Where To Eat With Kids In Rome After Each Tourist Attraction - By A Mom Of Four In Italy

If you’re coming to Rome with kids then you’re probably preparing yourself way in advance in terms of what to do, see and of course, where to eat.

I’m a mom of four living in Italy since 2012 and taking my kids out to eat is part of my job as a food writer.

Based on our family’s experience, these are the best places to eat with kids in Rome. I’ve organized them by by proximity to major tourist attractions that you’re likely visiting.

I’ve chosen them based on:

how kid-friendly the menu is
the service
the atmosphere
the quality

Kids in Italy: Curious to read more about eating with kids in Italy? Check out
Where to Eat with Kids in Florence – Florence (quick bites) – Venice – Venice (in squares) – Rome
Kid-Friendly Foods to Order at Restaurants in Italy
Dining Out With Kids In Italy – What To Expect + Tips
Italy’s Best Supermarket Snacks for Kids
School Lunches in Italy

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Map of Where to Eat With Kids in Rome

Quick Guide to My Recommendations

Name	Nearby Tourist Attraction	Specialty	Good To Know
Piccolo Buco	Trevi Fountain	Pizza	Serves food all day but it’s small
Il Panino Ingegnoso	Trevi Fountain	Sandwiches	To-go or standing only
Cul de Sac	Piazza Navona/Pantheon	Roman food	Not stroller friendly
Vivi Bistrot	Piazza Navona/Pantheon	Organic international and Italian food	Stroller friendly
Emma Pizzeria	Campo’ de Fiori	Roman thin crust pizza	Book ahead
Roscioli Salumeria	Campo’ de Fiori	Wine bar and Roman food	Very busy – book ahead
Forno Da Milvio	Colosseum	Cafeteria-style	Serves sandwiches and pizza as well
Ai Tre Scallini	Colosseum	Typical Roman food	Indoor seating only
Mercato Centrale	Located within Termini train station	Various food stalls	Everyone orders what they want and eat at communal tables in middle
Romanè	Vatican City	Typical Roman food	Indoor and outdoor seating
Pizzarium	Vatican City	Pizza	Standing room only
Supplì Roma	Trastevere	Supplì	Standing only (more of a snack option)
Osteria da Zi Umberto	Trastevere	Typical Roman food	Indoor and outdoor seating
Il Tonnarello	3 locations in Trastevere and 1 location close to Castel Sant’Angelo	Roman pasta dishes	Don’t take reservations so get there early
Osteria Nuvolari	Castel Sant’Angelo	Typical Roman food	Stroller-friendly
Antico Forno Pasticceria Angelo Colapicchioni	Castel Sant’Angelo	Made-to-order Sandwiches	Standing room only or to-go
L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele	Explore Kids Museum	Pizza	Located within children’s museum
Pastasciutta	Explore Kids Museum	Pasta	Super quick pasta plates ready in 5 minutes (served in cardboard bowls)
Pinsere	Borghese Gallery and Gardens	Pizza pinsa	Limited seating but quick turn over

Eating With Kids In Rome After The Trevi Fountain

These are my favorite places to eat after throwing our coins into the Trevi Fountain.

Piccolo Buco

Via del Lavatore, 91

Piccolo Buco is a charming, hole-in-the-wall pizzeria famed for its Neapolitan-style thick, fluffy crust pizzas. Located in one of Rome’s most touristy areas, it’s a hidden gem where quality is scarce. Arrive right at noon to beat the crowds.

Uniquely, Piccolo Buco stays open from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, so you can grab a pizza almost any time of the day (unlike traditional Italian restaurants who close in the afternoons).

Il Panino Ingegnoso

P.za di Pietra, 35

Il Panino Ingegnoso is one of the best places to eat with kids in the Historic Center if you are just looking for a sandwich. There are only a couple of stools and tall tables so be prepared to find a corner to sit down on if they are taken. I don’t recommend this place for families with kids who are tired and need to rest their legs. This is more of a gamble in terms of seating but the quality is great and steps make great seats as well.

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

Eating With Kids In Rome After The Pantheon/Piazza Navona

Head to one of these spots if you’re around the Pantheon and Piazza Navona.

Cul de Sac

Piazza di Pasquino, 73

Tucked away near two of Rome’s most famous landmarks, Cul de Sac might not look spacious at first glance, but it welcomes families with high chairs. Their menu ranges from hearty lasagna, Roman meatballs, vegetarian specialties and tasty Italian desserts. Try and book ahead if you can as there is always a line to eat here.

Good To Know: If you eat outdoors, your stroller is going to be fine but indoors, it’s a boxcar so there won’t be space for it.

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, 9

Vivi Bistrot immediately stood out to me as an ideal spot to eat with kids in Rome because of their international menu and dedication to organic and local ingredients. Their extensive menu includes quiches, bagels, brunch options, burgers, and classic Italian fare, making it perfect for even the pickiest of eaters. Because it’s a favorite among locals looking for an international bite, be sure to reserve a table in advance.

Eating With Kids In Rome After Campo de’ Fiori

After you’ve explored Campo de’ Fiori, fill your bellies!

Emma Pizzeria

Glass door to Emma Emporio in Rome, Italy. Inside are shelves with wine bottles.

Via del Monte della Farina, 28

Emma Pizzeria is a popular family-friendly pizzeria famed for its pizza tonda or Roman thin crust pizza. It definitely makes my list for one of the best pizzas in Rome but because of its central location, the prices are a bit steep. Absolutely pre-book your table.

Roscioli Salumeria

wide angle shot of an enoteca in Italy with several tables in middle with people drinking wine and shelves on either side lined with wine for sale. — *Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina in Rome*

Via dei Giubbonari, 21

Roscioli Salumeria is a true Roman institution, blending a gourmet food shop, wine bar, and restaurant all into one. Its walls, lined with high-quality artisanal products, set the stage for a delicious Roman meal. Many people come for their cheese and charcuterie but their pasta, especially the carbonara, is some of the best in Rome.

Though not a typical kids’ spot, the diverse seating options (salumeria counter, bar, restaurant area, and basement cellar) make it a family-friendly choice if you plan ahead and book a table, an absolute must because of how popular it has become.

Eating With Kids In Rome After The Colosseum

Below are my two favorite places to eat with kids in Rome after visiting the Colosseum. For more suggestions, check out Where to Eat Near the Colosseum.

Forno da Milvio

Forno da Milvio, Via dei Serpenti, 7

Forno da Milvio is a great lunch spot if you are eating with kids in Rome for a fast, satisfying meal near the Colosseum. The cafeteria-style resturant and bakery offers a variety of prepared Italian dishes served in a self-service format—ideal for cheap eats with plenty of cooked pasta dishes, rice, meats, cooked veggies and daily specials. They have a pretty quick turnover of tables but it’s best to come before the working lunch rush (around 12:30 pm). You can curb hunger with a sandwich or piece of pizza while waiting for a table.

Ai Tre Scalini

Via Panisperna, 251

Ai Tre Scalini is a well-known family-friendly restaurant in Monti, serving classic Roman dishes such as ravioli, meatballs, sausages and roast beef perfect for kids. It’s an 11 minute walk from the Colosseum. Another great option should Ai Tre Scalini be closed or booked is La Carbonara, a small restaurant that requires pre-booking.

Eating With Kids In Rome At The Termini Train Station

Below is my favorite place to eat with kids in Rome at the Termini train station. For more suggestions, read Where to Eat Near Termini.

Mercato Centrale

Mercato Centrale is the ideal spot for a quick meal right inside Termini Station before you depart or right when you arrive in Rome. If you’re traveling with luggage, you’ll appreciate not having to venture further—even a short 5-minute walk with kids and bags is, needless to say, unwelcome while traveling.

Situated on the top floor of Termini, this bustling, cafeteria-style venue offers an impressive array of freshly prepared dishes and snacks. You can choose from a variety of food stalls and then enjoy your meal at the communal tables in the center. Keep in mind, though, that the area can get quite crowded. Popular vendors often have long lines, so if you’re in a hurry, this may not be for you.

Eating With Kids In Rome After The Vatican

Below are my two favorite places to eat with kids in Rome near the Vatican. For more options, check out Where to Eat Near the Vatican.

Romanè

Front entrance and outdoor seating area with a couple of tables in front of Romane restaurant in Rome.

Via Cipro, 106

Romanè is a popular trattoria near the Vatican, offering an excellent mix of meat courses, seasonal vegetarian sides, and great Italian desserts, making it an ideal choice for families with kids of all ages. The atmosphere is casual and the prices are reasonable. Booking ahead is highly recommended.

Pizzarium

Hand holds up small pice of pizza from Bonci pizza in Rome.

Via della Meloria 43 (Cipro)

Pizzarium is famous in Rome for its innovative pizza al taglio (pizza by the slice – sold by the weight) by the pizza master Bonci. Perfect for a quick, tasty meal standing, this is ideal for a carbo charge after (or before) visiting the Vatican with kids. It’s honestly the best pizza I have ever had in my life. EVER.

Sitting Alternative: If you want a pizzeria with seating options, check out La Pratolina, famous for its pinsa romana.

Eating With Kids In Rome After The Botanical Gardens

Below are my two favorite places to eat with kids in Rome in Trastevere. To get more suggestions, don’t miss Where to Eat in Trastevere.

Supplì Roma

A supplì in Rome split in two and sitting on a white napkin. Hand holds one of the halves, in front of the doormat for Supplî shop.

Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 137

Supplì Rome is my favorite place in Rome to try Supplì with kids. These are fried rice balls filled with either mozzarella or some other filling such as meat sauce. This is actually more of a snack option (although it could be a meal if you order enough) mainly because there are only a few tall tables outside.

Osteria da Zi Umberto

top view of a plate of rigatoni pasta with grated cheese and sausage on a yellow paper placemat. — *The pasta we ordered at Osteria da Zi Umberto*

P.za di S. Giovanni della Malva, 14

Da Umberto is one of my all-time favorite restaurants in Rome and it’s perfect for dining with kids. It’s a casual, family-run osteria with easy going service, excellent traditional Roman food and all at a good price. Absolutely pre-book your table!

Tonnarello

Three locations in Trastevere

Tonnarello is a great spot for kids because of their ample heated outdoor areas, high chairs and kid-friendly menu. They have pasta that comes in fun skillets (not hot though) and a whole section of their menu dedicated to meatballs. What could be more kid-friendly than that?

Eating With Kids In Rome After Castel Sant’Angelo

Below are my two favorite places to eat with kids in Rome when visiting Castel Sant’Angelo.

Osteria Nuvolari

Via degli Ombrellari, 10

Best For: Casual dining / Families

Osteria Nuvolari is another family-run trattoria serving up good old home cooking in a casual space. The service and atmosphere is very familiare, meaning informal with a homey vibe, making it my top pick for eating with kids in Rome.

Antico Forno Pasticceria Angelo Colapicchioni

Via Tacito, 76/78

Forno Colapicchioni is a great place to stop in early before hitting up Castel Sant’Angelo and grabbing a custom made sandwich to stick in your bag and snack on later during your visit (I am in no way condoning eating in museums, monuments or churches, mind you). They also sell cookies, other sweet treats and savory baked goods.

Eating With Kids In Rome After Explore Kids Museum

Below are my two favorite places to eat with kids in Rome after visiting Explore Kids Museum.

L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele

Located in Explora – Il Museo dei Bambini di Roma

The easiest thing to do when visiting Explora is to eat the pizzeria L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele located within the museum. The pizza is Neapolitan-style. Easy and reliable, this is the best place to eat, especially if you have small kids and they don’t have steam for walking to another place.

Pastasciutta

Glass door entrance to Pasta Asciutta restaurant in Rome, Italy. People inside eat on barstools and another woman looks at food display on left.

Piazzale Flaminio, 10, 00196 Roma RM

Pastasciutta seems like a cheap spot but it’s actually a favorite among Roman students on a budget or folks looking for a quick bite and a great place to eat with kids in Rome if you don’t want to eat in the museum. Order at the counter and eat your pasta out of a cardboard bowl or box on the street or sitting down at their tables. Fast and quick, it’s sometimes just what you need when traveling with kids.

Eating With Kids In Rome After Borghese Gardens/Galleria Borghese

Below is my top suggestion for eating with kids in Rome after visiting the Borghese gardens and gallery.

Pinsere

Via Flavia, 98, 00187 Roma RM

Pinsere is my top choice for eating with kids in Rome if you are visiting the Galleria Borghese or the gardens. Although not exactly next door, this pizzeria famous for its pizza pinsa is worth the 13 minute walk.

The atmosphere is super casual and friendly with great, quick service, making it ideal for families. There aren’t a ton of tables but the service is so quick that the turnaround is fast.

Tips For Eating With Kids In Rome

When eating with kids in Rome (or in Italy for that matter), keep the following tips in mind when dining out:

Portion Sizes: Many Roman restaurants can adjust portions on request. Don’t hesitate to ask for a half portion called una mezza porzione (this may not be cheaper though).
Sharing: If you have small kids, feel free to have them share meals.
High Chairs & Strollers: Not every venue is child-friendly in terms of seating—call ahead to check if high chairs or stroller accommodations are available.
Reservations: Always pre-book your table, if possible.
Timing: Central Rome restaurants often operate all day but are contrary to typical Italian meal times. Many, however, in other residential neighborhoods close in the afternoon for a break and usually don’t open until 7:00 or 7:30 pm.
Allergy Cards: If you have dietary restrictions, bring allergy cards in English for clear communication with restaurant staff.
Keep Snacks: Always have an abundance of snacks in case you do need to wait for a table. You can read about my favorites in Italy’s Best Kid-Friendly Supermarket Snacks and Italian Snacks.