Rome’s traditional restaurants: trattorie in Rome
If you’re looking to experience true Roman food culture, skip the tourist traps and head straight for the city’s beloved trattorias and osterias. These traditional restaurants are where Roman cuisine lives and breathes — where carbonara is creamy (but never with cream), amatriciana comes with a kick, and artichokes arrive crispy or stewed to perfection.
You’ll find these gems tucked into cobbled lanes, buzzing piazzas, and residential corners of the city — the kind of places locals actually eat. Below is my personal list of go-to trattorias in Rome — all tried, tested, and frequently revisited.
For more spots beyond traditional trattorias, you can always check out my full guide to Rome’s best restaurants.
The best trattorias in Trastevere
Da Teo
Address: Piazza dei Ponziani, 7A
Average price p.p.: €35+
One of my favorite spots in Trastevere when I want a meal that feels like home. Da Teo has that old-school Roman vibe with just the right amount of energy — think checkered tablecloths, seasonal specials on the chalkboard, and a menu that gets right to the heart of Roman cooking. I always order something with artichokes when they’re in season: the gricia with artichokes, the calamari with artichokes, and of course the classic fettuccine with artichokes. But seafood lovers are in for a treat too — the ricciola pasta is excellent. Their fritti are fantastic as well: crisp, golden, and not greasy. The service is rushed, especially during peak hours, but that’s part of the pace here. It’s popular for a reason, and these days it’s almost always packed — definitely book ahead, especially if you want a seat outdoors.
Osteria le Mani in Pasta
Address: Via dei Genovesi, 37
Average price p.p.: €40+
This is one of those places where I always leave planning my next visit. Tucked into a small street in Trastevere, Le Mani in Pasta serves some of the best pasta and seafood combinations in town. The pasta with cherry tomatoes, sea bream, and shrimp is delicate but full of flavor, and the seabass carpaccio with truffle is a perfect example of how they do things here: simple, elegant, and a little indulgent. It’s loud, a little chaotic, and totally authentic. Just make sure to book — and not last minute.
Trattoria Da Enzo
Address: Via dei Vascellari, 29
Average price p.p.: €30+
Da Enzo isn’t just popular — it’s iconic. And for good reason. This tiny trattoria near the Tiber is a masterclass in Roman comfort food. The carbonara is rich and peppery, the cacio e pepe has the perfect bite, and the fried antipasti are golden and crisp. I love coming here mid-week when things are a little quieter (but only slightly). Service is fast and friendly, and while you’ll probably wait for a table, it’s absolutely worth it.
If you want to learn how to make your own Roman pasta, you have to book a Roman pasta-making class in Trastevere! I did one with Devour Tours and loved it!
The best trattorias in Campo de’ Fiori & Piazza Navona
Giulio Passami L’Olio
Address: Via di Monte Giordano, 28
Average price p.p.: €35+
Giulio is tucked away on a quiet side street near Piazza Navona, and it’s one of those spots that charms you the second you walk in. Warm lighting, wooden interiors, and walls stacked with wine bottles — it just has that cozy Roman trattoria atmosphere you want when you’re in the mood for something relaxed but still quality. The cacio e pepe with truffle is their standout dish, rich and flavorful without being too heavy. I also love starting with their cold cuts and Roman-style artichokes. It’s not a secret or a hidden gem, but it’s a consistently solid choice with a great vibe and a very cute setting.
The best trattorias near the Pantheon
Osteria del Sostegno
Address: Via delle Colonnelle, 5
Average price p.p.: €50+
Tucked behind the Pantheon, this spot is often overlooked — which makes it feel like a secret worth keeping. Technically more of a ristorante than a trattoria, Osteria del Sostegno still fits beautifully on a list of Roman restaurants that do tradition justice. The vibe is elegant but low-key, with white tablecloths and dim lighting. Everything here is high quality: the amatriciana is my favorite in Rome, with the perfect balance of pecorino, tomato, and guanciale. The chicken cacciatore is tender and flavorful, and their desserts, especially the hazelnut gelato, are a lovely finish. It’s one of those places where you’ll slow down, open a bottle of wine, and stay a while.
The best trattorias in Testaccio
Flavio al Velavevodetto
Address: Via di Monte Testaccio, 97
Average price p.p.: €40+
Flavio al Velavevodetto is a Roman institution — and not just for tourists. It’s one of the few places that locals recommend again and again. The tonnarelli cacio e pepe here is legendary: thick, creamy, with that unmistakable punch of pecorino and pepper. I also love the polpette di bollito — slow-cooked, savory meatballs made from boiled beef. The restaurant sits on a hill of ancient Roman amphorae, and the dining room’s glass walls let you peek at the history beneath your feet.
La Torricella
Address: Via Evangelista Torricelli, 2/12
Average price p.p.: €40+
This place is all about consistency and charm. La Torricella is a real Roman trattoria — the kind with no frills, big portions, and regulars who’ve been coming for decades. The seafood is surprisingly great here (don’t miss the mixed grill if it’s available), and the pasta dishes are always satisfying. I love the laid-back setting and efficient service. If you’re in Testaccio and want a local vibe without any fuss, this is a safe bet.
Trattoria Da Bucatino
Address: Via Luca della Robbia, 84
Average price p.p.: €30+
Bucatino is where you go when you want amatriciana with a side of character. It’s loud, it’s crowded, and it serves up some of the best red-sauce Roman comfort food in the city. They even hand you a bib when you order the namesake dish — bucatini all’amatriciana — so you don’t splatter your shirt. The décor is dated in the best way, and the service is unfussy but warm. It’s a great place for a proper Roman lunch.
Da Felice a Testaccio
Address: Via Mastro Giorgio, 29
Average price p.p.: €50+
Felice is more polished than your average trattoria, but it never loses sight of what Roman cooking is all about. The tonnarelli cacio e pepe is famous here — and watching the server mix it at your table is part of the ritual. The abbacchio al forno (roast lamb) is another favorite. Even the appetizers shine, especially the fried zucchini flowers. It’s not the easiest place to book, but it’s worth the planning.
Join a food tour in this authentic neighborhood to dive into the heart of Roman cuisine. Not only will you explore traditional dishes at local spots, but you’ll also have the chance to dine at the renowned Flavio al Velavevodetto, famous for its authentic Roman cuisine.
Garbatella & Ostiense
Trecca – Cucina di Mercato
Address: Via Alessandro Severo, 222
Average price p.p.: €30+
Trecca is one of those new-generation trattorias that really gets it. It’s run by two brothers who care deeply about ingredients, and it shows in every dish. The carbonara is textbook perfect, the amatriciana deeply savory, and the off-menu specials often steal the show. It’s cozy, unfussy, and everything is sourced with love from the local market — hence the name.
Osteria Fratelli Mori
Address: Via dei Conciatori, 10
Average price p.p.: €40+
If you’re looking for big Roman flavors in a bright, welcoming space, Fratelli Mori delivers. The rigatoni con la pajata is bold and unforgettable, the zucchini flowers are crunchy and golden, and the ricotta dessert is light and creamy. This osteria feels like a neighborhood favorite, and the staff makes everyone feel like a regular. Great for groups, dates, or a long lunch that turns into dinner.
