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Choosing the best Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome isn’t that easy; while the Jewish Quarter is pretty small, it is filled with amazing restaurants, some of which make for the best cheap eats in Rome. Also called the Quartiere Ebraico or Ghetto in Italian, the Jewish Ghetto has a long history that dates back hundreds of years.
And today, I’m excited to talk about all the best Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome, perfect if you’re looking for kosher restaurants that follow both tradition and religion (like keeping dairy and meat separate) while offering some of the most classic Roman Jewish dishes.
If you would like to discover more amazing places to eat and see in Rome, you should definitely take a look at these guides before traveling to the Eternal City:
- the best vegan restaurants in Rome Italy
- Porta Portese Market: the biggest flea market in Rome
- and the best restaurants in Trastevere Rome for pasta and pizza
10 Best Jewish Ghetto Restaurants in Rome: Best Kosher Food

The Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome are some of the most unique restaurants you can find in Rome. The Jewish Quarter is located close to the Largo di Piazza Argentina, Campo de’ Fiori, the Tiber River and down the street from the famous Termini station, so it’s really easy to access.
You can see understand straight away when you’ve arrived, since there’s a different atmosphere in the Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome than there is in any other part of the city. The air is charged with history and culture, and one thing is for sure, you will eat differently in the Jewish Quarter than you will in other restaurants in Trastevere, for instance.
Since almost all the best Rome Ghetto restaurants are located on Via del Portico d’Ottavia, you really cannot get lost when choosing which you’re going to have lunch or dinner in.
History and food lovers, this is your cue to try some of the best Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome; Jewish-style artichokes, Jewish desserts and cakes, and some of the best kosher restaurants in Rome – you’ll find it all here today.
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Best Jewish Ghetto Restaurants in Rome: Nonna Betta
One of the institutions of the Jewish Ghetto, Nonna Betta is that kosher restaurant you really cannot miss while visiting the city. Whether you are Jewish or not, and need to find kosher restaurants in Rome or not, Nonna Betta is one of the most famous restaurants in Rome for a reason.
There, you will eat the most delicious Jewish-style artichokes of you life, cured beef, bucatini all’amatriciana, Pajata, and other ragu and sauce dishes that follow antique Jewish recipes. Tainted with Roman history, Nonna Betta is one of the best Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome, and definitely one of the first to try.
Read:
Best Jewish Ghetto Restaurants in Rome: Ba’Ghetto
Ba’Ghetto probably is one of the most famous Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome, and offers lots of starters and mains, so much so that you’ll probably have trouble choosing between all of them – especially if it’s your first time trying kosher restaurants in Rome. You won’t find any dairy or seafood at Ba’Ghetto; dairy is the specialty of their sister restaurant Ba’Ghetto Milky.
Another one of the Jewish restaurants on Via del Portico d’Ottavia, you will spot Ba’Ghetto straight away with its large terrace and lively atmosphere at every time of the day. On the menu, Jewish-style artichokes, falafel, baklava, lamb ragu, goulash and oven-roasted veal are some of the specialties at Ba’Ghetto. A huge menu, with homemade Roman Jewish dishes make it one of the Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome you should not miss.
Best Jewish Ghetto Restaurants in Rome: Beppe e i Suoi Formaggi
Beppe e i Suoi Formaggi (Beppe and his cheeses) is one of the smallest and coolest Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome, since it’s really anchored in the food culture of Jewish families. This is one of the only restaurants in the Jewish Quarter that is not located on Via del Portico d’Ottavia, and since it’s still very close, you’ll need to visit Beppe e i Suoi Formaggi to try some of the most delicious cheese and cured meats in Rome.
The restaurant is one of the oldest around; the Giovale family has been offering cheeses and salumi since 1621. Just to be clear, Beppe e i Suoi formaggi is not a kosher restaurant, yet it is one of the most unique restaurants in Rome for whoever would like to find delicious products to bring back home, or even eat in the dine-in area of Beppe e i Suoi Formaggi.
Read: The Very Best Maritozzi in Rome
Best Jewish Ghetto Restaurants in Rome: Renato al Ghetto
Renato al Ghetto is one of the best Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome for whoever would like to try another spot for Jewish Roman cuisine. It is probably one of the most accessible restaurants in the Jewish Quarter if you’ve never tried Jewish cuisine, since the dishes and the restaurant are both simple in style. At Renato al Ghetto, you’ll find tonnarelli alla carbonara, fried Jewish-style artichokes, lamb ragu, pappardelle and lots of other cultural dishes.
This is also one of the only non touristy restaurants in the Jewish Ghetto of Rome where you can order your Shabbat meal either for Friday evenings or for Saturday’s lunch. Simply one of the best kosher restaurants in Rome in terms of history and food culture, and definitely one to try in the Jewish Ghetto whether you’re nearby or not.
Best Jewish Ghetto Restaurants in Rome:
Renato al Ghetto:
Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 5, 00186 Rome
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Best Jewish Ghetto Restaurants in Rome: Ba’Ghetto Milky
Ba’Ghetto Milky, sister restaurant of Ba’Ghetto I mentioned above, is located on the same street as most of the Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome, on Via del Portico d’Ottavia. At Ba’Ghetto Milky, the specialties are all conceived around dairy and fish, but you won’t find any meat dishes there. It’s another one of the kosher restaurants in Rome that follow the rules of the kasherut strictly, and even without meat, you will love absolutely every Roman Jewish specialty at Ba’Ghetto.
Pizza, suppli, couscous, eggplant rolls and tonnarelli cacio e pepe – Ba’Ghetto Milky has so many delicious specialties on the menu that you won’t even feel the need to eat meat. One of the utterly best Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome, all kosher, and stunningly tasty.
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Best Restaurants in the Jewish Ghetto Rome: La Taverna del Ghetto
One of the highlights of La Taverna del Ghetto is the beautiful arch built in the wall of the building, and it’s one of the most underrated Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome, in my opinion. If you’re looking for the best kosher restaurants in Rome, you’d do well to pay a visit to La Taverna del Ghetto.
The restaurant offers zuppa ebraica, a type of Jewish soup, cured meat, grilled meats, lasagna and lots of the classic Roman Jewish fried dishes, among which fried zucchini flowers and artichokes.
La Taverna del Ghetto is one of the most famous restaurants in the Jewish Ghetto of Rome, and even if you’d just like to have coffee with some homemade tiramisu or pies, then that’s one of the restaurants to do so, right in the heart of the Jewish Quarter.
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Best Bakeries in the Jewish Ghetto Rome: Antico Forno Boccione
L’Antico Forno Boccione is probably one of the most famous bakeries in Rome, and it deserves a trip to the Jewish Quarter even if you’re not nearby. One of the oldest restaurants in the Jewish Ghetto of Rome, L’Antico Forno Boccione is a really unassuming bakery that prepares sweet and savory cakes, pastries, and breads all year round.
You’ll find at L’Antico Forno Boccione one of the most famous desserts from Rome, la torta ricotta e visciole (a pie filled with ricotta and cherries), in addition to chocolate and ricotta pies, biscuits, and the pizza di Berid, also called pizza ebraica. The pizza ebraica is a mix of almonds, flour, candied fruits and raisins, and perfect if you’re looking for a delicious snack or a dessert. A small bakery in the Jewish Quarter, but powerful in taste and culture.
Best Restaurants in the Jewish Ghetto Rome: Il Giardino Romano
Il Giardino Romano (the Roman garden) is another institution of the Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome. There, you’ll find lots of Roman Jewish dishes, but beyond that, Il Giardino Romano also offers Middle-Eastern specialties. On the menu, grilled fish and meat, without dairy of course, along with falafel and hummus will make you discover a little bit more about Jewish Roman cuisine.
One of the best Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome, Il Giardino Romano has some excellent fried specialties on the menu, from fried anchovies to fried courgette flowers, fried cod fillet and of course, Jewish-style fried artichokes; my favorite. Then, if you’d like to keep going with traditional Roman foods, then the Coda alla Vaccinara (oxtail) or Ossobuco (a typical Roman braised veal dish) will make you the happiest person on Earth.
Best Restaurants in the Jewish Ghetto Rome: BellaCarne
BellaCarne is one of the Jewish Quarter restaurants that offer lots of grilled meat dishes on the menu, from cured meat to carbonara and amatriciana – all kosher and Jewish-style. No pork on the BellaCarne menu, which is one of the best kosher restaurants in Rome if you’d like to eat some homemade salumi, a plethora of which is available to eat every day of the week, except on Saturdays.
If you’d rather find some really good cheap eats in Rome, then BellaCarne offers plenty of delicious panini to eat on the spot or to go, while you’re heading off to check out all the hidden gems the city has to offer. One of the best Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome for a romantic date as well, between a spacious restaurant and a welcoming terrace.
Best Bakeries in the Jewish Ghetto Rome: Grezzo
I have mentioned Grezzo Raw Chocolate on Piazza Mattei in my guide to the best vegan restaurants in Rome, since this is one of the Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome that focuses on raw and healthy desserts filled with delicious pistachio, chocolate and gianduja since 2014. Grezzo Raw Chocolate is one of the only bakeries in Rome that offers such an innovative concept, which we’d probably only find in vegan and gluten free bakeries in London, to be fair.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or a perfect dessert, Grezzo Raw Chocolate has on offer plenty of bite-sized cakes, ice creams, and even large cakes without gluten, with organic sugar and healthy ingredients. One of the best restaurants in the Jewish Ghetto of Rome when you’re walking around the history-laden Jewish Quarter.
10 Best Jewish Ghetto Restaurants in Rome: Best Kosher Food

There you have them, all the best Jewish Ghetto restaurants in Rome that you need to try whether you eat kosher or not. These are still some of the best non touristy restaurants in Rome, and make for the most unique experience between gastronomy, history and culture.
Later on, I will write about more amazing restaurants and cheap eats in Rome, but for the time being, you’ve got here some of the best kosher restaurants in Rome, and would do well to pay them a visit on a trip to Italy.
Until next time!
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Sam
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Sam has been a certified makeup artist since 2018, a blogger since 2015 and a full-time writer since 2020. A digital nomad, scented candles lover and passionate about color, she shares her knowledge about makeup, candles and travel spots on a daily basis on The Working Line.
FAQs
Is there still a Jewish Ghetto in Rome? ›
Today, the district of the former ghetto is the home of the Great Synagogue of Rome. There is one remaining piece of the ghetto wall, which was built into the wall of one of the courtyards off the Piazza delle Cinque Scole.
Is Trastevere the Jewish Ghetto? ›Isola Tiberina is the island in the middle of the Tiber river. There are bridges on both sides that essentially connect the Jewish Ghetto with Trastevere. Many people are not aware that the first Jewish settlements in Rome during ancient times were in fact in Trastevere.
Is there kosher food in Rome airport? ›At Terminal C3 near gate 139, CIBO Express Gourmet sells only kosher products. Near gates 123 and 132 there are non-kosher branches of CIBO, which are also selling kosher food. In Terminal C1 there are more CIBO stands near gates 70, 71, 73, 75, 92 and 93.
What are 3 foods that Jews can't eat? ›- Avoiding any non-kosher animals (fish that don't have fins and scales, land animals that do not both chew their cud and have cleft hooves, most birds);
- Avoiding eating meat and dairy together;
- Only eating meat that was slaughtered in a certain way.
And please, do not burp or fart in public, it is considered extremely rude. Also, loud swearing and drinking alcohol from a bottle while walking the street, is frowned upon. Most Italians like some alcohol, but usually avoid to get drunk. Public scenes of drunkenness are much less tolerated than in other countries.
Why did the Romans kick Jews out? ›A brief statement in Divus Claudius 25 mentions agitations by the "Jews" which led Claudius (Roman Emperor from AD 41 to 54) to expel them from Rome: Since the Jews constantly made disturbances at the instigation of Chrestus, he [the Emperor Claudius] expelled them from Rome.
Why were the Jews unhappy with the Romans? ›Rebellion in Judaea
Although Judaea was ruled by the Romans, the governors there had practiced the same kind of religious tolerance as was shown to Jews in Rome [expert]. However, Roman tactlessness and inefficiency, along with famine and internal squabbles, led to a rise in Jewish discontent.
Trastevere is considered the 'heart' of Rome. It is famous for its 'bohemian' atmosphere, restaurants and wine bars, boutiques and craft shops.
What is the Ghetto called in Italy? ›The Ghetto is an area of the Cannaregio sestiere of Venice, divided into the Ghetto Nuovo ("New Ghetto"), and the adjacent Ghetto Vecchio ("Old Ghetto").
Can you eat on the street in Rome? ›No eating on the street, no buying fakes
At certain times of the day on several of the city's busiest streets and piazzas (Via de' Neri, Piazzale degli Uffizi, Piazza del Grano, and Via della Ninna), eating while sitting, leaning, or even walking is banned, with violators slapped with fines of up to €500.
Can Italian food be kosher? ›
Keep in mind that kosher is not a style of cooking. All foods—Italian, Chinese, French, etc. —can be kosher if prepared in accordance with Jewish law.
Is Ikea kosher? ›Please ask our co-workers if any menu options are vegan. Unfortunately at this time our food is not Halal or Kosher.
Why can't Jews eat shrimp? ›Animals that live in water can only be eaten if they have fins and scales. This means that shrimps, prawns and squid are not fish in the true sense, and so they are just as non-kosher as the eel which has lost its fins through evolution.
Can Jews eat McDonald's? ›Kashrut. While McDonald's operates several Kosher and non-Kosher restaurants, all the meat served in the restaurants is kosher beef. The difference is that the non-Kosher branches open on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, in addition to serving dairy products and cheeseburgers.
What food do Jews not like? ›Kashrut—Jewish dietary laws
Certain foods, notably pork, shellfish and almost all insects are forbidden; meat and dairy may not be combined and meat must be ritually slaughtered and salted to remove all traces of blood. Observant Jews will eat only meat or poultry that is certified kosher.
It's fine for your sightseeing outfits to be casual in Rome. T-shirts, jeans, tennis shoes, sundresses and sandals are all appropriate for any of the Rome sights, including Vatican City and the Colosseum.
What time should I eat dinner in Rome? ›Dinner time in Rome
When to have dinner in Rome: 8 p.m.–12 a.m. As you might've guessed, Romans tend to have dinner much later than other European countries. Especially if you had aperitivo beforehand.
In general, Italians respect Americans and always welcome them as friends. They adore the curiosity of American tourists in regard to experiencing Italian culture, and they love the way that Americans enjoy their food.
What not to order in Italy? ›- Never ask for a risotto as a starter.
- Pasta and salad don't go together.
- Chicken carbonara doesn't exist.
- Chicken parmesan is an unknown item.
- Fettuccine Alfredo is not a traditional dish.
- Italians only drink wine or water while eating.
- Pizza with peperoni is not pepperoni pizza.
It's illegal not to walk your dog at least three times a day in Turin, Italy. Dog owners in Turin, Italy will be fined up to €500 if they don't walk their pets at least three times a day, under a new law from the city's council.
Could Jews be Roman citizens? ›
Many Jews became citizens of other parts of the Roman Empire. The book of Acts in the New Testament, as well as other Pauline texts, make frequent reference to the large populations of Hellenised Jews in the cities of the Roman world.
Why Christianity caused the fall of Rome? ›Christianity displaced the polytheistic Roman religion, which viewed the emperor as having a divine status, and also shifted focus away from the glory of the state and onto a sole deity. Meanwhile, popes and other church leaders took an increased role in political affairs, further complicating governance.
How did the Romans feel about the Jews? ›Soon Rome let Judaism be a legal reli- gion and allowed Jews to worship freely. But Rome never trusted the Jews. A serious conflict between Rome and the Jews began in A.D. 66 when Nero was emperor. The Roman governor of Judea decided to take money from the Great Temple in Jerusalem.
Which city is the religious center of Judaism? ›Jerusalem includes the holiest ground in Judaism, the third-holiest shrine in Islam and major Christian sites linked to the life of Jesus.
What was Roman religion before Christianity? ›The Roman Empire was primarily a polytheistic civilization, which meant that people recognized and worshiped multiple gods and goddess. The main god and goddesses in Roman culture were Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva.
Was Jesus considered a Roman citizen? ›Answer and Explanation: Yes, Jesus of Nazareth was a Roman citizen. Jesus's home province of Judea had been completely conquered by the Romans in 63 BC.
Do you tip in Italy? ›If you ask locals “do you tip in Italy?”, they'll explain that while they sometimes leave a small tip, it's generally not necessary. In Italy, a tip (or una mancia, pronounced oo-nah MAN-chah)—whether given to restaurant servers or hotel employees—is considered a bonus for exceptional service.
What is the coolest neighborhood in Rome? ›Trastevere - Best Neighborhood in Rome for Restaurants, Trendy Boutiques and Pastel-Colored Houses. Once the place of residence of fishermen and immigrants from the East, this old Rome neighborhood, just across the Tiber River, is considered as one of the hippest and coolest places in Rome.
What is the most beautiful neighborhood in Rome? ›Spanish Steps. The Spanish Steps and the surrounding neighborhood are widely regarded as the most beautiful part of Rome. Neoclassical buildings in beautiful condition line the streets here. It's home to most of the major attractions that first-time visitors to Rome want to see, so staying here is advantageous.
What is the most unluckiest town in Italy? ›Colobraro, an ancient hilltop town in Italy's southern region of Basilicata, is reputed to be the nation's unluckiest village.
What is the name of the unluckiest town in Italy? ›
The reason for Colobraro being called “that village” or “the unlucky village” is because a lawyer, who had won many cases, was pursuing a case in this town, and he proclaimed that if he was not correct, that the chandelier which was in the court would fall. At that exact moment, the chandelier fell and shattered.
What is the poorest area in Italy? ›The Basilicata region is Italy's sad frontrunner. Basilicata is the poorest, economically most backward region in Italy. About 20 percent of the population still live from agriculture, significantly more than the Italian average of 8 percent.
What is the most eaten food in Rome? ›The undisputed king of Roman food, pasta alla Carbonara inspires a devotion amongst inhabitants of the Eternal City verging on obsession.
What are 3 foods Rome is famous for? ›If you're visiting Rome for your next city break, these traditional dishes are an essential part of your stay so make sure you take your tastebuds on a tour of the very best pasta, pastries and porchetta on offer.
Why is broccoli not kosher? ›They include aphids and thrips, along with tiny worms and other almost-unseen perils. These creatures hide – inside florets, under leaves, even inside fruits or fish. These insects have been forbidden as long as Jews have been eating kosher.
What are 5 kosher foods? ›- Meat. Beef and lamb are kosher if slaughtered humanely in accordance with kosher law (also known as kashrut), as are goats and deer. ...
- Fish. ...
- Eggs. ...
- Vegetables.
Contrary to a common myth, a Rabbi does not "bless" a food to render it kosher. To produce a kosher-certfied product, all of the component ingredients must be kosher certified - including any processing aids that contact the food.
Is Costco kosher? ›Many of our Costco warehouse locations regularly stock kosher products. To find out, just ask a team member next time you visit your local Costco. Click here to find a Costco near you.
Is ALDI brand kosher? ›Does ALDI sell kosher products? ALDI stores stock 1,400 of the most commonly purchased grocery items in the most popular size. Many of these items are kosher-certified through organizations including NY-based Orthodox Union and Circle K. Certifications can be found directly on the packaging.
Does IKEA use horse meat in their meatballs? ›Czech authorities alerted the discount furniture maker that they had found horsemeat in a sample of meatballs, and Ikea subsequently pulled the product from stores in 14 countries.
What kind of food served to the poor Romans? ›
What did poor people typically eat? Those who couldn't afford bread mostly ate a simple porridge known as puls, made from boiled grains (spelt, millet, or wheat), which could be livened up with herbs and vegetables.
What kind of food did the poor Romans eat? ›As you might expect, the poor people in Rome did not eat the same food as the wealthy. The main food of the poor was a porridge call "puls." Puls was made by mixing ground wheat and water. Sometimes they might get some vegetables or fruit to eat with their puls. The poor ate very little meat.
What would slaves eat in ancient Rome? ›The core staples for slaves were low-quality bread and cheap wine, but was also supplemented by average fruits and vegetables, as well as soups, stews, and other hot meals.
What did plebeians have for dinner? ›Lunch: The lunch of the plebeians mainly consisted bread and cheese but some fruit and nuts may have been eaten, olives and celery made up the fruit and vegetables. And the nuts such as chestnuts and sesame seeds. Dinner: This meal consisted of bread and water with a small bowl of porridge.
What do Romans eat for breakfast? ›Typically, the Romans ate three meals a day. The Romans ate a breakfast of bread or a wheat pancake eaten with dates and honey. At midday they ate a light meal of fish, cold meat, bread and vegetables. Often the meal consisted of the leftovers of the previous day's cena.
What time do Romans eat dinner? ›Dinner time in Rome
When to have dinner in Rome: 8 p.m.–12 a.m. As you might've guessed, Romans tend to have dinner much later than other European countries. Especially if you had aperitivo beforehand.
Breakfast and Lunch Roman Style
For those who could afford it, breakfast (jentaculum), eaten very early, would consist of salted bread, milk, or wine, and perhaps dried fruit, eggs, or cheese.
The most common foods were bread, beans, lentils, and a little meat. Rich Romans enjoyed large dinner parties with many elaborate courses and a good deal of wine. Roman delicacies included snails, oysters, and stuffed dormice.
What meat did poor Romans eat? ›The most popular meat was pork, especially sausages. Beef was uncommon in ancient Rome, being more common in ancient Greece – it is not mentioned by Juvenal or Horace. Seafood, game, and poultry, including ducks and geese, were more usual.
Did Romans only eat once a day? ›The Romans generally ate one main meal (the cena) a day, around sunset. Originally this was eaten around midday, preceded by a light meal, often just a piece of bread, early in the morning. This was called ientaculum (or breakfast). Supper or vesperna was a smaller meal in the evening.
What did poor Romans eat for breakfast? ›
In contrast to the fine banquets, poor people ate the cheapest foods, so they had for breakfast grain made into twice-baked bread and porridge, and for lunch a vegetable and meat stew. The vegetables available included millet, onions, turnips, and olives with bread and oil on the side.
What did slaves eat the most? ›While pork was a dominant food source for free white Southerners, enslaved people were even more reliant on pork as a meat source. Pork, along with corn, was the primary ration issued to slaves on many plantations. Though rations could vary widely, slaves typically received an average of three pounds of pork per week.
What is a cool Roman name? ›- Albina. Saint Albina was a third century martyr from Caesarea.
- Augustus. Augustus was the title given to Octavian, the first Roman emperor.
- Cassia. Feminine form of Cassius.
- Cicero. ...
- Domitia. ...
- Felix. ...
- Hadriana. ...
- Marcellus.
The three meals of the day in ancient Rome were ientaculum (breakfast), prandium (lunch), and cena (dinner).
What was a rich Roman dinner called? ›The most sumptuous meal of the day was the dinner, called 'cena' by the Romans.
Which meal was the most important for Romans? ›The cena was the main meal of the day. They may have eaten a late supper called vesperna. Richer citizens in time, freed from the rhythms of manual labour, ate a bigger cena from late afternoon, abandoning the final supper.