Ciampini is well known among locals. A short walk from the Spanish steps, impeccably chic bartenders in white jackets and even whiter gloves will serve you silky, dark coffee or one of their legendary pizzas if you decide to stop by for lunch.

You can find the best pizza tagliata on the famous Campo dei Fiori. Grab a few slices of gooey goodness and sit in the sun on one of the fountains of Piazza Farnese. You’re bound to make friends with others who’ve had the same idea.

If you’re looking for an unpretentious place for lunch, Cul de Sac is the one. This popular wine bar is situated just minutes from Piazza Navona and their encyclopaedic wine list is unparalleled anywhere else in the city. Soak it up by indulging in plenty of cheese and cold meats, or some of their incredible pasta.

If you are looking for a sun-drenched terrace for an elegant (but boozy) meal, look no further. Pierluigi is protected from the crowds on the sunny Piazza de Ricci, just 20m from the Piazza Farnese, and is renowned for high-quality food, particularly its fresh fish. The super friendly owner will also take great care of you.

One of our favourite seafood restaurants in town, which happens to be the best kept secret on via Gulia. Set in a traditionally chic setting, it’s the perfect place for a Saturday night dinner. Tip: pop over the road to the DOM hotel for after dinner drinks on the rooftop.

Tucked away on a side street near the Trevi Fountain, step into a trattoria straight out of your Roman dreams (lighting and furniture included). The old-school waiters will prepare anything for you, from the best carbonara in town to a Monte Bianco dessert.

If you are looking for a more modern spot, head to Pastificio in San Laurenzo. Inside a former industrial space, the restaurant is situated in Rome’s contemporary art hub. The crowd is cool, the burgers delicious.

Buff can boast that a staggering 97% of their produce comes directly from their organic farm in Calabria in southern Italy. The floor staff are totally on board with the seasonal ethos and spoil guests with tasters of the latest arrivals from the farm; fresh goji berries, mini wild artichokes, marinated caper stems, and so on. Even the risotto uses their homegrown rice.

Located near to Trastevere in the less touristy Monteverde, Litro has a buzzy, neighbourhood feel to it. Delicious small plates emerge from the kitchen at speed, but there is no rush. A wall covered in clocks showing different times nods to this laid-back pace – stop for a quick bite or while away a hazy evening. The availability of natural and biodynamic wines in Rome is noticeable and Litro has a fantastic selection – a bottle of natural prosecco makes the perfect an aperitif. Their sister restaurant, Caffé Propaganda, is just across the river near the Colosseum and is also worth checking out.

Mercato Centrale brings together food makers from around town to showcase the region’s bountiful produce. One stand is devoted entirely to artichokes – ask for your “carciofo” three ways then head directly to the stand opposite where the wine merchants will relish the opportunity to select the perfect “il vino al bicchiere” (wine by the glass) pairing. Italy’s best-known wine producers make a point of stopping by when they’re in town, so this really is something quite special.

In the colourful Monti quarter on a narrow street filled with independent boutiques, cafés and bookshops, Urbana 47 is another restaurant committed to promoting organic produce. Industrial décor and open kitchens, the pared-back interior is in-keeping with the approach to food as simple dishes let the ingredients speak for themselves.

Testaccio is a former working-class area which has been rapidly gentrifying in recent years. The beloved local market has also had a makeover but hasn’t lost it’s authenticity. Romans come in droves to select fresh produce from the abundant, over-flowing stalls – the sandwich stand is a major hit with a constant queue of loyal customers. Life happens in this market so blend in and eat your way around. The pizza with fried romanesco from Casa Manco is a triumph.

Volpetti is everything you could want from an old-school Italian delicatessen. Masters in specialty food, proprietors stand in white coats and happily share their wisdom with customers, offering out morsels and explaining the provenance of products. The pastry counter is a particular wonder, filled with colourful creations which will help work up your appetite for Taverna Volpetti, just around the corner. Pencil in your preferences on the menu which acts like a docket, then tuck into a selection of charcuterie and cheeses made all the more delicious thanks to your newfound knowledge.

Far from the tourist drag, get the metro to Pigneto and go exploring. There’s an abundance of restaurants to choose from in this buzzy enclave; go alfresco at Cucina Rosti where the atmosphere is electric thanks to large groups sitting at long trestle tables lit by fairy lights until late, while other favourites include Pigneto Quarantuno and Primo al Pigneto. Bar Necci is a local institution set on a backstreet among houses with its own courtyard. The journey is more than worth it for for those looking to get beneath the surface of the city.

Classifying itself as a “laboratorio gastronomico” with a strict zero-waste policy, Retrobottega is at the forefront of the surge in creative cooking in the city. The team are engaging, innovative and passionate and dishes are executed with meticulous attention to detail – the veal carpaccio being a case in point. Request a seat at the counter for the best view of all the action.

This time “laboratorio di cucina”, Pianostrada is run by four impossibly glamorous Italian women, one of whom whips up pasta dishes wearing towering heels and bright-red lipstick. The open-kitchen trend has taken hold in Rome and sitting at the bar is both sociable and instructive – watch the chefs at work to pick up some techniques to take home. The food is carefully considered, artfully presented and above all, delicious.

A visit to Roscioli is essential on any Roman holiday. Comprising of a bakery, coffee shop, delicatessen and restaurant all within walking distance of each other, it’s here that can pick up some premium Italian produce. Classics such as “cacio e pepe” (pasta, cheese, pepper) are created using game-changing quality ingredients – this is simple Italian food of the highest level.

Emma is the place for pizza. Another outpost for the Roscioli family, the pizzeria is centrally located and extremely popular among both locals and tourists. It’s worth making a booking as the waiting list gets long and most are willing stick it out to get in. Thin-crust pizzas are a vehicle to showcase signature Roscioli ingredients and come adorned with artisan Italian cheeses, fresh herbs and cured meats, all sliced to order.

If there’s one place to sip Campari like a local, it’s Bar del Fico. Watch the world go by, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the buzz on the terrace where regulars opt for chess tables and sit engrossed in games with admirable focus. Complimentary fresh flatbreads to accompany your aperitif are sliced up and shared among the tables, but should you require more substantial replenishment make your way inside where Roman staples are served with aplomb.

This simple but elegant family-run restaurant in Trastevere focuses on seafood and fish dishes with a Sicilian-inspired menu that includes an excellent caponata, spaghetti con bottarga di tonno and Roman classics like rigatoni alla carbonara.

With its extensive list of mozzarellas sourced from Campania and the lightest organic dough imaginable thanks to Pierluigi Roscioli’s artistry, Emma’s refined pizzas are perfect for a quick (or lingering) lunch. Book a table outside for more atmosphere and work through the impressive wine list.

Head to this charming ice-cream store a short stroll away from the Piazza Navona to indulge in seasonal and floral flavours including lavender and white peach, mint stracciatella and white chocolate and basil.

While space is more than a little tight in this busy pizzeria, the food really does make up for it. We suggest you persevere, take a numbered ticket and wait patiently for your name to be called. As Roman pizzas generally do, the crust here holds a little more weight and chewiness than your average Neapolitan slice, and although it’s a case of pizza al taglio (pan pizza by the slice), this is not your average takeaway spot. Owner Gabriele Bonci sources his ingredients from Italy’s finest suppliers; the soft dough is made with buratto flour from Mulino di Marino (a well-known miller in northern Italy) for example. Try 2017’s Best Pizza in Italy – mozzarella di bufala campana a crudo, funghi prataioli and prosciutto. Pair with a €2 glass of wine and munch sitting on the pavement outside.

Humble and inconspicuous, Agustarello is a local favourite. Stomachs may turn at the thought of offal but one bite of their gricia (handmade pasta with pork jowl, pecorino cheese and black pepper) or trippa alla romana (strips of beef tripe cooked with tomato and mint) and any icky associations are quickly forgotten, to be swiftly replaced by unforgettable flavours.

Peep over the counter to witness fruits, nuts and chocolates creamed and whipped into gelato at Gelateria I Caruso. Traditional flavours are among the gelateria’s best sellers, but you can’t go wrong with a seasonal fruit cremolata with a dollop of panna on top.

At Settimio al Pellegrino the clientele are loyal and local. Serving a limited menu of conservative Roman classics, the polpette alla piastra (grilled meatballs) and homemade pasta are firm favourites. Run by husband and wife pair, Teresa and Mario, the former is the chef and the latter, the schmalzy proprietor (it feels like you're eating at your grandparents' house). The front door is kept locked – don't worry they're not closed, you just need to hit the buzzer. As the dining room comprises of two small rooms, booking ahead is near essential. A scolding from Teresa or a seat facing the door is a less than desirable alternative.