Trattorium restaurants in Italy
-
A
Siciliainbocca
Lemon-yellow and lined in dazzling southern ceramics, this trattoria is sunny in demeanour and colour. It's a great place to sample sumptuous seafood, Sicilian specialities like caponata (browned vegetables, anchovies and capers), and the island's legendary desserts, such as cannoli (fried pastry tubes filled with ricotta) accompanied by pantelleria, the great muscatel. There's another branch in Flaminio (06 324 01 87; Via Flaminia 390; ;Tue-Sun).
reviewed
-
B
Alfredo e Ada
Find a seat at this tiny brick-arched and wood-panelled place, with its spindly marble-topped tables, and then eat what Ada puts in front of you (there’s no menu). It’ll be simple tasty staples like pasta with tomato sauce and salsiccia con fagioli (sausage with beans). Dessert comes from Ada’s legendary biscuit tin.
reviewed
-
C
Da Giggetto
The atmospheric ghetto, rustic interiors, white-jacketed waiters, Roman-Jewish cooking – who needs more? Celebrate all things fried by tucking into the marvellous carciofi alla giudia and follow on with delicious calamari (fried squid). In the warmer months, fight your way to an outside table under the shadow of the ruins of the Portico d’Ottavia.
reviewed
-
D
La Botticella
On a quiet Trastevere backstreet, La Botticella offers pure Roman cooking, outside under the lines of flapping washing, or inside in the picture-lined salon. Menu stalwarts include tripe and rigatoni alla paiata (pasta with calf’s intestines), but there are less demanding dishes, such as an excellent spaghetti all ’ amatriciana and fritto alla botticella ( deep-fried vegetables). There’s even a children’s menu.
reviewed
-
E
Da Enzo
This authentic, snug dining room with rough yellow walls and lots of character serves up great Roman meals with whatever is in season. You can start with bruschetta with burrata, and go on to rigatoni cacio e pepe followed by abbacchio al forno (roasted lamb) and other such Roman classics, finishing off with a tiramisu before staggering home. There’s a tiny terrace on the quintessential cobbled street.
reviewed
-
F
Nennella
NennellaCasareccio (homestyle) cooking and Neapolitan theatricality collide at loud, unmissable Nennella. Give your name to Ciro and wait for the boisterous staff to call you in. Inside, roguish waiters serve up uncomplicated gems like crispy fried sardines, lip-smacking spaghetti con lupine (spaghetti with lupin) or insalatona nennella (rocket, bresaola and radish salad).
reviewed
-
G
Drogheria della Rosa
With its wooden shelves, apothecaries’ jars and bottles, it’s not difficult to picture this place as the pharmacy that it once was. Nowadays it’s a charming, high-end trattoria, run by an affable English-speaking owner who will happily go through the day’s short, sweet menu of ultrafresh choices with you. Expect superbly prepared versions of Bolognese classics such as tortellini or steak with balsamic vinegar.
reviewed
-
H
Matricianella
Tucked near Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina, this popular, chic trattoria, with gingham tablecloths and chintzy murals, also has some streetside seating on the quiet cobbled lane. The cooking is simple, delicious and largely Roman-Jewish. Romans go crazy for the delectable fried antipasti, the artichoke alla giudia (fried, Jewish style), the meatballs and the Jewish-style stew. Booking is essential.
reviewed
-
I
Da Lucia
Eat beneath the fluttering knickers of the neighbourhood at this terrific trattoria, frequented by hungry locals and ravenous tourists. On a cobbled backstreet that is classic Trastevere, it serves up a cavalcade of Roman specialities including trippa all romana (tripe with tomato sauce) and pollo con peperoni (chicken with peppers), as well as bountiful antipasti.
reviewed
-
J
Cacio e Pepe
Romans flock for the home cooking at this humble trattoria, with gingham-clad tables spreading across the pavement in all directions. They’ll even put up with freezing winter temperatures to sit outside and dig into great steaming bowls of cacio e pepe – the this-morning-fresh bucatini slicked with buttery cheese and pepper.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Gino
Oh, Gino! Surely the perfect trattoria: quaint, busy and buzzing, dishing out well-executed staples such as rigotoni alla gricia and meatballs under gaudily painted vines. It’s hidden away down a narrow lane close to parliament, and perennially packed by gossiping politicians. No credit cards.
reviewed
-
L
Nanà Vini e Cucina
An appealing and simple trattoria, specialising in Neopolitan flavours. Eat in the high-ceilinged interior, under huge brass pipes, overlooking the open kitchen, or outside on the piazzetta. Try la carne tenenera scaloppina Nanà, cooked simply in white wine, and other southern dishes.
reviewed
-
M
Taverna dei Quaranta
Off the main tourist track but near the Colosseum, this airy trattoria is run by gentle staff and offers simple Roman cooking, with delicious daily pasta specials, tasty bruschetta and arostocini (beef kebabs). There’s some outside seating on the leafy yet busy street.
reviewed
-
N
Trattoria da Omer
The stereotypical family-run trattoria, Omer's sets a lovely atmosphere for a meal of classic Modenese and Ferrarese food. Try the ossibuchi Estense, a regional take on the more traditional osso bucco (a veal stew) served with veggies and chopped almonds.
Like Bologna and Parma, Modena is an important gastronomic town. Its most famous product is aceto balsamico, considered the best in Italy by gourmets, but the centre also produces an excellent prosciutto crudo and zampone (stuffed pig's trotter). Tortellini is another speciality, as is Lambrusco, a lively, sparkling red, to be drunk chilled and with everything.
reviewed
-
O
Osteria dell’Angelo
Having hung up his boots, former rugby player Angelo runs a neighbourhood trattoria that’s hugely popular (making a reservation is a must), with paper cloths on solid wooden tables, burly fresh-from-the-scrum waiters, photos of Angelo’s sporting heroes and a sociable atmosphere. The huge set menu features a mixed antipasti, a robust Roman-style pasta, salad and a choice of hearty main courses including everything from tripe to beef to rabbit. To finish, you’re offered lightly spiced biscuits to dunk in sweet dessert wine. The price includes bread, wine and water. No credit cards.
reviewed
-
P
Pommidoro
Throughout San Lorenzo’s metamorphosis from down-at-heel working-class district to down-at-heel bohemian enclave, Pommidoro has remained the same. A much-loved local institution, it’s a century-old trattoria, with high star-vaulted ceilings, a huge fireplace and outdoor conservatory seating. It was a favourite of controversial film director Pier Paolo Pasolini, and contemporary celebs stop by – from Nicole Kidman to Fabio Cappello – but it’s an unpretentious place with superb-quality traditional food, specialising in magnificent grilled meats.
reviewed
-
Q
Trattoria Monti
The Camerucci family runs this elegant, brick-arched place, offering top-notch traditional cooking from the Marches region, with an unusual menu that includes lots of daily specials. Expect wonderful fried things, delicate pastas and ingredients such as pecorino di fossa (sheeps’ cheese aged in caves), goose, swordfish, sultanas, mushrooms and truffles. Try the speciality egg-yolk tortelli pasta. Desserts are delectable, including apple pie with zabaglione that’s worthy of a postcard home. Word has spread, so book ahead.
reviewed
-
R
Trattoria da Leo
Ask a local to recommend a lunch spot, and they will inevitably nominate this bustling trattoria. The clientele of tourists, students, workers and ladies taking a break from shopping have one thing in common: an appreciation for the cheap food and friendly ambience on offer. The food ranges from acceptable to delicious, with stand-out dishes including the vitello tonnato (cold veal with a tuna and caper sauce) and torta di fichi e noci (fig and walnut tart). No credit cards.
reviewed
-
S
Da Felice
Cantankerous former owner Felice used to vet every client on sight, but nowadays you can book ahead without worrying about whether your face will fit at this Testaccio institution. A makeover has seen it turn all post-industrial chic, but the menu, recited at your table, remains resolutely Roman. Try the glorious tonnarelli cacio e pepe, mixed in front of you, and the steaks. For those who love offal, there’s also some buttery Roman soul food, and the tiramisu gets top marks.
reviewed
-
T
Osteria Margutta
The epitome of a picturesque trattoria, theatrical Osteria Margutta is colourful inside and out: inside combines blue glass, rich reds and fringed lampshades, while outside flowers and ivy cover the quaint entrance (snap up a terrace table in summer). Plaques on the chairs testify to the famous thespian bums they have supported. The menu combines classic and regional dishes, with fish served fresh on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday; desserts are homemade, and there’s a top wine list.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
U
Armando al Pantheon
Family-run trattoria (since 1961) Armando’s is a wood-panelled, inviting, authentic institution close to the Pantheon. Always busy, it’s fed the likes of philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre and footballer Pelé. It specialises in traditional Roman fare, so if it’s baccalo alla Pizzaiola, it’s Friday. Other dishes are available all week, such as ravioli al tartufo nero (ravioli with black truffle). To finish try the homemade cakes. Book ahead.
reviewed
-
V
Ristorante Palazzo della Marra
Sit down to innovative regional cuisine under the vaulted ceiling of this tastefully restored 12th-century palazzo. The menu strikes a good balance between seafood and meat with dishes ranging from paccheri with sword fish and prawns to smoked duck with fennel cream and beef fillet in thyme. Desserts are also given a creative touch, as in tiramisu with cream of pistachio. The lunchtime menu, comprising a pasta, main course and side dish, is good value.
reviewed
-
W
Hostaria Zampagna
The trendification of Via Ostiense – with ever-growing numbers of bars and clubs in its side streets – has thankfully bypassed this humble trattoria. As for the past 80 years, you sit down to good hearty food prepared according to the city’s weekly calendar. It’s all splendid: try spaghetti alla carbonara,alla gricia or all ’ amatriciana, then tuck into tripe, beef or involtini.
reviewed
-
X
Casetta di Trastevere
With outside seating on a cobbled Trastevere corner, this characterful trattoria is held in high regard by Italians, who will cheerfully queue for a table, either inside or out. What they're waiting for is no-nonsense hearty fare served in pleasantly large portions. Particularly good is the crema di fave con crostini (broad-bean puree with croutons) and pasta e fagioli (thick borlotti-bean soup). Service can be slow when it's busy.
reviewed
-
Y
Ristorante Scarabeo
Behind a veritable jungle of lemon trees lies the venerable kitchen of Signora Battinelli. With husband Francesco, she whips up classics like fritelle di basilico (fried patties of bread, egg, Parmesan and basil) and home-made aubergine-and- provola ravioli. They breed their own rabbits, make their own falanghina (a light, fruit-forward white wine) and it’s all yours to devour under a pergola of bulbous lemons.
reviewed
