The Best Restaurants for Traditional Food in Rome

The Roman cuisine is known for its mouth-watering dishes that highlight fresh veggies, authentic pasta  and traditional spices. As we already know, the Italian culinary masterpieces are some of the best ones in the world. Visitors to Rome should check out a few of the authentic Italian food restaurants to make their vacation trip truly unforgettable.

What are the best authentic restaurants in Rome that worth paying a visit at?

I would invite you to start your culinary exploration at Cesare al Casaleto

1 . Cesare al Casaleto

Image by Katie Parla

Cesare is a traditional Italian trattoria featuring various Roman classics like thin-crust pizzas. We recommend the pizza rossa, which is a 16-inch round deliciousness topped in tomato sauce and olive oil and then baked in a traditional wood-burning Italian-style oven.

If you enjoy grilled dishes, opt for the veal loin, lamb ribs or pork liver. For desserts, we recommend Catalan cream or a slice of crostata.

When it comes to starters, we confidently recommend shredded beef balls, breaded lamb ribs and eggplant croquettes.

Bring an extra flavor to your meal with an authentic Italian wine special, or one imported from abroad.

Via del Casaletto, 45, 00151 Roma RM

2 . Ristorante Santo Palato

Image by the Fork

Another appealing option for a truly Roman-inspired Roman trattoria is Santo Palanto, a tavern that features humble and modest ambiance outside, combined with a cozy, welcoming setting inside.

Chef Sarah Cicolini will prepare a wonderful magic meal for you and your loved ones.

The menu typically reflects what’s fresh and trendy on the market that day, and you can often enjoy pasta with fresh veggies and oil, or fish delicatessens, freshly imported from the local markets.

One of the juicy menu highlights is the original pesche al vino, peaches macerated in wine,  presented in an elegant wine glass. Another menu standout is the trippa alla romana, gentle  strips of tripe with the addition of a light coat of fresh tomato sauce. This meal is tastier than the typical trippa alla romana!

Combine this all with a warm glass of house wine or a sparkling prosecco.

Piazza Tarquinia, 4a/b, 00183 Roma

3.  Madre Restaurant

Image by Divento

If you enjoy more upscale setting that features the offerings of a typical Italian tapa-style cuisine, look no further than Madre!

This authentic Italian cuisine hotspot serves the best and the most of the Italian culinary pleasures, and we suggest the tune and avocado ceviche to start with.

For your main meal, our suggestion is the Sal – ‘a fish of the day’, served with fresh green salad on the side, and seared on traditional sea salt stone.

For dessert, choose the traditional mascarpone, with coffee, cocoa fresh veggie flavors. Also, the Giacino’s chocolate stick, adorned with raspberry and flowers is not only extremely delicious, but also a fantastic decoration to the table.

Largo Anelicum, Roma, Italy

4. Augustarello

If you are looking for a hotspot to enjoy traditional Italian cuisine, while making friends with some of the friendly locals and tourists,  head out to Agustarello e Testaccio.

This traditional Italian cuisine spot was once in a former slaughterhouse district which is currently now one of Rome’s trendiest and most exciting neighborhoods.

Please note that it takes some time to get a table in that restaurant. You may have to fight with the locals for a spot at one of the tables but once you get it, you will not have regrets! There you can converse and make friends with your companions. Traditional menu items, combined with the cozy, vibrant setting of the typical Italian cuisine, are just some of the highlights of this amazing venture.

Via Giovanni Branca, 100, 00153 Roma RM

5.  Trattoria Perrili

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Fun old-school setting where you can meet numerous entertaining locals and hear a melodic mix of Italian accents from all corners of the country is what makes Trattoria Perrili a unique place for your authentic Italian meal.

We recommend the roast pork and roast lamb, with a mouth-watering side of roasted potatoes.

Another recommendation is our favorite pasta dish rigatoni con la pajata and the osso bucco, combined with a healthy dose of fresh peas.

Many of the served dishes reflect the richness of the traditional Italian cuisine, and those include the carbonara and cacio e pepe , zuppa inglese (literally “English soup,” or trifle) and  fresh veggie salads.

The place is affordable and trendy. Reservations are recommended as the place gets really packed!

Via Marmorata, 39, 00153 Roma RM

6 . Piperno Restaurant

Image by Elizabeth Mincilli

Piperno is a historical restaurant that is cozy and slightly hidden in a welcoming courtyard. The good news is this place will bring you back to the charm of the past.

Order a glass of wine and indulge your senses in authentic Italian meals, such as carciofi alla giudia (gently fried artichokes) or fiori di zucca ripieni e fritti (fried stuffed zucchini flowers).

The dining room is extravagantly decorated, but if you enjoy the outside air, book a table in the backyard.

Via Monte dè Cenci, 9 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Rome abounds in multiple other options for traditional dining, depending on your budget, preferences and style.

You an opt for a vibrant tavern with outside seating or a chic restaurant with a Michelin-starred chef offerings, or a small authentic bakery that can still provide you with the flavors of Rome.

No matter whether you look for a quick Italian-style meal, or a four-course deliciousness, look no further than Rome’s unforgettable Monti and Trastevere neighbourhoods where you can indulge in all that Rome has to offer in terms of authentic culinary offerings.