Embark on a culinary journey in Rome with our insider’s guide to the best Cacio e Pepe in Rome. Discover these hidden gems, from the upscale Antica Pesa to the rustic Osteria da Fortunata. Each spot offers authenticity and unique takes on the classic pasta dish, flawlessly merging tradition, taste, and Roman charm.
Surely you’ve heard the phrase, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Well, if you find yourself fortunate enough to be in Rome, then you absolutely need to feast like a Roman – and that means diving fork-first into a creamy bowl of cacio e pepe. Welcome aboard, my friends, you’re about to embark on a mouthwatering journey to discover the Best Cacio e Pepe in Rome. So sit back, grab an espresso (or perhaps a glass of Italian wine), and let’s get this Roman holiday rolling!
Hey, wait! Before starting, would you like to take a look at our “Best Lasagna in Rome” article? I guess you should!
So, have you ever found yourself lying in bed, unable to sleep, just yearning for a dreamy bowl of steamy Cacio e Pepe? Just me? Alright then.
Anyway, legends say this famously minimalist pasta dish had humble beginnings as a meal for Roman shepherds, and boy, has it come a long way! Nowadays, not only is it arguably the most ‘Roman’ of all Roman pasta dishes, but it’s also a quintessential comfort food for Italians and fervent foodies alike.
Deep dive here — into the glorious symphony of flavors encased within a bowl of authentic Cacio e Pepe. Picture a whirlpool of al dente spaghetti, swathed in a creamy, velvety sauce that’s nothing but cheese and pasta water, topped with a generous dusting of freshly cracked black pepper. Ah, now that’s the stuff of dreams!
Cacio e Pepe is a classic Roman pasta dish that dates back to the 16th century. It’s said to have been invented by a group of shepherds who were looking for an easy way to make their food taste better. They used pecorino cheese (a hard, salty sheep’s milk cheese) and black pepper as ingredients in their recipe, which they then mixed with pasta water from boiling noodles.
Want to know more about Rome’s food history? Take a look at one of the food tours we recommend!
Get ready to hop on this carpet ride as we glide into the narrow, cobble-stone alleyways of Rome, teeming with quirkily charming trattorias offering many flavorful renditions of Cacio e Pepe.
The Best Cacio e Pepe in Rome: Where to go? Get ready to hop on this carbet ride as we glide into the narrow, cobble-stone alleyways of Rome, teeming with quirkily charming trattorias offering many flavorful renditions of Cacio e Pepe.
Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Testaccio, Flavio is steeped in Roman tradition. Authenticity seeps through every pore of this restaurant, with charmingly rustic decor and an endearing story about how Flavio, the eponymous chef-owner with a radiant Roman soul, brought it to life.
Flavio al Velavevodetto Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Testaccio, Flavio is steeped in Roman tradition. Authenticity seeps through every pore of this restaurant, with a charmingly rustic decor and an endearing story about how Flavio, the eponymous chef-owner with a radiant Roman soul, brought it to life..
On a leisurely Roman morning, you might find Flavio’s doors opening as early as 12:30 pm, staying open until a laid-back 3:00 pm. Then, after a well-deserved siesta, the lights flip back on at 7:30 pm, and the last espresso is not before midnight!
You’ll find Flavio in Via di Monte Testaccio, 97.
Flavio’s deliciousness doesn’t require a bank heist! Their generously portioned Cacio e Pepe ranges from €10 to €15, a sweet deal for a lifetime experience.
A sparkling gem nestled deep in Monteverde, this picturesque trattoria is bound to charm you with its laid-back vibe and heartwarming dishes. You can practically feel the love and soul poured into each plate of Cacio e Pepe.
Waltz into this cozy heaven between 12:45 pm and 3:00 pm, then watch the culinary magic unfold again from 7:30 pm till 11:00 pm.
You’ll find Cesare in Via del Casaletto, 45.
Fork out a sweet €12 to €18 and relish in a plate full of absolutely scrumptious Cacio e Pepe. Your wallet will thank you, promise!
Welcome to Felice, an iconic eatery rich in history where each dish takes you on a time-traveling journey through Roman gastronomy. Let’s just say that dining at Felice offers an enchanting taste of the past, with a Cacio e Pepe that’ll knock your socks off! The restaurant is located in the heart of Testaccio, a neighborhood that’s known for its lively atmosphere and historic charm. It’s also home to some of Rome’s best restaurants, including Felice! The menu here features traditional Roman dishes like Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and Amatriciana, all made with fresh ingredients sourced from local farms.
Swoop by Felice to indulge in Cacio e Pepe delight from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm and then from 7:00 pm to 11:30 pm. Plenty of time to savor and repeat!
You’ll find Felice in Via Mastro Giorgio, 29.
A savory journey back in time will set you back around €10 to €16 but trust me, it’s worth every single penny.
At Da Danilo, it’s all about the homey, heartwarming experience. Think of it like walking into mom’s kitchen after a long day, only “mom” is a burly Italian mama who makes a mean Cacio e Pepe. The restaurant is located in the heart of Rome, just a few steps away from Piazza Navona.
It’s a small, cozy place with only 10 tables and an open kitchen where you can watch your meal being prepared right before your eyes. The menu features traditional Roman dishes like Carbonara and Amatriciana, but also some more creative options such as Gnocchi with Truffle Sauce or Spaghetti alla Chitarra with Seafood.
Get here between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm or 7:00 pm and 11:00 pm to have your fill of pasta happy vibes and to craft some splendid memories.
You’ll find Danilo in Via Petrarca, 13.
The pasta magic at Da Danilo comes at a sweet €11 to €17, so you can explore these delightful flavors to your heart’s content without worrying about your wallet!
Osteria dei 3 sure knows how to put a charming little twist on the classic Cacio e Pepe. Expect spoonfuls of dolce vita and spoonfuls of pasta, because if there’s one thing they believe in, it’s never too much pasta!
The restaurant is located in the heart of Rome, near the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia. It’s a small place with just a few tables, so make sure to book ahead if you want to enjoy your meal here!
They are ready to welcome guests from 7:00 pm to 11:00pm. Plenty of time to take a passeggiata, grab a plate (or two) of that sumptuous Cacio e Pepe, and make amazing food memories.
You’ll find Osteria dei 3 in Via delle Spighe, 49.
Ready to treat yourself? Osteria dei 3’s delightful Cacio e Pepe ranges from a handy-dandy €9 to €15.
Antica Pesa operates on another level — we’re talking about culinary royalty here! They prep Cacio e Pepe like nobody’s business. A must-try if you want a side of classiness with your pasta! Antica Pesa is a Michelin-starred restaurant, so you can expect nothing but the best from them.
They have been serving up delicious food since 1922 and are still going strong today! The menu at Antica Pesa is extensive, but their Cacio e Pepe is definitely worth trying. It’s made with pecorino romano cheese, black pepper, and olive oil.
Schedule a visit between 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
You’ll find Antica Pesa in Via Garibaldi, 18.
Feeling a bit fancy today? Knock yourself out with their A-grade Cacio e Pepe which will set you back between €14 to €20. Worth every penny!
Osteria da Fortunata is where you can really get into the knead of things! Brace yourself for primo pasta skill on the show as they whip up a storm of mind-blowingly good Cacio e Pepe.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to book a table, and the lines could be very long.
Bring yourselves patience and be stunned by those pretty nonnas making pasta all day long in wonderful context.
Pop by anytime between 12:00 pm and 1:00 am. Perfect place to grab munchies for lunch or a cheesy midnight snack!
You’ll find Fortunata in Via del Pellegrino, 11.
At the heart of it all, it’s about the love of good food without breaking the bank, so let’s talk €10 to €15 for a pasta feast!
And there you have it, all the insider tips, secrets, and hidden alleys leading you to the best Cacio e Pepe in Rome. Each of these spots, from the trendy Da Danilo and Osteria dei 3 to the rustic Pulse Flavio al Velavevodetto and Trattoria Da Cesare al Casaletto, brings a unique twist to this classic pasta, spinning its own tale in the eternal saga of Roman culinary delights.
Feeling fancy? Antica Pesa awaits you with its refined flavors. Can’t shake off the late-night cravings? Osteria da Fortunata remains your loyal friend, ready to serve till the stroke of midnight.
The rich tapestry of tastes, the culinary dance of cheese and pepper, the simple joy of well-cooked pasta – through the hustle and bustle of The Eternal City, these places capture the essence and soul of Rome in a bowl.
These establishments aren’t just about the pasta. It’s about the experience—being in Rome, surrounded by history and charm, while the city’s life plays out around you.
So go out and explore the streets, taste the flavors, and live the Roman life to the fullest. The Eternal City offers its heart to you, one pasta bowl at a time. Remember the Italian saying, “Chi mangia bene, vive bene” — those who eat well, live well. Enjoy your gustatory journey through Rome.
Don’t forget to share this article with your tripmates and to check other Rome Food Tips by Locals!
And with that, let me sign off by saying, “Buon appetito e a presto!” (Enjoy your meal and see you soon!)
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