Trastevere is known for being one of the most charming areas of Rome but, as with everywhere, there are many sides to the neighborhood. That’s why it might come as some surprise that one of the best restaurants in Trastevere is tucked behind a McDonald’s in a residential part of the neighborhood.
La Tavernaccia has the Roman cooking that you didn’t even know you were missing.
The traditional local restaurant serves all the classics, including one of my favorite pasta alla gricia in all of Rome. This is the unsung hero of Roman recipes – pecorino cheese and guanciale (pork jowl) slicking the pasta with savory bacon fat and salty cheese.
Of course, there are more complicated dishes as well. Keep an eye out for the porchetta that is sometimes made in house as well as all the roast meat in general – particularly abbacchio (milk-fed lamb).
Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. Even the seasonal starters are worth stopping in for. La Tavernaccia (officially La Tavernaccia Da Bruno) uses only the highest quality local products, from all over Italy.
There is an attention to selecting Slow Food products, as well.
The wine list is also amazing.
It leans towards natural wine – some of which can, in fairness, be a little funky. Ask for some guidance from the server to find the right bottle. If they say it’s molto particolare – that’s sometimes a sign it’s going to be a bit weird. Go for it if you’re willing to take the risk, otherwise, describe the type of wine you’re looking for and let them suggest a bottle.
The menu changes regularly so there is always a reason to come back. La Tavernaccia also has pizza but I’ve never tried it because this is some of my favorite pasta in Rome so I always find a primo worth trying.
Reservations are pretty much essential so call ahead to book a table.
La Tavernacchia da Bruno
Via Giovanni da Castel Bolognese, 63
Rome, Italy (Protunese / Trastevere)
Phone: + 39 06 581 2792
Email: [email protected]
Open: 12:45 – 3 pm for lunch and 7:30 pm – 11 pm for dinner. Closed Wednesday.
Note: In 2019, La Tavernaccia is closed for summer holidays from 26 August to 19 September.
This is my favorite restaurant in Rome. Everything we’ve eaten there has been amazing and the staff is so cordial and welcoming ,even to tourists. I absolutely love the maialino and roasted potatoes!
Have you gotten around to trying the pizza? It’s my favorite in Rome. Extremely thin – like an even thinner version of Emma.
I am always too tempted by the pasta. My favorite pizza Da Remo is just over the bridge in Testaccio.
Hello. My partner and I are visiting Rome next month and she is vegetarian. I’ve seen this restaurant recommended elsewhere but does it serve vegetarian dishes? Thanks in advance.
Hello! Cacio e pepe is Rome’s most famous vegetarian dish and they have it here. You can also find vegetarian soups (depending on the seasonal dishes), vegetarian pizzas, and several side dishes.