DOT Bistrot opened a little over a year ago just off Piazza San Cosimato in the tourist trap-laden zone of Trastevere. Normally, I avoid dining in this part of town like the plague, but DOT is a rare island in a sea of mediocrity. The new(ish) arrival serves a combo of Sicily-inspired dishes (think panelle, seafood pastas, and cassata) and Roman classics (amatriciana and tripe, among other items). For fans of La Gensola the menu will be instantly familiar; DOT’s owner is Simone Dordei, son of that long-established restaurant’s proprietors and the food menu is virtually identical. But where La Gensola’s decor and service is somewhat formal, DOT is laid back and casual. Plus there’s a cocktail bar just off the street, a rarity in Rome.
In the decade plus I have been visiting La Gensola, I have never been enticed by the Roman dishes, preferring to stick to the fish. That’s the same approach I recommend at DOT. The octopus salad is simple and tender, whole whole fish are consistently cooked properly, avoiding that chalky overcooked flesh that is so common in Rome’s fish-oriented restaurant. But portions tend to be on the larger side, so take care not to over order. And absolutely do not skip the uova strapazzate, a starter of runny eggs scrambled with bitter greens, tomatoes and guanciale.
DOT Bistrot
Via Natale del Grande, 52/53
+39065817281
The cocktail bar sounds interesting – do tell us more
Thanks so much for the great recommendation. I’ve had two meals there now and loved both. Delicious fish dishes and fist pastas. Wonderful service. Small with interesting decor and a beautiful bar. We ate with mostly locals both times. What a great addition to Trastevere.
K