vinorama - I thought that was the case about the coperto, but couldn't find it anywhere via google. when/how did it become illegal?

annhig, no date but here's a citation of the law

https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/ShowTo...ome_Lazio.html

I seem to remember that Rick Steves( of whom I am not a fan) has an explanation of the history of this.

Annhig, originally in 1995, later modified in 2006. The above link has a link to the regulation.

Thank you vinoroma for your continued suggestions. I am very surprised that you would not recommend other trattorias in the Monti area. But I will re-visit the idea of Trattoria Monti. And look into the other two you mention, thanks.

May I ask what do you think about La Carbonara, or where you might look for the best cacio e pepe presentation by a restaurant or trattoria, and also where can I find gnocchi alla romana? Grazie mille

Admittedly I have extremely high standards. Part of my work is related to food in Rome. I eat out half of my meals and a lot of them are/used to be in Monti as my winestudio is here. "Used to be" because i just can't stand the food in the area anymore, I just periodically check out new places and go back to old places to see if anything has changed. I like la Barrique on Boschetto but it is not a trattoria like you asked for. I like Cavour 313 but same. Aromaticus, ditto. Al vino Al vino, ditto. La Carbonara (the one on via Panisperna, I assume) is totally ok. Not a heartfelt recommendation but if you happen to be in the area, it is perfectly service-able. Best cacio e pepe is for me at Roscioli (which comes with disclaimers and warnings), I also like it at Cesare (mentioned earlier).Gnocchi alla Romana is difficult to find nowadays, last time I had it was at Piatto Romano in Testaccio, which is also another perfectly fine trattoria. I especially love their three different artichoke preparations, but next month they won't be, most probably....

Invaluable help vinoroma. I very much appreciate it. When we visited last year and stayed in the area, we were very close to La Barrique and liked it so much it became almost a nightly event for us. SOmetimes it was just a glass of wine, other times a light meal. Really excellent place indeed. Did not get to Aromaticus but plan to this time as well as Al vino Al vino. I have read other "reports" of Roscioli being very unfriendly and "rough around the edges" in terms of service and lack thereof. Is this what you mean? I prefer not to have to deal with those idiosyncracies and so ask what would be your SECOND choice for the best cacio e pepe?

Not in Monti but what about Armando al Pantheon?

Pastas are very good. I love the Spaghetti alla Gricia and the Straccetti di manzo there.

You will find a mix of tourists, Italian politicians and other regulars, depending when you go. Service is good. You need reservations, they are not open for dinner on Saturday.

IME - the service at Roscoli's is either brisk or neglectful. There is no in between. Since it is a special meal, I would stay away from Roscoli's for dinner. But do go to the Forno and check out the the Roscoli bar.

I am finding several restaurants / bars / coffee shops under the name Roscioli in various places also in Rome. Which is the one you recommend and which is the one (s) to stay clear of?

Roscioli bakery in via chiavari is the original and the best bread in rome. Roscioli deli & ristorante on via giubbonari is the place where food can be amazing and service as well - or not. Roscioli bar (ie cafe) three doors down from that is the newest addition and has the best coffee in town and great pastries, sandwiches etc. the cacio e pepe is at the deli & ristorante with the erratic service.
My other favorite, as already mentioned, is at cesare.

Thank you for the clarifications. And the one mentioned above by johnnyomalley is not even in that area and seems to be in Esquiline and close to us in Monti. Is that also affiliated with them and how do THEY rate?

The Roscioli Forno (bakery) and Roscioli Cafe (coffee bar), I was referring to are the ones that vinoroma explained.

Are you referring to Panificio Roscioli? near Vittorio Emmanuele? I think it is mostly a bakery.

Rhe roscioli in esquilino is a cousin of theirs and a bakery & tavola calda. Not comparable to the "real" roscioli bakery, though not bad if you need bread in the area.

Thank you. Can you believe that Roscoli on via giubbonari, to which I "braved up to" and wrote, answered me that they are already booked one month ahead for my requested date???? WOW.