When wandering Rome's cobblestoned streets and alleys, one is struck by the unique ambience of modern metropolitan life and a rich, ancient legacy, co-existing ― transcending time and space.
The city’s historic heritage extends right through to its culinary offerings, from a 500-year-old family-run trattoria to a gelato shop that’s been serving up scoops for close to 140 years.
If you’re planning a trip to Rome this year, or even just stuck at home obsessively scrolling through Instagram reels of oozy forkfuls of cacio e pepe paired with an Aperol spritz, we’ve compiled a list of some of the city’s most historical culinary institutions ― ones you’ll no doubt want to add to your travel itinerary (or your Instagram saved folder).
La Campana
This 500-year-old family operated trattoria boasts the title of Rome’s oldest restaurant. The first mention of La Campana dates back to 1518, and it was founded by namesake Pietro de la Campana, first as a winery and then as an inn. While its centuries-long history is certainly a draw for the thousands that choose to dine here each year, the classic Roman menu is equally enticing. Tucked in an alleyway not far from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, La Campana’s must-try dishes include crispy fried Artichokes alla Giudua, (‘Jewish-style’, in local dialect), fettuccine al ragù di cinghiale and of course, a classic (cream free!) carbonara.
Ristorante Piperno
Located on the outskirts of Rome’s historic Jewish quarter, Ristorante Piperno was founded in 1860 by namesake Pacifico Piperno and lays claim to the title of the Roman Ghetto’s longest standing eatery. Naturally, artichokes alla Giudia are also a mainstay dish here, however traditional Roman pasta options abound, as well as beautiful fresh seafood and some mouth-watering dessert options, like the caramelized almond parfait.
Palazzo del Freddo
Originally founded by Giovanni Fassi, Palazzo del Freddo has been serving its famed gelato for roughly 140 years. The ever-popular purveyor of icy sweet treats has even recently opened branches in South Korea. In addition to its 30 ice cream flavour offerings, visitors can also indulge in cassata, tartufo, and even hot chocolates and crepes in the winter time.
Ristorante Peppone
Peppone was opened by Giuseppe Tozzi in 1890, and is still being run by his descendants to this very day. The menu offers a fusion of Lazio and Abruzzo cuisines, and predominantly centres seasonal produce. The restaurant's delicate desserts, including a flaky Millefoglie pastry and a light, fluffy tiramisu, are serious menu highlights.
Checchino dal 1887
Dating back to 1887, this eatery has been serving happy customers for six whole generations. Checchino dal is still owned and run by the founding Marinara family, making it the oldest still-operating family run restaurant. Nestled in the hip neighbourhood Testaccio, this acclaimed restaurant even has a separate menu for vegetarians. The historical tasting menu will offer visitors profound insight into Checchino’s culinary legacy ― the rigatoni della pajata is not to be missed!
