This subject was listed by Richard in May, 1999 as I would like to update the list. We will be in Rome for 12 days including Easter Week. I certainly will appreciate any help on the subject. Thanks, Mike

My first trip to Rome, over 20 years ago, I was taken to a small restaurant called Ristorante Mario's in Trestavere by some locals. It's not a fancy place but a real neighborhood eatery. It was the best meal of that trip. 20 years later I returned with my family, while wandering the streets of Trestavere, I once found Mario's (via del moro, 53) and it once again was our most memorable meal. It was a Friday evening. The place was filled with large tables of Italian families. The food was excellent and very inexpensive. The staff was warm and friendly and the carciofi (sp) romano was delightful. My kids wanted to eat there every night. If I get back to Rome, this restarant would be at the top of my list.

I'll just list my favorite splurge--It's Camponeschi, at Piazza Farnese. One visit and you're hooked, but also you probably can't afford to go more than once. Good luck.

I'll give you two of my current favorites:

'Gusto at the corner of via della Frezza and via del Corea(063226273). I'm certain the Mario Batali visited here before he did Otto. Casual with a good percentage of Rome's young gliteratti. A few blocks northwest of Piazza Spagna.

The other is Pizzaria Remo in Testaccio. Take the Metro to Piramide, walk a few blocks down via Marmorata and turn left into the center of Testaccio. Ask anyone for directions. Its a swinging neighborhood tradition. The best pizza in the world and you won't see a tourist.

MFNYC, thanks for the tip on Mario's. This merely confirms other posts I've seen in the past regarding this restaurant. We look forward to visiting it a few times during our trip in April. Thanks, Mike

Thanks For Your Suggestions!!! Mike

We found a wonderful friendly little family restaurant called the Antica Romana on Via Baccina, just off Via Cavour. Food was wonderful, prices were quite low, and the husband and wife owners were very kind to us. They even brought us a free piece of pastiera and limoncello for dessert. It is a little hard to find, we just accidentaly stumbled on it one night. If you get in the area of Via Cavour and Via Serpenti, somebody should know the name. Very popular with locals, as we felt like we were the only tourists in the place, however still got special treatment.

Jim, thanks for the wonderful suggestion. We are staying at two different locations during our stay and one is a block or two from Antica Romana Restaurant. We will definitely visit it. Mike

'Gusto and Pizzeria Da Remo...hmmm very good and unusual choices. Do you live here DRJ?

Orso 80. I think it's listed in Rants n' Raves. This is for just an "everyday" dinner...just off the Piazza Navonna. It's more fun if there are more than 2 of you, but be sure to order the mixed antipasto as a starter. They bring out dish after dish after dish. The waiters are delightful and helpful. Perfect for one of those "keep it simple" nights.

Thanks again for the suggestions. Has anyone eaten at Restorante del Pallaro or Le Maschere? Mike

We ate at Dal Pallaro in September. You can't beat the price. But I think you can do better as far as the food preparation. I didn't find it very tasty. We ate at La Tartaruga...very close to Le Maschere...just down the street. I can recommend La Tartaruga for food, atmosphere, and service at a reasonable price. They were very accommodating and allowed us to split a lot of portions so that we could taste as many different things as possible. I can also recommend Ar Galleto...just off the Campo di Fiori

I just love a rebirth.....

Just in case anyone cares, my websight address has a new home until i figure out what to do with it.....

http://richardab.home.comcast.net/

all my rome favorite restaurants are listed there....

It's hard to pick just one. I love Vecchia Roma and La Rosetta (both expensive). But on a sunny day in October, I had the best gnocchi al pomodoro I've ever tasted, followed by good roasted porcini mushrooms, at Le Cave di Sant'Ignazio, in Piazza Sant'Ignazio, which is as picturesque a setting as Rome offers. I don't know whether other menu items are as good (actually, we never saw the menu--just talked with the waiter and ordered what he suggested). I know I'll return to try it again, though.

L'Eau Vive on the Via Monterone. Run by French Missionary nuns. Serene and relaxed ambienance. Food is surperb and the prices very reasonable.

CARROM: I only wish that I lived there. I just visit Italy spring and fall and usually hit Rome both times. Also, try Fiaschetteria Beltrame on Via della Croce, 39. Best abbachio scottadita.

Too difficult to pick just one. My husband and I go to Der Pallaro every time we are in Rome and have never been disappointed. For pizza we like da Baffeto. We ate at Fiascheterria Beltrame in October and thought the food was at best mediocre. For exceptional abbacchio scottaditto, try Tram Tram in the San Lorenzo neighborhood. Other favorites are Da Felice (very reasonably priced) and Checchino dal 1887 (a splurge) both in Testaccio and both require reservations.

Goodmorning, Barbmike
Hee is three more which we have used over the years and been very happy with.
IL RISTORANTE 34 (aL34) Via Mario di Fiore, 34 about a block from the bottom
of the Spanish Steps.
RISTORANTE NINO, via Borgognona, 11 a
half block from the bottom of the Spanish Steps.
AMBASCIATA D'ABRUZZO, via Pietro Tacchini,26, in Parioli district, north
excellant food and wonderful experience,
Reservations required in all instances
and tge kater best to take a taxi to abd from. Richard of LaGrange Park,IL

There's another Mario's in ROme near the Forum. I haven't been but friends of mine went there by mistake instead of the Mario's in Trestavere. It sounded similar in experience (I don't know if the 2 are related).

La Tartaruga
via del Monte della Farina 53
The address is a small street that starts next to the church of St Andrea della Valle immediately south of Corso Vittorio Emmanuelle, near the Pantheon/Piazza Navona area. What a great little restaurant! It is family-run, and the same family owns a farm in Tuscany where they produce their own olive oil and wine vinegar. All the food was outstanding and as simple as it sounds, the mandarine (tangerine) sorbet was to die for.