Food Culture

Cacio e Pepe: A simple, time-tested pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano and black pepper.

Carbonara: A creamy pasta dish made with eggs, guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino and black pepper. 

Gricia: Pasta made with guanciale, Pecorino Romano and black pepper.

Amatriciana: Tomato sauce-based pasta dish made with guanciale, Pecorino Romano, chili peppers and black pepper. 

Suppli: Fried rice balls stuffed with mozzarella (almost like a fried risotto ball). 

Pizza al Taglio: Pizza by the slice, served with various toppings. Get takeaway and sit in the square while you enjoy. 

Carciofi al Guidia (Jewish-style artichokes): With the Jewish ghetto just across the river, it’s not surprise that you can find some typical Jewish Roman dishes in Trastevere. These whole artichokes are deep-fried until crispy (and yes, you can eat the whole thing). 

And of, course, what would a trip to Trastevere be without sampling some of Italy’s local wines. Trastevere is filled with enotecas (wine bars) where you can sample the regional wines from Lazio, as well as other Italian bottles. These bars will offer wine tastings, and more often than not offer you small plates of cheese, cured meats, and other appetizers to pair with your wines. 

And, of course, if you ever find yourself starting to get a bit peckish before your reservation (dinner usually starts around 8:30pm or 9pm), we suggest enjoy a lazy aperitivo like a true Roman. Aperitivo, typically served between 6pm and 8pm, is similar to happy hour, encouraging guests to sip on pre-dinner drinks (like an Aperol spritz) and having a small bite to eat. While some restaurants will offer up simple bar snacks such as olives, peanuts or crisps, others will dish out suppli, bruschetta, cured meats and cheeses, crackers and even mini pizzas. We recommend finding a table outside and doing some people watching while you sit back and relax. 

In addition to eating and drinking, Trastevere offers a huge selection of night-life activities. Whether you want to listen to live music, dance to a DJ set or catch a movie at Cinema Troisi, you can find something to fit your mood. The atmosphere during the summer is especially lively during the summer when the streets are filled with outdoor diners and groups of friends chatter together in the square. 

Overall, Trastevere is a must-visit destination to experience its blend of Roman tradition and modern convenience. Take part in Rome’s cultural heritage while enjoying some of the best food, wine and people-watching that the city has to offer.