Da Dante

Tucked away on Via Monte Santo in Rome’s Prati neighborhood, Da Dante is the kind of unassuming Italian trattoria that locals keep close to their hearts. With crisp white tablecloths and servers dressed in starched button-downs, first impressions might suggest a buttoned-up fine dining experience. But spend a few minutes here and you’ll quickly realize this place has soul—especially when the staff erupts in passionate cheers over the latest football match on TV.

The real star at Da Dante is the seafood pasta, and they’ve elevated it to an art form. Their spaghetti alle vongole is nothing short of spectacular: perfectly cooked noodles glistening with garlic and chili-infused oil, studded with sweet, briny clams that taste like they came straight from the sea. For the adventurous, ask about their off-menu spaghetti allo scoglio—a glorious tangle of al dente pasta, bright cherry tomatoes, and an assortment of pristine shellfish that rivals anything you’d find on the Italian coast.

This is the perfect spot for bringing parents or in-laws when you want somewhere impressive but not pretentious. The outdoor seating adds another layer of charm, letting you soak in the atmosphere of one of Rome’s most elegant neighborhoods. Whether it’s a romantic evening for two or a multi-generational family dinner, Da Dante delivers that quintessential Roman dining experience.

If seafood pasta is your thing, make the trip to Prati. Da Dante may not be flashy, but it’s exactly the kind of neighborhood gem that makes eating in Rome so rewarding.