The Hit List | Where To Find the Best of Rome's Traditional Pasta Dishes

The Hit List | Where To Find the Best of Rome's Traditional Pasta Dishes

⭐️ If you want to know where to go for some of the best pasta dishes in Rome without being overwhelmed by the choices, then grab this guide! In Rome, every corner boasts a trattoria, ostaria, or ristorante flaunting its cacio e pepe or carbonara and many of these eateries (especially in the centro storico) aim to capitalize on tourists' unfamiliar tastes, lack of experience in the city, and a quest for convenience. Unfortunately, this often results in higher prices, the use of subpar, less fresh ingredients, and shortcuts in cooking methods. It's overwhelming to sift through all the options, and tourist traps can make it difficult to find the places that are serving up the most authentic dishes. When you just want to confidently walk into a restaurant knowing that the meal will be spectacular without putting in hours of research, look no further than this guide. I've compiled a hit list of restaurants serving up the best traditional Roman pasta dishes, and you won't be disappointed. Having eaten A LOT of pasta in Rome, I can confidently say that these are the best. You can't go wrong at any of these places so book away! Featuring: 🍝Carefully researched recommendations based on quality, atmosphere, and overall experience. 🍝Where to find them, plus direct links to their address on Google Maps 🍝Description and details on each of the four traditional Roman pasta dishes to help turn you into a pasta pro (if you aren't already). 🍝Personal recommendations on which pasta to order at each restaurant, based on experience. (It is also 100% ok to order all four at each place, which I have done plenty of times) 🍝Links to the websites with more details 🍝Hours of operation so you can plan accordingly ⭐️This guide is also great because you can plan your meals around what you would like to eat and when. You might want cacio e pepe one night but need to make sure you also plan for a plate of amatriciana another night. ⭐️Side note: If you need help making reservations at a restaurant that does not offer online booking (many do not), schedule a private consultation call with me for the best way to do so via phone!*
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There are four classic Roman pasta dishes: carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and alla gricia. All such simple recipes that are perfect as they are and should not be tampered with. My rule of thumb has always been, do not order these Roman pastas anywhere else besides Rome. They will just not stand up to the expectations. Romans do these dishes the best. 🍝

Cacio e Pepe

Cacio e pepe directly translates from Italian to “cheese and pepper.” The authentic version only contains four ingredients: pasta, pasta water, ground black pepper, and Pecorino Romano. (The cheese must be Pecorino for true Italian cacio e pepe) No butter or cream. Long types of pasta like linguine, spaghetti, tonnarelli, or bucatini are perfect for soaking up this creamy sauce. 

Amatriciana

Pasta all’ Amatriciana originated in the town of Amatrice (located in the Lazio region which Rome is a part of). This pasta dish features long bucatini noodles and a tomato based sauce complemented by hints of guanciale (pork jowl or pork cheek), grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and onions. and cheese. 

Carbonara

Spaghetti alla carbonara is made with egg, cheese, and crispy pork belly. Cubes of guanciale add a crispy pop of flavor. The creaminess of the sauce in carbonara does not come from heavy cream, but from the emulsion of egg yolks with cheese and starchy pasta water.

Authentic carbonara is made quickly because the pasta needs to still be warm enough to encourage the egg, guanciale, and cheese mixture to emulsify into the perfect creamy sauce. Yum!

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Curated guides, tailor-made itineraries, and insider travel tips for unforgettable adventures in Italy. Specializing in local food, wine, cocktails, and unique exploration - particularly in Rome but also in regions and towns north to south. I have experience planning trips to destinations ranging from small towns in Tuscany with a population of 29, to Italy's largest cities. My recommendations are carefully selected based on quality, location, and overall experience. Typically in centrally located areas so that you won't have to travel too far from any city center to find the best of the best - without falling into tourist traps! Ideal for solo travelers or couples, whether you're seasoned visitors or first-timers, my guides cater to those seeking a less mainstream, more DIY adventure with a mix of traditional sightseeing and authentic local experiences that emphasize the flavors of the country. What's included in my travel planning services? ONE: Planning a trip to Italy can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to finding the best places to see, do, and, most importantly, eat. My goal is to help you get clarity on what places to visit and when. TWO: Make expert recommendations based on your interests, travel needs, your travel pace, foods & drinks you love, and the experiences you enjoy. THREE: Make planning less stressful by saving you hours of research and help you to stop second guessing, narrow down your choices, and choose the best options for you. Looking forward to helping plan your next trip! Let's chat.
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