Wine Bar de' Penitenzieri In Roma

Perfect lasagna, the diavola is amazing, as is their Chardonnay. Smart local choice in the Vatican area.

It's a great place! We've been about four times during our stay in Rome. It's just a few minutes from St. Peter's Square. Everything we've tried has been delicious (Margherita pizza, veal, salad, seafood pizza, lemon sorbet), the prices are fair, and everyone is very friendly, always greeting you with a smile. We're looking forward to going back again :) They definitely deserve more than five stars.

Excellent meal with advice on Italian wines. Beautiful setting. Thank you.

I've been eating here for several days now, both takeout and dine-in. I hope they don't become a victim of their own success, as they're very close to the Vatican and it would be a shame if they lost their essence. I've had some of the prepared food, and it was very good: the orecchiette with pesto was delicious, the artichoke was very tasty, and the bucatini alla Matriciana was superb, with very flavorful guanciale. Yesterday we ordered a carbonara, which I think was a little runny, and a pizza with anchovies. The crust was perfectly made, crispy, and thicker than usual in Rome. We also ordered olive ascolane and mini arancini, which were delicious.

A few hundred feet from St. Peter's Basilica Right near the heart of the Vatican, tucked into the energy of Rome’s cobblestone streets, I came across a spot that takes something as familiar as a burger and flips it into a completely different experience. Let’s be clear—this is not your typical American burger. The first thing you notice is the presentation. No baskets, no wax paper—this comes out plated like a proper meal. Clean, composed, and intentional. Instead of fries, you get thin, crispy chips that actually make sense once you take that first bite. Now the burger itself… The patty is noticeably leaner than what we’re used to back in the States. You’re not getting that heavy, greasy, fat-loaded bite. At first, you might think something’s missing—but then the flavor hits. This is where it flips. The seasoning is on point, the beef tastes clean and natural, and everything—from the fresh tomato to the crisp lettuce to that soft Italian roll—comes together in a way that feels balanced instead of over-the-top. It’s not trying to overwhelm you… it’s trying to be precise. And it works. The chips? Light, crunchy, and not weighed down by oil. It’s a small detail, but it reinforces the whole approach: simpler, cleaner, but still satisfying. The atmosphere seals it. Sitting outside, right near one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, with that steady Roman street energy around you—it feels authentic. Not touristy, not forced… just natural. Final Take This isn’t the burger you crave when you want something greasy and indulgent. This is the burger you appreciate when you want something well-executed, flavorful, and distinctly Italian.

Pizza and pasta with great flavor

Very busy but beautiful place with excellent food and service right beside the Vatican.

Found this gem behind St. Peter on our way to the bus. Food was excellent, best food in Rome so far, our waiter was very helpful and thoughtful in his arrangement and recommendations of our food. We got the anchovies, fresh and delicious. Carbonara with bacon was melt in your mouth contrasted with bacon fried to crispness. We also got the rack of lamb which was so tender but had the seasonings and crispness, not sure how they did it. The sea-bass, I never had sea bass like this, it was fried in hash browns but it wasn't fried, also tender but flavorful. We got desert, lemon cream pie, it was so fragrant and a cream puff unlike the premade bakeries. I'd come again to try other dishes. We clearly over ordered, happy to line their pockets with our pigginess. Oh bathroom was small but it is a wine bar.

Sandwiches are awesome. The zucchini flower tomato mozzarella sandwich was very tasty. They also have coffee.

EXCEPTIONAL place and people. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Besides the truly EXCELLENT food, there's a rare sense of welcome here. The owners, Paola and Alessandro, work with unparalleled dedication and friendliness. An IMPECCABLE staff offering UNLIMITED courtesy. Well done 👏