Trattoria Vecchia Roma

Guidebooks are famous for pointing out better known bigger chain restaurants when it comes to food. Though this restaurant may not be listed in all of the big guidebooks, but Trattoria Vecchia Roma near Piazza Vittorio is certainly a true gem. Most people who do stumble upon this place come here for their extra-special pasta amatriciana. Pasta amatriciana is a typical Roman dish that is made with tomato, pancetta or guanciale and a little bit of onion. The original recipe calls for it made with bucatini pasta. But one can ask that it be made with pasta corta (short pasta) which is usually rigatoni. The reason Trattoria Vecchia Roma is so special is the way it prepares its amatriciana. Just before serving it on your plate, they literally light a flame to a hollow block of Pecorino Romano cheese and stir the pasta inside before bringing it to you. What makes this pasta so unique is its smoky pecorino cheese taste to it. It's like no other! While this place serves up other great Roman dishes like pasta carbonara and cacio e pepe; not ordering the pasta amatriciana, which is their specialty would be just sinful. Appetizers like bruschette and fritti misti are also quite delicious. METRO: Piazza Vittorio, Termini.