The Vatican is one of the most recognizable and popular travel destinations in the world. Technically the smallest country on the planet and epicenter of the Catholic faith, Vatican City is an enclave located just outside Rome’s city center. For many tourists, a visit to Rome means a visit to the Sistine Chapel or Saint Peter’s Basilica.
This means there will be crowds and plenty of them. Every day of the week (besides Sundays, of course), thousands gather at the gates of the Vatican to appreciate these historical treasures, so there will be lines. There will also be standing, walking, and stair climbing, so finding a good Vatican City luggage storage is imperative. After you’ve seen everything you want to see, you’ll be hungry. Luckily, there are PLENTY of superb restaurants just outside the Vatican.
Here are the best places to grab a bite after visiting The Vatican:
Bonci Pizzarium
Roman-style pizza is often overlooked in America and even throughout the rest of Italy, but it’s definitely worth getting while you’re in town. It’s underrated, and who knows? It might even become your go-to pie back home. That’s why a visit to Bonci Pizzarium would be worth it after you’ve toured The Vatican. It’s a casual street-food spot that is easy to grab some pizza and a Perini to eat in the sun.
Location:
Via della Meloria, 43, 00136 Roma RM, Italy
Il Bar sotto il Mare
If you’ve been in the sun all day while touring Saint Peter’s Square or The Vatican Garden, a heavy plate of pasta might not be the most appealing meal. Luckily, Il Bar sotto il Mare is only steps away from The Vatican and serves some of the best seafood in the area. You’ll also have the option of homemade pasta, of course! But sharing some grilled octopus or a piece of swordfish is where this place really shines.
Location:
Via Tunisi, 27, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
La Zanzara
Located in the heart of Prati (the neighborhood in Rome clustered around The Vatican), La Zanzara is one of the most popular and agreeable restaurants in the area. It’s open early to late, so you can rely on this spacious restaurant to offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, happy hour, dinner, and a late-night snack. It’s also less than a five-minute walk from Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Expect all the standard authentic Italian favorites, from their signature eggplant parmigiana and homemade pasta to lighter bites like arancini and calamari. The lighter side might be the best option because La Zanzara has some of the best aperitivos in the area, and it will hold you over until you head back to Rome’s city center for dinner. It may be competitive to get a table, but their sidewalk patio has some of the best people-watching in Rome, so definitely give it a shot!
La Zanzara also takes reservations, so planning ahead can help you ensure you’ll have a table after you visit The Vatican! Trust us, having a place to sit down and enjoy a spritz after standing and walking around Saint Peter’s Square all day will pay dividends.
Location:
Via Crescenzio, 84, 00195 Roma RM, Italy
Hostaria Dino e Tony
Exploring Prati’s winding streets will probably not be your primary focus the day you visit The Vatican, but don’t rule out taking a walk through this delightful (and overlooked) neighborhood. You’ll find charming cafés and hole-in-the-wall trattorias to stop in for a casual pick-me-up. One of the best examples of these places is Hostaria Dino e Tony, with its sidewalk patio and rustic bar.
This place is all charm, with no frills, and a whole lot of fun. There’s no menu, so you’ll rely on the friendly staff to navigate you through the day’s specials, wine list, and aperitivos. Even without a menu, you won’t have to worry about the prices because Hostaria Dino e Tony is about as affordable as you get, and the portions are generous as well.
The place has a classic feel to it as well, with tablecloths, carafes of wine, and tiny shots of espresso. Friends since childhood, both owners work at the restaurant every day, and won’t be shy about thanking you for stopping by.
Location:
Via Leone IV, 60, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Trattoria Vaticano Giggi
This small and relatively new trattoria is aptly named. It’s steps away from the Vatican, and it’s run by the larger-than-life local celebrity Giggi. This corner joint may be located next to one of the most tourist-heavy places on earth, but it’s immensely popular with locals. Casual meals here are entirely comprised of traditional Roman cuisine rather than the modern Italian food you’ll find closer to the city center.
Location:
Via Catone, 10, 00192 Roma RM, Italy
Tre Pupazzi Restaurant
This is one of the most versatile restaurants in the area. If you’re looking for classic Italian comfort food like ossobuco and saltimbocca, Tre Pupazzi has you covered. If you’ve had your fill of hearty dishes and plates of pasta, they serve Mediterranean and Portuguese dishes that will help break up the (delightful) onslaught of delicious Italian food.
The wine list is superb, with a focus on lesser-known styles from Spain, Portugal, and Greece. It’s also a comfortable place to hang for a few hours over small plates and cocktails, making it perfect for a post-Vatican drink.
Location:
Borgo Pio, 183, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Conclusion
Visiting the Vatican means spending a lot of time on your feet. It also might mean an early morning trying to beat the crowds. You’ll be going up and down steps of grand staircases. You may or may not lose your patience at some point. Hopefully, you won’t be too “hangry” to enjoy yourself. Luckily, there are a number of epic restaurants near Vatican City that you can try after your museum visit. There’s nothing like some arancini and a glass of wine to celebrate a successful visit to the home of the pope!
