Nobody wants to wind up in a tourist trap. But Rome, despite being voted the World’s Best Food City, does sadly have its fair share of shady touristy restaurants, offering reheated fare at eye-watering prices.
The riverside district of Trastevere is better than most areas in Rome for finding authentic Roman food. It still maintains its Roman identity in terms of art, architecture, culture and cuisine. And because Romans hate nothing more than being ripped off, the quality of its restaurants has remained consistent.
The problem is that Trastevere has also become incredibly popular among tourists in recent years, especially during the evening when its bustling streets accommodate Rome’s wildest nightlife. Where tourists come, tourist traps follow — preying upon unsuspecting travellers who don’t know what to look out for.
That’s why we’ve written this guide to the best restaurants in Trastevere: to make sure you get the most out of every meal during your time in Rome. So escape the tourist traps and use this guide to the best restaurants in Trastevere to help you find your way through the neighbourhood’s unique dining scene.
Antica Trattoria da Carlone
The Antica Trattoria da Carlone serves up some of the best pasta in Rome. This bustling family trattoria in Trastevere has been serving the well-known eggs-and-guanciale (pork cheek) pasta dish for years. Once you’re seated, the waiter will typically offer “a glass of water, wine, and a carbonara, of course.”
It’s all about a humongous-sized platter of freshly cooked pasta in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy lardons and a mountain of parmesan.
Carbonara is the restaurant’s speciality, however, there are other Roman staples on the menu as well.
Learn to make real Roman carbonara on a Pasta & Tiramisù Class in Rome! 👇
La Prosciutteria
La Prosciutteria is not just one of the best Trastevere restaurants, it’s practically a culinary paradise for all the cheese and meat enthusiasts out there. Treat your taste buds as you savour delectable local cuts of meat and cheese, perfectly accompanied by the vibrant flavours of fresh, seasonal fruit and the artistry of homemade spreads.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a leisurely sit-down meal, this culinary haven awaits your arrival. If you’re feeling fancy, why not enjoy the gourmet cold cuts platter? Or, if you’re in a hurry, grab a sandwich made with schiacciata or ciabatta and savour the taste on the fly. Either way, your taste buds are in for a treat!
Ai Marmi
Situated on Trastevere’s main street, Viale di Trastevere, Ai Marmi is the best pizzeria in the neighbourhood. The décor is wonderfully quaint, and the wood-fired oven has been producing thin and crispy pizzas for more than 50 years.
Every night, hundreds of pizzas are cooked and topped with classics like spicy rocket leaves and slivers of salty prosciutto; for the daring, there’s salsiccia (sausage meat) and courgette flowers.
Check out these other recommendations for the best pizza in Rome.
Da Enzo al 29
Da Enzo al 29 would be at the top of our list if we had to pick just one of our favourite Trastevere eateries. But you can’t book a table here, so turn up early if you want to sample its menu for yourself.
Tucked away in the heart of Trastevere just off a quaint piazza, this family-run restaurant takes great delight in delivering traditional food created using ingredients that are acquired locally.
Enjoy a glass of wine with traditional Roman pasta dishes like cacio e pepe or carbonara. It is a destination that food lovers must come to because of the welcoming atmosphere and helpful employees. There are dishes like fiore di zucca and amatriciana on the menu that are extremely representative of classic Roman cuisine.
We strongly recommend the rigatoni alla carbonara, which might just be the best in town.
The Glass Hostaria
The Glass Hostaria is a restaurant for special occasions, for its sleek and stylish vibe. Cristina Bowman, a famous chef, owns this only two-Michelin-star restaurant in Trastevere. The interior has an industrial atmosphere thanks to exposed brick and sharp angles, and the food is equally as contemporary as the furnishings.
The choices include a la carte dishes or a six-course tasting menu, and each is based on Italian heritage while combining cuisines from around the world. Past recipes have included whitefish with tamarind and charred spring onions, inspired by Southeast Asia, and ravioli stuffed with five-year-aged Parmigiano-Reggiano and asparagus.
Fatamoranga
Finally, what’s an award-winning Trastevere food tour without the delectable taste of gelato?
Fatamorgana is one of the best gelaterias in Trastevere — a lovely little ice cream shop tucked away off a cobbled street in the district’s centre.
The cheesecake with blueberries, fine Madagascar chocolate, Sorrento walnuts, and Corinthian raisins is one of its best masterpieces. If you’re a fruit person more inclined towards the fruit, sherbert with berries is also delicious.
For our US readers, Fatamorgana has recently established a joint in Beverly Hills.
➡️ Looking for a more extensive list? Check out this local guide to the best restaurants in Trastevere
Join Us on a Mouth-Watering Trastevere Food Tour!
Trastevere is a food lover’s paradise, with a multitude of eateries showcasing the best of Roman cuisine. Whether you’re craving traditional dishes, gourmet experiences, or delectable street food, this charming neighbourhood has it all. From trattorias to pizzerias and gelaterias, the culinary landscape of Trastevere is a reflection of Rome’s rich gastronomic heritage.
So, when you find yourself in Trastevere, don’t miss the opportunity to join our food tour and uncover the neighbourhood’s gastronomic treasures. Why not take your culinary adventures a step further by participating in a pasta and tiramisu cooking class!
It’s a chance to create lasting memories, forge connections with fellow food lovers, and satiate your appetite for both food and knowledge. Buon appetito!
