Where was the best Cacio e Pepe you had in Rome?

Google Anthony Bourdain Cacio e Pepe Rome. It’s in Trastevere. That is THE place. Personally confirmed.

That's funny, because I started this thread looking for alternatives to Roma Sparita :-) Figured it would be mobbed with tourists due to the show. But hey, if you insist...

Try Armando al Pantheon.

Well, my favorite was in Testaccio - La Felice.

La Scala in Trastevere.

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d1469233-Reviews-La_Scala_in_Trastevere-Rome_Lazio.html

Thank you. I'm taking note of all of these. They all look so good 🤤

Il Duca in Trastevere: http://www.ilducaintrastevere.com/

Thanks, Jeff.

Isn't the real question, where should I AVOID getting c&p?

Isn't the real question, where should I AVOID getting c&p?

Yes, I think that is the real point.

The dish is incredibly simple. just pasta, cheese, then pepper, maybe salt, and some oils (butter, Olive Oil). Any respectable Roman Chef can do it in their sleep. So any place that uses fresh pasta, fresh grated Pecorino Romano, and fresh ground pepper, and has a chef with basic skills, can get you Cacio e Pepe as good as you can get anywhere. If you go anyplace, and that dish is sub-par, then the whole place is suspect.

That said, the general advice holds, stay away from the tourist trap main piazza places. A big crowded place probably means the kitchen is rushed, or your dish may sit a bit before being served, both bad for this dish. Any place Anthony Bourdain went is a flag for me, same as any TV chef, unless it is for something unique, just avoid it.

In the Trastevere, there are any number of smaller places serving good Roman dishes, that is where you go. Even though I was there in September, I hesitate to say anyplace specific, since the dish is so basic.

I understand. I definitely plan to avoid restaurants directly near the main piazzas.