Da Cesare Al Casaletto

Tucked away in a quiet residential corner of Rome’s Gianicolense neighborhood, Da Cesare Al Casaletto is the kind of place that locals whisper about and visitors stumble upon with sheer luck. At first glance, it appears to be just another unassuming family-run trattoria with simple decor and a welcoming atmosphere. But don’t let the humble exterior fool you—what emerges from this kitchen is nothing short of exceptional.

The menu here is expansive and designed for sharing, so round up your favorite people and come hungry. Start with the polpette di bollito, wonderfully rich fried beef fritters that practically melt on your tongue, alongside delicate eggplant croquettes and the gnocchetti fritti swimming in a luscious pecorino sauce. For the main event, the pasta selection reads like a greatest hits of Roman classics—the carbonara, gricia, and rigatoni all’amatriciana are all prepared with reverence for tradition and executed flawlessly. The oxtail stew is comfort food at its finest.

Beyond the pastas, the kitchen excels at heartier fare. The fried lamb chops arrive perfectly crispy while remaining succulent inside, and the braised veal demonstrates the kind of patient, careful cooking that’s becoming increasingly rare. The wine list is another pleasant surprise, featuring affordable bottles from traditional and natural producers across Italy, France, and Slovenia.

Plan your visit for a lazy Sunday afternoon, grab a table outside if weather permits, and settle in for a long, leisurely meal. The 20-minute tram ride from Trastevere is well worth the journey—this is the kind of authentic Roman dining experience that memories are made of.