Eat Like a Local - The Best Dining Spots in Testaccio
Testaccio is a dynamic and trendy district in Rome that is not overrun by tourists yet. It is a hidden gem in Rome, away from the usual tourist routes, but full of Roman life. It is a unique area of Rome, located near the historic centre, Trastevere and the impressive Circo Massimo. Testaccio is renowned for its lively Mercato Testaccio and a variety of excellent restaurants such as Felice, where you can enjoy the true roman food. It is located within walking distance of everything, yet far enough away to avoid the tourists. And, yes, it still retains that authentic Roman atmosphere - something increasingly rare in today's Rome.
Mercato di Testaccio
Experience the heart of Roman culinary culture at Mercato di Testaccio, a bustling market filled with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Food lovers of all kinds, from renowned chefs to curious tourists, gather here to explore a variety of stalls offering tasty prosciutto, delicious cheeses and fresh vegetables.
Don't miss CasaManco, where you can taste the best pinsas in the city. These Roman-style pizzas have perfectly crispy crusts and a great selection of toppings. At CasaManco you can order small slices of different pinsas such that you can try them all.
Don't miss the crowded pasta stand, a hotspot for those in the know. Whether it's the satisfying gnocchi with ragu or the delicate ravioli in brodo, these dishes showcase the simplicity and depth of flavour for which Italian cuisine is celebrated.
Winter brings its own delights to Mercato di Testaccio. The stalls are filled with Roman artichokes, known as carciofi alla romana, which are a favourite in the local cuisine, whether fried or pan-fried. If you're inspired to try your hand at Roman cooking, there's no better place to pick up fresh artichokes and dive into the flavours of Rome.
Felice
Felice is an institution in Testaccio and beloved by locals and visitors alike. Established decades ago, Felice has become famous for serving some of the best cacio e pepe in Rome. The place is always crowded, which shows its enduring popularity, making reservations a must for dinner. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, visit at lunchtime for a quieter experience where you're more likely to get a table on arrival.
Felice's standout dish is undoubtedly the Cacio e Pepe. The dish is prepared with a dedication to authenticity, and a special waiter meticulously mixes freshly grated Pecorino cheese, pepper, pasta, and pasta water right at your table, creating an unforgettable creamy sauce.
Felice's menu changes daily, ensuring that there is always something new to try on every visit, even if the cacio e pepe often steals the spotlight.
L’Oasi della Birma
Located right at Piazza Testaccio, this bar has probably the best location in Testaccio. It may seem like just a bar from the outside, but it is actually an Italian specialty shop with a vast selection of wines, beers, and, during Christmas time, a variety of the best Panettone that you can find. Come here for an aperitivo or drinks and food and see Testaccio come alive. It's a fantastic opportunity to chat with some local legends and see people of all ages mingling at the same table. If you choose to dine here, try the ravioli with asparagus, melanzane and a selection of cheeses and hams.
Alice Testaccio
Alice in Rome is a revelation for anyone caught in the eternal debate of Neapolitan vs. Roman pizza. If you're team crunch-in-every-bite Roman pizza, Alice is your sanctuary. This pizza franchise, that can be found throughout the city, is a testament to the Roman way of doing pizza right—crispy, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
During our time in Rome, we found ourselves visiting Alice almost every day. We were initially drawn in by the promise of a quick slice of Pizza Marinara, but it soon became a daily culinary ritual. At Alice, you can mix and match slices as you desire, with a variety of delicious options such as Parmigiana (Eggplant), Zucchini, and Spicy Salami. Whether it's a lazy dinner option or a mid-day snack, make sure to sample more than just one variety—you won't regret it.
Panna & Co.
Panna & Co is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth exploring Rome. In Rome, enjoying gelato means topping it with panna - a special creamy topping that lifts your ice-cream experience to new heights.
At Panna & Co, the Zabaione flavour is a revelation. This traditional Italian dessert, made with masala wine, eggs and sugar, is transformed into a creamy gelato that captures the essence of Italy in every scoop.
Whether you're finishing off an adventurous day or just want to satisfy a spontaneous craving, Panna & Co is the place to be. Since ice cream is an essential part of Rome, making enough gelato stops is an essential part of the Roman experience.
