Favorite Rome Hilltop Place to Eat?

Tough one. We never worried about view but rather quality of food. Lots of nice restaurants on piazzas where you can dine outdoors and have atmosphere, but when you get to “view” you may sacrifice quality and you certainly pay more. The restaurant at the Roma Cavalieri has a view but $$$$$ and takes a taxi to arrive. You might enjoy a drink (also expensive) at the Hotel Forum. Nice to do around sunset.

Perhaps Lo Zodiaco would fit the bill. Not bad prices, OK quality, but a little challenging to get to. We used to hike up Monte Mario to go there for coffee.

I know that supposedly Rome was founded on seven hills. I have always had a little visualizing seven hills and especially a hill high enough to give an overview of the city. Will be interested in the answer.

Well, I don't really know what a " Rick Steve’s style restaurant" is; however, the Hotel Raphael was the most amazing rooftop restaurant we found in Rome, over 3 visits. Mid-afternoon during the week is a good time to go, the view is spectacular, the food is excellent and the staff are welcoming,kind and generous. http://www.raphaelhotel.com/raphel-hotel-restaurant-in-rome.htm (the opening photo is exactly how it looks). It is located about 2 minutes from the Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza Navona.

Also do not know what a “Rick Steves Restaurant” is! For spectacular views over the monuments of Rome,dine at the restaurant at the top of Hotel Hassler. It is located at the top of the Spanish Steps.

I do know what an RS-style mid-afternoon bite with a view is:
Have a picnic on the Terrazza del Gianicolo with a platter or picnic package
put together by the cicchetti experts at one of the friendly enotecas nearby.

Or sit out by one of the ornate mostras other than the obvious fountains in the historic center.

I also like the trails in the botanical gardens above the Villa Farnesina, which you can usually get into for free if you come from the high side.

Rick Steves' style is mom and pop. Local. Authentic. Thanks for the suggestions. I wanted to let you know what we chose.

We had one of the most beautiful sunset meals we've ever had, as well as a classic Rick Steves style experience as you could have in the heart of Rome. Here they are in case anyone would like a couple no-lose recommendations.

Mater Terrae at Hotel Raphael
Just behind Piazza Navona. Glorious! Be sure to reserve rooftop (the very top) for sunset. The view of the Vatican and a 360 degree look over the rooftops and domes of Rome is breathtaking. Vegetarian, but you'll never notice. Pricey and worth it. :) [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/italy/rome/hotels/Hotel-Raphael-Rome]

Osteria da Fortunata
In Campo de' Fiori. No glorious view, but a space meant for people watching and connecting with your dining companion(s). As authentic as it gets. The pasta carbonara brought us happy tears! [https://www.yelp.com/biz/osteria-da-fortunata-roma]

For sweeping views of Rome and it's antiquities, go to the restaurant on top of the Hassler Hotel, Imàgo, above the Spanish Steps. Upscale but with incredible views.