First time in Rome? Many people search for “Best Carbonara in Rome” or “Must-try Cacio e Pepe.”
But after living here for a while, we have a different thought.
In Rome, You Don’t Need to Chase Famous Restaurants
Italy is a country that deeply values regional food culture.
Rome has its own traditional cuisine — Cucina Romana.
The good news is: almost every traditional Roman restaurant has these classic dishes on the menu. Instead of queuing for hours at a hyped restaurant, sometimes walking into a small Osteria full of locals gives you the most memorable meal.
Travel should always leave space for happy accidents.
The Four Classic Roman Pastas You Must Try
1. Carbonara
Key ingredients: Egg, Guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano, black pepper
Important: Real Carbonara has no cream.
2. Amatriciana
Key ingredients: Tomato, Guanciale, Pecorino Romano, chili
Usually served with Bucatini (thick hollow pasta).
3. Cacio e Pepe
Key ingredients: Pecorino Romano, black pepper, pasta water
Simple but one of the hardest dishes to perfect.
4. Gricia
The predecessor of Carbonara — Guanciale and Pecorino Romano, no egg.
Must-Try Roman Snacks
Supplì (Roman Fried Rice Balls)
Crispy outside, gooey inside with mozzarella. Also called “Telephone Wire Supplì”.
Classic Roman Main Dishes
- Saltimbocca alla Romana: Veal with prosciutto and sage
- Coda alla Vaccinara: Roman-style braised oxtail
- Carciofi alla Giudia: Crispy fried artichoke (spring specialty)
- Filetto di Baccalà: Fried salted cod
Roman Dessert
Maritozzo con la Panna
Soft brioche filled with fresh whipped cream — our top dessert recommendation.
Momento’s Recommended Restaurants
1. Tonnarello (Trastevere / near Vatican)
Very popular, great for first-timers.
2. Osteria da Fortunata
Handmade pasta daily — you can often see the ladies making pasta by the window.
3. Nannarella (Trastevere)
Family-style, generous portions, reasonable prices.
4. Armando al Pantheon
More authentic Roman cuisine, worth reserving.
Useful Menu Translations
- Antipasti: Appetizers
- Primi: First course (pasta / risotto)
- Secondi: Main course (meat / fish)
- Contorni: Side dishes
- Dolci: Desserts
- Acqua Naturale: Still water
- Acqua Frizzante: Sparkling water
- Vino della Casa: House wine
Momento’s Travel Philosophy
We want to tell you:
The real Rome is not only in the number one spots on rankings.
Sometimes, turning into a quiet alley and finding a small restaurant full of locals,
ordering a simple Carbonara and a glass of house wine,
creates the most unforgettable memory.
Travel is not about how many famous restaurants you visit,
but about the natural, heartfelt moments you experience.
This is also the spirit of Momento —
Slow down, live in the moment, and create memories that truly belong to you.
Buon appetito!
Let Rome frame your Momento.
Doreen
Momento Roma
