Last Updated on October 7, 2026 by admin

I should start this post by saying that brunch isn’t a typical part of an Italian’s food day – eggs benedict and mimosas are most definitely imports. If you’re strict on authenticity, skip it and go for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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To clarify, in Rome, many local restaurants offer a “brunch,” but for them it’s more about the timing and less about what’s on the menu. Lots of “brunches” that I’ve seen are just lunch buffets with local foods available – there’s not a pancake or a poached egg in sight.

All of that said, within the last few years, the Eternal City’s offerings of brunch as many foreigners would think of it have increased significantly, and nowadays you can expect lines for mid-morning eggs, often paired with specialty coffee.

And you may just find me in one of those lines, because I have a baby now and she naps at 9 and 2, meaning that brunch is a perfectly timed outing for us.

I have had many brunches out with my mom friends since she was born, each of us eating one handed and taking breaks to feed, soothe and put our babies to sleep.

Having sampled so many of the city’s brunch spots over the last several months, I consider myself something of an expert on the subject, and I will now share my expertise on Rome’s best brunches with you.

A few things to note: Because it’s a relatively new phenomenon in the Eternal City, and because many places that serve it adhere to the Italian penchant for using high-quality local ingredients, it can be pretty pricey, so brunch might not be the best option if you’re visiting Rome on a budget.

If you’re coming from the US, you should know that portion sizes are smaller than what you’re used to – you’re not going to get a whole mess of eggs with Texas toast or three thick, plate-sized pancakes. That said, there are two places at the bottom of this list that are run by Americans who know how to do a big breakfast right! Keep scrolling for all the details.

The best brunch in Rome

Faro

Via Piave 55 (Piazza Fiume – Sallustiano/Ludovisi)

Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch daily, bookings for lunch only

I don’t normally rank too often on my blog, but I’m going to go ahead and say Faro is my number one favorite place for brunch in Rome.

The menu is thoughtful, the ingredients are locally sourced and chosen with care, the coffee is single-origin and roasted locally, the pastries – T.H.E. P.A.S.T.R.I.E.S! – are otherworldly, and the staff are a bunch of sweetie pies.

Yes, there’s a line, and no, Faro won’t be packed exclusively with locals because locals typically do the coffee-and-cornetto-standing-at-the-bar thing (which is also something you should be doing on your trip), but it’s still worth a stop on your brunch-in-Rome checklist for all the reasons I mentioned above.

I also love Faro because it was the first place we took my daughter once we were finally brave enough to leave our neighborhood after she was born, so it will always have a special place in my heart, and also because they have a changing table, which in Rome is not always a given.

Pro tips: Saturdays and Sundays are PACKED – avoid altogether those days if you can, but if you can’t, go early. If you’re just after an excellent coffee and pastry, you can skip the line and get both of those to take away.

Luna

Via delle Quattro Fontane 175 (Metro A, Barberini)

Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch daily, and for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Bookings only for lunch or dinner.

Faro’s little sister opened last spring right near the Trevi Fountain. In the spirit of ranking, it is my second-favorite place for brunch in Rome because it shares all of the characteristics I love about Faro (including the changing table).

Luna has a beautiful back terrace that’s dreamy on a sunny day, and a decent number of tables inside, as well as a bar if you just want a quick coffee and a sweet.

In addition to breakfast/brunch, they serve lunch, and very recently started serving dinner, too. The high quality of the ingredients and evening ambiance are generating a buzz amongst the Roman foodie set – I plan on going as soon as my tiny boss will allow me to go out to dinner again (so in 17 years).

Pro tips: Like Faro, Luna is jammed on weekends, so avoid or go early. And takeaway coffee and pastries are also an option there.

Tulipane

Via del Pavone 28 (Campo de’ Fiori)

Open for breakfast, brunch and lunch daily

Tucked behind Campo de’ Fiori, I only recently made it to Tulipane for the first time, and I’m so very glad I did.

Their insta profile clearly states what they’re known for – BRUNCH & BREAD. Tulipane is a great place to start your day of sightseeing or to stop mid-morning and refuel to continue on your way. You’ll find specials, eggs, and a selection of pastries alongside excellent specialty coffee.

Be prepared to linger if you’d like. The interior is so cute, you might not want to leave. You can also shop for housewares in the entrance/bar area.

Sensorio

Via Flaminia 69 (Metro A, Flaminio)

Sensorio was high on my list of brunch places in Rome to try, and I recently got there before taking my daughter to Explora, the children’s museum of Rome (11/10, highly recommend). 

I enjoyed it immensely – the server explained the coffee options in approachable terms and the avocado toast with scrambled eggs and bacon was also 11/10. I will be back!

Forno Conti

Via Giusti 18 (Metro A, Vittorio Emanuele – Esquilino)

Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and afternoon bites every day except Sunday

Depending on the day/time, you’ll find a line at Forno Conti, but I find that it moves pretty quickly.

Go on a nice day to score an outside table – indoor seating is limited.

The brunches are good, and I particularly love the coffee at Forno Conti. They’re also known for their baked goods, including bread. 

Marzapane

Via Flaminia 64 (Metro A, Flaminio)

Open daily for breakfast, brunch and lunch

I have rhapsodized about the first pastry I had from Marzapane in this post about specialty coffee in Rome. It was a pastry nest with a thick, cheesecake filling topped with salted caramel, peanuts and popcorn. It was pure crunch and cream and I DEEPLY regret not buying an extra ten one to take home.

I have since been back to Marzapane a few more times, and each time I have had a similar experience of sitting in the lovely upstairs, eating yummy things, and sipping a stellar cup of coffee.

Cafe Merenda

Via del Gazometro 5a (Metro B, Piramide)

Open daily for breakfast and brunch, closed Mondays

If you’re looking for a place with a cute aesthetic, including a raspberry-colored Marzocco and coordinated pastel coffee cups, Merenda is it.

Located in southern Rome’s Ostiense district, not too far from the now-closed-but-OG-best-brunch-joint in Rome, Marigold (RIP), you’ll find great coffee, savory brunches and a nice outdoor seating area.

Bap

Via Raffaele Cadorna 5 (Sallustiano)

Open daily for breakfast and brunch

Conveniently located near Faro (aka walking distance to my house, lucky me), Bap has recently become one of my faves.

I went not too long ago on a mom-and-baby date and brought my daughter for the first time, and the staff was so lovely and accommodating, even though she was hooting, crawling everywhere, and eating like the messy monkey that she is.

The food was great – excellent pancakes and eggs and coffee. I was full from finishing my own brunch and my daughter’s, but the pastry case looked mighty tempting, too.

Love

Via Tunisi 51 (Metro A, Cipro)

Open daily for breakfast and brunch

Not too far from the Vatican Museums is Love, where you’ll find some of the prettiest pastries in Rome, alongside savory brunches and yes, more great coffee.

Pro tip: Love also often has a line. If you’re desperate to try their lovely laminated cornetti, you can order online for pickup!

The best American-style breakfast/brunch in Rome

Homebaked

Via Fratelli Bonnet 21 (Monteverde)

Closed Fridays, open all other days for breakfast and brunch

Via di Porta Cavalleggeri 25 (Just outside of Vatican City, near Saint Peter’s)

Closed Tuesdays, open all other days for breakfast and brunch

Ok soooo, I may have said you won’t find big pancakes and Gaston-sized portions of eggs at brunch in Rome, and that is true overall, but you will find those things at Homebaked.

Homebaked is a little slice of the US of A in Rome, which you might need if you’re really really homesick or really really hungry.

Rest assured that it will soothe all your diner cravings – I’m talking BACON, I’m talking BUTTAH, I’m talking MAPLE SYRUP, I AM TALKING MOTHERF-IN’ P-S-L baybeeeeeeee.

And if you happen to be celebrating Thanksgiving in Rome, you can go to Homebaked for all your pie needs!

Alle Fratte di Trastevere 

Via delle Fratte di Trastevere 49/50

Closed Wednesdays, opens for brunch at 10:30am

When I arrived at Alle Fratte di Trastevere to meet a friend for brunch, I was sure she was mistaken.

Why would she tell me to meet her at what looked like a classic trattoria in Trastevere? What I didn’t know was that half of the management is American, and that American makes her own bagels and iced coffee and serves brunch!

I was pregnant when I went, and I swear, scrambled eggs and a bagel had never tasted so good. I had my one cup of caffeine for the day there too, opting out of the many interesting flavor options, but my friends assured me that their caramel and pumpkin spice lattes were great.

Next on my list of brunch spots in Rome

Because of my dedication to my craft (wink wink), I have an ever-growing list of places to try that I’ve heard good things about. Up next are, Nero Vaniglia (Garbatella) and Slow (Corso Vittorio Emanuele), the new spot brought to you by the same people as Love.

Do you have a favorite spot for brunch in Rome? Share it in the comments!

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