The Best Restaurants in Trastevere Rome: Trattorias and Aperitivo at Sunset

Last Updated on September 3, 2025 by Maika Cotton | Published: October 28, 2020

In a popular tourist city like Rome, it’s not always easy to find authentic food in a sea of overpriced fare. It can be a challenge even in a neighborhood like Trastevere, revered for its dining scene, but this guide is here to help. We’ll highlight the best spots for authentic Roman cooking, pizza, and more when you’re wondering where to eat in Trastevere, Rome.

The easiest way to eat at the best restaurants in Trastevere, skipping the queue at popular spots and sampling iconic dishes, is on a Rome Trastevere gourmet food and wine tour. You can experience a brilliant Roman sunset in one of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods, visiting classic trattorie and trying a typical Roman aperitivo.

Here’s a brief overview of the area and a list of some of the cafes and restaurants in Trastevere that are absolutely worth the trip across the river.

A Neighborhood Trapped in Time

The name “Trastevere” means “beyond the Tiber,” as it’s on the opposite bank of the epicenter of ancient Rome. For a long time, in fact, Trastevere wasn’t even part of the city of Rome.

Over the centuries, when the neighborhood was only accessible from the Roman side of the river via one bridge, the relative isolation meant it was often home to people like the sailors and fishermen who worked on the Tiber as well as a landing ground for immigrants. As people eventually relocated away from Trastevere to be closer to the city center, the neighborhood was all but abandoned. It wasn’t until the 15th century, when infrastructure was improved and some nobles started building “country” villas there, that the area began to have life again.

All this to say that, although it’s far easier to get to Trastevere now, the once-isolated area still feels somewhat preserved in amber. The Trastevere of today is a little pocket of narrow cobblestone streets tucked into a bend of the river, a haven for artists and students, and a place where you can easily forget you’re still in Italy’s biggest and busiest city.

Trastevere Food Guide: Where to Eat in Trastevere

One could argue that the main reason to make your way to Trastevere is to eat, so arrive hungry. No matter what time of day it is, you’ll be able to find something delicious—if you know what you’re looking for. And if you want to skip the guesswork and dive straight into the neighborhood’s most iconic flavors, join the Trastevere Gourmet Food & Wine Tour for an unforgettable evening of local cuisine, wine, and culture led by a passionate expert. Here are some of our top picks for the best restaurants in Trastevere, Rome.

Food Markets

Browsing the stalls at a food market in Rome is a great idea if you’re planning a picnic or stocking the fridge of your vacation rental. But it’s also a smart move to find out what’s in season in Rome before you peruse the menus in Trastevere restaurants.

• Mercato San Cosimato: This small farmer’s market occupies Piazza di San Cosimato Monday-Saturday mornings.
• Antica Caciara: There’s no better shop in Trastevere for cheese than Antica Caciara. The shop opened more than a century ago, and it’s still run by the same family.

Traditional Roman Cuisine

When in Rome, restaurants in Trastevere are great places to look for authentic local cooking. If you’re looking for typical Roman dishes in a no-frills establishment, you can’t go wrong with these neighborhood favorites.

• • La Gattabuia: This little spot is in part of what used to be the papal dungeons. The menu features Roman pastas and examples of “cucina povera,” or peasant cooking.
  • Le Mani in Pasta: As the name suggests, the pasta is the main draw at this restaurant, but it’s also earned a reputation as a great option for seafood.

• Checco er Carrettiere: Opened in 1935, this restaurant is now run by Checco’s grandchildren and it remains a Trastevere favorite. 

Pizza & Pizza-Adjacent

No Trastevere food guide is complete without a few pizza recommendations. Roman pizza is all about a thin crust and is often sold by the piece rather than a whole pie. You indicate what size piece you want and pay by weight.

• • Ai Marmi: This is one of the most popular restaurants in Trastevere (and all of Rome) for Roman pizza. It’s almost always busy, but the turnover is usually fast.

• Supplì Roma: In Rome, supplì are a common accompaniment to pizza. These delicious balls of rice are stuffed with things like cheese and veggies and deep-fried. And, though everything is great here, you’d be forgiven for just ordering more supplì.

• Proloco Trastevere: Proloco’s whole menu features only ingredients from the Lazio region around Rome, though the pizza has more of a Neapolitan-style crust.
• Trapizzino: This is a Roman street food version of pizza, in which pizza dough is baked in triangular shapes and then the middle is opened to form a pocket for whatever goodies you want to stuff inside.

Wine Bars & Aperitivo Spots

In an area famous for its nightlife, aperitivo in Trastevere can be a memorable affair. And with a Trastevere food tour to steer you to the right bars, you’ll experience only the best.

• Freni e Frizioni: This is an aperitivo hotspot in Trastevere, complete with an excellent buffet spread (including lots of vegetarian options) and creative cocktails.
• Bar San Calisto: This cafe is a neighborhood institution that barely closes its doors. It can be your first stop of the morning for coffee and a pastry and your last call of the evening for a cocktail or a glass of wine.
• Enoteca la Vite: As the name indicates, this cozy bar is all about the wine list. They do offer a small aperitivo buffet, too, if you want a bite before dinner.

Mastering the art of aperitivo is easier with a guide. On our Trastevere food and wine tour, you’ll enjoy drinks at one of Trastevere’s most beloved bars—without the guesswork.

Gelato

No day in Rome is complete without at least one scoop of gelato.

• Fior di Luna: This little gelateria was an early proponent of organic ingredients and has been making award-winning all-natural gelato since it opened in 1993.
• Fatamorgana: This popular gelato chain has locations all over Rome, not to mention several in the US, and is known for its creative flavors.
• Otaleg: Since it opened, Otaleg has been at the top of many “best gelateria in Rome” lists—with good reason. The focus is on eco-friendliness, from the natural ingredients in the gelato to the compostable cups.

Trastevere at Sunset: Rome Food & Wine Tour

 Like what you’ve read above? The best way to turn this dream into reality is by joining our Trastevere Gourmet Food & Wine Tour. With its cobbled streets, ivy-covered buildings, and lively local character, Trastevere is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable evening of eating and drinking. Our small-group Trastevere Gourmet Food & Wine Tour is your insider pass to this iconic Roman neighborhood.

Over the course of four unforgettable hours, you’ll visit five handpicked venues—ranging from family-run trattorias to historic wine bars—each offering a taste of authentic Roman cuisine. You’ll savor everything from freshly sliced prosciutto and artisanal cheeses to rich cacio e pepe pasta, paired with regional wines carefully selected by local experts. Along the way, you’ll learn to master the art of aperitivo, the Italian pre-dinner ritual, and discover the nuanced differences between an osteria, trattoria, and ristorante.

Guided by a passionate local expert, you’ll also uncover the stories and legends behind Trastevere’s centuries-old buildings and hidden corners. By the end of the evening, you’ll have enjoyed a full dinner, learned about Roman culinary traditions, and experienced Trastevere the way locals do—through its food, wine, and warm-hearted hospitality.

FAQ: Restaurants in Trastevere Rome

What’s included in the Trastevere Gourmet Food & Wine Tour?
>>>>>>>>>>>The tour includes all food and drink tastings at five locally loved stops—ranging from classic trattorias to historic wine bars. You’ll enjoy a full traditional Roman dinner, wine pairings, aperitivo snacks, and expert commentary from a local guide. 

 Is the tour suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, dietary needs such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free can often be accommodated with advance notice. Just be sure to indicate your restrictions when booking so the team can make necessary arrangements. While substitutions are not guaranteed at every stop, your guide will do their best to ensure a satisfying experience.

When is the best time to visit Trastevere?
>>>>>>>>>>> Trastevere is charming at any time, but it’s especially magical at sunset and into the evening when the streets fill with locals and the restaurants buzz with energy. That’s why the food tour is scheduled for late afternoon—to let you experience the neighborhood at its liveliest.

Is Trastevere walkable?
Yes, Trastevere is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Rome. Its narrow, cobbled streets are best explored on foot, allowing you to soak up its vibrant atmosphere, street art, hidden piazzas, and centuries-old architecture. A guided walking tour is the ideal way to see it all without missing the details.

Skip the tourist traps and join our  Rome Trastevere gourmet food and wine tour. With five unforgettable stops, expert guidance, and a full Roman dinner, this is your shortcut to everything that makes Trastevere special.