In Italian, “accia” is a pejorative suffix used to denote something terrible or nasty. Think: “Today was a giornataccia (a bad day). I had yet another crap meal in Trastevere!” In the case of La Tavernaccia Da Bruno, the “accia” is hardly fitting. This friendly, family run trattoria isn’t some nasty tavern, as the name jokingly suggests, rather simple and straight-forward trattoria that has everything going for it: really nice servers, 5 decades of family ownership, an above average wine list (bonus points for being adorably handwritten on yellow legal paper and for listing a handful of Triple A producers), a wood burning oven, crispy pizzas, consistently delicious pastas, delectable mains, and appealing desserts. Such a combo is rare for any neighborhood in town, but in Trastevere, central Rome’s tourist trap capital, it’s unheard of.
La Tavernaccia Da Bruno is located in the southern part of Trastevere, not far from Porta Portese, Ponte Testaccio and the Trastevere Station. It was opened in 1968 by Bruno Persiani, an Umbrian transplant to Rome. The place is now run by Bruno’s daughters, Patrizia and Paola. Patrizia’s Sardinian husband Giuseppe Ruzzettu is in the kitchen.
The menu reflects the Persiani’s Umbrian roots (pappardelle al cinghiale, hand-cut prosciutto), its Roman location (amatriciana, coda alla vaccinara), as well as a hint of the chef’s Sardinia origins (wood-oven-roasted suckling pig). Ingredients are seasonal, so the menu changes throughout the year, but you’ll always find a selection of fresh pastas (fettucine, pappardelle, and lasagna), as well as assorted thin-crust pizzas.
The quality of the ingredients and resulting dishes is high, but what is truly extraordinary about Da Bruno (and I know Rome dwellers and frequent visitors will relate) is its equitable treatment of tourists and other non-regulars. The staff is nice to everyone and they don’t play tricks with the bill. It’s almost as though they want you to enjoy yourself and come back. Try Tavernaccia Da Bruno just once and I know you will.
[…] By Katie […]
Thanks for posting this – this is one of those places that I definitely wouldn’t have stumbled onto myself, and probably would have passed over even if I did somehow make my way to their website. Going to go check it out sometime very soon!
You had me at the suckling pig! We’ll have to get down there for sure, thanks!
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In Rome for one night (which it was longer)… staying in Testaccio…. where should I go….Tavernaccia Da Bruno or Flavio al Velavevodetto?…. will certainly hit Mord & Vai as I loved it last time I was in town
Tavernaccia! I love Flavio (all regulars do!) but many many readers have expressed their disappointment with service and food over the past year. enjoy Tavernaccia
Done and booked!….. you are he besterest!
cool! Let me know how it is!
Great review, we couldn’t agree more!! We love La Tavernaccia Da Bruno. The family is so humble and they nail it on the roasted suckling pig every time!
Finally made it to Tavernaccia Da Bruno, which has been on my short list for awhile. It was exactly the type of place that we love–homey, delicious, straightforward cooking. Everyone was so nice, and the food was great. Especially loved the roast pork, which was moist and flavorful. We’d go back in a heartbeat.
Went here in February, was my favorite meal out of Armando al Pantheon, Da Enzo and Sbanco – all were fantastic though.
We are leaving to Rome this Christmas. I have a feeling my family will enjoy the best of Rome. We are definitely looking forward to the restaurants you suggested. Thanks you.
Is the restaurant open in August? That is when I will be visiting and would love to try it.
it is but there’s a whole August openings post that I update yearly in which you can find out exact dates. They usually nail down their August holiday dates by mid-July
[…] Tavernaccia Da Bruno: This amazingly delicious trattoria will be open for lunch and dinner on Sunday and Monday. This is tied with Cesare for my top holiday dining spot. Call +39065812792 […]
Hello, Do you know need reservations for this restaurant?
you should definitely book ahead. a few days in advance is fine.
Does Da Bruno offer any fish or gluten free
not much fish, except the occasional spaghetti with clams. there are gluten free options, however.