Ever since I joined the house swap platform HomeExchange, guests staying at my apartment in the Prati neighborhood of Rome have been asking for local recommendations, places that go beyond the typical tourist stops.
I grew up in Prati (my family moved here when I was six) so I’ve seen the neighborhood change a lot over the years. Some spots I loved as a kid are long gone, but others have stood the test of time.
I’ve gathered all my favorite addresses in this guide, which I regularly share with guests to help them experience Rome’s Prati neighborhood like a local (which -in fact- is what my blog name, Be Local, stands for 😉).
Located next to the Vatican, Prati is a central Rome neighborhood with elegant streets, historic cafés, and a more residential feel. But because of its proximity to major attractions, it’s easy to end up in overpriced tourist traps and leave thinking that Prati has lost its charm.
Let me prove otherwise.
If you know where to go, Prati is full of authentic spots, from old-school pizza places to indie bookshops and hidden wine bars.
Prati might sit next to the Vatican, but that doesn’t mean it’s all tourist menus and clichés. If you know where to look, you’ll find some of the most authentic places to eat in Rome right here.
So, let’s start with the most important category of all…
Rome Prati Neighborhood Guide: Restaurants
Let’s kick things off with restaurants, because nothing says local like knowing exactly where to eat in Rome. From old-school trattorias where I used to go with my parents to newer spots that have earned a place on my go-to list, these are the places I always recommend when someone asks where to eat in Prati, Rome.
Where to Eat in Rome’s Prati Neighborhood: Osteria dell’Angelo
This historic Roman trattoria in Prati has been serving traditional dishes for decades. I’ve been going here with my family since the 1990s, we love the no-frills vibe and the menu options. It’s perfect if you want an authentic experience of Roman cuisine.
Where to Eat in Rome’s Prati Neighborhood: Ma Va’
My favorite vegan restaurant in Rome, Ma Va’ focuses on naturally vegan dishes from Italian tradition (no fake meats or overly processed substitutes here). The atmosphere is cozy, the menu rotates seasonally, and it’s one of the few places in Prati where vegans can enjoy a truly Italian meal.
Where to Eat in Rome’s Prati Neighborhood: Mini Bistrot
A tiny, informal spot tucked into the neighborhood, Mini Bistrot is great for a relaxed meal with a glass of good wine. The menu is small but curated, with simple dishes that feel homemade. It’s one of those hidden gems where locals go to unwind.
Where to Eat in Rome’s Prati Neighborhood: Lievito Prati
This is my go-to pizzeria in Prati, hands down. Their dough is light, their toppings high-quality, and the menu includes both classic and creative combinations. If you’re craving great pizza in Rome, skip the touristy spots and head here.
Where to Eat in Rome’s Prati Neighborhood: Mercato Trionfale
One of the largest and most authentic food markets in Rome, Mercato Trionfale is a local favorite. Come in the morning to shop for fresh produce, cheese, vegetables, and more. There are also several street food stalls inside the market, great for a quick, affordable lunch.
Where to Eat in Rome’s Prati Neighborhood: Trattoria Antico Falcone
If you’re looking for traditional Roman food in Prati, this is one of the most historic spots in the city. Housed in a 15th-century farmhouse, Trattoria Antico Falcone has welcomed travelers for centuries, back when the building served as a postal station along the Via Trionfale, a route followed by pilgrims on the Via Francigena.
Its story-rich walls have seen generations pass through, and it was even mentioned in an 1834 sonnet by Giuseppe Gioachino Belli. In 1935, the building was officially declared a national monument and placed under the protection of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage.
Beyond the history, though, this trattoria still delivers the kind of Roman cooking locals love: simple, hearty, and full of character.
Where to Eat in Rome’s Prati Neighborhood: Casadora
Half fresh pasta shop, half eatery, Casadora is a lovely spot where you can either eat their handmade pasta on-site or buy it to cook at home. They also stock a small selection of artisanal Italian products, perfect if you’re looking for gourmet souvenirs from Rome.
Rome Prati Neighborhood Guide: Breakfast, Coffee, and Pastry
Before diving into Rome’s museums or wandering the streets of Prati, you need a good breakfast! Whether it’s a quick espresso at the bar or a slow morning with a cappuccino and cornetto, these are my favorite places to start the day in the Prati neighborhood of Rome.
Some are classic cafés I’ve loved since childhood, others are more recent discoveries, but they all serve great coffee, fresh pastry, and offer that unmistakable Roman atmosphere. A few of them are also perfect if you’re looking for a café with Wi-Fi in Rome and want to work from your laptop in peace (no passive-aggressive baristas hinting you should order something else every 20 minutes).
Coffee, Croissants, and Work-Friendly Cafés in Prati, Rome: Irma
A shabby-chic café tucked away on a quiet street, Irma is one of my go-to spots in Prati for coffee, wine, or even a casual meal. It’s also laptop-friendly, especially at times when the cozy downstairs space (where the Wi-Fi is) is quiet, for example between breakfast and lunch (when most people are in the office).
Coffee, Croissants, and Work-Friendly Cafés in Prati, Rome: Fabrica
Located inside a former chocolate factory, Fabrica is Rome’s oldest tea room and one of the most atmospheric places to spend a slow morning or afternoon. They serve tea, cakes, and also light meals and aperitivos. It’s a welcoming café to work from in Prati, with friendly staff and plenty of space to settle in with your laptop and a slice of homemade cake.
Coffee, Croissants, and Work-Friendly Cafés in Prati, Rome: Sciascia Caffè 1919
One of the most historic cafés in Rome, Sciascia has been serving coffee since 1919. The original location on Via Fabio Massimo still feels frozen in time, with wooden walls and vintage lamps. Their specialty is Espresso served in a cup lined with melted dark chocolate. The newer branch near Piazza Mazzini (the one closer to my place) is less atmospheric but serves the same high-quality coffee.
Coffee, Croissants, and Work-Friendly Cafés in Prati, Rome: Castroni
Famous for its international food shop, Castroni also serves excellent espresso made from their own coffee blend. It’s not a sit-down café, but it’s a great quick stop for coffee (and for their legendary coffee granita with whipped cream!) While you’re there, you can browse imported goods, spices, sauces, and sweet treats from all over the world.
Coffee, Croissants, and Work-Friendly Cafés in Prati, Rome: Faggiani
Another historic bar in the Prati neighborhood, Faggiani is where I go for the best croissants and pastry in the neighborhood. Their selection is classic, flaky, and always fresh. It’s more of a stand-at-the-bar experience (they have a few small al fresco tables outside, but the street is noisy), definitely worth a morning visit if you’re after quality pastry.
Coffee, Croissants, and Work-Friendly Cafés in Prati, Rome: Biblio Bar
A hidden gem along the river, just steps from Saint Peter’s but far from the usual tourist buzz. Biblio Bar is part café, part cultural hub, and a great place to start your day with a book in hand and a view over the Tiber. They have free books to browse and host events in the summer. It’s also a quiet place to work with your laptop, but only early in the morning, before it gets busy.
Coffee, Croissants, and Work-Friendly Cafés in Prati, Rome: Pompi Prati
Famous for its legendary tiramisù, Pompi is a must if you’ve got a sweet tooth. While the original shop is in the San Giovanni neighborhood, this Prati location is just as good (and far easier to reach if you’re staying at my place). Get the classic tiramisù or try one of their seasonal flavors. It’s more of a dessert stop than a breakfast café, but absolutely worth the indulgence.
Rome Prati Neighborhood Guide: Gelato
Gelato deserves its own category, because it’s not just a dessert, but it’s practically a religion. Whether it’s a summer ritual or a year-round treat (yes, even in winter), these are my favorite gelato spots in the Prati neighborhood of Rome (some award-winning, others simply close to my heart).
Top Places for Gelato in Prati, Rome: Settimo Gelo
A hidden gem just off the main streets, Settimo Gelo has won multiple awards for its gelato. Definitely one of the best gelato shops in Prati if you’re looking for high-quality, artisanal gelato.
Top Places for Gelato in Prati, Rome: Gelarmony
This is the place I always recommend to vegans or anyone avoiding dairy. Gelarmony offers a wide range of vegan gelato flavors, and even more importantly (at least for me), a Sicilian pastry corner with excellent granita. I usually skip the gelato here and go straight for their granita and Sicilian pastries, served the traditional way.
Top Places for Gelato in Prati, Rome: Gelateria dei Gracchi
One of the most historic gelato shops in Prati, Gelateria dei Gracchi is known for using fresh, seasonal ingredients. A safe bet for anyone after traditional Roman gelato made the right way.
Top Places for Gelato in Prati, Rome: Angolo del Gelato
This is where I’ve been going since I was a kid, a neighborhood classic full of childhood memories. They also won multiple awards for their gelato, it’s all artisanal and fresh here!
Top Places for Gelato in Prati, Rome: La Sora Maria
Not gelato, but definitely deserves a mention. Grattachecca is Rome’s answer to Sicilian granita: shaved ice topped with syrups and fresh fruit, crunchier and more rustic than the granita. La Sora Maria is a historic street kiosk and a true Roman institution, loved well beyond the neighborhood. On summer evenings, the line says it all.
Rome Prati Neighborhood Guide: Bakeries and Pizza al Taglio
One of the most authentic ways to enjoy pizza in Rome is by trying pizza al taglio (literally, “pizza by the cut.”) This Roman street food staple is baked in large rectangular trays, displayed behind glass, and sold by weight. You choose the size of your slice, and it’s cut, weighed, and handed to you on a sheet of paper. Perfect for a quick, delicious bite on the go.
If you’re wondering where to try the best pizza al taglio in the Prati neighborhood of Rome, here are my favorite spots, all tried and tested over the years.
Best Pizza al Taglio in Prati, Rome: Bonci
Nicknamed “the Michelangelo of pizza” for his artistic take on dough and toppings, Gabriele Bonci is one of Italy’s most celebrated bakers. A familiar face on Italian TV, he’s known for his workshops, his role in promoting natural fermentation, and for inspiring pizza makers around the world.
In the Prati neighborhood of Rome, you’ll find Panificio Bonci, his bakery where he serves not only pizza al taglio but also top-quality bread, biscuits, and other baked goods. Just outside Prati, near the Vatican Museums, is the legendary Pizzarium, the place where it all started in 2003. This is where Bonci revolutionized Roman pizza al taglio with high-hydration, long-fermented dough made from artisanal, stone-ground flour, and a constantly rotating selection of bold, seasonal toppings.
Both shops are on the pricier side, but the quality absolutely justifies it. They’re essential stops for anyone serious about pizza in Rome.
Best Pizza al Taglio in Prati, Rome: Giuseppe’s Pizza da Asporto
At the opposite end of the fanciness spectrum, you’ll find this no-name, no-frills spot on Viale Carso 27, run by Giuseppe and his wife for decades. The place feels frozen in time and serves some of the most authentic pizza al taglio in Rome.
The pizza is excellent, the supplì are made without meat (true to the original Roman recipe and perfect for vegetarians like me), and the prices are low. It’s simple, honest, genuine, and full of character, proof that you don’t need bells and whistles for great food.
Best Pizza al Taglio in Prati, Rome: Piccolo Forno
This is the bakery stand inside Mercato delle Vittorie, just by the entrance near the mural painted by ROA. Called Piccolo Forno (which literally means “Tiny Bakery” in English) it offers a variety of baked goods, including pizza al taglio. My favorite, though, is their focaccia: soft and flavorful, it’s the perfect snack. I love it just as it is, but you can also buy ham, cheese, and other ingredients at the stand and turn it into a freshly made sandwich on the spot.
Rome Prati Neighborhood Guide: Drinks
Whether you’re in the mood for a glass of wine, a cold craft beer, or a pint at a proper pub, Prati has plenty to offer beyond aperitivo hour. From casual wine bars to old-school pubs, these are my favorite places to go for a drink in the Prati neighborhood of Rome.
These are the spots I head to after a long day, with a book in hand or catching up with friends. You won’t find flashy cocktail menus here, and definitely no spritz! (remember: that’s a Northern Italian thing, not a Roman tradition!). Skip the tourist clichés and enjoy a proper drink the local way: good wine, great beer, and genuine atmosphere.
Where I Go for Wine, Beer, and a Good Drink in Prati, Rome: Enoteca Carso
This is my go-to wine bar in Prati: unpretentious, relaxed, and consistently good. The wine selection is excellent, and you can also grab a bite to eat. My favorite dish here is fave e cicoria (broad beans and chicory), a simple, traditionally vegan Roman classic that never disappoints.
Where I Go for Wine, Beer, and a Good Drink in Prati, Rome: Be.Re.
If you’re into craft beer in Rome, this is the place. Opened by one of the legends of the Italian craft beer scene, Be.Re. offers a wide selection of beers on tap, including rotating local and international brews. Don’t miss the Trapizzino corner inside, a triangular pizza pocket stuffed with Roman recipes, a perfect street food pairing.
Where I Go for Wine, Beer, and a Good Drink in Prati, Rome: Drunk Bunny
Tucked away on Via Faà di Bruno 69, Drunk Bunny is a real hidden gem. No-frills, no scene, just a cozy place with a great selection of natural wines and craft beers. It’s low-key, welcoming, and well worth hunting down if you’re into small producers and interesting bottles.
Where I Go for Wine, Beer, and a Good Drink in Prati, Rome: Fischio
Located at the edge of Prati in a lively square, Fischio is a kiosk that draws a younger, local crowd. Expect casual cocktails, aperitivi, and sometimes a DJ spinning sets in the evening. It’s informal, affordable, and a fun place to hang out when the weather’s nice.
Where I Go for Wine, Beer, and a Good Drink in Prati, Rome: Gli Esploratori
Books and wine: two of my favorite things in life. This spot is both a wine bar and bookshop, run by the Roman publishing house E/O. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, and there’s also a food menu if you want to stay for dinner. A perfect place to sip something good while flipping through a new book.
Where I Go for Wine, Beer, and a Good Drink in Prati, Rome: Four Green Fields
An authentic Irish pub in Prati, Four Green Fields has a special place in my heart: the owner is a childhood friend of my dad, so I’ve been coming here since long before I was old enough to drink. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a proper pub: great beer, sports on TV, and hearty pub food, all in a warm, friendly atmosphere that feels like home.
Rome Prati Neighborhood Guide: Sightseeing
After all that eating and drinking, it’s probably time to get up from the table and take in some sights. And while Prati is best known for its big-name landmarks like the Vatican Museums, Saint Peter’s Basilica, and Castel Sant’Angelo, the neighborhood has much more to offer than just the obvious.
Beyond the blockbusters, there’s a quieter side of Prati made up of hidden gems, curious corners, and lesser-known places that even many Romans overlook. From unexpected museums to architectural oddities, these are the spots that make exploring Rome’s Prati neighborhood genuinely fun, and refreshingly crowd-free.
What to See in Rome’s Prati Neighborhood: Casa Balla
From the outside, Casa Balla looks like any other 19th-century apartment in the Prati neighborhood, but step inside and you enter a total Futurist artwork, meticulously imagined and decorated by the renowned artist Giacomo Balla and his daughters.
Starting in 1929, Balla transformed every corner of this flat (from walls and ceilings to furniture, textiles, and even everyday objects) into vibrant geometries, bold colors, and dynamic shapes, all inspired by his belief that life should be lived as art itself. The effect is like walking through a kaleidoscope: lampshades, tiles, paintings, clothing, and decorative details all carry the Futurist spirit through recurring motifs and energetic compositions.
After years of neglect, Casa Balla was officially recognized as a cultural monument by the Italian Ministry of Culture in 2004 and has recently reopened to the public under the care of the MAXXI Museum. Visits (by appointment only) are limited to specific periods of the year.
What to See in Rome’s Prati Neighborhood: Casa Moravia
Casa Alberto Moravia was the longtime home of the celebrated Italian writer, essayist, and intellectual Alberto Moravia, who moved there in 1963 and lived in the apartment until his death in 1990. Since 1991, the Fondo Alberto Moravia Association has preserved his personal archive and library, and in 2010 the space became an official House Museum, now part of Rome’s civic museum network.
Stepping inside feels like entering Moravia’s world: the rooms remain as he left them: his Olivetti 82 typewriter on the desk, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, portraits by friends like Mario Schifano and Renato Guttuso, and objects from his travels across Africa, Asia, and South America.
Visits are free but only possible by guided tour, held infrequently, and booking is mandatory, so check the official schedule before planning your visit.
What to See in Rome’s Prati Neighborhood: Vigamus
Rome’s Video Game Museum offers an immersive dive into video game history, from the Magnavox Odyssey to VR. As Italy’s first museum dedicated entirely to video games, it features over 150 vintage consoles and arcade machines, interactive installations, themed retrospectives, and even an Oculus VR zone. Three thematic areas trace the evolution of gaming, from early arcade classics to today’s digital experiences, and you can also play on many of the original machines.
What to See in Rome’s Prati Neighborhood: Museum of the Souls in Purgatory
Tucked behind the neo‑Gothic façade of the Church of the Sacred Heart of Suffrage on Lungotevere Prati 12, this tiny museum is one of Rome’s most peculiar and intriguing attractions.
Founded by French missionary Father Victor Jouët after a mysterious 1897 fire in the Rosary Chapel, the museum is based on a vision of a suffering face allegedly left on the wall by a soul in Purgatory. Inspired, Jouët embarked on a quest across Europe to collect similarly haunted relics, which are now housed here in a small room next to the church sacristy.
Inside, you’ll find a handful of original artifacts (burned prayer books, nightcaps, tunics, wooden tablets) each bearing scorch marks said to be left by the deceased to ask their loved ones for prayers and Masses for the soul’s rest. The church itself, nicknamed the “Little Milan Cathedral” for its unusual Gothic Revival architecture, adds to the eerie ambiance.
What to See in Rome’s Prati Neighborhood: Ode to Art Nouveau
Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Prati neighborhood is one of Rome’s finest showcases of Italy’s Liberty style (Art Nouveau). Many of its elegant buildings feature ornate stucco flourishes, floral friezes, wrought-iron balconies, and whimsical motifs that reflect this decorative movement
While Prati doesn’t rival the flamboyance of Rome’s Coppedè district, it still offers some standouts of the style: Liberty-style villas and palazzi quietly integrated into wide avenues and residential blocks. Combined with the grander Umbertino buildings from the early 1900s, the result is a distinctive (and surprisingly under-the-radar) visual character that blends elegance with subtle flamboyance.
Head to the streets just off Via Cola di Rienzo and look up at balconies and entrances: many feature stylized floral patterns, curved lines, and decorative molding that hint at the Liberty influence.
Want more local tips beyond Prati?
Download my Street Art & Travel Google Map of Rome.
