You Heard Right—Rome Does Brunch and These Are the 6 Best Spots for It

This blog post was originally posted on February 17, 2019 and was updated on September 23, 2020.

A lot of restaurants in Rome use the word “brunch.” It doesn’t always mean what you think it means.

Instead of eggs Benedict and pancakes, you might find buffet tables filled with pasta salads and trays of cheeses and cured meats.

Looking for something more in line with the former than the latter? To make sure things don’t get lost in translation, we’ve found the best places to have brunch in Rome.

SEE ALSO: We’ve Got Your Mornings Covered with the 6 Best Breakfasts in Rome

Where to Eat the Best Brunch in Rome

1. Marigold

A modern spot is just a few streets away from the ancient pyramid straddling the Testaccio and Ostiense neighborhoods, Marigold is run by Italian-Danish team Domenico and Sophie. There’s an international flair to everything, from the menu to the staff themselves.

On weekends, Marigold offers brunch on a first-come-first-served basis, available from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. And if you can’t make it on Saturday or Sunday, no worries. During the week, they also offer a regular breakfast menu.

All menus at Marigold change frequently to reflect seasonality and in order to use the highest quality ingredients available. But in general, expect options like poached eggs on avocado toast, Scandinavian-style cinnamon rolls, and homemade sourdough bread with homemade butter.

Insider’s tip: Want to bring a piece of this Roman favorite along with you? You can buy a bag of granola or a loaf of homemade bread to bring back home.

2. Vivi Bistrot

Vivi Bistrot was founded by friends Daniela and Cristina, who believe in using natural, organic ingredients to create healthy and fun dishes. Committed to sustainable food that doesn’t sacrifice taste, they’ve expanded Vivi into a local mini-chain serving some of the best brunch in Rome.

Of the five locations of Vivi Bistrot, two offer a daily organic brunch option of eggs, bacon, pancakes, coffee and juice from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. But if you want to up your Roman brunch game and enjoy some fresh air while you’re at it, the Villa Pamphili location inside of one of Rome’s largest and most beloved public parks is the way to go.

Taking advantage of Villa Pamphili’s status as a popular weekend brunch spot, this Vivi location offers picnic baskets, which you can order from an online menu with choices like quiche, bagels, brownies, and fresh juices. Then, just find a spot in the spacious expanse of grass for a picnic!

Not near the park? The Piazza Navona location of Vivi Bistrot also serves brunch. Plus, the the Rinascente location just a few blocks north of the Trevi Fountain serves fresh juices along with smoothie and yogurt bowls every day of the week. 

3. Coromandel

Coromandel near Piazza Navona is open for brunch Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., and from 9–3 on weekends.

If you’re able to go in person, this place has one of the prettiest dining rooms in town, with emerald green walls and velvet banquets. But if you’d rather enjoy a lazy breakfast in the comfort of your home or hotel, they also offer a breakfast delivery service in the local area.

On the morning menu, you’ll find favorites such as pancakes, French toast, omelets and bacon, along with freshly baked cakes and pastries.. Add a fresh-pressed juice and coffee, and you’ll be well fueled for a full day of Roman sightseeing.

4. Babingtons

Since the days of the Grand Tour, the tea rooms of Babingtons have offered an elegant taste of home for tired and homesick travelers. Today, they sell an impressive selection of teas from all over the world, as well as a delicious selection of sweet and savory dishes, among them one of the best brunch offerings in Rome.

The central location at the foot of the Spanish Steps is easy to find. Come here on weekends for their a la carte brunch menu, with options including eggs Benedict on an English muffin, sweet and savory buns, French toast, and fluffy buttermilk pancakes. To drink, choose a tea from their incredible selection or go with coffee, freshly squeezed orange juice, or even Champagne!

5. Bar Necci

While not a traditional brunch per se, think of this as brunch Italian style.

This historic place totally gets the Sunday Funday vibe without the bottomless mimosa silliness. Bar Necci is in Pigneto, a neighborhood well off the usual tourist path, and always has a selection of pastries a selection of teas and excellent coffee.

Can’t make it for brunch? At lunch, the menu is varied with options like traditional Roman tripe, hamburgers and fish dishes. 

6. Mammo Trastevere

We love Italian food, if that wasn’t obvious. But sometimes you just need a bacon, egg and cheese bagel with an iced coffee.

A narrow shop in Trastevere serving up street food favorites, Mammo is the cure for these cravings. It’s a former horse butchers shop that is now filled with study abroad students and young expats looking for friendly service and a taste of home. But don’t let the international vibe fool you—locals also love this spot for their high quality ingredients and fast and friendly service.