“We like to eat and drink. And we don’t like to work,” sang Gabriella Ferri. And how can you blame her? The flavors of Roman cuisine drive your taste buds wild. Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe, Amatriciana, Carciofi alla Giudia, Abbacchio alla romana, and so much more.
The first four mentioned below are the ones most appreciated by our readers.
Trattoria Sora Lella on the Tiber Island
Elena Fabrizi, known as Sora Lella, – along with Totti, Alberto Sordi, and Gigi Proietti – is one of Rome’s iconic figures. A mural has even been dedicated to her in the Trastevere neighborhood. We still fondly remember when the charming Sora Lella taught us traditional Roman recipes. The trattoria—located on the Tiber Island since 1959—serves traditional Roman dishes from “Nonna Lella, Papà Aldo, and Renato.” To name a few specialties: potato gnocchi from the Viterbo region with amatriciana sauce, abbacchio, and ravioli with cheese and pepper. Gluten-free options are also available.
Osteria Bonelli – Torpignattara
A true local spot to find traditional dishes, chosen from the large chalkboard that the waiters place in front of your table. It’s often hard to find a seat, partly due to the excellent value for money.
What’s on the menu? It depends on the season. Generally, you can’t miss the classic Roman first courses: carbonara and amatriciana! But also meatballs in sauce.
Trattoria da Danilo – Esquilino
Trattoria da Danilo is a go-to spot for those seeking authentic Roman cuisine in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. It is especially famous for one of the best carbonara dishes in the capital, prepared right at the table, and for its tonnarelli cacio e pepe. Among the most beloved dishes are also the gricia and traditional main courses like coda alla vaccinara, served with meticulous attention to the quality of the ingredients.
Cesare al Casaletto – Gianicolense
Cesare al Casaletto is a must-visit for lovers of authentic Roman cuisine paired with an excellent wine list. The most popular dishes are undoubtedly the fried items (especially boiled meatballs and supplì), Gricia, and scottadito lamb. It is renowned for its ability to elevate tradition with top-quality ingredients in a welcoming, modern trattoria setting.
Trattoria dell’Omo – Ostiense
There are no small portions here. Trattoria dell’Omo serves traditional dishes, including hearty pasta dishes. Be sure to try the gricia, amatriciana, and cacio e pepe, and finish on a sweet note with tiramisu.
Trattoria Pennestri – Ostiense
Just a stone’s throw from Testaccio, we find Trattoria Pennestri. Established in 2017 as part of a restaurant project by Valeria Payero and Tommaso Pennestri. “Passion, flavor, aromas, nature, contrasts, and a touch of whimsy where possible,” write the owners to describe the restaurant. Here you’ll find the flavors of yesteryear prepared with quality ingredients from the Lazio region. Don’t miss the rigatoni all’amatriciana.
Trattoria Da Luigi – Downtown
Just a short walk from Piazza Navona is the historic Trattoria da Luigi, serving traditional Roman cuisine. In the heart of Rome, you can savor Roman dishes such as Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe. The world-famous penne all’arrabbiata is among the dishes most loved by customers.
Trattoria da Teo – Trastevere
If you love having the choice between meat and fish, Trattoria da Teo is the place for you. A ivy-covered trattoria serving seasonal specialties, such as truffles, and often frequented by celebrities. You can also dine outdoors in the small square.
Hostaria da Corrado – Trastevere
Since 1971, Osteria da Corrado has been serving all the classic Roman dishes. As the owners explain: “In the beginning, there was Corrado Conti, then his son Massimo Conti… and even today you’ll find the whole family here. First courses, main courses, sides, wine, beer, water… and bread. To mop up the sauce.” But also dessert, coffee, and digestifs. No menu and no English at Osteria da Corrado.
Just a stone’s throw from Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, you can enjoy stewed pajata or pajata with rigatoni, carbonara, cuttlefish and peas, homemade desserts, and other specialties. First courses range from 8 to 10 euros, and main courses from 9 to 12 euros.
Trattoria Morgana – Downtown
At Morgana, you’ll find Roman specialties and meat dishes, pasta, and homemade desserts. The menu features handmade pasta rolled out on a “stennerello,” the traditional Gricia, tripe, coratella, snails, and other typical dishes. But there are also fresh seafood dishes and “reinterpretations” of classics.
