Where To Swirl And Slurp The Best Pasta In Rome (2026 Edition)

Rome and pasta go hand in hand, and once you’re here, it doesn’t take long to see why. From silky carbonara—arguably the city’s most famous dish—to sharp, peppery cacio e pepe and rich, tomato-based amatriciana, Roman pasta is all about simple ingredients done well. 

Of course, that’s just the start. Across the city, you’ll find everything from old-school trattorias sticking to time-honoured recipes to newer spots putting their own spin on the classics. Whether you’re chasing the perfect bowl of pasta or just working your way through the essentials, these are the best places to eat pasta in Rome right now.

Osteria da Fortunata

Via del Pellegrino, 11/12, 00186 Rome

Image credit: Osteria da Fortunata | Instagram

At Osteria da Fortunata, the pasta starts long before it hits your plate—you’ll see it being made fresh by hand right in front of you. It’s part of the experience, and a big reason this spot has become one of the most talked-about in Rome.

The menu sticks close to Roman tradition, but it’s the pasta that steals the show. Their carbonara is widely considered one of the best in the city, made with strozzapreti—a hand-rolled pasta that holds onto the sauce perfectly—rich, silky and exactly what you came for.

The restaurant dates back to 1921 and is still family-run (check out Nonna Iris on Instagram), with recipes passed down through generations. It’s busy, a little chaotic and absolutely worth it—come for the spectacle, stay for the pasta.

Osteria Barberini

Via della Purificazione, 21, 00187 Rome

Image credit: Osteria Barberini | Instagram

If you’re chasing truffle pasta in Rome, Osteria Barberini is hard to beat. Near Piazza Barberini, this cosy osteria has built its reputation around one thing—and it does it very well.

The pasta is the main event here, with rich, creamy dishes finished generously with shaved truffle. Think silky spaghetti coated in a white truffle cream sauce, or other indulgent variations that let that earthy flavour take centre stage. It’s simple, comforting and exactly what you want when you’re in the mood for something a little more decadent.

The space is intimate, with a few indoor rooms and some outdoor seating, and the aroma alone will have you ready to order before you’ve even sat down. For truffle lovers, this is a must.

Trattoria Pennestri

Via Giovanni da Empoli, 5, 00154 Rome

Image credit: Trattoria Pennestri | Instagram

In Ostiense, Trattoria Pennestri is a go-to for pasta that feels both classic and just a little more considered. It’s the kind of place where the menu changes often, but the quality never dips.

The pasta is exactly what you’re hoping for—simple, seasonal and seriously well executed. You might find penne all’amatriciana one day, a spaghetti with tomato, toasted breadcrumbs and a hit of chilli the next, or hand-rolled gnocchi that’s soft, light and hard to beat. It’s all about letting a few good ingredients do the work, and doing them properly.

There’s a solid wine list to match, plenty available by the glass, and an easy energy that makes it just as good for a casual dinner as it is for a longer, more leisurely one.

Nannarella

Piazza di S. Calisto, 7/a, 00153 Rome

Image credit: Nannarella | Instagram

One of Trastevere’s most-loved spots, Nannarella keeps things simple and does them well—especially when it comes to pasta. The menu is rooted in traditional Roman cooking, with generous portions and a constant buzz of locals and visitors settling in for long, lively meals.

Tonnarelli is the star here—their signature long, handmade pasta—and it shows up in just about every form you’d want. From classic carbonara to rich tomato sauces with guanciale and plenty of parmesan, or even paired with polpette (meatballs), it’s all about big, comforting flavours. It’s famously served in a fry pan, which somehow makes it taste even better.

Come hungry—this is unapologetically hearty, and exactly what you want after a day exploring Rome.

Come ’Na Vorta

Via della Pelliccia, 12, 00153 Rome

Image credit: Come ‘Na Vorta | Website

In the heart of Trastevere, Come ’Na Vorta is all about tradition—and pasta done properly. One of the neighbourhood’s long-standing favourites, this is where you come for handmade pasta, classic Roman sauces and that unmistakable, home-style feel.

The setup is simple: choose your pasta, choose your sauce, and let the kitchen do the rest. From the iconic carbonara to cacio e pepe and amatriciana, everything is made using time-tested techniques and recipes passed down through generations. You can even watch the pasta being rolled and shaped fresh as you wait.

The space is rustic—wooden tables, exposed brick, a lively buzz—and the whole experience feels like stepping into someone’s home kitchen. It’s generous, nostalgic and exactly the kind of place that reminds you why Roman pasta is so iconic.

Al42

Via Baccina, 42, 00184 Rome

Image credit: Al42 | Facebook

A firm favourite for pasta—Al42 is tucked away in the Centro Storico with a vine-covered exterior and a compact, casual setup inside—bar tables, stools and an easy order-at-the-counter setup.

The focus is on quality ingredients at a price point that feels refreshingly reasonable, with a menu that covers everything from rich ragù bolognese to fresh ravioli, tagliolini with prawns and all the Roman staples. There’s also a daily “surprise” special, usually scrawled up on the chalkboard, and always worth a look.

Tonnarello

Various locations

Image credit: Tonnarello | Instagram

Tonnarello is one of those names you’ll see pop up all over Rome. It’s a go-to for reliably delicious, no-fuss pasta, with a menu that covers all the Roman classics and then some.

The standout here is the amatriciana. It hits every note—sweet tomato, a bit of heat from chilli, salty pecorino and crispy pork, all wrapped up in perfectly al dente, house-made pasta. Pair it with a glass of red and you’re set.

That said, it’s hard to go wrong. The carbonara delivers, the pasta with eggplant is a favourite, and the grilled artichokes are just as worth your time.

CiPASSO

Via Metastasio, 21, 00186 Rome

Image credit: CiPASSO | Facebook

CiPASSO brings a more contemporary edge to Roman pasta, set inside a polished space that feels a little more elevated than your typical trattoria. This is the kind of place you come when you want something classic—but with a twist.

The menu centres around seasonal ingredients, with fresh black truffle making a regular appearance across a number of dishes. Pasta is where it really shines, with options like black truffle tagliolini, pappardelle with duck ragù and lobster linguine sitting alongside more familiar Roman flavours. CiPASSO is a little more refined than your average pasta spot, but still approachable, with a strong wine list to match.

Cantina e Cucina

V. del Governo Vecchio, 87, 00186 Rome

Image credit: Cantina e Cucina | Facebook

Just off Piazza Navona, Cantina e Cucina is one of those lively, always-busy spots that delivers exactly what you want from a Roman meal—good pasta, generous plates and a buzzing atmosphere. Set inside a 16th-century building with exposed brick and vaulted ceilings, it leans into that rustic, old-Rome feel without trying too hard.

The pasta menu is tight but hits all the right notes. Tonnarelli takes centre stage—carbonara, amatriciana and cacio e pepe all make an appearance—alongside ricotta and spinach ravioli and the occasional gnocchi. It’s classic, comforting and done well, with just enough variety to keep things interesting.

If you’re only ordering one thing, make it the cacio e pepe—it’s widely considered a standout. Pair it with a glass from the extensive wine list and settle in.

Matricianella

Via del Leone, 4, 00186 Rome

Image credit: Matricianella | Facebook

Between Spagna and Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, Matricianella is one of those old-school Roman institutions that’s been doing things the same way since 1957. If you’re after a true taste of Rome, this is one to lock in.

This is traditional Roman pasta, no shortcuts and no reinvention. Expect all the classics with recipes passed down through generations. There’s a warm, bustling dining room and a serious wine list to match.

Colline Emiliane

Via degli Avignonesi, 22, 00187 Rome

Image credit: Colline Emiliane | Instagram

A little different from your classic Roman pasta spots, Colline Emiliane is all about the cuisine of Emilia-Romagna—and it’s absolutely worth making the detour for. Open since 1931, this long-standing, family-run restaurant has built its reputation on tradition, quality and seriously good handmade pasta.

Everything is made fresh in-house, rolled out the old-school way with a rolling pin. The menu features regional classics, with dishes like tortellini in brodo (broth and undeniably comforting), pumpkin tortellini, green (spinach) lasagne and pillowy gnocchi finished with parmesan cream and truffle. Save room for dessert—the cakes here are just as good, with options like caramelised pear, walnut and chocolate.

Trecca

Via Alessandro Severo, 220, 00145 Rome

Image credit: Trecca | Instagram

Trecca is where you go when you’re ready to step slightly outside the usual pasta comfort zone. A favourite among foodies, this spot draws a crowd for its bold take on Roman cooking—rooted in tradition, but not afraid to push things a little further.

The menu is short and worth talking through with your waiter, but pasta is still front and centre. You’ll find the classics (yes, carbonara and amatriciana) alongside dishes built around off-cuts—the kind that give Trecca its reputation. There’s even a section for “refined palates” (read: the brave), and if you’re going to try it, this is the place to do it.

Founded by two local brothers, the focus is on sustainability, strong flavours and a natural wine list that spans across Europe.

Looking for more amazing places to dine? Check out Rome's best restaurants here. 

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