Best Pasta in Trastevere Rome

Looking for the best pasta in Trastevere Rome?

In a neighborhood like Trastevere that is chock-a-block with restaurants, you will never be lacking in someplace to eat.

But because Trastevere is a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of  proverbial "tourist traps."

Also, Trastevere is home to a few university campuses, and so there is a large offering of inexpensive places to eat and especially to drink, sometimes resulting in quantity over quality.

Best Pasta in Trastevere Rome - My Favorites

On this page, I am not going to mention the tourist traps or bad places to eat.

For me the worst part of a "tourist trap" is actually less about the food (which may or may not be mediocre), but more about how tourists are treated vs. how locals are treated - different pricing, making you rush to eat, sticking service charges on the bill, etc.

Those are the restaurants I skip and never recommend.

So, on this page, I want to tell you where Alessandro and I, and also my Roman friends, go to eat some of the best pasta in Trastevere Rome.

This is based on my more than 20 years living in Rome, and tips from Alessandro and also from Roman friends who live in Trastevere.

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Best Pasta in Trastevere Rome - Cucina Romana/Roman Cuisine

I find most people want traditional Roman cuisine when they look for Trastevere restaurants/trattorias, which for most people means pasta!

At a typical Roman trattoria, the classic pasta dishes we are looking for are carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and gricia.

Not sure what these are? Visit my page about Cucina Romana.

Here are some of the places for the best pasta in Trastevere Rome where you can enjoy traditional Roman pasta:

Da Teo

When I asked my Trastevere pal Max where to go for some authentic cucina Romana in Trastevere, he sent me to Da Teo, and I've been going regularly ever since.

This family-run spot is tucked away on a little piazza, and serves up some of the best traditional Roman cuisine in the area.

They have a lot of regulars, and it's always packed, so book ahead, including for lunch.

Details: 

• Address: Piazza dei Ponziani, 7A
• Phone: +39 06 581 8355
• Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 12:30-15:00, 19:30-23:30 | Sundays CLOSED 
• Reservations are essential
  
• Outdoor dining available

La Tavernaccia Da Bruno

Tavernaccia da Bruno is on the outer edges of Trastevere proper, but it is worth making the effort to get there.

This is the place for hearty, perfectly prepared, simple Roman pasta.

They get it right every time.

Details: 

• Address: Via Giovanni da Castel Bolognese, 63
• Phone: +39 06 581 2792
• Opening hours: Monday-Tuesday: 12:45-15:00, 19:30-23:00 | Wednesday CLOSED | Thursday-Sunday: 12:45-15:00, 19:30-23:00  
• Reservations a must
  
• No outdoor dining
  

La Gattabuia

My Trastevere pal Max turned me on to this Roman trattoria hidden, literally underground, in one of the quietest corners of Trastevere. 

La Gattabuia is a bit off the beaten path, but it's worth seeking out if you are looking for simple, delicious cucina Romana.

Details: 

• Address: Via del Porto, 1
• Phone: +39 06 584 813
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 19:00-23:45  

Eggs Trastevere

Eggs does not actually fall into the category of "traditional Roman Trattoria", but their specialty is . . . well, eggs.

And that is one of the primary ingredients in carbonara.

So if you're a carbonara fan, or even a fan of scrambled eggs, head over to Eggs.

Besides traditional carbonara, the menu includes a selection of variations on that dish, including a vegetarian option.

Details: 

• Address: Via Natale del Grande 52/53
  
• Phone: +39 06 5817281
  
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00-23:00
  

Proloco Trastevere

The term "pro loco" indicates that this restaurant is all about promoting local regional foods and sourcing their ingredients locally.

At Proloco Trastevere, you will find plenty of local Roman and Lazio specialties, including the traditional Roman pastas.

You can also get delicious cold cut plates as well as pizza and other dishes.

Details: 

• Address: Via Goffredo Mameli, 23
• Phone: +39 06 580 3763
• Opening hours: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday-Friday: 17:00-02:00 | Saturday-Sunday: 12:00-02:00 

Ristorante La Scala

I love this fairly no-frills restaurant smack in the busy part of Trastevere, because they always keep it real.

It may feel touristy, since it's right in the middle of the tourist path through Trastevere, but if you are looking for simple Roman fare, you will find it here.

And when they make things like risotto alla pescatora (hard to find made really well in Rome), I get it here.

Details: 

• Address: Piazza della Scala, 58/61
• Phone: +39 06 580 3763
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00-24:00 
• Outdoor seating available
  

Da Carlone

Da Carlone is one of the more old-fashioned Trastevere restaurants.

The ambiance is warm and convivial, the service is brisk but friendly, and the portions are pretty huge.

I suggest sharing.

Here you will definitely find some of the best fried artichokes, carbonara (old-style, no crispy guanciale here!), gnocchi on Thursdays, etc.

They have a fairly cozy outdoor seating area as well.

Details: 

• Address: Via della Luce, 5
• Phone: +39 06 580 0039
• Opening hours: Mondays CLOSED | Tuesday-Sunday: 12:30-14:30, 19:30-23:30
• Reservations a must
  

i Vascellari

This simple no-frills traditional Roman restaurant is a perfect place to enjoy a casual, relaxing lunch or dinner.

There's nothing fancy or innovative here, just your typical Roman dishes made well.

You can count on perfectly made Roman dishes like fried artichokes, amatriciana, and saltimboca alla romana.

I love their homey, spartan indoor ambiance.

Details: 

• Address: Via dei Vascellari, 21
• Phone: +39 06 5833 4628
• Opening hours: Monday: 20:00-23:30 | Tuesday-Saturday: 12:30-15:30, 20:00-23:30 | Sundays CLOSED
• Reservations strongly suggested
  
• Outdoor seating available
  

Checco er Carattiere

Checco er Carattiere was the first Trastevere restaurant Alessandro recommended to me.

He remembers going here with his family when he was a kid.

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Checco is a Trastevere tradition, going back to the early 1900's.

The original restaurant used to be the "it" place for movie producers and journalists to eat in Trastevere back in the day of La Dolce Vita (50's and 60's).

It is still today run by the descendants of Checco, the original Carrettiere (which is argot for "tradesman".)

When you walk in, you feel the history of the place, and know you've arrived someplace special. (I really love all the garlic hanging from the rafters!)

You'll find delicious traditional Roman pastas (carbonara, amatriciana, etc.); typical Roman meat dishes like veal piccata or osso buco; and classic Roman desserts like tiramisu and panna cotta.

Details: 

• Address: Via Benedetta, 10
• Phone: +39 06 581 7018
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00-15:00, 19:30-24:00 
• Reservations suggested especially during busy periods and weekends. 
• Limited outdoor dining on a covered patio in the back.
  

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Roma Sparita

We used to go to Roma Sparita a lot.

I have not been in recent years only because there are just so many places in Rome I want to try, and some others have become faves, so I kind of lost track of this one.

This restaurant has always been famous for their cacio e pepe, in particular because it comes in a cute and delicious parmesan bowl.

At one point Anthony Bourdain talked them up.

So it became a little overly-popular and even harder to get into.

You definitely need to reserve.

The food is pretty traditional.

As an example, my English friend was aghast when they told her she could not order a side of potatoes because they were not traditional Cucina Romana. 

Details: 

• Address: Piazza di Santa Cecilia, 24
• Phone: +39 06 580 0757
• September 1 - May 30: Monday CLOSED | Tuesday-Saturday: 12:30-14:30, 19:30-23:30 | Sunday: 12:30-14:30
• June 1 - August 12: Monday: 19:30-23:30 | Tuesday-Saturday: 12:30-14:30, 19:30-23:30 | Sunday CLOSED
  
• CLOSED part of August
• Outdoor dining available
• Reservations essential
  

Da Augusto

This may be one of the simplest of the Roman trattorias in Trastevere.

There is not much of a menu, but what they do serve is basic, tasty Roman food.

They have tables outside, although it can be a bit cramped.

But it's worth it to come enjoy a pleasant, no-frills meal in the heart of Trastevere . . . and one that won't break the bank!

Details: 

• Address: 00153 Vicolo de' Renzi, 15
• Phone: +39 06 580 3798
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:30-15:00, 20:00-23:00
• Outside dining

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Best Pasta in Trastevere Rome - Seafood

Whether you're looking for seafood-based pasta or some in the group want seafood while others don't, here are a couple of excellent options where you will be guaranteed some of the best seafood pasta along with, of course, excellent seafood.

Osteria der Belli

Another Trasteverina friend, Maria Pasquale, told me about Osteria der Belli and now it is my go-to restaurant in Trastevere when I want seafood.

I love everything here from their simple grilled calamari to their fresh seafood appetizers.

You can count on delicious pasta, made simply and with the freshest ingredients. I love their tonnarelli with cherry tomatoes and sea bass.

Details: 

• Address: Piazza di Sant'Apollonia, 11
  
• Phone:  +39 06 580 3782
• Opening hours: Mondays CLOSED | Tuesday-Sunday: 12:30-15:00, 19:00-23:30
• Open throughout August, closed January for holidays
  
• Outside dining

LE MANI IN PASTA

Le Mani in Pasta is known for their seafood.

But the name means "hands in the pasta", presumably denoting the homemade kind.

In any case, that is my favorite thing about coming here - the pasta, which is really excellent. Their seafood is also good but I always go for the pasta (usually with seafood.)

Because it's been written about a lot, you will likely find yourself eating with a lot of other tourists, but don't let that put you off.

(If you want to eat without being surrounded by tourists, you will need to book for 9pm or later.)

Details: 

• Address: Via dei Genovesi, 37
• Phone:  +39 06 581 6017
• Opening hours: Mondays CLOSED | Tuesday-Sunday: 12:30-15:00, 19:00-23:30
• Reservations a must
  
• No outdoor dining

Best pasta in Trastevere Rome - Fusion/Upscale

In recent years, Rome has seen a huge growth in more innovative chefs and restaurants.

At the restaurants below, come prepared and ready to explore and try new things.

These restaurants could be considered elegant, upscale, and romantic.

They are all chef-driven and each has unique and recognizable style of cuisine.

I've tried them all and recommend them highly when you want something special, and don't mind splurging a bit.

Fernanda

Chef Davide Del Duca of Osteria Fernanda is a true genius at innovation.

Once mostly famous for his trademark amatriciana, chef Del Duca offers some wonderful, unusual dishes at his restaurants on the edges of Trastevere.

Details: 

• Address: Via Crescenzo del Monte, 18
• Phone:  +39 328 3847924
• Opening hours: Monday-Sunday: 12:00-22:00
• No outdoor seating

Glass Hostaria

Glass is one of the best restaurants in Trastevere, period. I ate here before Chef Christina Bowerman got her well-deserved Michelin star and ever since then have been completely hooked. 

At Glass, you'll find some of the best pasta in Trastevere if you're looking for something unusual and innovative.

Details: 

• Address: Vicolo del Cinque, 58
• Phone: +39 06 5833 5903
• Opening hours: Monday-Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday-Sunday: 12:30-15:00, 19:30-23:00
• Reservations strongly suggested
• No outdoor dining

Antico arco

Antico Arco is an excellent location for a special/romantic occasion. The decor is warm and welcoming, and the food is definitely up a notch from your basic Roman trattoria.

While you will find some traditional pastas on the menu, such as carbonara or cacio e pepe, there is usually some innovation to the dish.

I recommend also trying some of their more unusual creations, such as homemade tagliolini with cantarelli mushrooms, prawns and lemon thyme.

Details: 

• Address: Piazzale Aurelio, 7
• Phone: +39 06 581 5274
• Opening hours: Monday 12:00-24:00 | Tuesday CLOSED | Wednesday-Sunday: 12:00-24:00
• No outdoor dining

Trastevere Restaurants - A Map

Here's a map of all the places for best pasta in Trastevere Rome I listed on this page. (It will open in a new page.)

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