Where to Eat Pasta in Rome: Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe and More

Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 in Trastevere serves some of the most authentic Carbonara in Rome, priced at €13. The dish is made with fresh eggs, pecorino romano, and guanciale, combined with perfectly al dente spaghetti.

Located at Via dei Vascellari 29, Trattoria Da Enzo al 29 is a small, rustic eatery that fills quickly, especially during dinner hours from 7 pm to 10:30 pm. The aroma of cured pork and pecorino cheese fills the narrow dining room, while the sizzling sound of guanciale frying in the kitchen promises the rich flavor ahead. The Carbonara here avoids cream, relying instead on the emulsion of egg yolks and cheese to create its creamy texture.

Arriving early is wise, as queues often form outside, particularly on weekends. The restaurant accepts reservations only for groups larger than six. This spot is a favorite among locals, so you’ll hear Italian being spoken at every table, adding to the authentic atmosphere. For other pasta dishes in the area, check out our guide to Trastevere's best restaurants.

Cacio e Pepe is a simple Roman pasta made with pecorino romano cheese and black pepper; Roscioli near Campo de' Fiori serves a well-balanced version for €14 in an intimate setting.

The dish’s simplicity demands quality ingredients and perfect technique. At Roscioli, located on Via dei Giubbonari 21, the cheese is finely grated and melted just enough to coat the spaghetti without clumping. The black pepper is freshly cracked, releasing a sharp, pungent aroma that complements the salty pecorino. The restaurant’s shelves, lined with cured meats and artisan cheeses, create a sensory prelude to the meal.

Roscioli opens daily from 12:30 pm to 3 pm and again from 7 pm to 11 pm. Because of its popularity, booking at least a week in advance is recommended. If you want to try a variation, their Cacio e Pepe served in a crispy cheese bowl provides an added textural contrast and is priced at €15 at Ristorante Roma Sparita in Trastevere (Piazza di Santa Cecilia 24).

Rigatoni alla Gricia is a traditional Roman pasta dish made with guanciale, pecorino cheese, and black pepper, offered at Felice a Testaccio for €15 in a spacious setting.

Felice a Testaccio, situated at Via Mastro Giorgio 29, sits in the Testaccio district, known for its food markets and genuine Roman eateries. The dish features rigatoni pasta tossed in rendered guanciale fat with a generous grating of pecorino romano and freshly ground black pepper. The scent of smoky pork fat and sharp cheese permeates the air, whetting the appetite before the first bite.

The interior combines modern design with traditional touches, providing a relaxed atmosphere for a meal that feels both casual and refined. Felice opens for lunch from 12:30 pm to 3 pm and dinner from 7 pm to 11 pm. The restaurant is a short 10-minute walk from the Testaccio Market, making it a good stop after visiting the market stalls.

Osteria Fernanda in Ostiense serves a contemporary Amatriciana for €16, featuring a rich tomato sauce with crispy guanciale and a sleek dining environment.

Found at Via Ostiense 92, Osteria Fernanda opened in recent years and quickly gained attention for its creative approach to Roman classics. The Amatriciana here balances the acidity of San Marzano tomatoes with the salty crunch of guanciale, topped with pecorino romano cheese. The smell of simmering tomato sauce and roasted pork fills the space, complemented by tunes of soft jazz playing in the background.

The restaurant is open for dinner from 7 pm to midnight, making it a good option for later meals. The nearby Piramide metro station (Line B) is a convenient stop if you’re coming from central Rome. Osteria Fernanda’s wine list focuses on Italian regional bottles, so pairing your pasta with a glass of Frascati or Montepulciano enhances the meal.

Trattoria Monti, located at Via di San Vito 13 near Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, serves a hearty Tagliatelle alla Bolognese for €12. The slow-cooked meat sauce is rich with flavors of tomato, carrot, and celery, simmered for hours to tender perfection. The trattoria’s warm lighting and rustic wood furniture create a cozy setting, open daily for lunch and dinner. Booking ahead is recommended, especially for groups.

Armando al Pantheon, just steps from the Pantheon on Salita dei Crescenzi 31, has been a fixture since 1961. Their Spaghetti alla Carbonara (€14) features a creamy, well-seasoned sauce with a peppery kick. Classic décor and attentive service make this a comfortable place to sit down after sightseeing. It is open daily from 12:30 pm to 3 pm and 7 pm to 11 pm; reservations are essential due to its central location.

For a memorable Cacio e Pepe served in a crispy cheese bowl, Ristorante Roma Sparita at Piazza di Santa Cecilia 24 is a notable choice. The outdoor seating allows you to enjoy the lively piazza atmosphere while tasting a dish priced at €15. Arrive early or book in advance to secure a table.

Yes, Rome features several hands-on pasta making classes where you can learn to make dishes like Fettuccine and Ravioli; a popular option is the Hands-on Fettuccine, Ravioli & Tiramisu Cooking Class costing €60.

Classes usually last around 3 to 4 hours and are held in professional kitchens near central Rome, often around the Trastevere or Campo de' Fiori neighborhoods. The sessions start with detailed instructions on dough preparation and shaping techniques, followed by cooking your own pasta and tasting the final dishes. The environment is interactive and social, with groups of 8 to 12 participants.

Many classes include a visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients before cooking. This adds context and helps you understand the importance of ingredient quality in Roman cuisine. The €60 fee typically covers all materials, ingredients, and a printed recipe booklet to take home.

Most of the mentioned restaurants are accessible by foot or public transport. Trastevere can be reached by tram line 8 or from Roma Trastevere station, while Testaccio is a 15-minute walk from Piramide metro station (Line B). The Pantheon area is within walking distance from Piazza Navona and the Trevi Fountain.

Taxis and ride-sharing apps are widely available but expect traffic delays during rush hours. Walking allows you to absorb the atmosphere of each neighborhood and spot other local eateries. For a detailed neighborhood guide and transport tips, see our Rome neighborhood and transport guide.