Da Roberto E Loretta

Tucked away in Rome’s San Giovanni neighborhood, Da Roberto E Loretta is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled upon a well-kept local secret. This spacious, old-school trattoria has been run by the husband-and-wife team of Roberta and Loretta for decades, and they’ve spent all that time mastering the art of Roman comfort food.

The star of the show here is undoubtedly their saltimbocca, a deceptively simple dish that’s notoriously tricky to get right. The veal needs to be pounded impossibly thin and cooked until the edges turn deliciously crispy without drying out the meat. The balance of salty prosciutto against fragrant sage has to be precise. At Da Roberto E Loretta, they nail every detail. Their white wine sauce, enriched with the herby drippings from the meat and finished with butter (one of the few Roman dishes that celebrates it), is absolutely worth savoring to the last drop with the perfectly roasted potatoes that accompany the dish.

This is the kind of restaurant that’s perfect for celebrations—birthdays, big groups, or any occasion where you want generous portions of expertly prepared food in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The dining room has that classic Italian charm that feels both elegant and unpretentious.

If you’re in Rome and craving authentic Roman cooking done by people who’ve dedicated their lives to perfecting it, Da Roberto E Loretta should be at the top of your list. Come hungry, order the saltimbocca, and prepare to understand why some dishes become legendary.