The Best Restaurants In Trastevere Rome

With its narrow alleys and little squares, the picturesque district of Trastevere represents one of the most evocative and best preserved corners of the Italian capital. Trastevere is where the veracious Roman essence is revealed in a multitude of restaurants and taverns. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the food scene.

1. Antica Trattoria da Carlone

Restaurant, Italian

Dating back to the 19th century, this tavern is located to the east of Trastevere and offers one of the best kind of pasta in the world, ‘pasta alla carbonara’; spaghetti with eggs, goat’s cheese, pepper, olive oil, and pork cheeks. At Antica Trattoria da Carlone the classic pasta dishes are of a high quality and come in huge portions, and guests can enjoy their meal in a cozy environment surrounded by live music.

2. Cencio La Parolaccia

Restaurant, Italian

If you get offended quite easily, it’s probably best not to go to Cencio La Parolaccia. Established in 1941, this dining experience is a little different to others; in addition to food it offers nightly entertainment based on bawdy Roman folk music. While eating exquisite traditional dishes, you’ll also be starring in the restaurant’s cabaret show. Let the ‘insults’ and jokes flow freely.

3. Giggetto al Portico d’Ottavia

Restaurant, Italian

This old tavern was established in 1923 and became famous for its Frascati wine and for its carefully prepared special dishes, one of which is the talk of the town; the Jewish style artichokes. This deep fried artichoke is a Roman Ghetto specialty. Giggetto’s wine cellar, derived from the foundations of the Portico d’Ottavia, is of great historical and archaeological significance, especially since discoveries from the Roman period are visible within it.

4. Convivium

Restaurant, Italian

Did you know that ancient Romans invented pizza? Their original version was the ‘pinsa’ – a meal very similar to pizza but with lighter ingredients to form the dough (a mix of wheat, soy and rice flour). This dish is the main course at Convivium, a recently established pinseria in Trastevere. In this cozy little haunt, eating pinsa allows you to travel back in time and indulge in a healthy, natural, low-calorie meal with a great taste.

5. Banana Trash

Restaurant, Japanese, Brazilian

Recently opened, Banana Trash is small but very cozy. The kitchen reveals the identity of the owner: half Japanese and half Brazilian. The fusion of these two culinary cultures produces amazing and unique flavors, in particular, delicious temaki and nanorolls. Although the recipes are exotic, the ingredients are mostly from Italy. The menu also offers a variety of vegetarian dishes, excellent smoothies and juices prepared instantly. Here even the takeaway packages are unique.

6. Cajo e Gajo

Restaurant, Italian, Romanian

If you want to try home-made pasta, wander down to this restaurant, because ‘Tonnarelli cacio e pepe’ (pasta with cheese and pepper) is the right dish to taste at Cajo e Gajo. There is plenty more worth trying here, namely most of the traditional Roman dishes. Weather permitting, it is possible to sit outside the establishment, at Piazza San Calisto in the heart of Trastevere, and revel in the atmosphere of this corner of Rome.

7. Grazia e Graziella

Restaurant, Italian

A strong background in tradition and creativity is the key to this restaurant’s success. ‘Smile!’ is the motto of Grazia and Graziella, whose name derives from Grazia, the name of the owner’s grandmother (who is also to thank for the unique recipes) and from Graziella, the traditional Italian bicycle. This vintage-style restaurant pays homage to the 60s and 70s, with delicious food and a warm welcome.

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