Trattoria Ai Due Ponti

Tucked away in the Tor Di Quinto neighborhood about 25 minutes from Rome’s bustling centro storico, Trattoria Ai Due Ponti rewards those willing to venture beyond the tourist trail. This old-school Roman establishment combines white tablecloth elegance with the warmth of a neighborhood gem, its walls adorned with antique artwork that transports you to another era. It’s the kind of place where meals unfold leisurely and the distance from crowded landmarks feels like a blessing.

The dining experience here begins with a spectacle that sets the tone for everything to follow. A massive wooden tray arrives at your table, loaded with an impressive array of house-cured salami—truffle, fennel, ‘nduja, and classic varieties among them. You’re handed a knife and glove, invited to slice and savor as much as you desire before the main courses even arrive. It’s generous, theatrical, and absolutely delicious.

Beyond the charcuterie, the kitchen demonstrates serious skill with Roman pasta traditions. The gricia gets an inspired update with fresh asparagus, while the deconstructed amatriciana shows creative flair without abandoning authenticity. But the true star of the menu is the suckling pig—its meat impossibly juicy beneath a shattering layer of bronzed, crispy skin. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and lose yourself in the moment.

This is an ideal destination for a memorable dinner with family or anyone who appreciates dining as an event rather than just a meal. The journey from central Rome melts away the moment that salami platter lands on your table, and you’ll find yourself lingering far longer than planned—happily, peacefully, miles away from the chaos of tour groups and selfie sticks.