The Trevi district problem
Any establishment within a hundred metres of the fountain charges 40–80% above the Roman average. A coffee can cost €3–5, a pasta dish €18–25. Quality, in many cases, does not justify the price.
The best strategy is to move 200–400 metres away from the fountain. At this distance average quality improves noticeably and prices return to normal.
Coffee and breakfast
Tazza d'Oro — Via degli Orfani, 84 (Pantheon area, 15 min walk)
One of Rome's historic coffee roasters. In-house roasting, outstanding coffee. At 15 minutes' walk from the Trevi Fountain, it is worth the detour. Standing at the bar only — no seating.
Specialities: coffee granita with cream (summer), classic espresso. Price: espresso ~€1.20.
Sant'Eustachio il Caffè — Piazza Sant'Eustachio, 82 (Pantheon area)
Considered by many Romans to be the best coffee in Rome. About 15–18 minutes on foot. Coffee is served sweetened by default — if you want it unsweetened, specify.
Specialities: classic coffee, coffee granita. Price: espresso ~€1.30.
Caffè Farnese — Piazza Farnese, 106
Closer to the Trevi area, good quality at acceptable prices. Outdoor tables with a view of a quieter square.
Gelato
Gelato di San Crispino — Via della Panetteria, 42
Less than three minutes from the fountain. One of Rome's most respected artisan gelato makers. No artificial colouring, selected ingredients. Gelato is served in cups, not cones — to preserve the product's temperature quality.
Specialities: honey and walnut, cream. Price: small cup ~€3.50–4.
Fatamorgana — Via Laurina, 10 (Spagna area) and other locations
Artisan gelato with original flavours, all gluten-free. Not right next to the fountain, but worth the walk towards Piazza di Spagna.
Lunch and snacks
Antico Forno Roscioli — Via dei Chiavari, 34 (Campo de' Fiori area)
About 20 minutes on foot, the best traditional bakery in the central area. Pizza al taglio, bread, pastries. Much cheaper than restaurants in the Trevi area.
Price: pizza al taglio ~€2.50–4 per slice.
Restaurants near the Trevi Fountain
Ristorante Nino — Via Borgognona, 11 (near Via Condotti)
Historic Roman restaurant, Tuscan cuisine. About 15 minutes on foot. Expensive but authentic.
La Campana — Vicolo della Campana, 18
One of Rome's oldest restaurants (founded in 1518). About 20 minutes on foot. Classic Roman cuisine.
Typical dishes: coda alla vaccinara, cacio e pepe, abbacchio. Price: full meal ~€35–50.
Osteria dell'Angelo — Via G. Bettolo, 24 (Prati)
Outside the historic centre, but authentic Roman cuisine at very reasonable prices. Reservation required.
Aperitivo and cocktails
The Trevi district is not known for evening nightlife. For a quality aperitivo it is better to move towards:
- Il Sorpasso — Via Properzio, 31 (Prati): excellent wines and cocktails, modern atmosphere
- Freni e Frizioni — Via del Politeama, 4 (Trastevere): aperitivo with buffet included in the drink price
- Salotto 42 — Piazza di Pietra (near the Pantheon): excellent for apericena
Free water
One of the least known facts for tourists: Rome has approximately 2,500 public drinking fountains (known as nasoni) that provide fresh, drinkable water. The water comes from the same network that feeds the Trevi Fountain — Acqua Vergine, drinkable and cold. There are several in the Rione Trevi area. No need to buy bottled water.
Getting to the best establishments
The best restaurants and cafés in the area are not right next to the fountain but 10–20 minutes on foot. For those arriving from outside Rome or travelling with children, a private driver can wait while you visit the fountain and then take you to your preferred dining destinations.
Visit the Trevi Fountain and let a private driver take you to the best establishments in the historic centre. Service from €49. → Book your driver at myromedriver.com
Frequently asked questions
Is there a good café near the Trevi Fountain? The best cafés (Tazza d'Oro, Sant'Eustachio) are 15 minutes on foot, towards the Pantheon. Bars near the fountain charge high prices.
Where to eat authentic food near the fountain? Move at least 300–500 metres away from the fountain. La Campana (20 min on foot) is one of the most reliable historic options in the centre.
Is the water from public fountains drinkable? Yes. The water from the Roman nasoni is drinkable quality water, the same Acqua Vergine that feeds the Trevi Fountain.
Article no. 94 — TIER S — MON-05 Trevi Fountain Type: PRACTICAL Words: ~900