When it comes to traditional Italian , Rome shines in its own unique way. Roman cuisine offers a blend of simple ingredients that create complex and delicious flavors. From pasta dishes to meats, Roman cuisine is a must-try for food lovers. Luckily, there are trattorie throughout Rome that cook up some of the best traditional Roman dishes.
One of the most famous Roman dishes is Carbonara. This pasta dish cooked with egg yolk, guanciale, and black pepper, is said to have originated in Rome during World War II. An excellent place to try Carbonara is Trattoria Da Enzo al 29. Located in the Trastevere neighborhood, this trattoria is known for its authentic Roman dishes. The Carbonara at Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 is served with a creamy egg yolk sauce that is ly balanced with the guanciale’s saltiness. Their pasta dishes are handmade daily, making each dish a must-have.
Following Carbonara, another traditional Roman dish to indulge in is Cacio e Pepe. This pasta dish comes with only three simple ingredients; pepper, pecorino cheese, and spaghetti. The simplicity of these ingredients creates a dish that is both delicious and flavorful. For Cacio e Pepe, head over to Trattoria Armando al Pantheon. This trattoria is famous for its location, just a stone’s throw from the Pantheon, and its authentic Roman cuisine. The Cacio e Pepe at Trattoria Armando al Pantheon is cooked with perfectly al dente spaghetti, a generous amount of freshly grated pecorino cheese and black pepper. The dish is served in a Parmigiano Reggiano cheese bowl, creating the perfect combination of creamy and savory flavors.
In addition to pasta dishes, Roman cuisine is also known for its meat dishes. One of which is the classic Saltimbocca alla Romana. A delicious mix of flavors that make for a hearty dish, Saltimbocca alla Romana is cooked with veal scaloppine, prosciutto, and fresh sage. One of the best trattorie to try this dish is La Campana. Established in 1518, La Campana is one of the oldest trattorie in Rome. Their Saltimbocca alla Romana is cooked to perfection and served with a side of fresh sautéed spinach.
Finally, one can’t talk about Roman cuisine without mentioning the classic dish, Carciofi alla Romana. This dish consisting of artichokes cooked in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and mint, is a staple in Roman cuisine and a vegetarian’s delight. A great place to try this classic dish is at Trattoria Monti. This trattoria’s Carciofi alla Romana is often cited as the best in the city and once you taste it, it’s easy to see why. The artichokes are cooked to perfection, making them tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
In conclusion, Rome has a unique cuisine that is both flavorful and hearty. Trattorie throughout the city cook up traditional Roman dishes that are a must-try for any food lover. From Carbonara to Saltimbocca alla Romana, each dish has its own unique flavor that leaves you wanting more. The next time you are in Rome, make sure to indulge in the city’s wonders by tracking down a trattoria and ordering some of the best traditional Roman dishes.