The Best Trattorias in Rome

Tear-inducing carbonaraMuch is made of chef Sarah Cicolini's treatment of offal in particular at Santo Palato, but me, I return for the carbonara which is sensational and brings me close to tears such is its rich perfection. A brilliant neo-trattoria reinterpreting Roman food - an essential stop in Rome.

An institution. Excellent purveyors of cured meats, cheeses and fine deli products. Also serves up killer pasta. Not to be confused with the bakery or caffe (both just a few doors down and also excellent!), Roscioli Salumeria is an icon in its own right. You’d be well to stick to the cured meats and cheeses here - some of the finest in the city - and the pastas are generally a delight. Don’t bother with secondi. Seating is also key to a great experience. Book the tables upstairs in the deli (some people hate the hecticness but I found it rather charming and fun) or on the bar. If you’re stuck downstairs it’s a bit of a dud vibe. The burrata is possibly the best I’ve ever had and the mortadella with Parmesan is an absolute must. Book well in advance.

A Roman institution in the heart of TravestreTraditional Roman dishes including the egg yolk carbonara & artichoke in salsa - very casual dining with no reservations. Da Enzo does not mess about, small menu & incredible dishes. Moving away from the tourist traps - authentic home cooking in a busy alleyway.

Modern Trattoria in RomeExcellent modern trattoria run by a super young team serving offal, pasta and other traditional Roman dishes. Great wine list too. Highly recommend the starter of rabbit offal and the Amatriciana pasta!

Trattoria with seasonal vegetable produce from the Testaccio Market.Piatto Romano translates to "a Roman dish". Piatto Romano is a fresh and authentic trattoria in the city center, in Testaccio, that's one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Rome and one of the most authentic. It's really close to one of the most important markets in Rome, the Testaccio Market. They have all these unique and very fresh vegetables that you can't find anywhere else in Rome and they also cook traditional food using them. The menu changes very often based on the season. A perfect place to go when in Rome.

Timeless Authenticity and mass tourism don’t often go together but over several visits this summer I have fallen in love with this restaurant all over again. Cucina Romana at its very best not tricked or enhanced just executed with a deft assured touch. The pasta dishes scream Rome and the antipasti are other worldly. Saltimbocca of your dreams is a must as is a deep exploration of the wine list guided by the restaurants exceptional wine team. Quite a gushing review yet I feel could be more so we ate the menu over our visits and can genuinely endorse the entire document !! A must visit for me when in the eternal city. Forza Romana.

Cool modern trattoria serving Roman food with a modern approach. A cool modern trattoria serving very good Roman food. Their sweetbread is probably one of the best I've ever had. They have a young staff serving mostly organic wines.

Wonderful pasta & wine in an old school environmentWhat a wonderful place this is – truly an essential Rome experience with the best pasta of my life. Old world feeling that anything modern cannot touch. Great service with knowledge and personality and a wonderful list of wines from across Italy that brilliantly compliments the food. The highlight of my recent trip to Europe.

A wonderful and charming Italian traditional restaurant with authentic and delicious food. The wine list an ”Italian Bible” with all relevant and smaller regions. Steps down, there is a stunning wine cellar (with a beautiful private dining room that can be separately reserved). The owner is happy to show it to guests. The owner continues 3rd generation traditions since 1957. Book well in advance.

Unassuming, no frills local joint serving up super tasty traditional Roman dishes to those in the know. Don’t be put off by the slightly haphazard appearance or rather inconvenient location of this traditional Roman trattoria. It may be out of the way of the main attractions, but the food is more than worth a detour. The fried gnocchi (pictured is only HALF a portion!) is salty, crispy, sticky… so moreish! Great fried fresh anchovies too… you’ll do well to stick to the classics, and steer clear of mains. Fresh spaghettoni alla gricia is possibly the best here, in my opinion. The only secondi exception is the trippa a la Romana. It’s absolutely unmissable! Very decent wine list too, for those fond of the classics (no natural wines here - thank goodness!). Reservations recommended for dinner.