunch can be enjoyed in a sheltered corner in the open air and entertainment for children.
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4. Porto Fluviale
- Address: Via del Porto Fluviale 22, Roma
- Phone: 06 5743199
On Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 12.30 p.m. until 4 p.m., you can enjoy a lavish brunch at the Porto Fluviale. The offering ranges from pasta dishes and meat and fish main courses, to pizza, pancakes, French toast, and much more. The cost is €20 for adults and €12 for children. Also here, there’s a special space with entertainment for the little ones.
5. Caffè Propaganda
- Address: Via Claudia 15, Roma
- Phone:06 94534255
Café Propaganda, designed entirely in the style of early 20th-century Italian cafés, enjoys a privileged location: it is just a stone’s throw from the Colosseum and is the perfect destination or starting point for a Sunday stroll through the heart of Rome. It offers brunch made with organic ingredients and elaborately prepared dishes that are never dull.
6. Necci
- Address: Via Fanfulla da Lodi 68, Roma
- Phone: 06 97601552
We return to Pigneto, to Necci, where you can relax and enjoy an excellent outdoor brunch every day, from Monday to Sunday, between noon and 3.00 pm. Necci offers selections of dishes of Roman cuisine, accompanied by finger food and fried delicacies, with special consideration for celiac and vegan customers.
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7. Marigold
- Address: Via Giovanni da Empoli 37, Roma
- Phone: 06 87725679
8. Bakery House
- Address: Via Riano 11, Roma
- Phone: 06 88805526
9. Il Maritozzo Rosso
- Address: Vicolo del Cedro 26, Roma
- Phone: 06 5817363
It’s a large, round bun with a soft, fluffy texture. The defining characteristic of a maritozzo is its hollow center, which is often filled with a sweet cream, typically whipped cream or crema pasticcera (pastry cream).
The name “maritozzo” is thought to derive from the Italian word “marito,” meaning “husband.” It’s a popular treat for couples, often enjoyed together.
10. Le Serre by Vivi
- Address: Via Decio Filipponi 1, Roma
- Phone: 06 83986929
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