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Roma Sparita

4.2 (238 reviews)
PriceyPizza, Roman
Closed • 12:30 pm - 2:30 PM, 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM

Roma Sparita Photos

ROMA SPARITA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Casual
Good for groups
Outdoor seating

Recommended Reviews - Roma Sparita

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Reviews With Photos

JD H.

If I'm honest, this was a disappointment. I hate to be too critical as this place has been on my bucket list for years, ever since I saw Anthony Bourdain eat the infamous Roman Cacio e Pepe here over a decade ago. It not only looked delicious but the setting was idyllic and I figured, based on the TV portrayal of it, it had to be great. So when in Rome... I did not want to miss my opportunity so I made an online reservation a week ahead. The process was simple as it involved sending an email request. I got a near immediate reply, requesting credit card info. The process felt a little threatening (if you don't show, your card will be charged). I initially interpreted this as a good sign since it suggested to me that reservations here might be difficult to come by. When the day came, imagine my surprise to find it empty. I was there for lunch when they opened so maybe that had something to do with it but even after spending 90 minutes there, only about five tables were occupied. I'm sure there are busier times, but the reservation process for that time of day seemed unnecessary and the threat of charging my card given the emptiness of the place seemed unfriendly. Regarding the food, it was great. I ordered the Cacio e Pepe because I had to and also a main of Roman Tripe in tomato sauce. But I will say that I ate in several cafés in Rome and had the same or similar dishes and every one of them was equally delicious. (it was a lot like going to Arizona and looking to eat a burrito. They are found everywhere, and everywhere does them well.) I would not be able to say that Sparita was discernibly better than any of the other local Trattorias I visited. The food here is certainly up to Roman standards, if but a tad pricier, which I am guessing is because of its fame since Bourdain. My lesson learned from all of this is that it is tough to find a bad meal in Rome. One thing that did strike me was that of the five tables occupied, three were tourists very much like myself here on a pilgrimage. I really did not see locals or the neighborhood community piling in to have lunch here. I think that says something. Where it really falls down for me. Is the pushiness of the service staff for tips. When it came time to pay, my server was sure to mention to me no less than four times that "service" was not included. It actually was very annoying and he was very clear about his expectations. Europe, in general, is not a tipping culture. When paying by credit card, their machines do not even give you an opportunity to add a tip in if you wanted to. I certainly don't mind leaving a small gratuity in any country that I am in when service recognition is warranted or the culture requires it. But this felt like an uncomfortable request to me multiple times which seemed more like extortion than a helpful suggestion. (No other Roman restaurant I visited did this.). I am glad I finally got the opportunity to visit and have a meal here. I would not pass up that experience or the chance to take it off my bucket list. But I really can't say that it was the best thing I had in Rome, nor was it head and shoulders better than any other Trattorias that I visited. Based on my observations during this visit, it seemed clear that this place has become more of a tourist spot brought into its own a decade ago by a celebrity visit. I don't think it is going to get a second visit from me.

Fantastic food and great service. I've been twice now and have not been disappointed!

Komal R.

Roma Sparita has been on my list since watching Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations series. This was the first place I made a reservation to as soon as our trip to Rome was finalized. Highly recommend doing that because when we went they were turning back everybody who didn't have a reservation. There was no waitlist, no walk-ins and no cancellations. We got the deep fried artichoke (Carciofi alla giudia), the Amatriciana and the iconic Cacio e pepe served in a cheese bowl. The deep fried artichoke was my first and it was crispy and delicious. The Amatriciana was very flavorful. The Cacio e pepe had the perfect balance of cheese and pepper and was served in a crispy parmigiano reggiano cheese bowl which gave it a unique touch. It definitely lived up to the hype. The tiramisu, paired with their house wine, was the perfect end to one of the most fantastic meals we had in Italy. The location is something I didn't care about much, it is located in a very quiet, almost boring piazza. It somehow seemed more lively in the documentary. All I can say is that a trip to Rome is incomplete without visiting Roma Sparita.

Apple pie
Fallon S.

One of our fav meals in Italy. The highlights were the cacio e Pepe in a Parmesan bowl and carbonara both 10/10. Ambiance amazing and great service. The lamb was also a fav. Will be back

Carbonara
Lauren N.

A little disappointed with this restaurant, since it's so highly reviewed. We arrived when it opened and there was already a small line. We didn't have a reservation, but they said we could be seated right away but only outside. There was a pretty big downpour that day which luckily subsided by dinner, and the umbrellas provided enough cover. We ordered the fried artichoke, carbonara, and amatriciana. The fried artichoke was good but I had better ones at other restaurants, which were a bit lighter and crisper. This one was a little too oily and dense. My husband wished the guanciale in the amatriciana was crispy. My carbonara was good but suuuper salty and heavy. I know carbonara is rich, but it seemed a little more than usual. Bread was complimentary but pretty stale. Since we were all seated at opening, service was very slow. The waiters seemed to cater to other people (maybe local) instead of us and it was really hard to get our check. He kept acknowledging us and saying he would come help us but never did. Out of all of the restaurants we went to during our trip, the service was probably the worst.

Cacio e Pepe
Katherine G.

This spot came highly recommended by Anthony Bourdain, and after dining here, we completely understand why. We were smart enough to make a reservation in advance -- and so glad we did. The place fills up fast, and for good reason. Let's start with the star of the night: the Cacio e Pepe pasta served in a Parmesan bowl. Without exaggeration, it was the best pasta dish I've ever had -- rich, flavorful, and indulgent in all the right ways. Every bite was unforgettable. We started with a few appetizers. The stuffed olives were packed with flavor and a perfect way to begin the meal. The fried artichoke, a Roman classic, wasn't quite our taste, but it's worth trying if you want a true local experience. The atmosphere was full of character, and knowing Bourdain had sat here before added an extra layer of charm. If you're in Rome and love food with soul, this is a stop you can't miss.

Coda alla Vaccinara
Daniel C.

Roma Sparita has been on my radar since Anthony Bourdain dined here. I know that they are nearby to another famous restaurant but I had to dine here instead. I highly recommend reservations but sometimes life happens and it slips your mind. It happened to me with our fluid itinerary. Knowing this, I arrived early but no one was in line so I went around the corner for some wine. Came back when they opened and the wait was till 9pm and they opened at 7:30pm! I put my name on the list and just waited there. The owner, I'm pretty sure he was the owner, told me there might be a cancellation and if there was a cancellation, he'll seat me right away. A few moments later, I was seated. They have outdoor seating and seating upstairs. This is where I was seated. It was nice and the place was cozy. A menu came and I ordered almost right away since I knew what I wanted. Everyone orders their Cachio e Pepe but I just ordered a Spaghetti Amatriciana and Coda alla Vaccinara since I just had Cachio e Pepe recently. The pasta came out first and it was al dente. The sauce was really good and I was able to finish the serving quickly. It took some time for the kitchen to get my Coda alla Vaccinara out but it was worth the wait. It came with 3 pieces of oxtail. I ate two and got one to go for Mink to try back at the hotel. Everything was delicious and I appreciate the great customer service from the owner.

Amatriciana and other pasta
Noelle L.

Really enjoyed my meal here! Definitely would encourage a reservation. We came on a weekday and there was a line at the door before they even opened. Luckily we had a reservation, although we saw two groups get turned away. The food was really good, I got the Amatriciana pasta and really enjoyed it.

Famous Cacio e Pepe
In My Opinio N.

BEST RESTAURANT WE HAVE BEEN TO YET!!! Service was outstanding, food was INCREDIBLE!! Adorable vibes! So happy to have eaten here- going to try to make it again before we leave! If you get a chance DEFINITELY make this a must!!

Filetto al Pepe verde
Jessica M.

This place was amazing! The service was great and has a cute patio area. We ate outside but the inside super cute as well! Very friendly and the food was 10/10. Would recommend!

Bucatini Amatriciana and Steak with green pepper sauce. Delicious!
Joy T.

This restaurant came recommended by a friend mother who dined there a couple of months ago. Turns out it was right down the street from Da Enzo, and we had passed by it twice! Location is great, in a quiet corner of Trastevere. Reservations are required and they don't open until 7:30 PM they're outside tables as well as inside, and the outside tables are well lit under umbrellas. The menu features lots of iconic Roman dishes like Cacio and Pepe served in a Parmesan crust bowl, Amatriciana, and a steak in green pepper sauce. I recommend a starter of the Roman Meatballs -- they're lightly friend and served atop a sauce made of Romano cheese, butter, flour, and a touch of curcumin for color. The sauce was a silky delight -- I'm lactose intolerant and I can't indulge in cream sauce, so I almost cried at how delicious this dish was! We also shared a tomato brushetta that came bursting with flavor from the sweetest tomatoes I've ever eaten and bright fresh green basil. Two slices were just right for two people. My friend asked for her steak medium and it was prepared perfectly. She said the green pepper sauce was flavorful and complemented her steak nicely. My Amatriciana was served with bucatini that was perfectly al dente, and was tastier than the same dish I had at Da Enzo down the street. Dinner was served with bread and breadsticks but we couldn't! Our server was friendly, kind, and accommodating, and made excellent recommendations based on our preferences. I would recommend booking a table her.

Zucchini fritters
Jennifer G.

We had dinner here on our first night in rome. We made a reservation via their website. We were quickly seated. Dinner time was busy, so we did have to wait a little bit to order and for our food, which is expected in rome, pretty much every where. Our food was delicious. We mostly enjoyed the cacio e pepe and the pizza, the sausage was easily the best sauasage we've ever had!

Cacio e Pepe
Shawn H.

This was one of the first restaurants I ever visited in Rome. As my travels have taken me back to Rome a few times I have revisited Roma Sparita. Always a solid bet for great food. A bit off the beaten path and tucked away, you'll still see a few tourists here as the place was made famous to outsiders by Anthony Bourdain, who actually refused to name it since he thought tourists would ruin it. The service is typical Italian, not particularly fast or overly friendly. You're meant to enjoy your time here with whomever you're dining with. The Cacio e Pepe and carbonara are top notch. Other pasta may be equally tasty but I can never bring myself to skip my two favorites. Anytime oxtail is on the menu it's also a must order for me. Has that "nonna" element to it as though your eating it at grandmas table.

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Roma Sparita Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - Roma Sparita

“Honestly, it wasn't our best meal in Rome but we left satisfied and felt the value and service was great.”

Mentioned in 83 reviews

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Su e Giu Cucina Romana

Su e Giu Cucina Romana

4.6(238 reviews)
2.4 km•Prati
•€€

I wanted something local, authentic, and no frills for my birthday dinner in Rome and found this…read moreplace with countless positive reviews. We made a reservation online, arrived about 20 minutes early, and they gladly sat us right down. While we were there we noticed plenty of locals eating, chatting with the servers in Italian, and having a blast, which is always a green flag. The menu leans traditional Roman; extensive, with plenty of pasta, meats, and fish. The supplì classico and the cacio e pepe one were both phenomenal. We also had the all'amatriciana and carbonara, and both were divine. After a week traveling through Europe, my husband said this was his favorite meal and restaurant of the trip. It was a top one for me too. We also ordered the oxtail; delicious, but I'm not sure I'd get it again since you get two pieces that are mostly bone. I know that's just how oxtail is, but I was expecting a little more. The panna cotta for dessert was a great choice too. Service was fine, nothing to write home about, but honestly I appreciated how rough around the edges it was. They kept it real; don't come expecting fancy restaurant service. This is a place you go to for authentic food and flavors. We sat outside on the sidewalk, great for people watching, though they had plenty of space inside and even multiple floors. Oh, and the house wine was delicious and a great deal. Our entire meal only came to €70, the cheapest dinner we had in Italy. Definitely try it if you're in Rome.

Review # 1200 After…read moresome shopping on the Via cola Di Riemzo, we were ready for lunch. This spot was a Yelp find. We arrived just before they opened at 12:30. We asked for a table outside and the kind lady asked us if we had a reservation (oh oh). We didn't. No problem as we took our pick of one of the tables. Two levels inside with a small Bar in the back. Before we knew it, outside seating was full and inside also filled up-a good sign. We ordered a liter (ended up being too much but when in Rome...) of their house Red and enjoyed it. For starters, we ordered the Fried Artichokes (thick breading and will order the Roman style with garlic/vinegar next time), fried Zucchini and Suppli-Cacio Pepe. The Suppli was delicious and was enjoyed the most. For main, it was Pasta Carbonara (Guanciale )-Proper carbonara and the streak of not having a bad version of this dish in Rome continues. The sliced Beef with mushrooms was also delicious -super tender and thin pieces of beef (medium rare as requested). We asked if the Tiramisu was house-made. Our server answered, "yes, and I am the one who makes it." How could we not order after that?! One of the best Tiramisus we've had. Perfect balance of coffee dipped lady fingers with cream-delicious! Our Server was kind, attentive and full of hustle -she was covering a lot of ground. Don't miss this Gem if you are in the Prati district.

Photos
Su e Giu Cucina Romana - Inside

Inside

Su e Giu Cucina Romana
Su e Giu Cucina Romana

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Trattoria da Alfredo e Ada - Classic Lasagna

Trattoria da Alfredo e Ada

4.6(116 reviews)
1.6 km•Centro Storico
•€€

One of the best meals we had in Rome! This small, mom-and-pop trattoria had such a warm and…read moreauthentic feel, and the pasta was absolutely incredible. I ordered the Arrabbiata pasta and my wife got the cheese, bacon, and black pepper lasagna. Both dishes were packed with flavor and cooked perfectly. Honestly, this was the best pasta we had during our entire trip to Italy. You can really tell there's a lot of care and passion that goes into the food here. If you're looking for a cozy, authentic, family-owned trattoria in Rome with amazing pasta, I definitely recommend giving Trattoria Alfredo e Ava a try. We would happily come back!

Back in 2018, I visited Alfredo e Ada for the first time, and eight years later, I finally made my…read moreway back and I am so happy that it hasn't changed a single bit. It's intimate, cozy authentic Italian charm. The staff here are wonderfully kind and welcoming, making an already memorable meal feel even more special. Show up right at opening if you want to secure a table immediately, as this local treasure fills up incredibly fast! We started with the artichoke, which was quite possibly the best artichoke I've ever tasted in my life. Ubelievably tender and served bathed in rich olive oil that elevated every single bite. The Amatriciana was my personal favorite dish of the night, featuring a rich red sauce packed with a subtle kick of heat and finished with a generous dusting of fresh Parmesan. The stuffed chicken was remarkably tender, juicy, and wonderfully seasoned with delicate flavors that don't overpower. Lastly, the lasagna was everything a classic lasagna should be: wonderfully cheesy and deeply comforting, yet light enough that it doesn't weigh you down. Easily one of my favorite dining spots in all of Europe. I already can't wait for the day I get to return again!

Photos
Trattoria da Alfredo e Ada
Trattoria da Alfredo e Ada - Classic Lasagna

Classic Lasagna

Trattoria da Alfredo e Ada - Oxtail Stew

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Oxtail Stew

Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale - Interior

Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale

4.7(61 reviews)
2.2 km•Prati

Yes, it's worth the wait if you go there early. We stood in line at 12:30 on a weekday, as in,…read morelunchtime. We were 2nd in line and waited about 30 minutes. I would wait longer. I had possibly the most amazing chick food pasta a girl could imagine. Girls know what girl food is. The pasta in Italy is just better -obviously. But then put all sorts of girl flavors on it like Lemon and Orange, just lightly enough, zest with a small hint of cheese-..... omgosh. Yes, yes, and yes. Need my hubs to replicate at home. He is going to be busy trying to perfect this. Tagliatelle with orange and lemon parmesan. This was it. It was the best. Everything else we ordered was amazing as well. Wait outside. They don't have a sign telling you to wait, no server telling you to wait. You wait out there, wondering if you're in the right place, but then people stand behind you and you're like - oh! I'm here. This is the place. There are possibly 4 tables inside. It's small. I read about them being rude- we did not have that problem. In fact, they made a mistake and we kindly let them know we ordered something else- they corrected it and were nice about it.

Pasta Heaven. Very small spot not too far from the Vatican and even closer to the Castel…read moreSant'Angelo. We were super lucky that we didn't have to wait too long to get a table and we were sat instantly. They can only seat about 18 total. Both pastas were just absolutely amazing. The wine recommendation to match was equally great. Very reasonable priced. Really nice staff. Very much a self sufficient spot. Loved it and would recommend. The tiramisu had me in love all over again

Photos
Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale - Amazing pistachio tiramisu

Amazing pistachio tiramisu

Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale
Borghiciana Pastificio Artigianale

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Roma Sparita - pizza - Updated October 2026

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