A gem of an Osteria away from the tourist masses that I would highly recommend if you happen to be near the Trastavere neighborhood of Rome. I liked it so much though that I will make it a pilgrimage next time I am anywhere in the city. When I counted up the diners around me, I liked my odds for having an authentic experience. I was the only tourist in the place. It is tucked into a small plaza surrounded by residential buildings so you are unlikely to walk by this spot unless you are trying to navigate to it. The owner is an imposing large guy but immediately friendly and speaks good English. He welcomed me as a single walk-in and made sure that I received a good meal. I came here primarily because of 2 things that are Roman cuisine ingredients but not found on all area restaurant menus: Bottarga and Oxtails. I suspect that they may not be popular with foreign tourists so it is likely harder to find these items at restaurant spots closer to the tourist districts. Here, they were available daily and on point. Really great comfort foods for those in the know that like these kinds of flavor profiles and textures. I also enjoyed the small, intimate feel of the dining room with some interesting and quirky decor (a wooden tree grows in the room!) and the depth of the menu is outstanding. People around me ordered some grilled calamari, fresh fish dishes, and several types of pastas. All looked just as good as mine which gives me plenty of excuses to come back here again in the future. If I was staying another day, I would repeat this lunch visit tomorrow because yes, it was just that good! read more

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This restaurant was recommended by a local. We were not disappointed. It was the first restaurant I found that had both of my favorite greens, escarole and cima di rapa. Their cacio e pepe was perfection, the service wonderful and there was great service. We ate outside, which was also lovely. I had oxtail rigatoni, which was so so good. A lovely spot for a great meal. We made reservations read more

Excellent wine list and authentic italian food, not a tourist trap. The sea bass ravioli and tuna meatballs were fantastic, the oxtail, a bit less meat than expected, but the John Dory puttanesca also very good read more

La Gensola - John Dory and Veal Oxtail - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

Friends and I were looking for a casual spot for dinner while on a fairly quick trip to Rome for a conference and decided to check out this restaurant. So glad we did. We arrived about 8:30 without a reservation and were promptly seated at a nice table next to the funky tree statue. The servers were all very friendly and helpful, answered questions and provided guidance, and steered us toward a good wine selection. The food was delicious! Despite a range of food allergies and dietary needs everyone had plenty of options and loved everything we had. The fish was fresh and expertly prepared, plating was beautiful, and we were all very happy with our experience. Despite being close to major tourist attractions, it did not feel like a touristy restaurant, which is exactly what we'd hoped it would be like. read more

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The staff made us feel welcome to what seemed to be a locals only ambience....the service was outstanding, the food was in the Top 10 I've ever had, and the overall experience was so good we went back 2 nights later. So many great menu items, so few nights! read more

Sicilian osteria La Gensola has long been considered one of the best Trastevere restaurants for seafood offers some harder to find products like sea urchin and monkfish cheeks. You will also find some meaty, Roman dishes, but it's fish is what they are best at You can count on high quality seafood but you should also expect fairly high prices (40-60€ pp without wine.) The ambiance is more serene and relaxing than most typical bustling Trastevere restaurants No outdoor seating Reservations a must read more

Ohhhhhhhh man! This place has got it going on. I love the interior. Cool art. We had some sea bass "ceviche". I would call it crudo style because it's not really the Mexican/South American style ceviche I'm used to back home. But, it is fresh, large and super delicious. I had the Carbonara and it was the best version I've tried. And, my girlfriend had an amazing tuna plate that was cooked rare with a side of Carmelites red onion and some cooked bitter greens. I will certainly return here. This was for lunch. Oh, the service was great too. read more

La Gensola - What amazingly fresh crudo!! - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

Checked out the restaurant based on reviews from the "Eat Rome" app from Elizabeth Minchilli. It was a casual atmosphere, friendly service, and really good food. We had the wrapped swordfish and eggplant for an appetizer and the salt crusted seabass which was delicious. The potatoes that were served with the fish was less than desirable but we had also ordered the spinach which turned out to be good. read more

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The food, staff and atmosphere were all amazing! The menus are in multiple languages and the staff speaks English. The swordfish / eggplant app was my favorite. I also enjoyed the bass ravioli. I went by myself and met a lovely couple next to mine and had a great time. They enjoyed their tuna tartare- it had a horseradish sauce and looked amazing. a bit pricey but it was my first dinner in Italy and they made it great! read more

La Gensola - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

Ok, it was hot and I sweated through my whole meal, but it was simply one of the most wonderful dining experiences in Rome. I began with the seared scallops in black squid ink- perfectly prepared with strong notes of lemon and the rich salt of the ink. Accompanied by the Sardinian white wine, Vermintino (a steal at 18€!), the second plate was spaghetti with sardines, breadcrumbs, raisins and piñolis, and an entirely distinct dish of roasted Amberjack with sage and a generous flavoring of raw ginger. Suffice to say, this selection sent me to heaven! My neighbors were delightfully engaging- a plus for a solo diner, and we established what might very well become a life long friendship- the kind that unfolds so providentially when we meet strangers who are kindred spirits. I couldn't resist celebrating with a delicate portion of their cassata Siciliana. A perfect night! read more

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My mom and I came upon this restaurant without realizing that it was so highly ranked on Yelp. We agreed on going for dinner the following day, which we did. Since it was a weekday we didn't make reservations, but it seemed like they would've preferred it if we had made reservations. It could be that they were very busy, but we felt that they were less warm and attentive to us than to those who had made reservations. However, other than the service, this restaurant was amazing! For antipasti we shared the swordfish rolls, which I'd rank among our best appetizers during our two-week trip in Italy. For mains we both had pasta. My mom had a ravioli with sea bass and sage which was delicious. I had the monkfish ragu and it too was delicious. It was like having a real meat ragu without the same heaviness. We had a glass of white wine each, which were nice. I recommend all of our dishes to anyone who chooses to come here. The atmosphere and decor is also very nice. Despite its popularity, the restaurant feels a lot calmer than anywhere else we dined in Trastevere. read more

This restaurant was recommended to us by a google search for the best seafood. We got there and were nervous as we didnt have a reservation, but thankfully were seated. We shared each course including a bottle of wine which was a Forchir Pinot grigio. So lovely and refreshing and crisp. Loved it. Will try to find it in the States! We started out our food courses with a Seafood Carpaccio which was super delicious. Very fresh tasting. We moved onto Spaghetti alle vongole which was very tasty and actually left me wanting more. They thoughtfully split it for us before they brought it out. Our main was the salt encrusted Sea bass. It was the first time we had even had this. Wasnt our last!! My only complaint was that the waitress brings it out to show us and then takes it into the back to plate it. Not that there is room in the dining room to plate it there, but we joked that they probably only had a single salt encrusted fish in the back that they brought out each time. The fish has a good taste, but I was surprised it didn't impart much in the way of salt into the fish. I dont recall what sides were available for it, but definitely pass on the spinach, try something else. I do highly recommend this place!! read more

My husband and I had lunch here prior to heading to meet our Vatican Tour. Conveniently for us, this restaurant is located in Trastevere where we were renting an apartment! I read very positive reviews on Trip Advisor and decided to give it a try. I was sold when I read about their sea bass cerviche which of course we had to try and as promised, was delicious. I am a sucker for ravioli...so I ordered their seafood ravioli in a sage, butter sauce. WOW! Fresh pillows of wonderfulness. My glass of house white was delicious, too (I had to order a 2nd glass!). We were the first customers that day...12:30pm is early for the Romans to eat lunch but by 1pm the restaurant was filling up at a good pace. I sensed a lot of locals...business lunching. La Gensola is a high end restaurant. Lovely cuisine, cool decor and friendly and efficient service. I definitely recommend it! read more

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This small wonderful restaurant was suggested by our Airbnb host and it could not have been more perfect. Each course fresh and on point. We tried the iconic Cacio e Pepe which is a pasta dish from Roman cuisine. "Cacio e Pepe" means "cheese and pepper" in several central Italian dialects. So good. The pasta with seafood, always al dente, rocked it. And who knew fresh sautéed spinach could impress. Service was warm and friendly. Make a reservation-this is a busy, popular place. read more

One of the best fish restaurants in Rome. The sea bass ceviche was heavenly as was the sword fish caponata. The mains were just good, not amazing. Only downside is the price. We paid 60€ per person for a starter and a fish, plus a glass of wine. This is Michelin territory pricing and La Gensola is not quite there yet. read more

La Gensola - Sword Fish Caponata - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

My wife and I ate at this restaurant on the recommendation of her sister who truly liked it. We found the food to be good but not exceptional. Service is good but again not anything to be noteworthy just acceptable. The value for the quality of the meal was most likely the deciding factor for a mediocre review. Just seamed a little pricey for two people. Expect to pay with a good bottle of wine around 150 euros. Solid just not note worthy. read more

Pasta is delicious, their tomato sauce is the best I ever had. Try the salt crusted sea bass ...it is amazing. The whole experience was wonderful. read more

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We didn't care for this place. Service was slow and spotty (forgot to bring things out more than twice) food was mediocre - not bad, but nothing to waste calories on. read more

Call before you go on vacation to make reservations, Best fish place in the Trastevere! read more

La Gensola - Squid perfection - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

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Friendly atmosphere, wonderful food and wine, what more can you ask for? We started with the boiled octopus which was prepared simply, but was clearly of great quality. We then shared the steak and roasted potatoes dish, cooked medium, which was SO good! Paired with the house red wine, it was the perfect meal and an experience I would suggest to anyone visiting Roma. read more

La Gensola - The boiled octopus was light and perfectly cooked. - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

This was our first meal in Rome and what a way to start! The walk over to Trastavere was beautiful at night. We were seated promptly with reservations. Service was kind and efficient. We shared two appetizers and primi pasta. My scallops were tender and with the most fresh tomatoes I have ever had. My friend had a potato, egg, black cabbage dish that was outstanding! Never had I had something so delicious. I ordered sea bass ravioli with sage cream that I still think about. However, my friend declared her pasta "the best of the trip." It was with shrimp and guinciale and was unique, unsual and like nothing either we had ever had before. Cannot recommend La Gensola enough. In hindsight, it was nice to have a meal with seafood and that was a bit lighter than usual Roman fare. read more

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Wonderful meal, charming ambiance, and friendly, efficient service mark this bistro which is tucked away on a side street in the Trastevere section of Rome. The chef obviously cares about the quality of the ingredients and the preparation. Excellent wine list as well. Bravo! read more

Has slipped slightly the past few years, but still one of my favorite places to eat in Rome. Tuna carpaccio and the John Dory are highlights. read more

One of my favorite restaurants in Rome. It is off the beaten path and not very well known by tourists. You will see many locals dining here, which is a very good sign of delicious food! The restaurant and small and quaint., with a very intimate setting. Also good for group or business meals (I've been for all reasons and it always seems fitting) Some tables are specially located in front of beautiful windows. The restaurant offers a great array of fresh fish, raw bar, typical Italian dishes, and beautiful desserts. They also offer a great tasting menu at a good value. Reservations are recommended, but I have been able to snag a table by chance a few times by walk-in. They have an unusually large wine selection...it is more of a book than a menu. It can be overwhelming, but the wait staff can provide guidance. Most speak English. read more

Great restaurant in Trastevere, fresh fish, great service

This restaurant has amazing service. Even while it looked like they were short staffed- this restaurant made sure that each customer was served on time and had great service. I really enjoyed the food. I ordered the special of the day, it was a shrimp and mushroom pasta, YUM! And for dessert, they had an amazing apple crumble. I would definitely recommend this place! It's filled with locals, so you know it's got to be good! :) read more

Terrible service. Waiter couldn't be bothered. Ordered great, expensive wine and aside from first glass had to pour every glass myself including my sparking water. Ordered 3 dishes got 2, and when I asked about getting entrée before 2nd appetizer waiter said, "Ok"!!. Seafood which they are known for was very mediocre. Real Trastevere tourist trap. Had one day in Rome as missed connection home and was huge disappointment. Stay away!! read more

Lovely place, really good spaghetti alle vongole (my favourite!!). The servers are nice however I was left waiting many times, especially for the bill and then for the card machine after I got the bill. Also amazing prosecco! read more

Over-rated. Nice, local, intimate, decent quality, but... Service terribly lacking. Maybe because we're American, I don't know. The owner is obviously trying, but the staff - not so much. Understaffed. The Tagliolini with sun-dried tomatoes and calamari was amazing!! Highly recommended! read more

The food was good not great, service was fine, but we were very annoyed to be charged 7 euro for bread and olive oil. At least tell your customers if you will be charging that much for something that should be free!!! read more

Amazing service wine atmosphere. So amazing. Just want you want when you visit Rome. Perfect in every way. Make a reservation

Fried artichoke, cuttlefish, cacio e pepe, ziti carbonara, and seafood pasta; lovely relaxing environment, well decorated and effortless, charming. Service was quietly excellent, and it's in Trastevere! read more

Worth a visit. Really great place for seafood if you're right by the trastavere. The sea bass ceviche and the octopus with lemon and olive oil are a must. We ordered the tagliatelle with octopus and pomodoro and the tagliatelle with mushroom (house special). We also couldn't forget a bottle of white and sparkling water to go with our dinner. Everything was delicious and the service was great. Total bill was around €95 which is pricey but you get what you pay for! read more

Delicious restaurant, nice people, a lot of locals. Everything is great really.

Lovely place for dinner. We had great food and service. It was packed and no room for us as we didn't have a reservation. Without any inquiries or prompting from us, the manager came over to the front desk and worked his magic. He was able to fit us in between two reservations. My husband had the steak, I had the cod with apple sauce (an odd combo but it worked in the dish) and we shared the scallops and spinach. All were fantastic. We did have dessert but I guess it wasn't the best as I cannot remember what we had. Make sure you make reservations before you go, just in case. read more

First thing we noticed was that all of the guests were speaking English. Some Italians came later but it felt like a tourist place and really the food was average at best. All of the main course was ok. Not memorable in any way. The cheesecake was inedible. The floor was dirty and we had to ask a few times to get the check If you want a reasonably priced meal that you could make at home and be surrounded by English speakers this is the place for you. I expect more from Rome. read more

If you're in Rome then you most try this place. The food was amazing and the owner and staff are very accommodating. We're planning our next trip and this restaurant is on list to visit again - I would give it 10 stars - one of the best restaurants in Rome. Congratulations to the owners and chefs for a well run and successful restaurant- this place won't disappoint!!! read more

Good food, nothing special. My salted cod dish with cherry tomatoes was ok and uninspiring. My wife's grilled calamari was better, but basic. Overall, I overpaid by quite a bit. The service was friendly, which was a plus. I'm a little confused by the overall rating; I'll chalk it up to grade inflation. read more

Wonderful restaurant and service. Many delicious options on the menu to choose from plus great wine selection. In a nice part of Travereste right next to a piazza with a great after dinner bar, Akbar. read more

Went here based on recommendations from Rick Steves, TripAdvisor, and Yelp and were not disappointed! We got a bottle of wine, and appetizer, and two entrees and it was €81. We got sea bass ceviche, linguini with shrimp, eggplant and cheese, and a sirloin with potatoes. All of it was fabulous! We had our heart set on cannoli for dessert but the can't serve it in the summer because the heat effects the ricotta cheese that goes in it! Overall AWESOME dinner! read more

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