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Recommendations for restaurants in Rome.

I will be leaving for a 2 week trip to Italy beginning 10/1. We will end up in Rome for 6 nights. Can anyone throw out some names of retaurants that they recommend? Midrange traditional off the beaten track is what we like. Friends just got back from Italy and said the Rome restaurants were just OK while they had amazing food in Umbria. I want to have amazing food in Rome too!

Posted by
891 posts

There are 2 restaurants in Rome that we always return to. Both family run. You can look them up for their hours.

Hostaria Da Nerone in the neighborhood above the Coliseum. It was first recommended to us by the owner of the Lancelot Hotel which is where we were staying at the time. Our favorites there are any of the veal dishes with a side of Carcioffi ala Romana.
(artichoke hearts). I would go there just for that! They are closed on Sunday for their family.

La Nuova Campannina this small place is a few blocks in a back neighborhood from the Pantheon. When we have been there (2 trips) the husband was cooking and the little Mama was serving. We have had good food and a good time at both of these places and will return to both next year when we are in Rome. Can't wait!

I hope you have a great trip. My suggestion would be to look for places that are at least a few blocks away from major Piazzas and not right on the Piazzas themself for sure.

Have fun and let us know what you find.

Mimi

Posted by
1090 posts

We took Anthony Bourdains advice and went to Roma Sparita for cacio e peppe. DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!! It's a simple dish and very popular in Rome, but isn't great everywhere. This was simply divine, as was the scalopine. Dishes are very simple and delicious.

Posted by
7737 posts

I think the food at Marco G in Trastevere is amazing. We ate there twice. FWIW, I've discovered over five trips to Italy that I tend to enjoy the food more at one type of restaurant (ones that are often frequented by tourists) and the atmosphere more at another (ones that are frequented by locals). So when we go, we try to mix it up.

Posted by
60 posts

We had a wonderful meal at Trattoria Carlone in Trastevere. It's very close to the river and an easy walk from public transit. The owner's mother is said to make the best spaghetti carbonara in town, and it's hard to argue. Also, a couple of musicians walked in and were warmly welcomed by the owners. Sang a lot of hilarious Roman songs and interacted with everyone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpOrY7zhYZs.

Posted by
1654 posts

Katie Parla has great recommendations for the big three is Italy and more. If you google her name, it will lead you to her app and more. I've used her recommendations a number of times and have never been disappointed.

Posted by
2023 posts

One of our favorite restaurants in Rome is Perilli located on Via Marmoratta. You could visit the Protestant Cemetery in that area and also do the Aventine Hill walk. The stuffed zucchini is excellent--the place is not touristy at all.

Posted by
337 posts

Hi
Hosteria Romana, past the Trevi , cnr Via Rosella and Del Boccaccio, went twice ,
Not far away Rest Pizzeria Sacro e Profano somewhere around via del tritone.
suggest reservations
regards

Posted by
715 posts

I loved Alfredo e Ada on Via dei Banchi Nouvi and Osteria La Quercia on Piazza Quercia. I have been frequenting Osteria la Quercia since the 70's although it is under different management now.

Posted by
26 posts

Thanks for all the great recommendations. I'll let you know how it went when I get back. Ciao!

Posted by
45 posts

Oh lord, too many to name! Let me try to narrow it down:

Some great general neighborhoods that are well connected to the center but have some off the beaten path culinary treasures are San Lorenzo, Trastevere, and Testaccio. Of course there are more, and you'll discover them. I grew up munching my way through Parioli towards different areas, and Pigneto as well.

I love San Lorenzo due to the high concentration of cheap yet delicious food and nightlife and one could say the same about Trastevere, which is walking distance from the historic center. San Lorenzo is a bit less touristy but still very foreign and eclectic being a student quarter.

So, places I myself like to eat across the city in no particular order?

Porca Vacca: Via dei Sabelli, 101, 00185 Roma, Italy
Phone:+39 06 4436 1167

An amazing selection of everything and ever-changing pasta menu as well as some of the best pizza I've had in Rome and the most extensive variety of steak, brought out to you still sizzling on a special little hot plate. An absolute treat, the right price, something for every diner (including vegetarians), and open late, it's not to be missed.

Right around the corner, a simplistic menu and the delicious experience of eating in someone's own kitchen is Il Cappellaio Matto: Via dei Marsi, 25, 00185 Roma, Italy
Phone:+39 340 664 4735

A great pizza by the slice chain that was literally my staple in all the years I lived in Rome is Alice, and you can find that throughout the city in these and possibly more locations: http://www.alicepizza.it/it/pointSale.html?nation=1&city=1&id=

A wonderful, cheap, family owned restaurant with pretty authentic pesto and lovely, simple pasta dishes right in the historic center is Non Solo Pasta. This is another place that has sustained me in life: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d4344753-Reviews-Nonsolopasta-Rome_Lazio.html

Another central place I've loved is Il Bacaro: http://www.ilbacaroroma.com/
It's 5 min from the Pantheon and on the upscale side but not quite as expensive as similar food in the area and the quality has always been superior when I've dined there.

One of the BEST off the beaten path restaurants is Pepper, a fairly new place masterminded by a chef as Roman as one can get who enjoys a bit of a modern flare: http://www.pepper.roma.it/

The menu is simple, local, and absolutely delicious. I seriously consider moving back to Italy just so I can eat THIS food, so it's not a place to be missed when in Rome!

In Trastevere, I love grabbing a snack at the incomparable Suppli: Via di S. Francesco a Ripa, 137, 00153 Roma, Italy
Phone:+39 06 589 7110

Dinner at Ivo: ia di S. Francesco a Ripa, 158, 00153 Roma, Italy
Phone:+39 06 581 7082-and Ivo truly has something for everyone

Late nigh snacks at Ai Marmi are stellar too: Viale di Trastevere, 53, 00153 Roma, Italy

Many more places, but aren't you full yet? :)