Last Updated on June 12, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: February 11, 2019
The Jewish Quarter in Rome and its restaurants are extremely popular with locals and tourists alike.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of the Jewish Quarter
The area of Rome known as the Jewish Quarter has a long, fascinating, and sometimes tragic history.
- The area was set up in 1555 by Pope Paul IV. For the next 338 years, all Rome’s Jews were forced to live in this small area, crammed between downtown Rome’s historic ruins and the river Tiber.
- The walls enclosing it were finally torn down in 1888, but it’s continued to be the center of the Jewish community in Rome.
- This area in Rome where the Jewish community has lived for a long time is traditionally referred to as the “Jewish Ghetto” because of its history. But now, many prefer to call it the “Jewish Quarter” to be more respectful.
Restaurants in Rome’s Jewish Quarter
Now in today’s happier times, Rome’s Jewish Quarter restaurants attract a wide range of people locals and tourists alike. In this area you’ll see both Jews (who come to eat kosher food on the Sabbath and holidays) and non-Jews, who come to sample specialties such as the famous Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style artichokes).
Almost all the Jewish Quarter restaurants in Rome can be found along the Via del Portico d’Ottavia, named for the colossal ancient ruin at one end. This structure, built in around 27BC by the Emperor Augustus in honor of his sister Octavia, is a good place to start your visit.
Jewish Specialties to Try
Along the Via del Portico d’Ottavia, you’ll find a large number of restaurants advertising cucina ebraico romana (Roman Jewish cuisine). Rome’s Jews are mostly Sephardic, originating in Spain and north Africa, and the influence of both of these areas can be found in Roman Jewish food.
Here are some of the most important specialties to keep an eye out for as you explore these restaurants:
- Carciofi alla Giudia (artichokes)
- Stracotto (slow cooked beef with tomatoes)
- Abbacchio alla Giudia (roast lamb with garlic and rosemary)
- Coratella con carciofi (lamb offal with artichokes)
- Hummus
- Falafel
Where to Eat in Rome’s Jewish Quarter
Navigating the Jewish Quarter in Rome and its restaurants can be daunting. In peak periods, there will be waiters outside, accompanied by huge baskets of fresh artichokes, touting for your business. Our advice is to ignore them and hunt out the following great restaurants.
Ba’ghetto
Ba’ghetto is a local established institution and family-run restaurant serving high-quality versions of the local specialties, and is known as the oldest kosher restaurant in Rome.
A few doors down is Ba’ghetto Milky, which serves Jewish cuisine containing milk. This is due to the provision in kosher cuisine that milk and meat are strictly separated.
📍 Address: Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 57
Taverna del Ghetto
Taverna del Ghetto has a large seating area in the street. There is often a pasta chef outside, making pasta in full view, which assures restaurant goers that their pasta is home-made.
📍 Address: Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 8
Jewish Pastries
As well as the meals found in the Jewish Quarter in Rome’s restaurants, the Via del Portico d’Ottavia also contains shops selling pastries and cakes traditional to the zone. Here’s two things to try:
- Pizza dolce ebraica (sometimes called berride): a crunchy cake with a marzipan-like center, and packed full of nuts, candied peel, and cherries.
- Crostata ricotta e visciole: a sweet pastry pie with a ricotta cheese and sour cherry filling.
Forno Boccione
Both of these Jewish treats and more can be found at the Forno Boccione. There is no sign outside, but you will recognize it by the cakes in the window and (at peak times) the line round the block.
📍 Address: Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 1
Other Kosher Food
As well as Jewish cuisine, there are a few places offering kosher versions of other cuisines within the neighborhood.
- Alice: A kosher branch of one of the city’s most popular pizza chains.
- Fonzie: A popular restaurant selling kosher gourmet burgers
Shabbat
If you are a Jewish visitor, most of the restaurants in the Via del Portico d’Ottavia, including those above, serve a special Friday-night Shabbat meal. You should book in advance, as places are limited.
Watch the video to learn how to taste your way around the Jewish quarter in Rome.
Explore Rome’s Cuisine Like a Local
Think you’ve had pasta in Rome? Wait until you make it at our Rome Pasta 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!
Featured Review: Rome Pasta Making Class
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Our chefs were amazing and made the whole pasta making experience so fun. Lovely to share a meal with the other guests as well. Will definitely recommend to others!!”
– Linda
Restaurants in Rome’s Jewish Quarter FAQs
What is Rome’s Jewish Quarter known for?
Rome’s Jewish Quarter (also known as the Jewish Ghetto) is known for its rich history, unique culinary traditions, and some of the city’s most iconic Roman-Jewish dishes. Visitors come to explore centuries-old streets, historic landmarks, and restaurants serving authentic kosher cuisine.
What food should you try in Rome’s Jewish Quarter?
The neighborhood’s most famous dish is carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes), a Roman-Jewish specialty with crispy leaves and a tender center. Other must-try dishes include fried zucchini flowers, anchovy-stuffed specialties, and traditional Roman pastas.
Is the Jewish Quarter a good place to eat in Rome?
Yes, the Jewish Quarter is one of Rome’s best dining neighborhoods. It offers a mix of historic restaurants, family-run trattorias, bakeries, and kosher establishments, making it an excellent place to experience a distinctive side of Roman cuisine.
Are there kosher restaurants in Rome’s Jewish Quarter?
Yes, the Jewish Quarter is home to several kosher restaurants, bakeries, and cafés. Many visitors seek out the neighborhood specifically to experience authentic kosher Roman-Jewish cooking, a culinary tradition that dates back hundreds of years.
How much time should you spend in Rome’s Jewish Quarter?
Most visitors spend at least a few hours exploring the Jewish Quarter’s historic streets, synagogues, and restaurants. In addition, many travelers enjoy a leisurely lunch or dinner in this fascinating area.
