Having lived in Italy almost a month now I would consider myself an expert in all things food when it comes to the Trastevere area of Rome. Being the very giving self-proclaimed pasta, pizza, and dessert connoisseur I am, I have put together the five best places to eat in Trastevere. This list has been approved by a very prestigious group of ladies known as “squad” who also have a palette for the finer foods in life. So if you are ever in Trastevere- one of the most lively, and dynamic parts of Rome- give one of these places a try; your taste buds will thank me later.

1. Osteria da Fortunata– the ultimate haven for your taste buds, and the only pasta you will ever want in your life! Their fresh hand-rolled pasta, and selection of freshly prepared sauces that you can smell from down the street make this place a must-go! Their amatricana and arriabiatta strozzapreti will make reoccurences in your dreams long after you have returned to the states! Don’t forget dessert! Their creamy pana cotta topped with a fresh berry puree is to die for! If you only have one night in Rome go here! You will not be disappointed.

Via del Pellegrino, 11, Campo de’ Fiori – 00186 Roma (RM)

2. Dar Poeta– if you love pizza (and I’m not talking about Domino’s) then you don’t need to look any further than Dar Poeta. The locals rave about this place, the tourists rave about this place, and I’m pretty sure the Pope calls in just to order off their menu! You can’t go wrong with anything you choose, however my go-to is their margarita pizza with house-made prosciutto! It is simply divine! To end your meal you MUST have their nutella and ricotta stuffed calzone! I will never love a calzone as much as I love theirs. I even give you permission to skip over their pizza and just order this.

Vicolo del Bologna 45 – 00153 Roma (RM)

3. Hosteria del Moro– otherwise known as Tony’s, is loved by all the students from John Cabot University! Their 20 euro deal makes this place a must-go! Unlimited wine, and a five-course meal with mouth-watering appetizers, penne alla vodka, lasagna, chicken parmigiano, and tiramisu; need I say more? I probably could have stopped at unlimited wine. I highly recommend this place to all those looking for a good meal, and a great time! Also advised: wear stretchy pants.

Vicolo del Cinque 36 – 00153 Roma (RM)

4. Da Enzo– a place that has 5 stars on yelp and for a good reason! This place is all you will ever need if you love carbonara. Their large rigatoni noodles are the perfect vehicle for their luscious and creamy carbonara sauce and heavenly pieces of bacon. Also not to be missed, their fried artichokes! Their location keeps them off the map for tourists, so if you want a place loved by the locals this is the place to go! You may need a reservation so keep that in mind if you are interested in eating here!

Via Dei Vascellari 29 – 00153 Roma (RM)

5. La Scala– your go-to place for all things meat and seafood! I’ve only had the luxury of eating here twice but if you are looking for fresh tuna seasoned just right that literally melts in your mouth then this is the place for you. Their dungeness crab pasta, and steak are not to be over-looked either. This is the place to go if you want to treat yourself and feel like the queen or prince you are. They even have a certificate of excellence for 2016- which means you know I’m not lying when I say that they are good.

Piazza della Scala 58/59 60 – 00153 Roma (RM)

Italy holds a special place in my heart when it comes to food. It doesn’t matter where you go to eat, everything is prepared by people who have a love for food, quality, and tradition. While these five places have made a large impression on myself and my friends, there are plenty of other hidden gems that you can find simply by taking a wrong turn and seeing where it takes you!

Stay tuned for other blog posts detailing our favorite places to go for just dessert, and guide to all things nightlife in Rome. We are also traveling to Norway, London, and Poland within the next month so follow us on all our adventures.

Also a very special shoutout to my new friend DJ at Barnum Cafe who has kept me caffeinated while I’ve been writing with his very cute cafe lattes all week! Today he made me a smiling cat but I forgot to take a picture before I drank it. *insert face palm*