Alfredo Alla Scrofa

Step into Alfredo Alla Scrofa and you’re stepping into over a century of culinary history. This storied Roman institution has been welcoming diners through its doors since 1914, and the walls are lined with photographs of the countless celebrities and dignitaries who have made the pilgrimage to taste the dish that started it all. The atmosphere is classic Italian trattoria—warm, welcoming, and steeped in tradition.

The star of the show here is undeniably the fettuccine con burro e parmigiano, the original recipe that inspired what the world now knows as fettuccine Alfredo. Forget the cream-laden versions you’ve encountered elsewhere—this is the real deal, born from a husband’s loving attempt to nourish his pregnant wife with simple, comforting food. The pasta arrives paper-thin and perfectly al dente, then gets dressed tableside in a luxurious coating of butter and aged parmesan that creates a silky, rich sauce without a drop of cream.

This is the kind of place you save for your second or third trip to Rome, once you’ve ticked off the obligatory tourist spots and are ready to dig deeper into the city’s culinary soul. Order a side of chicory greens alongside your pasta—the pleasant bitterness cuts through the richness beautifully and feels distinctly Roman. Lunch is the ideal time to visit, when you can fully appreciate both the food and the unhurried elegance of the experience.

Whether you’re a food history enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates exceptional pasta, Alfredo Alla Scrofa delivers an experience that connects you to the very origins of one of Italy’s most beloved dishes. It’s touristy in the best possible way—a restaurant that earned its fame not through gimmicks, but through over a century of serving one thing exceptionally well.