Trattoria dell’Omo is one of the weirdest places I have been in a long time, and I mean that in the best possible way.
Dell’Omo is about as authentic as they come.
The peachy panelling hasn’t changed in decades, and the clearly Xeroxed menus make it feel like the management gave up on anything leather-bound long ago.
Dell’Omo is not a leather menu type of place.
We tried to make a reservation, but the phone only rang and rang. Instead, we risked our luck and arrived at 7:45 pm, shortly after they opened.
“Anto’!” yelled the waiter, “Where can I put two people?!”
We were placed in the front of the house, though there is also seating beyond the kitchen.
A big beer arrived for Jim, and a small for me.
The waiter opened them for us with my fork…
Excellent.
We finally ended up at dell’Omo because we had a train to catch at 9:15 pm.
Since the hosteria is a block from Termini, it was ideal for an early dinner.
The service was not exactly speedy, but since the food arrived at 8:30, we still had plenty of time to eat and amble down to the station.
I went home and laughed at the 1 star yelp review for service.
This is Rome.
In general, the service is disinterested at best.
At dell’Omo, the staff is small and more focused on making your gnocchi and homemade ravioli in the back.
Come for the food.
Hosteria dell’Omo is a classic, and it is up to you whether or not you are ready to embrace that.
When you decide to go, because you should decide to go, keep a keen eye out for it.
It would be easy to walk by the restaurant without thinking twice. The address number “18” has been written on the wall with sharpie.
Trattoria dell’Omo
Via Vicenza, 18
Rome, Italy
Phone: + 39 06 490411
Open: Everday from 12 pm – 3 pm for lunch; and 7:30 pm – 10:45 pm for dinner
You are right! I stayed in a hotel near Roma Termini and walked by this restaurant several times without knowing it’s such a good one!! Thanks for the post!
It took me years to try! Such an interesting place, frozen in time. (Plus the gnocchi was delicious!!)
Great to hear so many people are trying del’Omo!! I have been visiting this place regularly on visits to Rome since 1998. We just love the authentic food here. Always ask what is “in stagione” as there is always something not mentioned on the menu. In fact we very seldom look at the menu, Antonio always is too quick with seasonal suggestions!! Artichokes in spring are so good and simply presented. The carbonara is a dream and they prepare it properly – no cream!! We also love the way Antonio’s mama (Giessepina) prepares the vitello – either saltimbocca or alla limone. Don’t be in a hurry to get the bill, we usually have to go up and insist on paying by thrusting some Euros into Antonio’s hand. This has not changed in years and I just hope it can keep going, as mama is getting on in years now. After his father died a couple of years ago Antonio virtually ran front of house on his own. Good to see he has recruited helpers . Also try a coffee round the corner at Florian’s. You might even spot Antonio there having his morning coffee hit! Viva la cucina romana!
Love this history!
I tried to go here last night – because of your recommendation! – but unfortunately it was closed. No sign. I assume they’ve gone on holiday…I’ll have to try again in September.
Ended up persuading my not-very-adventurous Italian boyfriend to try Ethiopian/Eritrean food at the nearby Africa restaurant on Via Gaeta. Very good food, and it is nice to have a change from pasta sometimes.
Ah, bummer! We should have checked summer hours. I think they are closed for ferie, but glad you tried Africa! Love their vegetarian combo plates.
We were staying nearby since we were taking an early morning train and had dinner here-the ravioli were amazing-reminded me of what my grandmother used to make.
Oh good! I think that is the perfect way to try it, because we did the same before a train. So glad you enjoyed the homemade ravioli. It’s a funny place, isn’t it?
Very authentic
Great food
Organised chaos
It’s all you could wish for
Great food ,cheap friendly
Get there early 7.30, there’s a queue by 8.00
Great summary and an excellent tip!
What would happen if we walked in with 2 small suitcases with us? We’ll be coming into termini from our international flight right around 1pm with a hungry family that wants to very eat well (we are of Italian descent, our whole trip gets based around food alone). Do we need to store our bags at the station for the duration of lunch or would they be cool with us shoving our bags under the table?
It is SO close to the train station that I think this is pretty normal. You should be fine! It’s a small place but you can find room behind your chairs or something similar.
Thanks! I would hate to offend them by bringing them in but seems like a waste of time to store just so we can eat. Kids won’t stop talking about cacio e pepe so it’s the first stop planned.