Back when Pianostrada was a literal hole-in-the-wall, people would line up on the tiny Trastevere street before opening time.
I was one of those people who waited in hopes of snagging one of the three tables, or a spot at the tiny bar at the restaurant’s old location.
Now, Rome’s Pianostrada has some seriously updated digs with the same great menu.
Run by two mother-daughter duos, Pianostrada has an open kitchen where the talented ladies can show off.
And those once cramped bar stools?
The wrap around seating also received an upgrade.
The menu still changes seasonally, incorporating high quality Italian ingredients with a modern refresh on traditional recipes.
The bread (and thus the sandwiches) remain exceptional.
But my favorite dishes by far are always the pasta.
A girl cannot live on cacio e pepe alone, so I head to Pianostrada when I need something more interesting and refreshing.
The menu also includes an expanded selection of secondi (a perk of the expanded kitchen space).
There is also a good list of natural wines available by the glass or the bottle, depending on how much time you have to wile away.
Now located after Ponte Sisto, closer to Campo de’ Fiori, Pianostrada’s much improved space includes a plant-filled outdoor patio for warm weather dining.
Just be sure to say hello to the puppies – and to call ahead for reservations. Pianostrada’s reputation was hard earned and well deserved, so getting a table is difficult without booking.
Pianostrada
Via delle Zoccolette, 22
00186 Rome (Centro Storico)
Open Tuesday – Sunday from 1 pm – 4 pm for lunch, and 7 pm – 11:30 pm for dinner. Closed Monday.
P.S. This restaurant is included as a recommended restaurant on the Discover Rome app.
Pianostrada’s new space is a big improvement for size and location. However my experience was that it’s incredibly noisy; all hard surfaces for sound to bounce off, and loud music that makes everyone talk louder to be heard. I had lunch there with a friend who has a hearing problem and the onslaught of noise from every direction made for a miserable experience. We asked if the stereo could be turned down and were told it could not.
Hi Derek – how disappointing! I’m sorry that happened. I haven’t noticed before, but I usually go for lunch or sit outside so I’m not sure if it depends on the time of day. Sorry again that you had that experience.
We happened upon Painostrada when we got lost walking to Trastavere from the Vatican in 2015!!! It was WONDERFUL. I have a lovely picture of the beautiful ladies as they posed for us behind the counter. We were able to go back one more time before leaving Rome that trip. Now we are coming back this year and are planning to go to the new location!! Can’t wait for that!!!
I am so glad that you love it as well!
Thank you for this post. Thanks to your blog and reviews, we had the best possible dinner experience in Rome last week. Pianostrada is just perfect!
I’m so so glad, Sonja!
I have been disappointed the last two years. I loved this place before. They seem to be cooking with a heavier hand. All the primi piatti are way too over sauced. Other Roman friends of mine have noticed the same thing. I loved the simplicity of their food that once was.
That is disappointing. I wonder if it is because they opened another location (PianoAlto) and so are now more stretched.