Rome is the capital of Italy, and located centrally north/south in the country on the west coast. It is the major travel hub, both within Italy and internationally. It’s very accessible to get to and from other major Italian metropolitan cities via train or plane (book in advance for cheaper fares!).
Rome is the first city travelers think of when they want to visit Italy - us included. It was where we started our honeymoon on our first trip to Italy and our love affair with the country began. Planning for a trip to a foreign country for the first time is overwhelming, and no matter what, you can’t plan enough. That means when you venture around Rome, you’re going to see wide-eyed tourists virtually everywhere, anytime of year. As the saying goes, ‘All roads lead to Rome’, so the Romans have experienced this for centuries.
Rome is the most populated and the most visited city in Italy. As such, there’s no shortage of documentation out there. We’ll do our best to give our unique perspective on The Eternal City, show you hidden gems outside the bustle, and for when we do venture into the familiar classics, how to try to maximize and be prepared for the crowds.
(lazio)
rome/roma
Jump to:
what to drink, what to try, helpful resources
where to eat
With over 25 million visitors per year, there’s no shortage of places to eat. A lot of folks probably don’t have food as high on the priority list as we do, and thus are looking to fit something in between a visit between their packed agenda of historic locations throughout the city. Sometimes this convenience can result in ‘tourist traps’, and there’s a few rules of thumb you can follow to avoid them. These apply throughout Italy, but are even more so important in Rome. Avoid places with picture menus displayed outside the restaurant; the places that are good don’t need a person trying to convince you to come and eat; and if it’s in a famous and popular piazza, you’re probably paying for the view and the people watching, not the food.
With a bit of foresight and planning, Rome’s food scene is absolutely tremendous. There’s a mixture of classic dishes that have been exported throughout the world - they don’t taste better anywhere else. However, we urge you to also go beyond the classics and be an adventurous eater and try the traditional cucina romana, which includes offal portions. Eating quinto quarto are some of the most memorable and delicious meals we’ve had!
This is a delightful osteria located a bit south of the main pedestrian area in Trastevere. While you can order the classic Roman pasta dishes here, we encourage you to branch out and try their namesake, or any of the other offal they have on the menu that day. If you are lucky, you’ll be greeted by the restaurant owner and chef, Alessandra Ruggeri. She made our dining experience memorable and has the best recommendations. Highlights include anything from their trippa (tripe) section: specials like cervello (brain), pajata (often served with rigatoni), and if in season, jerusalem artichokes. The shelves are packed with wine bottles, including a large selection of local cesanese options, which Alessandra will cheerfully find you a pick to match your meal. Finish your meal off with the tiramisu and you won’t be disappointed!
This is a delightful osteria located a bit south of the main pedestrian area in Trastevere. While you can order the classic Roman pasta dishes here, we encourage you to branch out and try their namesake, or any of the other offal they have on the menu that day. If you are lucky, you’ll be greeted by the restaurant owner and chef, Alessandra Ruggeri. She made our dining experience memorable and has the best recommendations. Highlights include anything from their trippa (tripe) section: specials like cervello (brain), pajata (often served with rigatoni), and if in season, jerusalem artichokes. The shelves are packed with wine bottles, including a large selection of local cesanese options, which Alessandra will cheerfully find you a pick to match your meal. Finish your meal off with the tiramisu and you won’t be disappointed!
This is a delightful osteria located a bit south of the main pedestrian area in Trastevere. While you can order the classic Roman pasta dishes here, we encourage you to branch out and try their namesake, or any of the other offal they have on the menu that day. If you are lucky, you’ll be greeted by the restaurant owner and chef, Alessandra Ruggeri. She made our dining experience memorable and has the best recommendations. Highlights include anything from their trippa (tripe) section: specials like cervello (brain), pajata (often served with rigatoni), and if in season, jerusalem artichokes. The shelves are packed with wine bottles, including a large selection of local cesanese options, which Alessandra will cheerfully find you a pick to match your meal. Finish your meal off with the tiramisu and you won’t be disappointed!
This is a delightful osteria located a bit south of the main pedestrian area in Trastevere. While you can order the classic Roman pasta dishes here, we encourage you to branch out and try their namesake, or any of the other offal they have on the menu that day. If you are lucky, you’ll be greeted by the restaurant owner and chef, Alessandra Ruggeri. She made our dining experience memorable and has the best recommendations. Highlights include anything from their trippa (tripe) section: specials like cervello (brain), pajata (often served with rigatoni), and if in season, jerusalem artichokes. The shelves are packed with wine bottles, including a large selection of local cesanese options, which Alessandra will cheerfully find you a pick to match your meal. Finish your meal off with the tiramisu and you won’t be disappointed!
This is a delightful osteria located a bit south of the main pedestrian area in Trastevere. While you can order the classic Roman pasta dishes here, we encourage you to branch out and try their namesake, or any of the other offal they have on the menu that day. If you are lucky, you’ll be greeted by the restaurant owner and chef, Alessandra Ruggeri. She made our dining experience memorable and has the best recommendations. Highlights include anything from their trippa (tripe) section: specials like cervello (brain), pajata (often served with rigatoni), and if in season, jerusalem artichokes. The shelves are packed with wine bottles, including a large selection of local cesanese options, which Alessandra will cheerfully find you a pick to match your meal. Finish your meal off with the tiramisu and you won’t be disappointed!
This is a delightful osteria located a bit south of the main pedestrian area in Trastevere. While you can order the classic Roman pasta dishes here, we encourage you to branch out and try their namesake, or any of the other offal they have on the menu that day. If you are lucky, you’ll be greeted by the restaurant owner and chef, Alessandra Ruggeri. She made our dining experience memorable and has the best recommendations. Highlights include anything from their trippa (tripe) section: specials like cervello (brain), pajata (often served with rigatoni), and if in season, jerusalem artichokes. The shelves are packed with wine bottles, including a large selection of local cesanese options, which Alessandra will cheerfully find you a pick to match your meal. Finish your meal off with the tiramisu and you won’t be disappointed!
This is a delightful osteria located a bit south of the main pedestrian area in Trastevere. While you can order the classic Roman pasta dishes here, we encourage you to branch out and try their namesake, or any of the other offal they have on the menu that day. If you are lucky, you’ll be greeted by the restaurant owner and chef, Alessandra Ruggeri. She made our dining experience memorable and has the best recommendations. Highlights include anything from their trippa (tripe) section: specials like cervello (brain), pajata (often served with rigatoni), and if in season, jerusalem artichokes. The shelves are packed with wine bottles, including a large selection of local cesanese options, which Alessandra will cheerfully find you a pick to match your meal. Finish your meal off with the tiramisu and you won’t be disappointed!
Once you step inside La Ciambella, you’ll immediately forget that it’s located near the chaos of Centro Storico. If you want the traditional Roman dishes served with exquisite ingredients, they have a tasting menu perfectly designed for that. There's also a selection of dishes devoted to the season, plus a wonderful selection of staples that chef Francesca Ciucci has created from her cooking experiences in Trastevere and Testaccio. Don’t be shy of the items with organ meats: the sweetbreads or oxtail are divine. Chef’s recipes and execution are perfect. We recommend the “Maritozzo”, which uses a lamb cacciatora for the filling. For dessert, order the “Il Ghetto”. We aren’t normally fans of cheese for dessert, but this ricotta and sour cherry tarts was one of our favorite desserts of the trip!
Once you step inside La Ciambella, you’ll immediately forget that it’s located near the chaos of Centro Storico. If you want the traditional Roman dishes served with exquisite ingredients, they have a tasting menu perfectly designed for that. There's also a selection of dishes devoted to the season, plus a wonderful selection of staples that chef Francesca Ciucci has created from her cooking experiences in Trastevere and Testaccio. Don’t be shy of the items with organ meats: the sweetbreads or oxtail are divine. Chef’s recipes and execution are perfect. We recommend the “Maritozzo”, which uses a lamb cacciatora for the filling. For dessert, order the “Il Ghetto”. We aren’t normally fans of cheese for dessert, but this ricotta and sour cherry tarts was one of our favorite desserts of the trip!
Once you step inside La Ciambella, you’ll immediately forget that it’s located near the chaos of Centro Storico. If you want the traditional Roman dishes served with exquisite ingredients, they have a tasting menu perfectly designed for that. There's also a selection of dishes devoted to the season, plus a wonderful selection of staples that chef Francesca Ciucci has created from her cooking experiences in Trastevere and Testaccio. Don’t be shy of the items with organ meats: the sweetbreads or oxtail are divine. Chef’s recipes and execution are perfect. We recommend the “Maritozzo”, which uses a lamb cacciatora for the filling. For dessert, order the “Il Ghetto”. We aren’t normally fans of cheese for dessert, but this ricotta and sour cherry tarts was one of our favorite desserts of the trip!
Once you step inside La Ciambella, you’ll immediately forget that it’s located near the chaos of Centro Storico. If you want the traditional Roman dishes served with exquisite ingredients, they have a tasting menu perfectly designed for that. There's also a selection of dishes devoted to the season, plus a wonderful selection of staples that chef Francesca Ciucci has created from her cooking experiences in Trastevere and Testaccio. Don’t be shy of the items with organ meats: the sweetbreads or oxtail are divine. Chef’s recipes and execution are perfect. We recommend the “Maritozzo”, which uses a lamb cacciatora for the filling. For dessert, order the “Il Ghetto”. We aren’t normally fans of cheese for dessert, but this ricotta and sour cherry tarts was one of our favorite desserts of the trip!
Once you step inside La Ciambella, you’ll immediately forget that it’s located near the chaos of Centro Storico. If you want the traditional Roman dishes served with exquisite ingredients, they have a tasting menu perfectly designed for that. There's also a selection of dishes devoted to the season, plus a wonderful selection of staples that chef Francesca Ciucci has created from her cooking experiences in Trastevere and Testaccio. Don’t be shy of the items with organ meats: the sweetbreads or oxtail are divine. Chef’s recipes and execution are perfect. We recommend the “Maritozzo”, which uses a lamb cacciatora for the filling. For dessert, order the “Il Ghetto”. We aren’t normally fans of cheese for dessert, but this ricotta and sour cherry tarts was one of our favorite desserts of the trip!
Once you step inside La Ciambella, you’ll immediately forget that it’s located near the chaos of Centro Storico. If you want the traditional Roman dishes served with exquisite ingredients, they have a tasting menu perfectly designed for that. There's also a selection of dishes devoted to the season, plus a wonderful selection of staples that chef Francesca Ciucci has created from her cooking experiences in Trastevere and Testaccio. Don’t be shy of the items with organ meats: the sweetbreads or oxtail are divine. Chef’s recipes and execution are perfect. We recommend the “Maritozzo”, which uses a lamb cacciatora for the filling. For dessert, order the “Il Ghetto”. We aren’t normally fans of cheese for dessert, but this ricotta and sour cherry tarts was one of our favorite desserts of the trip!
Tucked away on a nondescript street in the Monteverde neighborhood, this Osteria is worth seeking out. The staff are very welcoming, warm, and will ensure you have a great meal. The menu changes with the seasons, so you’ll know the ingredients are served at their freshest and best time of year to enjoy them. While we’re not always fans of tasting menus since they can be limiting in what you get to try, we highly recommend the tasting menu here. The price for the amount of food you get was the most reasonable we’ve seen, and we got to try everything we wanted to even if we had ordered a la carte! This is one restaurant that should not be missed.
Tucked away on a nondescript street in the Monteverde neighborhood, this Osteria is worth seeking out. The staff are very welcoming, warm, and will ensure you have a great meal. The menu changes with the seasons, so you’ll know the ingredients are served at their freshest and best time of year to enjoy them. While we’re not always fans of tasting menus since they can be limiting in what you get to try, we highly recommend the tasting menu here. The price for the amount of food you get was the most reasonable we’ve seen, and we got to try everything we wanted to even if we had ordered a la carte! This is one restaurant that should not be missed.
Tucked away on a nondescript street in the Monteverde neighborhood, this Osteria is worth seeking out. The staff are very welcoming, warm, and will ensure you have a great meal. The menu changes with the seasons, so you’ll know the ingredients are served at their freshest and best time of year to enjoy them. While we’re not always fans of tasting menus since they can be limiting in what you get to try, we highly recommend the tasting menu here. The price for the amount of food you get was the most reasonable we’ve seen, and we got to try everything we wanted to even if we had ordered a la carte! This is one restaurant that should not be missed.
Tucked away on a nondescript street in the Monteverde neighborhood, this Osteria is worth seeking out. The staff are very welcoming, warm, and will ensure you have a great meal. The menu changes with the seasons, so you’ll know the ingredients are served at their freshest and best time of year to enjoy them. While we’re not always fans of tasting menus since they can be limiting in what you get to try, we highly recommend the tasting menu here. The price for the amount of food you get was the most reasonable we’ve seen, and we got to try everything we wanted to even if we had ordered a la carte! This is one restaurant that should not be missed.
Tucked away on a nondescript street in the Monteverde neighborhood, this Osteria is worth seeking out. The staff are very welcoming, warm, and will ensure you have a great meal. The menu changes with the seasons, so you’ll know the ingredients are served at their freshest and best time of year to enjoy them. While we’re not always fans of tasting menus since they can be limiting in what you get to try, we highly recommend the tasting menu here. The price for the amount of food you get was the most reasonable we’ve seen, and we got to try everything we wanted to even if we had ordered a la carte! This is one restaurant that should not be missed.
While there are now two locations in Rome, we opted to dine at the original for a more authentic experience (away from the city center). Everything we tried was delicious. From the polpette (meatballs) with boiled meat and topped with pesto, to the classic pasta choices like Tonnarelli alla Gricia or the Rigatoni al Sugo della Coda alla Vaccinara (oxtail), you can't go wrong. Want something fried? Go for the totanto (“flying squid”). We also really enjoyed their panna cotta with chocolate - it did not say it on the menu, but we think there’s a hint of hazelnut in there! Be sure to book ahead.
While there are now two locations in Rome, we opted to dine at the original for a more authentic experience (away from the city center). Everything we tried was delicious. From the polpette (meatballs) with boiled meat and topped with pesto, to the classic pasta choices like Tonnarelli alla Gricia or the Rigatoni al Sugo della Coda alla Vaccinara (oxtail), you can't go wrong. Want something fried? Go for the totanto (“flying squid”). We also really enjoyed their panna cotta with chocolate - it did not say it on the menu, but we think there’s a hint of hazelnut in there! Be sure to book ahead.
While there are now two locations in Rome, we opted to dine at the original for a more authentic experience (away from the city center). Everything we tried was delicious. From the polpette (meatballs) with boiled meat and topped with pesto, to the classic pasta choices like Tonnarelli alla Gricia or the Rigatoni al Sugo della Coda alla Vaccinara (oxtail), you can't go wrong. Want something fried? Go for the totanto (“flying squid”). We also really enjoyed their panna cotta with chocolate - it did not say it on the menu, but we think there’s a hint of hazelnut in there! Be sure to book ahead.
While there are now two locations in Rome, we opted to dine at the original for a more authentic experience (away from the city center). Everything we tried was delicious. From the polpette (meatballs) with boiled meat and topped with pesto, to the classic pasta choices like Tonnarelli alla Gricia or the Rigatoni al Sugo della Coda alla Vaccinara (oxtail), you can't go wrong. Want something fried? Go for the totanto (“flying squid”). We also really enjoyed their panna cotta with chocolate - it did not say it on the menu, but we think there’s a hint of hazelnut in there! Be sure to book ahead.
While there are now two locations in Rome, we opted to dine at the original for a more authentic experience (away from the city center). Everything we tried was delicious. From the polpette (meatballs) with boiled meat and topped with pesto, to the classic pasta choices like Tonnarelli alla Gricia or the Rigatoni al Sugo della Coda alla Vaccinara (oxtail), you can't go wrong. Want something fried? Go for the totanto (“flying squid”). We also really enjoyed their panna cotta with chocolate - it did not say it on the menu, but we think there’s a hint of hazelnut in there! Be sure to book ahead.
While there are now two locations in Rome, we opted to dine at the original for a more authentic experience (away from the city center). Everything we tried was delicious. From the polpette (meatballs) with boiled meat and topped with pesto, to the classic pasta choices like Tonnarelli alla Gricia or the Rigatoni al Sugo della Coda alla Vaccinara (oxtail), you can't go wrong. Want something fried? Go for the totanto (“flying squid”). We also really enjoyed their panna cotta with chocolate - it did not say it on the menu, but we think there’s a hint of hazelnut in there! Be sure to book ahead.
Don’t let the location of Armando al Pantheon worry you. Although it’s located mere steps from the Pantheon, the Gargioli family has been serving up some of the city's best dishes since 1961. This is the place for Roman classics: rigatoni con la pajata, rigatoni all’amatriciana are absolutely great. Alongside the classics, there are creative options too. We suggest trying the bottoncino di pane con coratella d’abbacchio - heart, livers and lungs of lamb sandwiched between warm bread. It was incredible! Their selections of Cesanese wine are fantastic; if you’re there at the right time, they’ll pour you a sample of the bottle made specifically for them - an excellent compliment to the meal. Finish off with their tiramisu - unlike any other we tried. What could be better?
Don’t let the location of Armando al Pantheon worry you. Although it’s located mere steps from the Pantheon, the Gargioli family has been serving up some of the city's best dishes since 1961. This is the place for Roman classics: rigatoni con la pajata, rigatoni all’amatriciana are absolutely great. Alongside the classics, there are creative options too. We suggest trying the bottoncino di pane con coratella d’abbacchio - heart, livers and lungs of lamb sandwiched between warm bread. It was incredible! Their selections of Cesanese wine are fantastic; if you’re there at the right time, they’ll pour you a sample of the bottle made specifically for them - an excellent compliment to the meal. Finish off with their tiramisu - unlike any other we tried. What could be better?
Don’t let the location of Armando al Pantheon worry you. Although it’s located mere steps from the Pantheon, the Gargioli family has been serving up some of the city's best dishes since 1961. This is the place for Roman classics: rigatoni con la pajata, rigatoni all’amatriciana are absolutely great. Alongside the classics, there are creative options too. We suggest trying the bottoncino di pane con coratella d’abbacchio - heart, livers and lungs of lamb sandwiched between warm bread. It was incredible! Their selections of Cesanese wine are fantastic; if you’re there at the right time, they’ll pour you a sample of the bottle made specifically for them - an excellent compliment to the meal. Finish off with their tiramisu - unlike any other we tried. What could be better?
Don’t let the location of Armando al Pantheon worry you. Although it’s located mere steps from the Pantheon, the Gargioli family has been serving up some of the city's best dishes since 1961. This is the place for Roman classics: rigatoni con la pajata, rigatoni all’amatriciana are absolutely great. Alongside the classics, there are creative options too. We suggest trying the bottoncino di pane con coratella d’abbacchio - heart, livers and lungs of lamb sandwiched between warm bread. It was incredible! Their selections of Cesanese wine are fantastic; if you’re there at the right time, they’ll pour you a sample of the bottle made specifically for them - an excellent compliment to the meal. Finish off with their tiramisu - unlike any other we tried. What could be better?
Don’t let the location of Armando al Pantheon worry you. Although it’s located mere steps from the Pantheon, the Gargioli family has been serving up some of the city's best dishes since 1961. This is the place for Roman classics: rigatoni con la pajata, rigatoni all’amatriciana are absolutely great. Alongside the classics, there are creative options too. We suggest trying the bottoncino di pane con coratella d’abbacchio - heart, livers and lungs of lamb sandwiched between warm bread. It was incredible! Their selections of Cesanese wine are fantastic; if you’re there at the right time, they’ll pour you a sample of the bottle made specifically for them - an excellent compliment to the meal. Finish off with their tiramisu - unlike any other we tried. What could be better?
You can find this osteria in the Ostiense neighborhood. This is not an area you’ll find a lot of tourists, unless you’re going to a place that has Michelin accolades. Luckily for you, Osteria Fratelli Mori does not have a Michelin distinction (although the food is of that quality!). Come here for fresh appetizers, like the meatballs and the artichokes (when in season). Don’t skip on the pasta - while they offer all of Roman classics, we opted for two of their specials that included a gnocchi with lamb ragu, artichoke, and mint that was divine. Make sure you check out the wine selection if you are in the mood to drink. Come here for a local, and family-friendly vibe!
You can find this osteria in the Ostiense neighborhood. This is not an area you’ll find a lot of tourists, unless you’re going to a place that has Michelin accolades. Luckily for you, Osteria Fratelli Mori does not have a Michelin distinction (although the food is of that quality!). Come here for fresh appetizers, like the meatballs and the artichokes (when in season). Don’t skip on the pasta - while they offer all of Roman classics, we opted for two of their specials that included a gnocchi with lamb ragu, artichoke, and mint that was divine. Make sure you check out the wine selection if you are in the mood to drink. Come here for a local, and family-friendly vibe!
You can find this osteria in the Ostiense neighborhood. This is not an area you’ll find a lot of tourists, unless you’re going to a place that has Michelin accolades. Luckily for you, Osteria Fratelli Mori does not have a Michelin distinction (although the food is of that quality!). Come here for fresh appetizers, like the meatballs and the artichokes (when in season). Don’t skip on the pasta - while they offer all of Roman classics, we opted for two of their specials that included a gnocchi with lamb ragu, artichoke, and mint that was divine. Make sure you check out the wine selection if you are in the mood to drink. Come here for a local, and family-friendly vibe!
You can find this osteria in the Ostiense neighborhood. This is not an area you’ll find a lot of tourists, unless you’re going to a place that has Michelin accolades. Luckily for you, Osteria Fratelli Mori does not have a Michelin distinction (although the food is of that quality!). Come here for fresh appetizers, like the meatballs and the artichokes (when in season). Don’t skip on the pasta - while they offer all of Roman classics, we opted for two of their specials that included a gnocchi with lamb ragu, artichoke, and mint that was divine. Make sure you check out the wine selection if you are in the mood to drink. Come here for a local, and family-friendly vibe!
You can find this osteria in the Ostiense neighborhood. This is not an area you’ll find a lot of tourists, unless you’re going to a place that has Michelin accolades. Luckily for you, Osteria Fratelli Mori does not have a Michelin distinction (although the food is of that quality!). Come here for fresh appetizers, like the meatballs and the artichokes (when in season). Don’t skip on the pasta - while they offer all of Roman classics, we opted for two of their specials that included a gnocchi with lamb ragu, artichoke, and mint that was divine. Make sure you check out the wine selection if you are in the mood to drink. Come here for a local, and family-friendly vibe!
You can find this osteria in the Ostiense neighborhood. This is not an area you’ll find a lot of tourists, unless you’re going to a place that has Michelin accolades. Luckily for you, Osteria Fratelli Mori does not have a Michelin distinction (although the food is of that quality!). Come here for fresh appetizers, like the meatballs and the artichokes (when in season). Don’t skip on the pasta - while they offer all of Roman classics, we opted for two of their specials that included a gnocchi with lamb ragu, artichoke, and mint that was divine. Make sure you check out the wine selection if you are in the mood to drink. Come here for a local, and family-friendly vibe!
You can find this osteria in the Ostiense neighborhood. This is not an area you’ll find a lot of tourists, unless you’re going to a place that has Michelin accolades. Luckily for you, Osteria Fratelli Mori does not have a Michelin distinction (although the food is of that quality!). Come here for fresh appetizers, like the meatballs and the artichokes (when in season). Don’t skip on the pasta - while they offer all of Roman classics, we opted for two of their specials that included a gnocchi with lamb ragu, artichoke, and mint that was divine. Make sure you check out the wine selection if you are in the mood to drink. Come here for a local, and family-friendly vibe!
Located in Trastevere, this places gets mixed reviews online. While Ercoli 1928 seems to receive complaints for being expensive, it’s the same price point as Roscioli, which is located in Centro Storico. While we enjoyed the food at both places equally, Ercoli 1928 isn’t overrun with the massive crowds that you get in Centro Storico. This made our dining experience more pleasant (and spacious!). The deli counter is massive with an incredible selection of meats and cheeses. If you’re undecided on what to choose, they have a mixed plate that you won’t be disappointed by. The pasta here is wonderful, with some great pork choices like ragu di suino nero (Black pig). And, as a recurring theme you’ll see in Roman desserts, the Tiramisu here is wonderful.
Located in Trastevere, this places gets mixed reviews online. While Ercoli 1928 seems to receive complaints for being expensive, it’s the same price point as Roscioli, which is located in Centro Storico. While we enjoyed the food at both places equally, Ercoli 1928 isn’t overrun with the massive crowds that you get in Centro Storico. This made our dining experience more pleasant (and spacious!). The deli counter is massive with an incredible selection of meats and cheeses. If you’re undecided on what to choose, they have a mixed plate that you won’t be disappointed by. The pasta here is wonderful, with some great pork choices like ragu di suino nero (Black pig). And, as a recurring theme you’ll see in Roman desserts, the Tiramisu here is wonderful.
Located in Trastevere, this places gets mixed reviews online. While Ercoli 1928 seems to receive complaints for being expensive, it’s the same price point as Roscioli, which is located in Centro Storico. While we enjoyed the food at both places equally, Ercoli 1928 isn’t overrun with the massive crowds that you get in Centro Storico. This made our dining experience more pleasant (and spacious!). The deli counter is massive with an incredible selection of meats and cheeses. If you’re undecided on what to choose, they have a mixed plate that you won’t be disappointed by. The pasta here is wonderful, with some great pork choices like ragu di suino nero (Black pig). And, as a recurring theme you’ll see in Roman desserts, the Tiramisu here is wonderful.
Located in Trastevere, this places gets mixed reviews online. While Ercoli 1928 seems to receive complaints for being expensive, it’s the same price point as Roscioli, which is located in Centro Storico. While we enjoyed the food at both places equally, Ercoli 1928 isn’t overrun with the massive crowds that you get in Centro Storico. This made our dining experience more pleasant (and spacious!). The deli counter is massive with an incredible selection of meats and cheeses. If you’re undecided on what to choose, they have a mixed plate that you won’t be disappointed by. The pasta here is wonderful, with some great pork choices like ragu di suino nero (Black pig). And, as a recurring theme you’ll see in Roman desserts, the Tiramisu here is wonderful.
Located in Trastevere, this places gets mixed reviews online. While Ercoli 1928 seems to receive complaints for being expensive, it’s the same price point as Roscioli, which is located in Centro Storico. While we enjoyed the food at both places equally, Ercoli 1928 isn’t overrun with the massive crowds that you get in Centro Storico. This made our dining experience more pleasant (and spacious!). The deli counter is massive with an incredible selection of meats and cheeses. If you’re undecided on what to choose, they have a mixed plate that you won’t be disappointed by. The pasta here is wonderful, with some great pork choices like ragu di suino nero (Black pig). And, as a recurring theme you’ll see in Roman desserts, the Tiramisu here is wonderful.
L’Elementare is a local Roman favorite. They use high quality ingredients that make a huge difference in the quality of their pizza!
We preferred going here over some other well-known places in Trastevere for this reason. We also enjoyed the less chaotic atmosphere and great service. While they have multiple locations, it's quite the popular spot, so make reservations at your preferred location ahead of time online! Opt for the Marinara Doppia - it was delicious!! And save room for Tiramisu - this ended up being one of our favorites on the trip.
L’Elementare is a local Roman favorite. They use high quality ingredients that make a huge difference in the quality of their pizza!
We preferred going here over some other well-known places in Trastevere for this reason. We also enjoyed the less chaotic atmosphere and great service. While they have multiple locations, it's quite the popular spot, so make reservations at your preferred location ahead of time online! Opt for the Marinara Doppia - it was delicious!! And save room for Tiramisu - this ended up being one of our favorites on the trip.
L’Elementare is a local Roman favorite. They use high quality ingredients that make a huge difference in the quality of their pizza!
We preferred going here over some other well-known places in Trastevere for this reason. We also enjoyed the less chaotic atmosphere and great service. While they have multiple locations, it's quite the popular spot, so make reservations at your preferred location ahead of time online! Opt for the Marinara Doppia - it was delicious!! And save room for Tiramisu - this ended up being one of our favorites on the trip.
Incredible, fast, cheap and tasty Roman street food. We have one favorite here - the chicken cacciatora. I used to have something of a similar name growing up in the United States in the 1980’s that made me fearful of trying this flavor at first, but I overcame that and was glad that I did. It’s a great choice and a cheap eat! We went to the Trastevere location and the Testaccio location. The Testaccio one had no line when we arrived and was much more calm! The Trastevere location had a huge line before it opened, but they moved quickly and got everyone seated promptly.
Incredible, fast, cheap and tasty Roman street food. We have one favorite here - the chicken cacciatora. I used to have something of a similar name growing up in the United States in the 1980’s that made me fearful of trying this flavor at first, but I overcame that and was glad that I did. It’s a great choice and a cheap eat! We went to the Trastevere location and the Testaccio location. The Testaccio one had no line when we arrived and was much more calm! The Trastevere location had a huge line before it opened, but they moved quickly and got everyone seated promptly.
This gelato is worth making a trip to Testaccio for. It’s only been open since February 2025, you will probably see owner Leonardo hard at his craft making exquisite gelati. It won’t take long for others to find him, as he hits all the marks - incredible flavors using top-notch ingredients, classic choices, vegan options, and special blends that are unique and you won’t find elsewhere (like mascarpone with chocolate cream and cocoa crumble!).
futura gelateria
This gelato is worth making a trip to Testaccio for. It’s only been open since February 2025, you will probably see owner Leonardo hard at his craft making exquisite gelati. It won’t take long for others to find him, as he hits all the marks - incredible flavors using top-notch ingredients, classic choices, vegan options, and special blends that are unique and you won’t find elsewhere (like mascarpone with chocolate cream and cocoa crumble!).
futura gelateria
helpful resources
helpful
resources
This site contains affiliate links which we may receive a small commission from at no additional cost to you.
recent posts
Touring turin (torino)
home base in verona
picturesque portofino
The Full Story »
Touring turin (torino)
Venice in winter
lake como is calling
The Full Story »
home base
in verona
The Full Story »
Touring turin (torino)
The Full Story »
The Full Story »
Venice in winter
The Full Story »
not so gritty Genoa
The Full Story »
back to bologna
