LUDO Dine & Vibe 
3 Gluten-Free Pastry Shops in Milan 
There’s the friend who loves traditional trattorias, the bold girlfriend who prefers more modern spots, the relative who’s devoted to the local osteria, and the acquaintance who considers themselves an expert, always ready with an opinion. When it comes to Roman cuisine in the capital, the debates are endless, with entire evenings spent in spirited conversations and clashing viewpoints.
In such a vast city filled with culinary establishments, where are the places that truly honour the local tradition, offering perfectly crafted pasta dishes and impeccably prepared mains? Which spots truly celebrate simplicity in cuisine, transforming it into pure richness? Among familiar names and new openings, Flawless has selected the best trattorias in Rome, for sure-fire lunches and dinners.
SORA LELLA
Via di Ponte Quattro capi, 16
Food and cinema. Sora Lella’s story is entwined with that of Elena Fabrizi, a cook and actress from yesteryear who, 80 years ago, turned her passion for cooking into a powerhouse of tripe and regional flavours. Directors and stars have dined at this iconic trattoria on the Tiber Island. Though “Sora Lella” herself has passed, the family’s next generation has taken over, and while the cuisine has been slightly updated, signature dishes like potato gnocchi with amatriciana sauce, oxtail stew, and Roman-style chicken with peppers remain favourites and continue to delight Rome.
FELICE A TESTACCIO
Via Mastro Giorgio, 29
A landmark in the Testaccio district, where typical trattorias abound—as well as amphorae and fragments from ancient pots. Felice a Testaccio, bearing the name of Felice Trivelloni, is now among the Italian culinary gems in the capital. With a past tied to the neighbourhood’s genuine character, today it offers a modern approach to traditional cuisine. The interior design is distinctive, with a nod to post-industrial style. The dishes are a feast of colours and use only fresh ingredients, with special attention given to the presentation: simple, unfussy, yet never dull.
LO SCOPETTARO
Lungotevere Testaccio, 7
Legend has it that this venue once housed a broom-making workshop supplying even the Vatican. Hence the name, Lo Scopettaro, one of the city’s most historic and beloved trattorias, serving the public for over 80 years at number 7 in Testaccio, a district that champions simplicity through and through. The venue exudes a welcoming, homely feel, and the menu is brimming with options. If you’re on the hunt for an unforgettable carbonara, now you know where to find it.
TRATTORIA LILLI
Via Tor di Nona, 23
In 1969, in the midst of Italy’s post-economic boom, Loredana, known as Lilli, and her husband opened their restaurant, just steps away from Piazza Navona, offering guests the dishes they loved to prepare at home. Rigatoni alla gricia, penne all’arrabbiata, bucatini all’amatriciana, cacio e pepe, spaghetti alla carbonara: Trattoria Lilli is a kingdom of flavours where the past is preserved and used to enrich abundantly creamy pasta dishes. Forget decorative flourishes—what counts here is substance.
DA GINO AL PARLAMENTO
Vicolo Rosini, 4
The tiny alley of Vicolo Rosini brings a smile: compared to Rome’s grandeur and its sometimes endless streets, it’s like a tiny spot among giants. Tucked away here, “across from the Parliament,” as locals might say, is the trattoria of Cavalier Gino, a key dining spot for the area and a place where it’s easy to spot a politician or two. The venue is cosy, adorned with frescoes and touches of greenery that frame meals for all to enjoy. Here, a plate of freshly made pasta and a jug of red wine is the best combination.
FLAVIO AL VELAVEVODETTO, A TESTACCIO
Via Monte di Testaccio, 87
Flavio De Maio—remember the name, and keep in mind that his carbonara won the Carbonara Day contest, featuring some of Rome’s top chefs. So, if it’s your first visit to Al Velavevodetto in Testaccio, which has a slightly more refined twin at Piazza dei Quiriti, you’d be wise to try the chef’s signature dish. Add a Jewish-style artichoke starter and a tiramisu served in a glass for dessert, and you’ve got a perfect culinary trio.
DA ENZO AL 29
Via dei Vascellari, 29
Enjoying a well-made, indulgent cacio e pepe or a deliciously seasoned lamb dish just a stone’s throw from the Tiber River in Trastevere. Da Enzo al 29, whose sign stands out among some of the city’s old churches and buildings, has a deep commitment to local ingredients and suppliers (“all geographically close,” they like to point out). This is the kind of place that perfectly embodies the past, with each dish deserving a repeat.
TRATTORIA DA DANILO
Via Petrarca, 13
A short walk through Esquilino, Rome’s multicultural district, takes you to Da Danilo: a trattoria with carefully curated details where soft lighting and well-spaced tables create an intimate, inviting atmosphere. The menu is straightforward: a few antipasti, a select number of excellent first and second courses, followed by the venue’s signature dishes, like stewed lamb alla cacciatora and Roman-style cod. The strozzapreti with lard and aged pecorino from Fossa are a must-try—a clever take on the classic amatriciana.
SANTOPALATO
Piazza Tarquinia, 4/A/B
Only open for a few years, SantoPalato by Abruzzo-born Sarah Cicolini, a “Jewish-Roman cook,” has already won over adventurous foodies. The trattoria has a simple style with youthful touches that are also reflected in the cuisine. Local traditions come to the table in modern presentations without being altered beyond recognition. The chef’s touch is noticeable, yet not overpowering, making for a dining experience that is both different and subtly intriguing.
OSTERIA DA FORTUNATA
Via del Pellegrino, 11/12
A small family-run place near Campo de’ Fiori. You’ll spot it immediately thanks to the usual queue of patrons waiting to get a seat. The aroma of the kitchen fills the air nearby. At Osteria da Fortunata, there’s a parade of steaming plates that, even at a glance, make the mouth water. Here, everything is strictly homemade. The fresh pasta, especially, is rolled out by hand before the customers’ delighted eyes. Fettuccine, tagliolini, strozzapreti, gnocchi, ravioli have just the right texture, perfect for soaking up the sauces and flavours. We highly recommend trying one of their pasta dishes.
