La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
Rating
Family of 4
USD 80-115 for dinner
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
5-17
About
La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali has earned a reputation as one of Rome's most beloved home-cooking restaurants, sitting just steps from the Roman Forum on Via della Madonna dei Monti. With over 2,700 Google reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it's a consistent performer in one of Rome's most historic neighborhoods.
The editorial description captures it precisely: this is a casual, traditional restaurant renowned for classic and creative home-cooked pasta and grill dishes. That means real Roman grandma-style cooking — pasta made that day, sauces slow-cooked with care, grilled meats that smell the way grilled meats should. For kids who have been eating decent Italian food throughout their Rome trip, this is the meal they'll remember.
The restaurant operates split service hours (lunch 12:30-3:30 PM, dinner 7:30-10:30 PM) and is closed on Tuesdays. Reservations are genuinely necessary — this is a small, intimate space and it books up. The setting is cozy rather than expansive, making it better for calmer kids (5 and up) than for toddlers who need to move around.
A family of four should budget USD 80-115 for dinner, or somewhat less for lunch.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Kid Meals
true
Setting
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Early lunch before the Forum crowds peak; avoid Tuesday (closed)
Wait Times
20-30 min without reservation at prime hours
Nearby Food
Steps from the Roman Forum with gelato shops, bars, and bakeries throughout the neighborhood.
Why Kids Love It
Located a short walk from the Roman Forum, kids get to eat at a genuinely historic restaurant while still enjoying the pasta and grill dishes they love — the combination of ancient surroundings and delicious food makes this one of Rome's most memorable family lunches.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Renowned for home-cooked pasta — book in advance as this fills up.
- Tuesday is closed; Thursday and Sunday lunch are excellent.
- Cozy, intimate setting — not ideal for very active toddlers.
What to Bring
- Reservation — this restaurant fills regularly
- Modest clothing if visiting the nearby Forum
- Camera — the neighborhood around the Roman Forum is beautiful
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 80-115 for dinner
Tips to Save
- Come for the early lunch service (12:30-3 PM) to get the best value and avoid dinner prices.
- The home-cooked pasta of the day is usually the best-priced item.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 12:30 – 3:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM
- Monday
- 12:30 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM
- Sunday
- 12:30 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Saturday
- 12:30 – 3:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM
- Thursday
- 12:30 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 12:30 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM