ROME,ITALY
TRATTORIA DA ENZO AL 29
The hip, young epicenter of Trastevere is home to a neighborhood gem named Da Enzo Al 29. The family owned restaurant has just over 10 tables inside and out. Ever since the 1980s, Da Enzo has been producing delicious Roman classics including fried artichoke, cacio e pepe and of course, their claim to fame, the carbonara. The carbonara is made with egg yolk, pecorino cheese, black pepper and guanciale. A reservation is recommended as waits can be up to an hour.
Link to website: http://www.daenzoal29.com/
DAR POETA
In a quaint and unassuming alleyway in the heart of Trastevere a wonderful smell of freshly made pizza will draw you to Dar Poeta. The variety of pizza choices will truly give you a chance to have locally sourced ingredients from the surrounding area. There's nothing like some red or white house wine with some of the best pizza in Rome to go alongside it.
Link to website: https://www.darpoeta.com/en/dar-poeta-en/
TRAM DEPOT
If your are in need of a quality breakfast, look no further than the Tram Depot. Just a few blocks from the Piramide metro station is where this small yet unique stop is located. You are served out of a cart with the likes of freshly squeezed orange juice, decadent pastries and some tasty cappuccino. The seating area is situated around a peaceful park area where you are served with your food and drinks.
Link to website: https://www.facebook.com/TramDepotOfficial
CIUCULLÁ
Gelato in Italy? I can't really imagine many things better than that. Ciucullá gelato is located right outside of the ancient Pantheon. Just think, a gelato shop is situated right next to a structure which has stood there since 127 AD. In fact, that's what makes Rome one of the best meshes of ancient meeting modern. Everywhere you look there's history to be explored. Get some creamy gelato and take in history.
OSTERIA ST. ANA
Just across the Tiber River is an underground restaurant serving homemade pasta. Once you walk downstairs, the interior is similar to being in rustic villa in an Italian village. I ordered the truffle lasagna. Yes, you heard that right and yes, it is what you think. This incredible meal paired so well with a glass of red wine and some great friends to share it with. Take a trip to this low key and relaxing place to enjoy other people's company and food you can only dream about.
Link to website:https://www.facebook.com/RistoranteSt.AnaRoma
GINGER
Italian food is undoubtedly incredible in every way possible yet sometimes you just need a break from the richness it provides. Ginger is a great brunch spot for those who want a change of culinary scenery. I ordered the burger with an ube, purple sweet potato bun along with baked potato wedges. The lychee martini was a perfect pairing to go along with the succulent burger. They also serve pancakes and fresh fruit smoothies which are made right behind the counter in the main dining area. The restaurant is located a few minutes away from the Spanish Steps.
Link to website: https://www.gingersaporiesalute.com/
3QUARTI
A short walk from the Vatican will lead you to the restaurant 3Quarti which presents a modern take on Italian cuisine. I went here one day after a class and it certainly did not disappoint. Even though I was there alone, it felt like I was there with friends as the staff were all so welcoming. I got the carbonara and a glass of red wine. The combination went so well together. I recommend going here for lunch as it gets really packed and busy.
Link to website: http://www.3quarti.it/en/home/
OSTERIA DA FORTUNATA
Osteria da Fortunata makes handmade pasta everyday. You can see the staff making it through the front window and you can't help but be so excited so your meal. I had the carbonara but in a different form then what I was accustomed too. The pasta was thinner than the rigatoni I was served at other places. I really enjoyed the meal with some friends and I hope to return the next time I visit Rome. The restaurant is not too far away from Piazza Del Popolo.
Link to website: https://www.facebook.com/osteriadafortunata/
AMI POKÉ
In the eastern part of Rome, there is a restaurant serving authentic poké available for dine in or delivery. I know you may be skeptical of raw fish in Italy but hear me out it's so delicious. They make them the same way as if you were having it in Hawaii. The concept is a fun alternative to the dominating Italian food scene.
Link to website: https://www.amipoke.com/
VIOLA
East of the Tiber, Viola has been serving the locals since the late 1800s. The deli has so many choices of meats and cheeses you will simply not know what to do. The best way to go is to ask a staff member behind the counter to point out the best ones. You can put them all into a paper cone for a meat and cheese tasting. I tried this method and it was full and smokey and spicy meat. I recommend going here for a midday snack after an extensive walk through the picturesque streets of Rome.
Link to website: https://norcineriaviola.it/
TEMAKINHO ROMA BORGO
One block away from the epicenter of the Catholic religion, the Vatican, Temakinho introduces a Brazilian cuisine to the locals and tourists. I recommend going to the rooftop terrace where you have spectacular views of the Vatican and Roman streets alike. Try some sushi rolls, jumbo shrimp and sushi burritos during your visit. This is just another reason why Rome is so loved by many. The immersive cultures intertwining together make for a great melting pot of tasty cuisines.
Link to website: https://www.temakinho.com/pages/temakinho-rome-borgo
TIBERINO
Just east of Trastevere, in the middle of the Tiber River, there is an island with a restaurant and church. The restaurant is fittingly called Tiberino. The unique location draws huge crowds every night for dinner. You have to try a true Roman classic, no it isn't pasta. The classic is ox tail. The ox tail is cooked to perfection to the point where the meat just falls off the bone. This multi floor location is such a great destination for locals and tourists.
Link to website:http://tiberinoroma.it/
ROSCIOLI
Wine, pasta and fresh pastries? Sounds wonderful right? Roscioli is a unique set up east of the tiber. It has three locations yet they are all within the same block. One serves the pastries, one is a bar setting and the other is the main restaurant with a downstairs and bar seating. I ordered the Amatriciana which consists of rigatoni pasta with guanciale, pecorino cheese and pomodoro sauce. After dinner they give you a complimentary dessert with sugar coated cookies and a warm, chocolate dipping sauce.
Link to website: https://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/en/home-english/
