Top Trastevere restaurants and pizzerias

Trastevere, a classic spot on the far bank of the Tiber (hence the name), has for the past decades attracted a cluster of Romans and foreigners that love walking around the little medieval alleys and enjoy the dozens of restaurants, pubs and cocktail bars spread around the neighbourhood, especially on weekends.

Trastevere is very famous for its restaurants, pubs and pizzerias. The district that never sleeps offers unique nightlife and cool lifestyle, also being a very safe area of Rome. In Trastevere there are lots of great places to eat and drink. Don’t miss those on this list! And print this post and bring it in your wallet during your next vacation in Rome.

Among the many touristy bars, there are classic spots as well as some pleasant new places. Hordes of youngsters can be found at Freni e Frizioni (Via del Politeama 4), Il Baretto’s summer garden (Via Garibaldi 27f) and amid the topsy-turvy decor of Pucci Bar (Piazza Mastai 1) for their aperitifs. One can find typical Roman pizza, thin and crunchy, at Ivo (Via S. Francesco a Ripa 158), Panattoni (Viale Trastevere 53), better known as `L’Obitorio’ (the morgue) because of its marble tables, and Dar Poeta (Vicolo del Bologna 45). There is also traditional Roman cuisine in `proper’ taverns, such as Enzo (Via dei Vascellari 29), Lucia (Via del Mattonato 2b), Paris (Piazza S.Callisto 7a), and at the refined L’Antica Pesa (Via Garibaldi 18). Via Benedetta has recently become a Mecca for real ale thanks to the pizzeria Bir&Fud (at no. 23) and the pub Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà (no. 25), which has been voted the world’s Best Beer Bar in 2010 in a specialist magazine. Sophisticated cuisine, so much so as to place its restaurants in the city’s circle of top dining places, can be found at the Glass Hostaria (Vicolo del Cinque 58) and an aperitif bar, restaurant and food & wine shop is available at the Enoteca Ferrara (Piazza Trilussa 41). For a touch of ethnic food there is Indonesian cuisine at Bali (Via del Mattonato 29) or Indian food at Jaipur (Via S. Francesco a Ripa 56) and Japanese-fusion at Somo (Via G. Mameli 5).

Some top Trastevere restaurants and pizzerias:

• Da Augusto (Piazza dé Renzi, 15), a Roman institution sit outside in summer at folding wooden tables with paper tablecloths, on which your bill be scribbled at the end of the evening,
• Da Giovanni (Via della Lungara, 41/a) an artists’ hangout on the edge of Trastevere. Prices are unbelievably low and the cooking is good, plain Roman fare. It’s tiny and you can’t make reservations, so come as close to opening time as possible,
• Da Paris (Piazza San Callisto, 7) great restaurant serving Jewish food near Santa Maria in Trastevere. Is known for its fish and pasta and for the traditional Roman dish like gran fritto vegetale con baccalà (a fry-up of artichokes, courgettes and their flowers and salt cod) trippa alla romana (tripe in the Roman style),
• Alberto Ciarla (Piazza San Cosimato 40). The reputation of this restaurant is stuck in the same 1960s time warp as the décor. But Alberto Ciarla is still one of Rome’s best fish restaurants and pasta e fagioli con le cozze (pasta and beans with mussels) and spigola con le erbe (sea bass with herbs) are trademark dishes,
• Antico Arco (Piazzale Aurelio, 7) dinner at this relaxed creative Italian restaurant on the Gianicolo hill – right behind Porta san Pancrazio – is always a pleasure. The soothing modern décor makes up for the lack of a view and the service is mostly attentive – though it can get a little terse at peak periods,
• Dar Poeta (Vicolo del Bologna, 45-46) eighteen types of bruschetta and unusual pizzas amid the old favourites. Save room for the dessert, the sweet calzone stuffed with Nutella and ricotta is to die for,
• Da Ivo (Via San Francesco a Ripa, 158). The classic pizza is always good, but the owners also come up with interesting and unusual toppings. It’s busy and bustling so arrive early or be prepared to wait for a table. However the turn-over quick and the service efficient.

Consider also visiting the typical Trastevere shops:

• Decò lamps (Vicolo del Cinque no. 48)
• Mad sculptural footwear creations by Joseph Debach (Vicolo del Cinque no. 19).
• Chocoholics: take note of the delicatessen shop selling fine chocolate and books (Vicolo del Cinque no. 11A)
• At no 24 of Vicolo del Cinque, on your left, you will find Jacche Calzature selling shoes all priced at 36 €.

Looking for accommodation in this wonderful and safe area of Rome?

Take your time to visit our selection of trastevere apartments for rent.