Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: February 2, 2019
Centocelle is a neighborhood of contrasts, culture, and above all, good eating. This reflected in its culinary offerings, which range from the nightlife wine bars to kabob to a literal squat (more on that later). If you’re looking for an adventure — and some good food — here are the best places to eat in Centocelle, Rome.
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What Is Centocelle?
Located far from the center of town (but now connected to it via Metro C), Centocelle is quickly becoming one of Rome’s most popular neighborhoods.
The former periphery of Rome, Centocelle is now inhabited by a mixture of working-class families, left-wing students, and immigrants. It’s simultaneously one of the most traditionally “Roman” neighborhoods, and one the most international and forward-thinking.
1. L’Ombralonga
This locale is known as “Dal Veneziano” by the young Romans who frequent it, because L’Ombralonga is a bacaro — a Venetian wine bar specializing in cicchetti, the tapas-like snacks so common in Venice.
Crowded, noisy, and festive, L’Ombralonga serves high-quality small-bites at absurdly low prices (a hefty platter of cheese and salami will set you back four euros, a fried meatball just one). They offer a wide selection of wines, with a Venetian focus, but the thing to drink is their Spritz, one of the best (and cheapest) in the city — high-quality prosecco, generous on the Aperol or Campari, and a measly two-euro-fifty price tag.
📍 Location: V. Federico Delpino, 110
2. Forte Prenestino
One could write a book on Forte Prenestino— it’s truly one of a kind! A labrinyth-like former Italian Army fort, it’s been occupied since 1986 by activists, who transformed it into a grafitti covered live-in commune complete with a tavern.
A truly populist restaurant, the kitchen of Forte Prenestino caters to the hungry and nomadic, who order at the counter and then sit and eat together at picnic tables. Dishes like stewed sausage and spare ribs, tortellini in brodo and evergreen vegetarian and vegan offerings are prepared with local ingredients, and in following with the centers mission, never cost more than three or four euros.
Insider Tip: The tavern is open for lunch Tuesday and Thursday, and dinner Tuesday through Friday.
📍 Location: 00171 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
3. Pommidoro
In Rome, pizza al taglio is everywhere — slices cut from large, elongated pies, sold by weight and usually grabbed for lunch or as a snack. At Pommidoro, Mirko Rizzo offers the classic Roman square-slice, but with an updated attention to dough-rising and creative ingredient combinations.
There will be plain tomato and mushroom pies, and then ones like pizza alla carbonara with eggs and guanciale, or fresh buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto and melon. Be sure to get some fried snacks as well, like homemade chips cacio e pepe.
📍 Location: Piazza dei Sanniti, 44/46
4. Shah Mat
The name Shah Mat is the Arabic from which the English phrase “check mate” comes, and this tiny wine bar is a potent combination of everything that makes Centocelle great.
It’s fundamentally a Roman tavern, serving local white wines and sandwiches stuffed with hand-sliced porchetta and prosciutto. Add into that various aperitivi with Spanish and Middle-Eastern flavors, frequent live music and art events, and cheap cocktails, and you’ve got the rare spot which could please both a cured-meat enthusiast and someone looking for a poetry slam.
📍 Location: Via delle Palme, 106
5. Ciro Kebab
Other than pizza, kebab is Rome’s main late-night drunk food. Unfortunately, most of it is pretty bad, and not even in a “bad-but-good” way. However, Ciro Kebab is good-in-a-good way. Open late and cheap, Ciro is a favorite amongst Centocelle bar-crawlers.
They take your standard kebab and just do it right! The meat is always tender and delicately spiced, the bread is baked right there, the vegetables crisp and fresh. Centocelle is home to thousands of immigrants, and they — and their businesses — are part of what Centocelle one of the most fun places to visit in Rome.
📍 Location: Ciro Kebab now has several locations throughout Rome, but check out their Contecelle location at Via dei Castani, 251.
6. Pro Loco DOL
Pro Loco DOL has a mission: to gather all of the typical ingredients and products of the Roman countryside, especially those not typically found in shops and restaurants. This Centocelle hotspot has both a store in front, and then a small restaurant in the back.
There, you’ll find everything from classic amatriciana and stinco di maiale (pork shank), to a dish rarely served anymore: spaghetti with snails. There’s also pizza with long-fermented dough, and a superlative selection of cured meats and cheeses. A can’t-miss for those looking to experience the bounty of the Roman harvest.
Eat Like a Local in Rome
Want to get the scoop on eating in Rome like a local—and actually try it for yourself? Join us on our Testaccio Neighborhood Food & Market Tour, where you’ll enjoy breakfast and lunch at some of our favorite spots in Rome’s most authentic neighborhood!
Featured Review: Ultimate Roman Food Tour with Testaccio Market
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Aurelio was fantastic! We loved eating our way through the market and learning so much. Our kids loved it too! We would book again!”
– cz8584
Favorite Restaurants in Centocelle, Rome FAQs
Where is Centocelle in Rome?
Centocelle is a residential neighborhood in eastern Rome, easily reached by Metro C from the historic center. Once known primarily as a working-class district, it has become one of Rome’s most exciting up-and-coming food neighborhoods, attracting locals with its creative restaurants, wine bars, and pizzerias.
Is Centocelle worth visiting for food?
Absolutely. Centocelle has earned a reputation as one of Rome’s most dynamic dining destinations, offering everything from traditional Roman trattorias and artisan pizzerias to international eateries and innovative wine bars. It’s a great choice for travelers looking to experience Rome beyond the tourist center.
What food is Centocelle known for?
Centocelle is known for its diverse culinary scene rather than a single signature dish. Visitors can enjoy classic Roman specialties like carbonara and cacio e pepe, excellent pizza al taglio, natural wine bars, and cuisines from around the world, reflecting the neighborhood’s multicultural community.
How do you get to Centocelle from central Rome?
The easiest way to reach Centocelle is by taking Metro C, which connects the neighborhood to the city and has made it much more accessible for visitors. Depending on where you’re staying, buses and taxis are also convenient options.
When is the best time to visit Centocelle?
Centocelle is especially lively in the evenings, when locals gather at neighborhood restaurants, wine bars, and pizzerias for aperitivo and dinner. Visiting in the evening lets you experience the neighborhood’s energetic atmosphere while enjoying some of Rome’s most exciting local dining away from the busiest tourist areas.
