Trattoria dell’Omo in Rome: Dinner by Termini Station

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 Rome

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.

Hosteria dell omo menu

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.

Peroni beer bottles

A big beer arrived for Jim, and a small for me.

The waiter opened them for us with my fork…

Excellent.

restaurant near Termini

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.

homemade gnocchi in Rome

I went home and laughed at the 1 star yelp review for service.

This is Rome.

In general, the service is disinterested at best.

dell moo traditional Roman restaurant

At dell’Omo, the staff is small and more focused on making your gnocchi and homemade ravioli in the back.

Come for the food.

dell omo Rome gnocchi

Hosteria dell’Omo is a classic, and it is up to you whether or not you are ready to embrace that.

Termini station good place to eat

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

13 thoughts on “Trattoria dell’Omo in Rome: Dinner by Termini Station

  1. Vy says:

    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!

    • Peter Bunn says:

      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!

  2. Alexandra says:

    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.

    • Natalie says:

      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.

  3. janie says:

    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.

    • Natalie says:

      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?

  4. Richard Krantz says:

    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

  5. Jenn says:

    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?

    • Natalie says:

      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.

      • Jenn says:

        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.

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