Just across the Tiber River from the historical center, Trastevere was the neighborhood where foreigners and worshipers of foreign cults dwelled during early Roman times. Its charming maze of medieval streets and picturesque squares make it the ideal setting to discover Rome’s growth and development through ancient, medieval, and modern times.
Hi Katie, do you not like Roma Sparita in Trastevere? I have only been twice but both timesI found it to be terrific. I have been to the two restaurants that you mention in the piece and agree but find many other places to be good and interesting. Also, I’m fond of Glass Hostaria.
Not a huge fan of Roma Sparita: http://www.parlafood.com/roma-sparita-from-hit-list-to-shit-list/
Unfortunately many restaurants in Trastevere abuse tourists and Roma Sparita isn’t alone. So even the places in the hood that are good don’t make my list because they take advantage of foreign patrons. I recently had a great meal at Tavernaccia da Bruno and enjoyed the service, which was equally kind to regulars as it was to first timers. this is so rare in Trastevere and that’s why my list is so short!
I am very sorry to hear that about Roma Sparita because on both occasions they could not have been nicer to us. The first time I was there I asked the owner in my limited Italian if the chef could teach me how to make his cacio e pepe as I have made it for years at a much lesser level of expertise. Within moments I was in the kitchen with Marco (who admittedly, I thought was going to bite my head off but didn’t). The next time I walked into the restaurant, Marco was walking out and he stopped to give me the “two-cheek” welcome. Within 4 minutes of sitting down, there was an unasked for plate of cacio e pepe in front of me. All of this happened after Bourdain’s Restaurant X review.
KP- You look great!!! I enjoyed the video! You should do a few more on other neighborhoods.
[…] You didn't mention it. But I assume you've been to Piazza Navona, walking distance from your hotel, a few blocks from the Pantheon. If you've been there try Trastevere. A very old and quaint neighborhood with ancient streets and beautiful plazas. What we call the Tiber River is called Fiume Tevere in Italian. Trastevere means across the Tiber River. Not near the Vatican but down the river more towards the Colosseum. You can't leave Rome without seeing Piazza Navona, and if you've done that, consider Trastevere. http://www.parlafood.com/katie-parlas-rome-trastevere/ […]