Romeow Cat Bistrot
Romeow Cat Bistrot is a cat-friendly vegan and vegetarian restaurant in Rome, located in the Ostiense neighbourhood, known for its playful feline theme and commitment to plant-based cuisine. It has attracted significant attention as one of Rome’s distinctive dining experiences, combining an informal bistrot atmosphere with the city’s growing interest in sustainable and ethical food.
At a glance
- Type
- Cat-friendly restaurant / Bistrot
- Cuisine
- Vegan and vegetarian
- Location
- Ostiense, Rome, Lazio, Italy
- Coordinates
- 41.8706° N, 12.4814° E
Overview
Romeow Cat Bistrot occupies a space in Ostiense, one of Rome’s most vibrant and artistically active neighbourhoods, home to street art, converted industrial buildings, and a young creative community. The restaurant combines a plant-based menu with a resident cat colony, creating an environment that has proven popular with both local Romani and international visitors. Its name — a play on “Rome” and “meow” — captures the light-hearted spirit of the establishment.
History
The Ostiense district developed as an industrial area in the early 20th century, with the former Centrale Montemartini power station — now a celebrated archaeological museum — as its landmark. In recent decades, Ostiense has undergone a significant cultural transformation, attracting galleries, music venues, and innovative restaurants. Romeow opened as part of this wave of creative businesses redefining the neighbourhood’s identity, building on Rome’s long tradition of care for stray cats, which have been protected by municipal ordinance since 1988.
What you see
The bistrot interior features an eclectic, cat-themed décor with artwork, cushions, and furnishings designed to welcome both resident cats and human guests. The menu offers creative plant-based dishes that reinterpret Italian culinary traditions without meat or dairy, from antipasti to desserts. The surrounding Ostiense streets are decorated with large-scale murals by Italian and international street artists, making the neighbourhood itself worth exploring before or after dining.
Cultural significance
Rome has a deep relationship with cats — the city is home to an estimated 300,000 feral cats protected by law, and colonies at sites including the Forum and Largo di Torre Argentina have become tourist attractions in their own right. Romeow Cat Bistrot channels this cultural affection into a dining concept that also reflects contemporary Italian interest in plant-based cuisine and ethical consumption, representing a new layer of Rome’s evolving food culture.
Practical information
- Address
- Ostiense, Rome, Lazio, Italy (exact address: check official website)
- Hours
- Check official website for current opening hours
- Reservations
- Recommended; popular with both locals and visitors
- Note
- Fully vegan and vegetarian menu
Getting there
The Ostiense neighbourhood is accessible by metro Line B (Piramide station) and by tram lines 3 and 8. The Roma Ostiense railway station provides regional rail connections. The area is cyclable from central Rome and well-served by bus lines along Via Ostiense. Taxis and ride services are easily available.