What "a view of the Colosseum" really means
Many restaurants promise a Colosseum view, and it is worth knowing what to expect. Very few places sit directly on the square in front of the amphitheatre, and those that do pay for the location, which often shows on the bill. Much more common, and often more pleasant, are the outdoor tables in the streets that start from the Colosseum: from there you see the monument framed between the buildings, a few hundred metres away, without the traffic and crowds of the square.
Before you sit down, simply look up: if the Colosseum is in sight from the table you are offered, the view is real. If it is only visible from the corner of the street, ask for a different table or come back at a quieter time.
Our outdoor tables on Via di San Giovanni in Laterano
Ristorante Pizzeria Volare is at Via di San Giovanni in Laterano 48, about 300 metres from the Colosseum, on the street that leads from the amphitheatre to the Basilica of St. John Lateran. Our outdoor tables stand in front of the restaurant, under umbrellas, and from them you can see the Colosseum at the end of the street.
We are open every day from 12:00 to 23:00, so the outdoor tables are there both at lunch and at dinner. If it rains or gets chilly, there are also indoor dining rooms. We have been here since 1977, and the menu combines Roman cuisine, pizza and the Sardinian dishes of our family.
The best times for eating outdoors
Lunch after the visit
Lunch is the most practical moment: you leave the Colosseum or the Forum, walk five minutes and sit down in the shade of an umbrella. In summer the midday sun is strong, so choose a table in the shade and drink plenty of water. If you can, arrive a little before 12:30 or after 14:00, when the rush of visitors coming out of the archaeological park is over.
Late afternoon and sunset
The hour before sunset is the most beautiful one: the light turns warm and the travertine of the Colosseum takes on golden tones. It is the best time for photos and for a relaxed early dinner. Romans eat late, so a table at 19:00 is usually easier to find than one at 20:30.
Dinner with the Colosseum lit up
After dark the Colosseum is illuminated, and seeing it from the table at the end of the meal is a different experience from the daytime visit. In the evening the street is quieter than the square and the temperature in summer is far more pleasant.
Seasons: when you can eat outdoors in Rome
Rome has a mild climate, and outdoor tables are used for much of the year:
- Spring (April–June): perhaps the best season, with warm days and pleasant evenings. It is also high season, so booking is useful.
- Summer (July–August): very hot at midday; lunch in the shade is fine, but evenings are the real highlight.
- Autumn (September–October): still warm, with softer light and slightly fewer people. In November sunny days are often good for lunch outdoors.
- Winter: on a sunny day lunch outside can still be pleasant, while evenings are usually too cool. Whether outdoor tables are available depends on the weather: if it matters to you, call us before you come.
Practical tips for an outdoor table in Rome
- Book and say you prefer outside. Write it in the notes of the booking form or ask on the phone. Outdoor tables depend on availability and weather, so it is a preference rather than a guarantee.
- Keep your bag close. As in any busy tourist area, keep phones and bags on the table or on your lap, not hanging off the back of the chair.
- Street sellers. At outdoor tables in Rome you may be approached by people selling roses or souvenirs. A polite "no, grazie" is enough.
- Smoking. In Italy smoking is banned indoors in restaurants, so smokers sit at outdoor tables. If smoke bothers you, mention it when you are seated.
- Sun and heat. In summer bring a hat and sunscreen for the walk; at the table, choose the shade.
- Take your time. In Italy nobody will bring the bill until you ask for it: a long lunch outdoors is perfectly normal.
What to order at an outdoor table
At lunch, many people want something light and quick: a pizza (a Margherita costs €9), a salad such as the Caesar Volare or the Insalata Colosseo, or a Roman pasta like carbonara or cacio e pepe. In the evening it is worth taking it slowly: a starter to share, such as the mixed Sardinian cheeses or Roman-style artichokes, then culurgiones or fregola with clams, and a main course such as porceddu, roast suckling pig with potatoes. All dishes and prices are on the full menu; to learn more about the island dishes, see our article on culurgiones, seadas and porceddu.
Photos of the Colosseum: a few spots nearby
Via di San Giovanni in Laterano itself offers one of the classic views of the Colosseum, framed by the buildings on both sides: walk a few metres towards the amphitheatre and look straight ahead. Other well-known viewpoints are the terrace of Largo Gaetana Agnesi, above the Colosseo metro station, and the park of Colle Oppio. Along Via dei Fori Imperiali you have the Colosseum on one side and the ruins of the forums on the other. For a full day in the area, read our walking itinerary around the Colosseum.
How to book
You can book online from tomorrow onwards with the form on our website, mentioning in the notes that you would like an outdoor table. For a table on the same day, call +39 06 64764939 or send a WhatsApp message to +39 320 380 8302. If you are still choosing, our guide on where to eat near the Colosseum has more tips.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a restaurant in Rome with a view of the Colosseum?
Yes. From the outdoor tables of Ristorante Pizzeria Volare, at Via di San Giovanni in Laterano 48, you can see the Colosseum, about 300 metres away. The restaurant is open every day from 12:00 to 23:00.
Can I reserve an outdoor table?
You can book and ask for an outdoor table in the notes of the booking form or by phone. Outdoor tables depend on availability and weather, so it is a preference, not a guarantee.
What is the best time to see the Colosseum from the table?
The hour before sunset, when the light is warm, and after dark, when the Colosseum is illuminated. At lunch the view is clear but the sun can be strong in summer.
Are the outdoor tables available in winter?
It depends on the weather: on sunny days lunch outside can be pleasant even in winter. If it matters to you, call +39 06 64764939 before you come.
Can I book an outdoor table for today?
Online bookings are accepted from tomorrow onwards. For today, call +39 06 64764939 or write on WhatsApp to +39 320 380 8302.