Last Updated on August 4, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: September 23, 2020
A lot of restaurants in Rome use the word “brunch,” but it doesn’t always mean what you think it means. You might find buffet tables filled with pasta salads and trays of cheeses and cured meats. But what if you’re looking for eggs Benedict, pancakes, and fruit? We’ve found the best places to have brunch in Rome to make sure your breakfast don’t get confused in translation.
Table of Contents
At a Glance: Finding the Best Brunch in Rome
- 🍳 Did You Know? Brunch isn’t traditionally Roman. Most locals start the day with a quick espresso and cornetto (pastry), so Rome’s best brunch spots tend to have an international spin. (Here’s our 6 favorite spots for the best breakfasts in Rome.)
- 📍 Where to Find the Best Brunch: Rome’s top brunch cafés are concentrated in neighborhoods like Trastevere, Testaccio, Pigneto, and near Piazza Navona and the Spanish Steps.
- ⏰ When to Go: Many of the most popular brunch cafés don’t take reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving before 10 am can help you avoid long waits, especially on weekends.
- ☕ What to Expect on Brunch Menus: From fluffy pancakes and eggs Benedict to homemade sourdough, specialty coffee, and Italian pastries, these cafés have a lot of American-style dishes along with some Italian specialties.
- 💶 Budget Expectations: Expect to spend about €15–30 per person for a quality brunch, depending on what you order.
- ✅ Local Tip: If you want to fit in with the locals, don’t order a cappuccino after 10 or 11 am; it’s considered a morning drink only. Get all our tips for ordering coffee in Italy before you go!
Where to Eat the Best Brunch in Rome
1. The LOFT
Just a few minutes’ walk from St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, the LOFT has become a favorite stop for travelers craving a leisurely brunch. They serve an extensive all-day brunch menu featuring avocado toast, salmon bagels, English breakfasts, yogurt bowls, pastries, coffee, juices, and smoothies. If you stop by later in the day, the LOFT also serves gourmet sandwiches, charcuterie boards, Roman-inspired dishes, and artisanal pizzas.
The generous portions, friendly staff, and convenient location near the Vatican make the LOFT a great place for breakfast or brunch before a day of sightseeing. You’ll love this restaurant’s modern café feel combined with a relaxed Italian bistro.
📍 Address: Via Leone IV, 34
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.
📍 Address: Vivi has multiple locations, but we love their Bistro location at Piazza Navona, 2.
3. Coromandel
Coromandel near Piazza Navona 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.
Brunch Hours: Coromandel is open for brunch Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 am until 2:30 pm and from 9 am–3 pm on weekends.
📍 Address: Via di Monte Giordano, 60/61
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!
📍 Address: Piazza di Spagna, 23
5. Bar Necci
While not a traditional brunch per se, think of this as brunch Italian style. Bar Necci is a historic place that totally gets the ‘Sunday Funday’ vibe without the bottomless mimosa silliness. It’s located in Pigneto, a neighborhood well off the usual tourist path, and always has a selection of pastries, 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.
📍 Address: Via Fanfulla da Lodi, 68
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.
📍 Address: P.za di S. Giovanni della Malva, 2
Want to Learn to Cook Like a Roman?
Think you’ve had pasta in Rome? Wait until you make it during our Rome Pasta Making Class! For over a decade, 100,000+ guests have joined this immersive, hands-on Rome cooking class to craft fettuccine, ravioli, and gelato from scratch—just like Italians do at home.
Led by passionate local chefs, fueled by unlimited prosecco, and packed with insider tips, this is the best cooking class in Rome for food lovers who want more than just a meal!
Best Brunch in Rome FAQs
Is brunch common in Rome?
Not traditionally. Most Romans start their day with a quick breakfast of an espresso and a cornetto (croissant-like pastry) before heading to work, and usually eat lunch between 1:00 and 2:00 pm. However, brunch has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially on weekends and in neighborhoods like Testaccio, Trastevere, and the historic center.
What time do brunch restaurants open in Rome?
Most dedicated brunch cafés begin serving between 9:00 and 10:00 am, with brunch menus sometimes available until 2:00 or 3:00 pm. Popular spots can be very busy on weekends, so arrive shortly after opening for the shortest wait time.
Should you make reservations for brunch in Rome?
If the restaurant accepts reservations, it’s a good idea to book ahead, especially for weekend brunch or if you’re traveling with a larger group. Some of Rome’s most popular cafés operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is the best strategy during busy periods.
Can you find gluten-free or vegan brunch in Rome?
Yes. Rome’s brunch scene has expanded to include cafés serving vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, including plant-based pancakes, avocado toast, egg dishes, fresh pastries, and specialty coffee. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s worth checking the menu or contacting the café in advance.
What’s the difference between an Italian breakfast and brunch?
A traditional Italian breakfast is simple and quick, usually consisting of a coffee and a pastry enjoyed while standing at the bar. Brunch, by contrast, is a leisurely meal that combines breakfast and lunch, often featuring dishes like eggs, pancakes, sourdough toast, salads, and specialty coffee. If you want to experience both sides of Rome’s food culture, try a classic caffè e cornetto one morning and save brunch for a relaxed weekend treat.
You missed the absolute best brunch place in Rome….HOMEBAKED on Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 25! Best bacon in town…..eggs, pancakes, waffles, French toast, bagels , mimosas, amazing, big sandwiches, hefty salads and on and on! Go to their website
Thanks for the tip, Joan! There’s no such thing as too many brunch spots π