Top 3 Must-Visit : Classic Roman Cuisine, Popular, Well-Known
1. Nanarella/Tonarello
Piazza di S. Calisto, 7/a, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
These sister restaurants located in the heart of lively Trastevere, boast traditional Roman dishes like pasta Amatriciana, Carbonara and Cacio E Pepe. Besides these mastered classics, you must try their homemade focaccia, gnocchi al pesto or puttanesca (for vegetarians). Don’t forget to indulge in their decadent tiramisu for dessert and whatever digestive shot the waiter offers you with the bill. With relatively low prices and high-quality authentic Roman food, these restaurants quickly became our favorite go-to spots! If you are planning on visiting these restaurants during peak tourist season, be ready to wait in line as they do not take reservations. We promise it is worth the wait!
2. Suppli
Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 137, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
You cannot leave Rome without trying the staple street food, suppli (a fried ball of risotto, stuffed with melty cheese and fresh tomato sauce). While you can find this street food all over the city, Suppli Roma (in Trastevere), is the best and most authentic spot to grab a couple of these famous roman wonders! Be prepared to wait in line for these mouthwatering savory treats.
3. Antica Pesa
Via Garibaldi, 18, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
If you are looking for a fancy, 5-star restaurant for a splurge or date night dinner then look no further than this popular favorite! Here you will see the walls adorned with photos from the long list of celebrity customers including Madonna, Di Caprio and Bradley Cooper to name a few. Along with the elevated staple Roman dishes available, we recommend trying the tagliolini al prezzemolo (handmade parsley pasta with butter, anchovies and crispy breadcrumbs). We also urge you to get a bottle of any wines recommended by your waiter as they know best! Make sure to secure reservations here in advance.
Honorable Mention
Rione 13
Via Roma Libera, 19, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Specialty Dish: Rigatone alla carbonara con tartufo
Trattoria Da Enzo al 29
Via dei Vascellari, 29, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Must Visit Bakery: Breakfast, Lunch, Sweets
Le Levian
Via Luigi Santini, 22, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
This popular patisserie and bakery located in San Cosimato Square, perfectly meshes two of the world’s most intriguing cuisines, French and Italian (what more could a girl ask for)! With a rotating seasonal menu and a wide array of sweet, savory and vegetarian options, you can never go wrong here! Everything is made fresh from scratch, using natural and local high-quality ingredients. I highly recommend trying the chicken salad or prosciutto baguette, the flaky ham & cheese croissant, and the cropizza (a crossover between a croissant and a mini pizza). Make sure to get there early because they sell out fast!
Local’s Favorite’s
Dita Trinchetti
Via della Lungaretta, 76, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
If you are looking for a less-crowded, locals-favorite spot- this is the place! Located on a lively street in the heart of Trastevere, this small-family owned restaurant boasts an indulgent array of antipasto options (appetizers) such as their pecorino grigliato (grilled local pecorino cheese with honey, walnuts and truffle oil)! We also highly recommend their wholemeal fettuccine in a delicate tomato sauce for a lighter pasta option that highlights its basic high-quality ingredients.
Meridionale
Via dei Fienaroli, 30/a, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Here’s another authentic local spot with a charming atmosphere and a wide selection of top-quality SEAFOOD dishes! (Rome is not known for their seafood, but we promise it doesn’t disappoint at Meridionale)
Best Aperitivo
Ercoli
Via Zanazzo Giggi, 4, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Ercoli is the place to go when looking to do as the Romans do and indulge in an early evening aperitivo! Order a charcuterie board ( or “tagliere” ) made up of the highest quality local and international meats and cheeses. Don’t miss out on their DAILY happy hour that offers selections such as beef tartar for 9 euros, and 50% off classic cocktails!
Best Pizza
Pizzarius
P.za di Sant’Apollonia, 7/8, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Best pizza you will find in the Trastevere area, enough said- just look at this photo!
Best Gelato
Fatamorgana
Via Roma Libera, 11, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Unlike many other gelateria throughout Italy and especially in highly touristic areas of Rome, this authentic gelato shop maintains all natural, quality ingredients without any vegetable fillers or emulsifiers. Beware of fake gelato, it’s a tourist trap! Our favorite flavors here are tiramisu, pistachio and lemon sorbet!
Otaleg
Via di S. Cosimato, 14a, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
If the line is too long at Fatamorgana, just head a couple blocks down the street to Otaleg, another popular and authentic gelateria!
Taste of Back Home
Aromaticus
Via Natale del Grande, 6/7, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
If you are vegan, vegetarian or simply looking for a healthy alternative to the endless pizzerias and carb-filled streets of Rome, we got you! This small restaurant located just a block down from San Cosimato Square offers delicious and healthy “americanized” dishes, smoothies and juices! We also give the atmosphere an A+ with its immersive “green” vibes and walls lined with fresh plants.
Picos
Vicolo della Renella, 94, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
We couldn’t forget to mention our favorite spot for those days when you just can’t look at another pizza… Come to Pico’s for some kick-ass Mexican food, authenticity verified by our very own MariSOL Rivas (if you didn’t catch that, she is Mexican and knows her stuff!:) She recommends the al pastor bowl or barbacoa burrito, oh and don’t forget the margarita!
