Regarded as a culinary haven overflowing with rich offerings of authentic cuisine, Testaccio, Rome has a dense concentration of the finest eateries. Nestled in the heart of the city, this former industrial district has a rich culinary history intertwined with working-class roots. It’s a place where traditional dishes are revered, and the slow-food concept is practiced by most establishments, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic journey. Here are some top picks for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and those lip-smacking desserts.
Best Breakfast Spots in Testaccio
There’s something inherently magical about the first meal of the day in Testaccio. As the ancient cobbled streets are bathed in the soft, early morning light, the neighborhood comes alive with tantalizing aromas wafting from bakeries and cafés, setting the mood for a gastronomic adventure. Start your day on a high note at these tastefully handpicked breakfast spots that showcase the best of Testaccio’s vibrant morning offerings.
Pasticceria Barberini
Price Range: €€
📍Via Marmorata, 41, 00153 Roma RM
Step into a classic bakery and take in the heavenly scent of freshly baked treats. Known for their selection of Italian pastries, the coffee here is simply the best in town. If you fancy trying something traditional, opt for their signature cornetto and maritozzi.
Tram Depot
Price Range: €€
📍Via Marmorata, 13, 00153 Roma RM
Start your day with a cuppa from the quirky Tram Depot. Relish a leisurely coffee under the canopy of their outdoor seating, enjoying the special vintage ambiance.
Top Lunch Spots
Echoing the rhythmic beats of daily life, lunchtime in Testaccio commands a special place in the hearts of locals and globetrotters alike. From bustling food markets to quaint eateries tucked away in narrow lanes, lunch in Testaccio is a testament to Rome’s rich gastronomic culture. So, when the city’s grand clock strikes noon, dive into these superb lunch locales that promise a fulfilling culinary escapade while etching enduring memories!
Felice a Testaccio
Price Range: €€
📍Via Mastro Giorgio, 29, 00153 Roma RM
A beloved staple in Testaccio, Da Felice is famous for serving the best “cacio e pepe” (cheese and pepper pasta) in Rome. Its charming Italian aura complements the hearty, sumptuous lunch offerings.
Flavio al Velavevodetto
Price Range: €€
📍Via di Monte Testaccio, 97, 00153 Roma RM
With views over the ancient Roman Testaccio hill, Flavio al Velavevodetto boasts traditional Roman pasta dishes and seasonally driven specials which are perfect for a comforting mid-day repast.
Mordi e Vai
Price Range: €
📍Nuovo Mercato Comunale di Testaccio, Via Beniamino Franklin, 12/E, 00153 Roma RM
Located in Testaccio Market, Mordi e Vai proffers delightful sandwiches filled with traditional Roman delicacies. Best of all? You can enjoy these gems indoors or take them away.
MASTO a Testaccio I Roma
Price Range: €€
📍Testaccio, Via Galvani, 39, 00153 Roma RM
In Testaccio’s picturesque lanes nestles MASTO, a charming enoteca and delicatessen. The ambiance is adorably rustic and comforting, ideally matched with a wide-ranging lunch menu. MASTO is famous for their assorted cold cut and cheese boards, not to mention their delicious lunchtime pasta dishes.
Piatto Romano
Price Range: €€
📍Via Giovanni Battista Bodoni, 62, 00153 Roma RM
A quaint trattoria that emphasizes traditional Roman flavors, Piatto Romano delivers a hearty Roman lunch experience that’s hard to top. From their Cacio e Pepe to Rigatoni alla Carbonara, every dish is a beautifully balanced gastronomic symphony.
Amazing Dinner Spots
As twilight descends over the city, and lights flicker into life, Testaccio dons a sublime charm. Strangers turn into friends, conversations flow free, and food, as always, is the epicenter. Dining in Testaccio is an indulgence where traditional dishes, heartwarming ambiance, and age-old Roman recipes unite to create incredible dining experiences. Here are some of our top dinner recommendations that are certain to transport you to a world of Roman culinary excellence.
Li’ ar Monte Testaccio
Price Range: €€
📍Via Nicola Zabaglia, 28, 00153 Roma RM
Serving traditional Roman cuisine, this restaurant’s charm lies in its warm, welcoming atmosphere and delicious offerings.
La Torricella
Price Range: €€
📍Via Evangelista Torricelli, 2, 00153 Roma RM
With a menu brimming with seafood delights, La Torricella is a fantastic choice for seafood lovers. Try their calamari or spaghetti allo scoglio for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Pizzeria Da Remo
Price Range: €
📍Piazza di S Maria Liberatrice, 44, 00153 Roma RM
For an authentic Italian pizza experience, Da Remo is a must-visit. Enjoy their thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas in a buzzing, convivial atmosphere.
Oasi della Birra
Price Range: €€
📍Piazza Testaccio, 39, 00153 Roma RM
This beer paradise offers outstanding paninis and cheese platters that pair well with the extensive local and international beer list. A perfect dinner spot for beer enthusiasts!
Trapizzino | Testaccio
Price Range: €
📍Via Giovanni Branca, 88, 00153 Roma RM
This joint is where tradition mingles with innovation. Trapizzino’s unique creation – a hybrid of pizza and a sandwich – makes for a delightful dinner. Every fluffy “trapizzino” is jam-packed with classic Roman fillings like Pollo alla Cacciatora or Melanzane alla Parmigiana, ensuring a hearty end to your day.
Il Grottino a Testaccio
Price Range: €
📍Via Marmorata, 165, 00153 Roma RM
Dining here is like stepping back in time. In its cozy, welcoming environment, Il Grottino a Testaccio serves up traditional Roman classics, from Pasta alla Gricia to Saltimbocca alla Romana, each exuding a delicious hominess perfect for a comforting dinner experience.
Ristorante Pecorino
Price Range: €€
📍Via Galvani, 64, 00153 Roma RM
With a focus on fresh and local ingredients, Pecorino offers a wide array of dishes, making it an ideal dinner destination. Try their Ricotta and Spinach Ravioli or the crispy pork belly, their food never fails to impress.
Lo Scopettaro
Price Range: €€
📍Lungotevere Testaccio, 7, 00153 Roma RM
Time-honored and rich in tradition, Lo Scopettaro continues to serve authentic Roman cuisine. Known for their pasta, particularly the Tonarelli Cacio e Pepe, dining here is all about indulging in traditional flavors in a pure “trattoria romana” style.
Best Dessert Parlors in Testaccio
After a day of culinary exploration in Testaccio, what could be more satisfying than surrendering to the pursuit of taste, texture, and sweetness bundled up in delightful desserts? It’s a known fact that no Roman meal is complete without a decadent dessert to round it off. Renowned for creatively transforming simple ingredients into exquisite pastries, cakes, and gelatos, Testaccio’s dessert parlors will make you surrender at first bite. Here are the top places to satiate your sweet cravings and end your food tour on a high note!
Pasticceria Barberini
Price Range: €€
📍Via Marmorata, 41, 00153 Roma RM
An iconic pastry shop in Testaccio, Barberini is renowned for their artisanal handmade desserts. Their Tiramisu and Profiterole are simply irresistible, making the quest for the best dessert a rather short journey.
Pasticceria Di Zio dal 1918
Price Range: €€
📍Via Ginori, 55, 00153 Roma RM
Established in 1918, Di Zio is steeped in tradition and quality. Renowned for their Maritozzi, a Roman-style sweet brioche bun filled with cream, and a variety of stunning tarts and pastries, this delightful bakery brings a sweet finale to your food expedition.
Pasticceria Linari
Price Range: €€
📍Via Nicola Zabaglia, 9, 00153 Roma RM
An establishment of Linari means entering a realm of irresistible sweet treats. Known for their traditional cookies and delicious cakes, their Bomboloni (Italian-style doughnuts) dusted with sugar are the crowning glory that combines simple pleasures with sweet decadence.
So, there you have it! When you’re navigating through the gastronomic landscape of Testaccio, Rome, keep this guide handy to savor the mouth-watering fare it offers. Whether you’re craving a hearty breakfast, a leisurely lunch, an intimate dinner, or succumbing to your sugar-lust, Testaccio never disappoints. Buon appetito!
