In Rome, I prefer to dine at a trattoria. Not because every checkered tablecloth guarantees a great carbonara—I wish it were that simple—but because here, Roman cuisine often shines. Cacio e pepe, amatriciana, carbonara, carciofi: minimal fuss dishes that make me happily eat pasta for days on end. Here are eight of my favorite trattorias in Rome, scattered through neighborhoods like Trastevere, Monti, Testaccio, and Monteverde.
What is a trattoria?
A trattoria was originally a simple, informal eatery offering local dishes with a smaller menu than a classic ristorante. Traditionally, an osteria focused on wine and simple dishes, while a ristorante was more formal. And a pizzeria? The name speaks for itself.
Today, these boundaries have blurred considerably. An establishment may call itself an osteria and serve more elaborate meals than a corner trattoria. So, pay attention to what's on the table, not just the name above the door.
Trattoria Rome: 8 Locations by Neighborhood
1. Da Enzo al 29: trattoria in Trastevere
Da Enzo al 29 is one of the well-known trattorias in Trastevere. The space is small, and the menu is decidedly Roman. Don't expect expansive room or a comprehensive menu, but exactly the kind of place you seek in Trastevere for authentic Roman dishes.
Reservations are wise as Da Enzo is popular.
Address: Via dei Vascellari 29, Trastevere
2. Trattoria Monti: a different touch in Monti
Trattoria Monti is located in Rome, but its cuisine hails from Le Marche. It’s not purely Roman, which makes for a delightful change. Especially when your fourth carbonara feels overly ambitious. This family-run spot is small. I'd recommend booking ahead. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Address: Via di San Vito 13, Monti
3. Taverna Trilussa: for cacio e pepe in Trastevere
Taverna Trilussa sits in the heart of Trastevere and is the spot for those seeking Roman classics. My pick here: the tonnarello cacio e pepe. No need to complicate things when they're already done so well. It's popular, so don't just show up hoping for a table.
Address: Via del Politeama 23, Trastevere
4. Da Oio a Casa Mia: Roman dining in Testaccio
For a classical trattoria, Testaccio is a neighborhood to remember. Closely tied to traditional Roman cuisine, Da Oio a Casa Mia fits right in. It's the spot from my list to venture to Testaccio if you're eager to explore beyond the historic center and Trastevere. No-frills, focusing on Roman fare.
Address: Via Galvani 43, Testaccio
5. Trattoria da Danilo: my first Roman lunch
Trattoria da Danilo was my first lunch during my last visit to Rome, setting a high bar immediately. The carbonara became the standard against which all others were measured. Rich, traditional, and exactly the plate of pasta I travel to Rome for. Checkered tablecloths, no pretensions, just a focus on what's served. Frankly, I need nothing more.
Address: Via Petrarca 13
6. Taberna Urbana: favorite in Monti
Taberna Urbana scored high marks with me across the board: a pleasant space, great pasta, and welcoming service. Not because of a grand concept, but simply because everything clicks. A top spot to remember if staying in or around Monti, craving a delicious meal after a day in Rome.
Address: Via Urbana 116, Monti
7. Trattoria Vecchia Roma: for classic Roman dishes
Trattoria Vecchia Roma invites those keen on exploring the traditional side of Roman cuisine. It’s not a restaurant where everything is polished for visitors; rather, it champions the classics. It's busy and unrefined but belongs on a list of classic trattorias in Rome. The queue outside is often long, even with a reservation.
Address: Via Ferruccio 12
8. Trattoria da Cesare al Casaletto: worth the extra journey
To visit Trattoria da Cesare al Casaletto requires traveling a bit further than most spots listed here. Located in Monteverde, outside the tourist center, it’s well worth the trip.
The pastas and artichokes here make the journey worthwhile. After all, Rome isn't a city where every meal should be within a five-minute walk of the Trevi Fountain.
Address: Via del Casaletto 45, Monteverde
Best trattorias in Rome: which to choose and why?
If dining in the heart of Trastevere, I'd choose between Da Enzo al 29 and Taverna Trilussa.
Trattoria Vecchia Roma offers a more traditional Roman experience. It could well be the ultimate Roman trattoria.
But there's no single best trattoria in Rome. And thankfully so, because enjoying eight meals of pasta in one city trip would then be harder to justify.
More inspiration for eating in Rome can be found in my article on 'things to do in Rome'. Looking to stay in a neighborhood where you can stroll to a trattoria in the evening? Check out my favorite hotels in Trastevere.
On my Google Maps map of Rome, I've clustered my favorite locations, from trattorias and restaurants to wine bars and coffee shops. It saves you from hungry-searching on site. Decisions are seldom improved by hunger.
👉 View the Mapped by Carole map of Rome
Frequently Asked Questions about trattorias in Rome
What is the difference between a trattoria and an osteria in Rome?
A trattoria was originally an informal eatery where full meals with local dishes were served. An osteria traditionally focused more on wine with simple dishes on the side. A ristorante was the more formal variant. Nowadays, these differences are much less strict, and restaurants use these names interchangeably.
Do you need to book a trattoria in Rome?
For popular trattorias, it’s wise to book in advance. Especially for places like Trattoria Monti, Taverna Trilussa, and Da Cesare al Casaletto, securing a table ahead of time is advisable. Other well-known spots can also fill up quickly.
What time do you eat in a trattoria in Rome?
In Rome, meals are typically eaten later than in the Netherlands. Lunch often begins around 1:00 PM, and dinner from around 8:00 PM. Showing up at 6:00 PM doesn’t make much sense unless you love being the first through the doors.
What should you order in a Roman trattoria?
Carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and gricia are the four classic Roman pastas you'll frequently find on menus. Additionally, dishes featuring artichokes are typical for Rome. Which to choose? I won't stop you if you decide to try them all during your trip.
