Rome, the Eternal City, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and mouth-watering cuisine. Italian food is famous all over the world, and Rome is home to some of the oldest and most authentic restaurants in the country. These establishments have been serving up delicious meals for generations, with some dating back to the 1700s. From cozy trattorias to elegant Michelin-starred restaurants, Rome has something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the ten oldest restaurants in Rome, each with its unique history and culinary specialties. So, whether you’re a foodie or a history buff, join us on a journey through time as we explore the culinary treasures of Rome’s oldest restaurants. Get ready to discover some hidden gems and indulge in the flavors of the past.
10. Due Ladroni
Year Founded: early 1900s
Founder: Alessandra Marino, Alessandro Tudini
Cuisines: Traditional Italian style, Mediterranean style
Address: Piazza Nicosia, 24, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
photo source: OpenTable
Due Ladroni is a historic restaurant located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It was founded in the early 1900s by Alessandra Marino and Alessandro Tudini. The restaurant specializes in traditional Italian and Mediterranean-style cuisine, with a focus on using fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Due Ladroni’s menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes, such as homemade pasta, risotto, and grilled meats and fish. The restaurant also offers a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Due Ladroni is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a cozy dining room and outdoor seating area in Piazza Nicosia.
Did You Know?
The restaurant’s location near many of Rome’s major attractions, including the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, makes it a popular choice for tourists and locals alike.
9. Alfredo alla Scrofa
Year Founded: 1914
Founder: Alfredo Di Lelio
Cuisines: Italian food
Address: Via della Scrofa, 104/a, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
photo source: TripAdvisor
Alfredo alla Scrofa is a restaurant that was founded in 1907 by Alfredo di Lelio, who invented the now-famous dish, Fettuccine Alfredo. The restaurant specializes in traditional Roman and Italian cuisine, with a focus on using high-quality ingredients and preparing dishes according to traditional recipes. Alfredo alla Scrofa’s menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes, including homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and grilled meats.
Of course, the restaurant is best known for its signature dish, Fettuccine Alfredo, which is made with homemade pasta, butter, and Parmesan cheese. Alfredo alla Scrofa is also known for its elegant and sophisticated atmosphere, with white tablecloths, chandeliers, and antique decor creating a timeless ambiance.
Did You Know?
The restaurant has hosted many famous guests over the years, including Hollywood celebrities, politicians, and royalty.
8. La Carbonara (Campo de’ Fiori)
Year Founded: 1912
Founder: Salomone family
Cuisines: Italian, European, Romana, Lazio, Central-Italian
Address: Campo de’ Fiori, 23, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
photo source: Wanted in Rome
La Carbonara is a restaurant located in the Campo de’ Fiori neighborhood of Rome, Italy. It was founded in 1912 by the Salomone family and has been a popular dining destination ever since. The restaurant specializes in Italian and European cuisine, with a focus on traditional Roman and Lazio dishes. La Carbonara’s menu features a variety of classic Italian dishes, such as pasta alla carbonara, saltimbocca alla romana, and cacio e pepe.
The restaurant is also known for its grilled meats and seafood, as well as its extensive wine list featuring both local and international wines. The restaurant’s location in Campo de’ Fiori, one of Rome’s most vibrant and lively neighborhoods, makes it a popular choice for tourists and locals alike.
Did You Know?
La Carbonara is located in a beautiful 16th-century building with vaulted ceilings, stone walls, and antique decor, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.
7. La Carbonara (Monti)
Year Founded: 1906
Founder: Rossi Family
Cuisines: Italian food
Address: Via Panisperna, 214, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
photo source: Zomato
La Carbonara in Monti is a renowned dining destination in Rome, famous for its delectable traditional Italian cuisine and historic ambiance. The restaurant occupies a 17th-century building that exudes rustic and cozy vibes with its stone walls, wooden beams, and antique decor. The inviting and warm atmosphere of the restaurant makes it a perfect place to dine and unwind after exploring the beautiful cobblestone streets and alleys of the neighborhood.
La Carbonara prides itself on using only high-quality, fresh ingredients, and preparing dishes according to traditional recipes, ensuring an authentic and flavorful dining experience. The chefs at the restaurant are experts in creating innovative twists to traditional recipes that make every dish unique and unforgettable.
Did You Know?
The Rossi family, who founded the restaurant in 1906, has been running it for four generations, with each generation passing down their knowledge and expertise to the next.
6. Ristorante Peppone
Year Founded: 1890
Founder: Giuseppe Tozzi
Cuisines: Italian, Mediterranean, Romana, Lazio, Central-Italian
Address: Via Emilia, 60, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
photo source: www.peppone.it
Ristorante Peppone is a charming and authentic Italian restaurant situated in the heart of Rome, Italy. The restaurant has been serving its customers since 1890, and over the years, it has gained a reputation for its delectable varied cuisine, warm hospitality, and a cozy ambiance. The interior of Ristorante Peppone is decorated with wooden tables and chairs, red-checked tablecloths, and a variety of antique objects and photographs, which give the restaurant a traditional and homely feel.
The menu at Ristorante Peppone features a wide range of classic Roman dishes, including pasta alla gricia, spaghetti carbonara, and cacio e pepe, which are prepared using high-quality ingredients and traditional recipes. The restaurant also offers a variety of meat and fish dishes, including the famous saltimbocca alla Romana, which is a veal cutlet served with prosciutto and sage.
Did You Know?
Ristorante Peppone also boasts an extensive wine list, featuring a selection of regional and national wines that complement the food perfectly.
5. Checchino Dal 1887
Year Founded: 1887
Founder: Lorenzo Mariani, Clorinda Mariani
Cuisines: Italian, Mediterranean, Romana, Lazio, Central-Italian
Address: Via di Monte Testaccio, 30, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
photo source: COOL CITIES
Checchino Dal 1887 is a restaurant in Rome that has been serving Roman cuisine and other types of cuisine since 1887. Located in the Testaccio neighborhood, Checchino has been owned and operated by the Mariani family for five generations, and over the years, it has become a beloved institution among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant is known for its commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and for its extensive wine cellar, which features a wide range of Italian and international wines.
One of the signature dishes at Checchino is coda alla vaccinara, a slow-cooked oxtail stew that has been a staple of Roman cuisine for centuries. Checchino’s version of the dish is renowned for its rich, meaty flavor and tender texture, and it is often cited as one of the best in the city. Another popular dish at Checchino is pajata, which is made from the intestines of milk-fed veal and served in a tomato-based sauce. This dish is a true delicacy and is not commonly found on menus outside of Rome.
Did You Know?
Checchino’s commitment to tradition and quality has earned it numerous accolades and awards over the years, including a Michelin star and recognition from Italy’s most prestigious culinary organizations.
4. Palazzo del Freddo
Year Founded: 1880
Founder: Freddo Giovanni Fassi
Cuisines: Italian dish
Address: Via Principe Eugenio, 65-67, 00185 Roma RM, Italy
photo source: TripAdvisor
Palazzo del Freddo, also known as Fassi, is a historic gelateria in Rome that has been serving delicious gelato since 1880. The gelateria was founded by Giovanni Fassi, a master gelato maker who hailed from the town of Agnone in the Abruzzo region of Italy. Fassi’s commitment to quality and innovation helped to make Palazzo del Freddo one of the most beloved and iconic gelaterias in Rome.
Located in the Esquilino neighborhood, Palazzo del Freddo is housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building that features intricate mosaics and beautiful stained glass windows. The interior of the gelateria is equally impressive, with elegant marble countertops and an array of colorful gelato flavors on display.
Did You Know?
The gelateria has been frequented by numerous famous figures over the years, including Federico Fellini, Anna Magnani, and even Pope John Paul II.
3. La Matriciana Antica Trattoria dal 1870
Year Founded: 1870
Founder: Anna De Angelis
Cuisines: Italian food
Address: Via del Viminale, 44, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
photo source: Camilla Baresani.com
La Matriciana Antica Trattoria dal 1870 is a renowned and historic restaurant in Rome that has been serving up delicious Italian cuisine since 1870. Named after one of its signature dishes, pasta all’amatriciana, La Matriciana is well-known for its authentic and traditional Italian fare. The dish is a favorite of many, featuring a delightful combination of juicy tomatoes, savory guanciale, and tangy pecorino cheese. Other popular dishes on the menu include homemade pasta, grilled meats, and fresh seafood.
La Matriciana Antica Trattoria dal 1870 is highly regarded among both locals and tourists for its dedication to using quality ingredients and sticking to traditional recipes. The restaurant’s commitment to preserving the authenticity of Italian cuisine has helped establish it as a beloved institution in Rome’s vibrant culinary scene.
Did You Know?
La Matriciana Antica Trattoria dal 1870 is also known for its commitment to sustainability. The restaurant also minimizes waste by composting and recycling, and they use energy-efficient lighting and appliances to reduce their environmental impact.
2. Piperno Restaurant
Year Founded: 1860
Founder: Unspecified
Cuisines: European, Italian, and Roman dishes
Address: Via Monte dè Cenci, 9, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
photo source: Foodie Advice
Piperno Restaurant is a historic eatery situated in Via Monte dè Cenci, serving since 1860. The restaurant’s cozy interior boasts vintage furnishings and artwork, creating a rustic and charming ambiance that transports diners to another era. Old photographs and newspaper clippings adorn the walls, showcasing the restaurant’s extensive history. The menu at Piperno is filled with classic Roman dishes, such as homemade kinds of pasta, crispy and flavorful carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style artichokes), and fried artichokes.
Piperno’s wine list is extensive, featuring a wide range of Italian and international wines. The knowledgeable staff is always on hand to offer expert guidance in selecting the perfect wine to complement your meal. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, delectable food, and rich history, Piperno Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience authentic Roman cuisine in the heart of the city.
Did You Know?
The restaurant has played host to many famous figures over the years, including artists, writers, and politicians, cementing its status as a cultural institution in Rome.
1. Ristorante la Campana
Year Founded: 1518
Founder: Pietro de la Campana
Cuisines: Traditional, Modern Italian
Address: Vicolo della Campana, 18, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
photo source: TripAdvisor
Ristorante la Campana is the oldest restaurant in Rome, with a history that dates back to the 16th century. The restaurant is located in the historic city center and has been a favorite of locals and tourists alike for centuries. The interior of the restaurant is elegant and refined, with a classic decor that harkens back to the days of Renaissance Italy. The walls are adorned with beautiful frescoes, antique mirrors, and other vintage pieces, creating a timeless and sophisticated atmosphere.
La Campana is renowned for its delicious traditional and modern Italian cuisine, which features traditional dishes made with the freshest local ingredients. Some of the most popular dishes include classic pasta dishes like spaghetti alla carbonara and cacio e pepe, as well as hearty meat dishes like saltimbocca alla Romana and osso buco. The restaurant even has a private dining room that the Pope has used on several occasions.
Did You Know?
La Campana is even mentioned in works of literature by authors such as Stendhal and Charles Dickens.
