Nice restaurant by Colloseum.

Lulu, I haven't been on my trip yet so this lead is just from reading Rick Steves' Pocket Rome. He mentioned the cafe behind the Victor Emmanuel Monument that is supposed to have a particularly striking view and terrace. It doesn't seem to be too far of a walk from the Colosseum. I marked it down as a possible lunch spot for myself.

Found this on Via Claudia; La Taverna dei Quaranta.
Brusque service but enjoyed the locale and the pasta.

Thank you both, I’ll take a look at those. I’m bound and determined this time around to go to the restaurants I actually researched. The first time we were overwhelmed, really didn’t know how to Google map our way and ended up just eating anywhere. We will have our son’s this time, who know how to do all this stuff…and actually want to enjoy selected restaurants.

One of my favorite Roman restaurants is La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali on small back street perpendicular to the Forum. No chance of getting in at night without a reservation, but can often walk in at lunch. Very friendly. All the classic dishes.

I understand the desire to plan and have a good experience. The challenge that I have found with to much planning, especially for restaurants, is there to much subjectivity, for me to rely on any recommendation. I remember when we were in Orvieto. We tried two restaurants from the Rick Steves guidebook. One we like and one was terrible. That is more a reflection of us, not the restaurants.

In Rome it may be hard to do, especially around a tourist attraction, to find an authentic and good restaurant. We found one for our breakfasts, but it would not be in any guidebook, as it was a hole in wall place, but it was a great local experience.

I wish you a good trip and good luck.

I was given the following advice many, many years ago before my 1st trip to Europe and it has stood the test of time.

When looking for a great place to eat local food in any city, follow the local workers (businessmen, laborers, police, etc) at lunchtime. They know where to eat.

Get away from the main tourist area or main streets. Just a simple 2 blocks away you'd be surprised what you will find. Take a look inside at who the people are, are they speaking English or Italian?

Rome is full of great places. Good luck.

My favourite meal(s) in Rome, a few years ago, was at Renato e Luisa. We loved it so much we went twice. However, they are only open for lunch on Sundays, and evenings every day except Tuesday. Order from the blackboard, not the menu, as they are known for creative daily specials. So this is not an answer to your lunch question, but a back pocket recommendation if you have more time.

I intend to get back there in April and see if the memories hold up.

Some of my favorite restaurants near the Colosseo are (in no particular order):
Brew Dog Roma
Hostaria da Nerone
Trattoria Luzzi
Caffe Propaganda
Over toward Monti the list is very long, but here are a couple closer to the monument:
Enoteca Cavour 313
Alle Carrette

Of course, YMMV as personal tastes in food and ambience differ. Have a great time exploring.

@Bob, what breakfast place did you find? We’ll be there next week and would love your recommendation.

Look at restaurants in the nice Monti neighborhood, near the Colloseum