Six historic pizzerias in Rome, where the pizza has always been thin and crunchy

Once upon a time, the shallow, crunchy Roman pizza struggled to establish itself as a standout product compared to the thick, or "mezza alta" Neapolitan version. Then, our "round" pizza was swept away by a true new wave, enjoying a well-deserved renaissance, thanks to the work and passion of a series of talented young pizza makers who brought it back into vogue. These very pizza makers have never publicly hidden their admiration for some of the capital's historic establishments, which have kept Roman pizza alive, remaining faithful to their offerings and maintaining affordable prices over the years. On the occasion of World Pizza Day 2026, we want to highlight precisely those establishments, strongholds of Roman tradition. Listing all the Roman neighborhood pizzerias that have contributed to the success of this dish would be difficult in a single article. Therefore, we will focus on a small selection of establishments in the historic center, whose fame precedes any kind of journalistic reporting.

From Rowing

Shallow, rolled out with a rolling pin, with a short leavening time, and cooked in a wood-fired oven for barely a minute. Remo's pizza in Testaccio needs no introduction. Since 1976, this historic restaurant in the neighborhood near the Tiber has fed thousands of customers with its affordable round pizzas, where an appetizer, a capricciosa, and a drink can still cost less than €20. Hundreds of pizzas are churned out here every day, at a rapid pace, allowing everyone to enjoy this slice of Roman life. There's also room for the iconic Roman calzone and the ever-present fried foods, among which, needless to say, the supplì stands out.

Remo a Testaccio. Piazza di S Maria Liberatrice 44, Rome. Tel. 06 574 6270. Instagram.

The Grotto

We're staying in Testaccio for another historic pizzeria in the neighborhood, established in 1936: Il Grottino. Another outpost of Roman tradition, where it's worth queuing to sit down and savor a light, fragrant pizza. All this surrounded by Roman folklore, which provides the backdrop to the atmosphere you're immersed in when you eat such a popular and now iconic product. Work tables dusted with flour, pizzas being handled while waiting to be baked, the healthy noise of people chattering as they await their steaming mushrooms and sausage (€8). Fried foods are also present, as are traditional first courses. (If you prefer, you can also opt for a pizza with a pronounced crust, Neapolitan style.)

Il Grottino. Via Marmorata 165, Rome. Tel. 06 574 6232. Instagram.

At the Marbles

As you walk along Viale Trastevere, from Piazza Belli towards Porta Portese, there's a sign that has been a sure bet for Roman pizza lovers since the last century: Ai Marmi, almost a century old, considering it opened its doors in 1931. Also known by the sinister nickname "Obitorio," given by none other than writer Pierpaolo Pasolini, who, living in Monteverde, often ate there. A large, open-view wood-fired oven, pizza chefs demonstrate their skills in front of curious customers, and waiters dart between wooden tables topped with the signature white marble. Whether you order a Margherita or a Capricciosa, preceded by a fried cod fillet or a supplì al telefono, you'll never be disappointed here.

Ai Marmi. Viale Trastevere 53, Rome. Instagram.

Yes Ivo

Not far from the Marmi, there's another Trastevere institution where "old-school" Roman pizza is celebrated every night. We're talking about Ivo, where you wait with saintly patience, only to be rewarded with a truly folksy atmosphere that even captivates passing tourists, ready to sing impromptu folk songs. This is a place where you can still eat at tables of ten, at affordable prices (€7.50 for a Margherita). Here too, the pizza is made before your eyes, in small or large versions. The menu also includes fried dishes, traditional first and second courses. And to finish? Tiramisu in a cup.

From Ivo. Via di S. Francesco a Ripa 158, Rome. Tel. 06 581 7082. Instagram.

The Monte Carlo

Among the historic pizzerias of Rome there is also La Montecarlo, in the heart of the capital since 1986, a stone's throw from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Its unmistakable sign with a white background and red writing in large letters is unmistakable. “If you want a pizza, say it”, is the motto that echoes throughout the place, where two generations live together, that of the “boss” Carlo and that of his son Filippo. And if you also want “a pasta”, here you will be satisfied, between rigatoni alla gricia and tonnarelli cacio e pepe. As for pizzas, there are white and red ones, all cooked in a wood-fired oven. From the simple Napoli (9 euros), with mozzarella, tomato and anchovies to the more demanding Montecarlo, a round red one with mozzarella, mushrooms, artichokes, sausage, egg, peppers, onions and olives (14).

La Montecarlo. Vicolo Savelli 13, Rome. Tel. 06 686 1877. Instagram.

From Baffetto

In the heart of Rome, on Via Del Governo Vecchio to be precise, lies another of those pizzerias whose name echoes in the words and memories of those who have always appreciated the Roman round pizza: Da Baffetto, the nickname of its longtime owner, Idolo Volpetti, who passed away in 2017. He purchased the place in 1976 after running the Domiziano bar in Piazza Navona. Entire generations have passed through its doors, including unsuspecting Hollywood celebrities, ready to sit at its informal tables for a large, round Roman pizza, cooked in a wood-fired oven, like the celebrated Baffetto, with tomato, mozzarella, mushrooms, sausage, egg, artichokes, onion, and peppers. The menu also features calzones, bruschetta, and crostini.

From Baffetto. Via del Governo Vecchio 114, Rome. Tel. 06 686 1617. Instagram.