Rome Food Guide
Rome is full of wonders and a great destination for a long weekend. Here is my curated selection of where to eat very, very well – without falling into any tourist traps.
Settimio all’Arancio, Via dell’Arancio 50
A traditional Roman restaurant serving all the local dishes, from bucatini all’amatriciana to the wonderful deep fried Roman artichokes, which in Rome are something you must try.
Da Baffetto, Via del Governo Vecchio 114
A tiny pizzeria serving Rome’s famous thin crust pizza. You might have to queue so I would recommend arriving early. I had the pizza with tomato, mozzarella and courgette flowers and it was pretty sublime!
Da Oio a Casa Mia, Via Galvani 43
A delicious, rustic, family run osteria in the gastronomic hot spot of Testaccio. Unlike most touristy restaurants found in the same area, Da Oio is only filled with locals – an authentic Roman experience.
Osteria dell’Ingegno, Piazza di Pietra 45
A wonderful and welcoming modern osteria overlooking Hadrian’s Temple. They serve the most wonderful, researched dishes which are full of colour and flavour. Whatever dish you choose, I can assure you that you won’t be disappointed. For dessert, order their panna cotta, it’s one of the best I’ve ever had.
Osteria la Gensola, Piazza della Gensola 15
We stumbled upon this little fish restaurant, situated deep in Trastevere’s tiny streets, after a friend recommended it for its great food – and it did not disappoint! With a slightly different menu compared to most roman restaurants, La Gensola serves amazing fish dishes, from primi with razor clams to a wonderful fresh tuna meatball antipasto.
Felice a Testaccio, Via Mastro Giorgio 29
One of the most classic roman restaurants in the bustling, food-filled area of Trastevere serving delicious tonnarelli cacio e pepe, carbonara, amatriciana… the list is endless. Slightly pricier compared to other traditional roman restaurants but nonetheless a good restaurant.
Sora Margherita, Piazza delle Cinque Scole 30
Sora Margherita is another must-visit when in Rome. A simple, rustic trattoria with a few tables on the side of a quaint piazza in the middle of the city’s ghetto where you can enjoy a steaming bowl of bucatini all’amatriciana and, when in season, deep fried artichokes alla giudia.
Da Enzo al 29, Via dei Vascellari 29
Another staple roman restaurant – on the very touristy side – where you can end up cueing up to two and a half hours if you arrive at the wrong time. Great, electric atmosphere and delicious, cheap traditional food. Definitely for a younger crowd rather than families, although you can often find local families mixing into the tourists.
Santopalato, Piazza Tarquinia 4
Quinto quarto, authentic roman dishes like coda alla vaccinara and trippa alla romana, as well as great pasta and homemade desserts – I had the maritozzo which was groundbreaking. Run by a welcoming and professional team of young people and female head chef who reinterprets roman traditional dishes. If you’re a fan of innards and great interior design, this is the place for you.