Where To Eat Breakfast In Rome - My 8 Favorite Breakfast Nooks

Last updated on February 26th, 2025

So much about visiting Rome is basking in its seemingly infinite culture and sites. But what would seeing all the sights be without a bit of pastry and coffee to go alongside?

If you’re visiting (or planning your foodie trip) and hoping to get out and eat breakfast in Rome then you have come to the right place. Writing about Italian food has been a passion of mine since I can remember and I am lucky enough to call it my job.

These are my favorite spots for a Roman breakfast, all based on first hand experience. I’ve included:

what each spot is best for
what I like to order
where it’s located in relation to major tourist attractions

From traditional Italian breakfast al bar to more international favorites and bunch specialties, I cover it all in this comprehensive guide to the best breakfast spots in Rome.

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Map of Where to Eat Breakfast in Rome

Quick Guide to Where to Eat Breakfast in Rome

Name	Address – Neighborhood	Nearby Attraction	Best For	Outdoor Seating
Forno Monteforte	Via del Pellegrino, 129 (Historic District)	Piazza Navona	Casual Italian breakfast at the counter or sitting down	Limited stools without tables
Pasticceria Regoli	Via dello Statuto, 60 (Esquilino)	Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II	Maritozzi, whipped cream-filled buns	No
LOVE Specialty Croissants	Via Tunisi, 51 (Prati)	Vatican City	French-style croissants and specialty coffee
Barnum	Address: Via del Pellegrino, 87 (Historic District)	Campo de’ Fiori	Brunch in Rome	No
Linari	Via Nicola Zabaglia, 9 (Testaccio)	Pyramid of Cestius	Breakfast with the locals	Yes
Tulipane	Via del Pavone, 28 (Historic District)	Piazza Navona	Sophisticated brunch in Rome / couples	Indoor
Vivi Bistrot	Piazza Navona, 90 (Historic District)	Piazza Navona	Organic breakfast in Rome (including international favorites) and families	Veranda/glass covered seating
Faro	Via Piave, 55 (Sallustiano)	Villa Borghese (15-minute walk)	Specialty coffee	Yes

What to Order for Breakfast in Rome

Romans typically eat what other Italians eat for breakfast, that is, a coffee beverage and a sweet pastry. What sets them apart, however, is their love for la colazione salata, that is to say, a savory breakfast, most commonly with pizza bianca (focaccia) or pizza rossa.

Eating in Italy Basics: If you are curious to know more about navigating dining in Italy, you may be interested in
How To Order Food In Italian
Tipping In Italy – When & How Much From A Local
What Is A Coperto? All About Italy’s Cover Charge
A Visitor’s Guide To Eating In Italy
How To Order Food In Italian
Italian Meal Structure

Typical breakfast items to try in Rome include:

Maritozzi – a leavened bun filled with whipped cream.
Pizza bianca – a soft flatbread similar to focaccia (may be filled with mortadella)
Pizza rossa – pizza with red sauce
Ciambella – a sugar covered donut
Cornetto – classic sweet Italian pastry

For more detailed information about ordering breakfast in Italy, check out Italian Breakfast and How To Order Coffee in Italy. And should you want to stay in for breakfast, take a look at my Breakfast Shopping List.

Forno Monteforte

Via del Pellegrino, 129 (Historic District)

Nearby Attraction: Piazza Navona
Best For: Casual Italian breakfast at the counter or sitting down

Forno Monteforte is a charming neighborhood bakery known for its great breakfast pastry and donuts (ciambelle). Unlike other bakeries and bars in the city center, this one is a bit cheaper than, say, Roscioli Caffè Pasticceria, which is quite steep if you sit down.

Forno Monteforte isn’t fancy but rather, a no-frills classic Italian breakfast experience side by side with the locals. It’s also one of my favorite bakeries in the Historic District should you want to buy bread or other snacks for later.

Pasticceria Regoli

Hand holds up a maritozzi pastry in front of Regoli Pasticceria's entrance in Rome.

Via dello Statuto, 60 (Esquilino)

Nearby Attraction: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II
Best For: Maritozzi, whipped cream-filled buns

First opened in 1916 by a Tuscan family, Pasticceria Regoli is today one of the best spots in Rome for breakfast if you want to try the local specialty, il maritozzo. The bakery doesn’t have seating but they do have a small cafe next door where you can order coffee, make your pastry order and watch them pass your breakfast from the bakery through a window to the bar.

If you don’t feel like maritozzi, don’t worry. They have countless other breakfast items but the best things are cream stuffed.

Tip: Come early to beat the rush and grab a maritozzo for breakfast. If you’re exploring the Esquilino market, this makes a perfect breakfast stop.

LOVE Specialty Croissants

Hand holds up croissant in front of Love Cafe in Rome.

Via Tunisi, 51 (Prati)

Nearby Attraction: Vatican City
Best For: French-style croissants and specialty coffee

Nestled in the Prati neighborhood not far from Vatican City, LOVE Specialty Croissants is a must-visit for pastry lovers who want to sit down for breakfast in Rome. Their French-style croissants are flaky and innovative and probably I have tasted in Rome.

This breakfast nook is primarily filled with locals but don’t let that keep you away (or maybe that is exactly what you are looking for). I suggest this spot for anyone looking for not only great pastry but also, alternative coffee drinks such as a cortado or flat white. Good luck getting a table, as seating is limited at this small cafe.

Barnum

Address: Via del Pellegrino, 87 (Historic District)

Nearby Attraction: Campo de’ Fiori
Best For: Brunch in Rome

Barnum serves up not only some of the best coffee in Rome, but also, is one of the best places for breakfast if you are looking for brunch. Their menu includes classic Italian cornetti and coffee but their full menu has an ample selection of brunch favorites such as eggs, avocado toast and pancakes.

Keep in mind that Barnum is usually always busy. You will most likely have to wait in line so I don’t recommend coming here with kids or if you crunched for time.

Linari

top view of two cappuccini in white cups with spoons and sugar on side of saucer.

Via Nicola Zabaglia, 9 (Testaccio)

Nearby Attraction: Pyramid of Cestius
Best For: Breakfast with the locals

Linari is a casual Italian bakery and bar filled with locals. It’s known for their delicious cream-stuffed goodies and breakfast items including daily specials and cream puffs by the tray.

Order at the counter and bring your coffee and pastry to a small table either inside or outside lining the sidewalk. There is no table service. When you are done, bring your dishes in and pay at the register.

Market Shoppers: The Testaccio Market is just next door.

Tulipane

Peach colored wooden and glass doors form the entrance of Tulipano in Rome. Cream colored building with green benches on either side of entrance.

Via del Pavone, 28 (Historic District)

Nearby Attraction: Piazza Navona
Best For: Sophisticated brunch in Rome / couples

I would best describe Tulipane as a mix between Italian, French and English food. This chic restaurant and bakery offers an eclectic menu from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm with items such as croque monsieur, vitello tonnato, lentil salad, English toast fixing and yogurt parfaits. They also have a decent wine list and classic French pastry like pan au chocolat.

Good To Know: If you are looking for artisan bread for making a picnic, Tulipane has it too!

Vivi Bistrot

People sit at tables in a large indoor space that's open to the outside by two enormous dark green doors. Tile at entrance is black and white checkers.

Piazza Navona, 90 (Historic District)

Nearby Attraction: Bernini’s Fountain of Four Rivers
Best For: Organic breakfast in Rome (including international favorites) and families

Vivi Bistrot is one of the coolest places in Rome to sit down for breakfast if you are looking for a sustainable/organic menu. At Vivi, they use locally locally-sourced ingredients with attention to seasonality. They have quiches, bagels, burgers and classic Italian fare. The menu is large but well balanced and curated.

The atmosphere is beautifully decorated with plenty of greenery and natural light. It’s also one of my top picks for eating with kids in Rome.

For a typical Italian breakfast, check out:
Italian Breakfast – A Traveler’s Guide
Where To Eat Breakfast In Venice, Italy
Where To Get Coffee In Venice
My Favorite Bakeries In Florence
Florence’s Best Pastries
Best Coffee In Florence
Where to Eat Breakfast in Rome
My Favorite Bakeries in Rome
Best Coffee in Rome

Faro

Barista pours coffee at a bar in Rome while two patrons stand at the bar. Foreground has a wooden table with a red espresso cup and saucer.

Via Piave, 55 (Sallustiano)

Nearby Attraction: Villa Borghese (15-minute walk)
Best For: Specialty coffee

Faro serves artisan cornetti that always sell out by mid morning, as well as quick lunch items such as soups, wraps and salads alongside daily specials.

Faro, meaning “lighthouse,” in Italian is a modern “clean cut” sort of cafè. The cafè prides itself on serving high quality specialty coffee from all over the world. At Faro, they believe you should drink your coffee without sugar (not to Roman tradition) as to truly appreciate the coffee’s complexity. You can also expect to find unconventional methods to making coffee compared to Italian tradition.

Unlike traditional Italian bars, I felt free to sit and read and chat at their tables, instead of being brushed out. Order your breakfast with some of their delicious baked goods or other Italian desserts.

Tip: Faro is one of my favorite spots for breakfast in Rome but do get here early for the food as by around 10:30, the choices have dwindled significantly.