Curator’s statement
Rome is like a second home to me and I truly believe it offers not only one of the best culinary traditions in all of Italy, however, it is home to quite possibly the widest array of iconic Italian pasta dishes! Allow me the pleasure of steering you away from the typical "tourist traps" around the city and redirecting your attention to some of my local favorites. As they say, "when in Rome, do as the Romans do!"
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Places to eat & drink in Rome
Luciano Cucina Italiana (Must-try: Carbonara):
Widely considered the best carbonara in Rome, a daunting task when it may very well be Rome's most iconic dish. However, chef Luciano Monosilio’s previous fine-dinning skills are on full display as he operates this "next generation trattoria" so that he honors the humble and simplistic flavors of typical roman dishes in a creative and innovative way while maintaining the richest of flavors.
Featured in Michelin Guide
Felice a Testaccio (Must-try: Cacio e Pepe):
Home to the best cacio e pepe in Rome that is prepared in a fascinatingly interactive manner. A truly historical landmark and a favorite among local romans for generations. Set in an inviting, bright, brick-and-wood-lined dining room full of lively roman personality.
L'Osteria Della Trippa:
My favorite local spot for classic Roman favorites in the historic Trastevere neighborhood. Chef Alessandra Ruggeri offers typical roman favorites ranging from roman-style tripe referenced in the restaurant’s name, fried roman jewish style artichokes to roman classics such as amatriciana, carbonara, gricia and cacio e pepe. In addition, Alessandra is highly involved in almost all of the operations of the establishment and her intensely warm and inviting personality just makes the experience that much more special! Combining a slow-food approach with a creative twist on local dishes makes for one of my absolute must-stop spots on your next visit to the eternal city.
Featured in Michelin Guide
Roscioli: Salumeria con Cucina: (Must-try: Carbonara)
There are not that many truly fantastic spots to eat in the city center of Rome. This is undoubtedly one you must not miss. Only a few meters from Campo Dei Fiori and next to their world-renowned bakery "Antico Forno Roscioli" it boasts in a intimately small setting an immense wine list, out-of-this-world antipasti selections from diverse cured meats, to decadent Italian cheeses, a wide variety of artisan breads and a menu ranging from classic roman pasta dishes to revisited classic favorites like their traditional "roman style polpette"(meatballs) made with veal, beef and pork meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce, served with organic polenta and smoked ricotta cheese flakes. A foodie paradise, to say the least!
Santo Palato: (Must-try: Carbonara)
An unimpressive establishment aesthetically from the exterior, however, in Rome, this many times is the key to discovering the most treasured trattorie Rome has to offer. Sarah Cicolini, originally from the region of Abruzzo, adopts the humble and rustic characteristics of Central Italian cuisine combined with a methodically refined approach to bring diners a culinary experience that is truly unique. Additionally, although a newcomer to the Roman dinning scene, it has been voted various times as holding the top spot for "best carbonara in Rome".
Taverna Trilussa: (Must-try: Ravioli Mimosa)
A local favorite in the iconic Trastevere neighborhood. The ivy-covered trattoria has been family run for more than a century and achieved its fame the serving of roman classics like bucatini all’Amatriciana in a theatrical manner and for top-secret recipes like their divine "Ravioli Mimosa", which no one knows exactly what it comprises of. Hence, it's added to the allure of this enduring Roman eatery.
Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto:
The essence of what a Roman trattoria experience should be. Set in a neighborhood setting with an inviting atmosphere, you truly get a localized experience. In addition, it stays true to its claim as Rome's favorite trattoria by providing its guests with not only abundant portions, but presenting each of its classic roman dishes in the most authentic and timeless way imaginable. From a plethora of fried roman delicacies such as fried zucchini squash blossoms to your typical thick tonnarelli cacio e pepe, you cannot miss this iconic spot in the eternal city.
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Travel Advisor
Grayson Martello-Livingston
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This guide is part of our ongoing series travel to Rome. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out Taylor Morris's guide, Foodie Guide to Rome, Italy by Neighborhood.