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Few dishes tell the story of Rome like the artichoke alla giudia. The history of this dish starts in the capital’s Jewish ghetto, where today there are many trattorias offering the original recipe. In the 1500s it was prepared after the fasting holiday of Kippur, the Jewish religious festival of atonement. At that time, olive oil was a food for the rich and not everyone could afford to fry artichokes twice.
According to tradition, artichokes cimaroli (mammole) must be used for the recipe. After cleaning them well, the artichokes are fried in extra virgin olive oil first at 120 degrees and then at 180 degrees. The crispy leaves in this dish are a real treat for fried lovers.
The artichoke alla giudia rivals the artichoke alla romana, with some preferring to avoid frying and others loving both.
The artichoke ripens in the fall, so we asked ourselves: where to eat artichokes alla giudia in Rome without going wrong?
Nonna Betta
Cozy restaurant that is faithful to the original Jewish recipe for artichoke alla giudia. An appetizer that becomes a protagonist and conquers at the first bite: it is served wide open, crispy to the outer leaves and with a surprisingly soft heart. The dish is so light that it entices you to order a second immediately. Informal atmosphere and quality of raw materials.
Address: Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 16, 00186 Rome
Trattoria Da Enzo at 29
A small trattoria in the heart of Trastevere, Da Enzo al 29 is famous for its line out the door, and the reason is clear: the artichoke alla giudia is flawlessly fried, with the leaves becoming crispy as chips without being greasy. A simple but perfect dish, served with a smile in a lively and authentic setting.
Address: Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Rome
Poldo and Gianna Osteria
Located right in the center, Poldo e Gianna Osteria manages to combine tradition and modernity. The artichoke alla giudia is prepared following the seasonality and served with a curated touch that reflects the style of the restaurant. The products are always the freshest and the ambiance trendy, yet manages to stay true to the substance of Roman cuisine.
Address: Vicolo Rosini, 6, 00186 Rome
Sora Margherita
In the heart of Rome’s Jewish ghetto we find this historic trattoria. Sora Margherita allows you to savor the dishes of yesteryear: fettuccine, handmade agnolotti, zucchini concia, the typical ricotta and sour cherry pie and the legendary carciofi alla giudia.
Address: Piazza delle Cinque Scole, 30, 00186 Rome
Da Teo
Tucked away in a quiet little square in Trastevere, Da Teo offers a family atmosphere and dishes that respect seasonality. The artichoke alla giudia is prepared in the traditional way and praised for its fragrance: the leaves open like crisp petals, while the heart remains tender and sweet. The ideal start to a long lunch, to be accompanied with a glass of house white wine.
Address: Piazza dei Ponziani, 7A, 00153 Rome
Renato al Ghetto
Renato al Ghetto is another restaurant that offers Judeo-Romanesque cuisine with modern and traditional dishes. The ambiance is refined and welcoming. On the menu, in addition to artichokes alla giudia, there are traditional fried foods, Roman-style salt cod, chicken with peppers, and other modern dishes.
Address: Via del Portico d’Ottavia, 5, 00186 Rome
Pecorino Restaurant
From the Jewish ghetto we move to one of Rome’s most veracious neighborhoods, Testaccio. Here we suggest you try Pecorino, don’t worry if you don’t love cheese, this restaurant offers Roman dishes while respecting tradition. Rigatoni all’amatriciana, spaghetti alla carbonara, fettuccine alla gricia, coda alla vaccinara, carciofi alla giudia and much more.
Address: Via Galvani, 64, 00153 Rome
Ba’Ghetto
Ba’Ghetto is a famous restaurant that serves Jewish cuisine and Middle Eastern dishes. If you want to try something different in the Jewish ghetto, you’ll want to stop by.
Also find excellent Roman pints.
Address: Via del Portico D’Ottavia, 57,59,61,63,65, 00186 Rome
Su Ghetto
This restaurant is open from breakfast to dinner and offers both Roman style artichoke and artichoke alla giudia. The interior is very nice and elegant. Other dishes we recommend trying include: homemade pasta, Roman main courses, and Middle Eastern desserts.
Hosteria Grappolo D’Oro
A stone’s throw from Campo de’ Fiori, Hosteria Grappolo d’Oro offers sincere Roman cuisine with a fragrant and light artichoke alla giudia, without excess oil. You’ll notice the balance of flavors in each of their dishes: we recommend you continue with their Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe or, if you’re really hungry, try their “Percorso Romano”: a tasting menu of traditional Roman dishes that’s really crazy!
Address: P.za della Cancelleria, 80, 00186 Rome