Osteria Da Fortunata

Nestled in the heart of Campo de’ Fiori, Osteria da Fortunata draws crowds with its compelling window display: women rolling fresh pasta by hand, just as they’ve done since the restaurant opened its doors in 1921. The line that snakes out the door and the theatrical pasta-making have made this spot a destination for tourists seeking an authentic Roman dining experience. With locations now spanning from Milan to Miami, this century-old establishment has certainly made a name for itself.

However, longevity and spectacle don’t always guarantee a memorable meal. While the promise of fresh, handmade pasta is enticing, the execution can be inconsistent. Classic Roman preparations like ragù vary from visit to visit, and dishes that should be benchmarks of Roman cuisine—like the coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew)—sometimes miss the mark with tough meat and underwhelming seasoning.

The dining experience comes with some predictable tourist-trap challenges: expect long waits and service that can feel rushed or distracted. For those set on seeing the famous pasta-making firsthand, it might be worth a quick peek through the window. But if you’re after genuinely excellent Roman pasta, there are quieter trattorias tucked away in the nearby streets that deliver more consistent quality without the crowds.

For visitors to Rome with limited time and meals to spare, consider whether the Instagram moment is worth potentially sacrificing a truly memorable pasta experience. Sometimes the best Roman meals come from places without the lines—where the focus is purely on what ends up on your plate.