If you could only have one dinner in Rome....
 

Have visited Rome a couple of times before but dining has been a mix of cooking at apartment and hit and miss with restaurants- nowhere we'd return to.

We are a couple with only one full day in Rome on this trip ( have previously spent about 3 weeks in total in Rome before).

It will be a Sunday night, October. We are staying near Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.

We like atmospheric, cheap , cheerful and authentic. Not interested in expensive or fine dining.

Where would you suggest?

It's not your neighborhood but you can't beat Trastevere at night; great restaurants and ambience. More locals than tourists at times which still amazes me. It's safe to walk around, just err on the side of caution and you'll be fine. We've stayed in Trastevere many times and love that section. We've had many great dinners. I shall try to get back with the name of one restaurant which is our favorite.

Very near Santa Maria Maggiore is Trattoria Monti, one of my favorite in Rome. Not cheap but not expensive. The Camerucci family is from the Marche region, so the menu is different from the usual Roman fare. For a Saturday night, I recommend making a reservation.

Trattoria Monti
Via San Vito 13a (Near Santa Maria Maggiore off Via C. Alberto)
tel 06.4466573

I believe Trattoria Monti is closed on Sunday. We've enjoyed several great meals at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali. Excellent food, family run, casual.

http://www.latavernadeiforiimperiali.com

Scoglio Di Frisio, On Via Merulana just down the street from Santa Maria Maggiore. The restaurant specializes in dishes from the Naples area and has been run by the Rossi family for generations.

I've definitely had Sunday lunch at Trattoria Monti, but can't be sure about dinner. Reservations are important for Sunday lunch as well.

Thanks all for tips- Steve31 did you remember the name of the restaurant in Trastevere?

The name of the restaurant is Alle Fratte di Trastevere.

Thanks Steve- I have always liked the ambiance of Trastevere... hmmmmm decisions, decisions!

I second Steve's suggestion for Alle Fratte di Trastevere. I think I remember that the mozzarella there was especially good.