I read in a book, I think form Anthony Bourdain, that there are restaurants that don't look like restaurants that the locals go to in Rome. Very low key doors that don't look like businesses but when you are inside the food is amazing. Has anyone been to anything similar? would love to surprise my family with a local treat in Rome

I heard one of them is: http://www.foodinrome.com/dar-filett...ti-di-baccala/

I've read about such places in Palermo:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/07/15...15headsup.html

The closest in Rome might be I due ciccioni, described in this article:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/03/22.../22choice.html

I don't think everyone would agree that the food is amazing.

If we knew of such places, why on earth would we tell anyone else? Rick Steves would soon hear about them, and they would be gone.

nukesafe....shhhhhhh. I won't tell rick steives. hahaha

Went to somewhere similar in Rome a few years ago, but was working with a local film crew...sat outside, no menu, brought what they were serving that day

I can think of one that fits your request: Perilli on Via Marmoratta. It was recommended by a Fodorite who seems to know Rome very well. We love this restuarant and would not miss a meal there on a trip to Rome. The food is excellent and wait staff( most are 70+ years old ) probably spent their entire career at Perilli. The Aventine Hill walk combines nicely with a meal there.

thanks nini! Can't wait to try it. Booked my flights today. Woohoo....I'm going to Italy!

I copied and pasted all the articles from the sites highlighted. Can't wait to taste the pasta de arabiatta!