Mastrociccia – Rome

Mastrociccia – Rome

Mastrociccia is truly an emblematic Italian restaurant. From the checkered red tablecloths to the bottles of Italian wine lining the walls, Mastrociccia manages is everything a tourist imagines an Italian restaurant would be … yet manages to do that without seeming touristy. The place at peak hours is chaotic. But the friendly, yet somewhat curt, service staff manages to keep up. Judging by the fact that this restaurant has the highest consumer rating of any eatery in Rome … this must be exactly what tourists are craving.

Osteria 44 – Rome

Osteria 44 – Rome

Osteria 44 offers a slightly more formal and sophisticated take on classic Italian cuisine compared to the more pedestrian trattorias and osterias we’ve reviewed. Superb outdoor seating, well-protected from the elements with overhead heating. Sophisticated indoor ambiance. Excellent service on our recent visit. Despite the upscale atmosphere, menu prices are on par with restaurants with less impressive execution, service and ambiance. Great for a romantic dinner.

Benso – Rome

Benso – Rome

Restaurant Benso has a comfy café ambiance on the main floor with slightly more formal dining area under brick arches downstairs. Staff is friendly and responsive. Also has outdoor seating under a massive awning. Menu offers a wide variety of classic Italian appetizers, pizza, pasta and traditional seafood and meat main course dishes. Reliable execution and service.

Piró – Rome

Piró – Rome

Piró is the best spot in Rome for seafood. Sophisticated yet unpretentious ambiance. A bit pricey but well worth it if you get a seafood craving. Lobster to bonito, prawns to bacalao, with or without the pasta, Piró has it all.