7 Best Pasta Restaurants in Rome: Trattorias You NEED to Try
- Amby Mathur
- Sep 29, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Apr 27
By Ambika Mathur
I've bee living in Naples, Italy since 2022, and I often visit Rome, which is just an hour's train ride away. Nearly every time my husband Marco and I find ourselves in the Eternal City, I ask,"Can we go get cacio e pepe?" Over the years, we've made it a tradition to try it at a different trattoria each visit- and this list is the result. It's been personally vetted by Marco's Roman cousin, so you know it's the real deal.
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Table of Contents
What Is a Trattoria (And Why Does It Matter?)
Before we dive in, here's a quick Italian dining 101: a trattoria is an Italian-style eating establishment that sits between a casual osteria and a formal ristorante. Think: relaxed atmosphere, checkered tablecloths, generous portions, and a menu that changes with the seasons. These are the spots where Romans actually eat, not the tourist traps lining the piazzas.
If you want the best pasta in Rome, skip the restaurants with laminated picture menus near the Colosseum. Head to a trattoria.
Must-Try Roman Pasta Dishes
Rome has its own iconic pasta canon. Before you sit down at any of these restaurants, know what to order:
Cacio e Pepe: The queen of Roman pasta. Just pecorino romano, black pepper, and tonnarelli (a thick spaghetti). Deceptively simple, endlessly delicious.
Carbonara: Egg yolk, guanciale (cured pork cheek), pecorino, and black pepper. No cream. Ever.
Amatriciana: Tomato, guanciale, and pecorino, typically served with rigatoni.
Cacio e Uova: A lesser-known egg-and-cheese pasta from the Roman Jewish tradition, worth seeking out.
Rigatoni con la Pajata: For the adventurous: pasta with veal intestines in tomato sauce. A true Roman classic.
The 7 Best Pasta Restaurants in Rome
1. Trattoria der Pallaro
Best for: Rigatoni lovers and those who want a real Roman feast
Trattoria der Pallaro is one of Rome's most beloved old-school trattorias, tucked into the Largo del Pallaro near Campo de' Fiori. It's famous for its set-price menu: you don't choose, the kitchen decides, and it's always worth it.
Must order: Rigatoni (whatever preparation is on the menu that day), and absolutely do not skip the lemon tart for dessert. It's legendary.
Vibe: Old Rome, no-frills, full of locals and regulars.
2. Cacio e Pepe Trattoria
Best for: The definitive cacio e pepe experience
Named after the dish itself, Cacio e Pepe Trattoria in the Prati neighborhood takes its namesake dish very seriously, as it should. This is where you go when you want to understand what cacio e pepe is actually supposed to taste like.
Must order: Cacio e pepe (obviously) and their carbonara, which is equally excellent.
Vibe: Neighborhood gem, popular with locals from the Prati district.
3. Il Ciociaro
Best for: Rigatoni AND the best tiramisu in Rome
Il Ciociaro is the kind of trattoria that makes you want to move to Rome. The rigatoni is exceptional, but honestly? The tiramisu deserves its own mention. It might be the best I've ever had, and I've had a lot of tiramisu in Italy.
Must order: Rigatoni (any preparation) and save room for the tiramisu. Non-negotiable.
Vibe: Warm, welcoming, and family-run feeling.
4. Hostaria da Pietro
Best for: A romantic, classic Roman dinner
Hostaria da Pietro is a gem near the Pantheon, close to the tourist center but firmly in the "locals eat here" category. The tagliatelle is silky and perfectly sauced, and their dessert tart is the kind of thing you think about on the flight home.
Must order: Tagliatelle and the tart.
Vibe: Intimate, cozy, perfect for a date night in Rome.
5. Alfredo alla Scrofa
Best for: Carbonara pilgrims and pasta history lovers
Alfredo alla Scrofa is one of the most historically significant pasta restaurants in all of Rome. This is the original home of fettuccine Alfredo (yes, that Alfredo), and the carbonara here is nothing short of exceptional.
Must order: The carbonara. Seriously, it's one of the best in the city.
Vibe: Historic, a bit more polished than the average trattoria, but still genuine Roman.
6. Tonnarello
Best for: Bucatini and Trastevere vibes
Tonnarello sits right in the heart of Trastevere, Rome's most atmospheric neighborhood, and it's famous for one thing above all: bucatini all'Amatriciana. The outdoor seating on the cobblestone street makes it one of the most atmospheric dining experiences on this list.
Must order: Bucatini, without question.
Vibe: Lively, social, quintessential Trastevere. Great for groups.
7. Hostaria da Giggetto
Best for: Roman Jewish cuisine and a unique neighborhood experience
Hostaria da Giggetto is located in Rome's historic Jewish Ghetto, one of the city's most fascinating neighborhoods. The menu reflects the Roman Jewish culinary tradition, which gave Rome some of its most iconic dishes.
Must order: Rigatoni or risotto, and both are outstanding. Try the fried artichokes (carciofi alla giudia) as an antipasto while you're at it.
Vibe: Historic, culturally rich, off the beaten tourist path
Tips for Dining at a Trattoria in Rome
A few things that will make your trattoria experience even better:
Arrive early or make a reservation. The best spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. Call ahead or book online when possible.
Lunch is often better value. Many trattorias offer a pranzo (lunch) menu at a lower price than dinner.
Don't rush. Italian dining is an experience, not a transaction. Settle in, order un antipasto, primo, maaybe even un secondo, an oh what the heck, get un dolce too. Expect the experience to last a few hours, and enjoy it!
Vino. At a trattoria for lunch, the most classic move is ordering the vino della casa (house wine) by the mezzo litro or caraffa. It's usually a local table wine, very affordable, and honestly often delicious. Romans aren't precious about wine the way other regions can be. It's meant to be enjoyed with the food, not analyzed.
A coperto is normal. On your bill, you will see a coperto, which is simply the cover charge for the restaurant's service. It's normal.
Ask what's fresh that day. The best trattorias rotate their menu. Your server will always know what to order.
Plan Your Rome Food Experience
Want to take your Rome food experience to the next level? Consider a cooking class to learn how to make these dishes yourself.
Marco and I booked this experience in Rome and had so much fun! Aria is a great chef and welcomes you into her actual home in Trastevere, and then you cook an incredible meal together. LOVED it.
Looking for somewhere to stay while you eat your way through Rome? Here are a few affiliate resources to help you plan:
Search hotels in Rome on Booking.com: Great for filtering by neighborhood (I recommend staying in Trastevere or Prati for easy access to several restaurants on this list)
Find flights to Rome on Omio: journey filters help you search for the cheapest flight, select the most convenient airports, or highlight the number of layovers.
FAQs: Best Pasta in Rome
What is the most famous pasta dish in Rome? Cacio e pepe is arguably Rome's most iconic pasta dish, though carbonara and amatriciana are equally beloved by locals.
What neighborhood has the best pasta restaurants in Rome? Trastevere and Prati are both excellent neighborhoods for authentic trattorias. The Jewish Ghetto is also worth visiting for its unique culinary tradition.
Are these restaurants tourist-friendly? Yes, all of these trattorias welcome tourists warmly, but they're also popular with locals, which is always a good sign.
How much does pasta cost at a trattoria in Rome? Expect to pay roughly €10-16 for a pasta dish at a trattoria. A full meal with wine and dessert typically runs €25-45 per person.
Do I need to make a reservation? For dinner, especially on weekends, a reservation is strongly recommended at most of these restaurants. Lunch is generally more walk-in friendly.
Enjoyed this guide? Save it for your next trip to Rome, and send me a message if you try any of these trattorias. I love hearing about your food adventures!
Un bacio,
Amby
Let's connect: TikTok / Instagram / YouTube: @ambymathur | hello@travelwithamby.com
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