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Rome is a city where you don’t just eat—you feast. From cobblestone alleys to bustling piazzas, the Eternal City serves up flavors that are as timeless as the Colosseum. But let’s get real—if you're not eating at a trattoria, are you even really in Rome?

We’ve nibbled, noshed, and devoured our way across the capital to bring you 10 trattorias that are as authentic as nonna’s kitchen. Whether you're a pasta purist, pizza fanatic, or antipasti aficionado, this list is your golden ticket to culinary bliss.

🏛️ Trastevere: Old-World Charm & Big Flavors

1. Da Ivo – Pizza Romana the Way Nonna Intended

📍Via di San Francesco a Ripa
🍽️ Must-try: Pizza Margherita, Pizza Capricciosa

A beloved neighborhood staple, Da Ivo is where Roman pizza purists go for their fix. The dough is ultra-thin, crisped to perfection in a wood-fired oven, and topped with fresh, no-nonsense ingredients. The vibe is lively and no-frills—perfect for a relaxed evening under Trastevere’s twinkling street lamps.

2. Popi Popi – Generous Portions, Family-Run, Forever Delicious

📍Via delle Fratte di Trastevere
🍽️ Must-try: Rigatoni all’Amatriciana, Veal Saltimbocca

Step inside and you’ll feel like you’ve been adopted into a Roman family. Popi Popi is all about comfort food done right—rustic pastas, tender meats, and wine served by the carafe. With affordable prices and a staff that treats you like family, this is a go-to for hearty Roman classics in a friendly, casual setting.

3. Le Mani in Pasta – Seafood + Handmade Pasta = Heaven

📍Via dei Genovesi
🍽️ Must-try: Tonnarelli alle Vongole, Tagliolini al Tartufo

A cult favorite among locals and in-the-know foodies, Le Mani in Pasta strikes the perfect balance between rustic charm and serious culinary finesse. Every pasta is handmade, and the seafood—delivered fresh daily—is the star of the show. A romantic, candle-lit spot that fills up fast, so book ahead.

🍖 Testaccio: The Soul of Roman Cuisine

4. Da Felice – Cacio e Pepe Worth Flying For

📍Via Mastro Giorgio
🍽️ Must-try: Cacio e Pepe (tossed table-side), Abbacchio al Forno

A true institution, Da Felice has been feeding Testaccio for over 80 years. Their cacio e pepe is a performance—they mix it fresh right at your table, creating a creamy, peppery masterpiece with just cheese, pasta, and skill. The rest of the menu dives deep into Roman comfort food, including offal dishes that tell the story of Testaccio’s working-class roots.

🏺 Monti: Chic and Timeless

5. La Carbonara – The Icon on Via Panisperna

📍Via Panisperna
🍽️ Must-try: Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Coda alla Vaccinara

This historic trattoria opened in 1906 and hasn’t stopped winning hearts (and stomachs) since. The interior is charmingly old-fashioned, with handwritten notes from guests decorating the walls. Their namesake dish, carbonara, is rich, silky, and unforgettable. Pair it with a glass of red and finish with their famous tiramisu.

6. Le Tavernelle – Rustic Romance Meets Truffle Dreams

📍Via Panisperna
🍽️ Must-try: Tagliatelle al Tartufo, Baked Lasagna

Nestled just a few doors down from La Carbonara, Le Tavernelle is a quieter gem with candle-lit tables and a cozy atmosphere. The menu features seasonal truffle dishes, ultra-fresh pasta, and a fantastic wine list. It’s ideal for a date night or a slower, more intimate meal where you can savor every bite.

✨ Centro Storico: The Beating Heart of the City

7. Da Armando al Pantheon – Fine Dining in a Trattoria Soul

📍Salita dei Crescenzi
🍽️ Must-try: Saltimbocca alla Romana, Supplì, Seasonal Vegetable Flan

Just steps from the Pantheon, Da Armando is a rare gem: tourist-accessible but truly local in spirit and quality. Family-owned since 1961, this trattoria serves elegant versions of classic dishes with care and detail. It’s a small space, so book in advance for lunch or dinner—your tastebuds will thank you.

8. Orso 80 – Antipasti Lovers, This One’s for You

📍Via dell’Orso
🍽️ Must-try: Antipasto Buffet, Gnocchi al Pesto

The antipasto buffet at Orso 80 is legendary—an overflowing table of roasted peppers, eggplants, olives, fresh mozzarella, cured meats, marinated artichokes, and more. After filling your plate (twice), move on to handmade gnocchi or a robust Roman secondi. It’s a feast for the senses and a must-visit for food explorers.

9. Cavalier Gino – A Political Favorite With Honest Roman Fare

📍Vicolo Rosini
🍽️ Must-try: Carciofi alla Giudia, Fettuccine alla Gino

Tucked away behind the Parliament, Cavalier Gino is where politicians, artists, and everyday Romans gather for no-nonsense, high-quality meals. The setting is old-school trattoria—checkered tablecloths, classic décor—and the food is beautifully straightforward. If carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes) are in season, don’t miss them.

🏛️ Esquilino: Hidden Treasures Near Termini

10. Da Danilo – Bold Flavors and Big Personality

📍Via Petrarca
🍽️ Must-try: Spaghetti alla Gricia, Trippa alla Romana

Near the edge of the Esquilino neighborhood, Da Danilo is where locals come for serious Roman food. Their gricia is loaded with crispy guanciale, and their trippa alla romana (Roman-style tripe) is tender and richly spiced. The staff are as charismatic as the food is bold—expect laughter, loud conversations, and excellent house wine.

Ready to Taste Rome One Forkful at a Time?

Let us take you beyond the guidebooks and into Rome’s best trattorias—where the pasta’s handmade, the wine’s flowing, and every bite tells a story.

📍Want a guided food tour of these spots?
🍷Looking for skip-the-line reservations?
🍋Curious about Roman cooking classes or wine pairings?

👉 Visit www.tourguiderik.com to start your tastebud tour through Rome!

Because in Rome, you don’t just eat… you remember every meal for the rest of your life.