When you think about the foodie flavors of Italy, seafood might not spring to mind. You might instantly conjure up images of stone-baked pizzas oozing with mozzarella, or hearty pasta dishes adorned with a rainbow of vegetables. But Italy, and Rome in particular, is home to some incredible seafood restaurants. They are a real treat for your tastebuds so if you want to eat something a little different in the Eternal City, head to one of these fantastic restaurants and try something utterly delicious…
Stu Pisci
Squid Panini at Stu Fisci in Rome
When in Rome, expect the unexpected - and by that, we mean the seafood panini offerings at Stu Pisci. Ever had an octopus sandwich? Be prepared for a unique culinary experience that will blow your mind - the octopus panini comes with a spicy honey dressing, on freshly baked bread. Everything here is fresh, in fact, and the flavors are just incredible. There is a wide variety, whether you visit at lunch or dinner. There are vegetarian and gluten-free options available, and the price is mid-range. Takeaway and delivery services are available, and there are extra safety precautions in place to deal with COVID-19. If you’re a seafood lover but want to try something a bit different, this is one of the best restaurants in Rome to head to! You can find Stu Pisci at Via Bellinzona, 11.
Bentu & Soi
Seafood dish with pasta at Bentu & Soi
This Sardinian-style restaurant has a huge range of seafood dishes range on the menu. The seafood soup has a bit of everything: mussels, clams, langoustines and more. Opt for an octopus salad, grilled bass or carpaccio fish, or go for something else entirely - Luca, the owner, will be happy to advise you on what to eat and drink. His passion for Italian food and flavor is clear to see, and you are bound to enjoy your meal here. You’ll find some vegetarian and gluten-free dishes on the menu, too. The atmosphere and friendly staff make this an all-round amazing dining experience off the beaten track in Rome! Previous visitors have described it as a very local place to eat, which is sometimes what you want after a long day of sightseeing in and around the city. You can find Bentu & Soi at Via Casilina, 65.
If food is a big thing for you when traveling (and who can blame you if it is!) then why not book a foodie tour with Dark Rome? You can travel across to Tuscany with our amazing Guided Day Trip: Tuscany from Rome including Brunello Wine Tasting & Gourmet Lunch. This is a wonderful opportunity to head into the heart of the region, which is a UNESCO-designated World Cultural Heritage landscape. It is absolutely breathtaking. See St. Biagio’s Church, wander the hilltop street and eat lunch in a local farmhouse. You’ll enjoy a stunning three-course meal, paired with some stunning (and world-famous) Brunello wine. Travel by climate-controlled coach so you reach Tuscany in style!
Ristorante Sandalia
Fresh Seafood dish at Ristorante Sandalia in Rome
With attentive staff, great food and a fair price, this place gets recommended by a lot of locals and tourists. The crude plate includes oysters, clams, shrimps and prawns which is great for sharing; opt for the trio of tartare, too: it’s one tuna, one prawn and one salmon with complementary ingredients such as black truffle, pistachio and stracciatella. There are stunning pasta dishes, various wines and bubbles and so much more - this is one of the best restaurants in Rome, and certainly one of the best places to try seafood in the Eternal City. They’ll even set the sea bass on fire! There are delicious desserts and liqueurs for after you’ve eaten, so try to save some room… You can find Ristorante Sandalia at Via Felice Anerio, 25.
Komorebi Japanese Restaurant
Fresh Sushi at the Komorebi Japanese Restaurant in Rome
It might not be Italian, but Komorebi is one of the best restaurants in Rome. And they, naturally, offer a variety of seafood dishes. From gyoza to nigiri and cervice, all in really decent-sized portions, there is a lot to choose from. There are few Japanese restaurants in Rome, but the authenticity and delightful flavors here are a nice surprise to many. The sushi is flavorsome and makes for something really different when traveling in, to or around Italy. Eat here at lunch or dinner, and choose a drink from the lovely (and interesting!) cocktail menu too. You can find Komorebi Japanese Restaurant at Via della Stazione Vecchia, 7. This is actually located in Ostia, a short train ride from Rome.
If you want to visit Ostia and its ancient ruins with a guide, Dark Rome offer an incredible Half Day Semi-Private Ancient Ostia Ruins Tour from Rome. Limited to groups of 12, you can head to Ostia by train and discover the stunning ruins in the company of an English-speaking, expert local guide who will fill your time with captivating commentary and fun facts. These ruins aren’t as popular as the Colosseum or Pompeii so are often a quieter way of exploring ancient Roman history during you trip. A day away from the city is always a good way of ticking something new off your bucket list while traveling, too!
Rome is home to some incredible eateries, and you won’t struggle to find delicious seafood in the city. Whether you are looking for shellfish or salmon, shrimp or sushi - you’ll certainly find it at one of the above places, which are some of the best restaurants in Rome when it comes to seafood. Even if you’ve never eaten this kind of dish before, take the opportunity to branch out and try something new while you’re here. Whatever you decide to eat during your Roman vacation, you’ll definitely have the appetite for it after all your sightseeing…
