Da Gildo Trastevere

Via della Scala, 31/A
Trastevere
www.dagildoatrastevere.it

Da Gildo is a typical Roman trattoria serving flavors from various regions since 1958.

It is a great find in Trastevere, which can be tricky to navigate in terms of both food and streets.

Some say that Trastevere is more truly “Roman” than the rest of the city, which may be because there aren’t as many tourists there than in the main piazzas of Rome.

The family is of Umbrian and Tuscan provenance, and strives to pay particular attention to the simplicity of their traditional offerings, creating them “as they once were,” making this a perfect example of a truly traditional Italian restaurant.

Their motto of “the simplicity of taste” really holds true for this special place.

As a trattoria, it’s a casual place, with indoor and outdoor seating; the ambiance is relaxed and accommodating, good for groups or couples.

The menu is extensive and offers many flavors and styles of Italian cuisine, from pizza to fish to delicious primi piatti.

Da Gildo offers only the freshest seasonal products acquired directly every day from the local market.

The pizzas are made in the forno a legna in the traditional style, and for main dishes there are many choices of the best cuts of meat or fresh fish, depending on availability.

In Da Gildo, you can sample sausage from Umbria, olive oil from Puglia and many other exquisite Italian specialties.

Da Fabrizio

Via S. Dorotea, 10
Trastevere
Open for dinner
Menu only in Italian

Another gem in Trastevere, across the Tiber, Da Fabrizio is a family-run restaurant usually filled with locals.

The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, while the food ranges from traditionally Roman and the epitome of “comfort food,” to unique seasonal dishes that set it apart from other restaurants.

Despite having (well-deserved) celebrity endorsements on the walls, they manage to remain unpretentious, which is a quality seldom found in quality Roman restaurants.

The service is prompt and unobtrusive, though they are always happy to provide recommendations or information about their dishes.

If you’d like to go for the comfort food, try the spaghetti carbonara, meatballs, or spaghetti cacio e pepe, or any of the other typical Roman dishes, all of which are done to perfection.

Fabrizio is known to offer up the most pleasant novelties in his cuisine, so don’t be afraid to stray from your usual favorites here.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try the gnocchi di agnello (potato dumplings with lamb), the fresh fish, or the pasta tartufo (pasta with fresh truffles).

To finish your meal, try the house made tiramisu (literally “pick-me-up” in Italian) and enjoy a glass of grappa or amaro before heading back to your hotel to digest.