Rome. Testaccio district, 7 tips on where to eat

Where to eat in Testaccio? Along the Tiber, Testaccio today is a local gastronomic meeting point with its market stalls, traditional Roman trattorias and street food.

The Testaccio district in Rome is a very interesting area to explore, both for its monuments and historical places and for its lively nightlife. Here are some things you may see during your visit:

• Testaccio Market: a large covered market where you can buy fresh food and local products.
• Pyramid of Caius Cestius: An Egyptian pyramid built in the 1st century BC. as a tomb for the consul Caius Cestius.
• Mausoleum of Augustus: a funerary monument built for the first Roman emperor, Augustus.
• Museum of the Walls: a museum dedicated to the history of the walls of Rome, located inside the Aurelian walls.
• Parco degli Scipioni: a large public park with trees, fountains and gardens.
• The Festa di San Paolo alla Regola: a religious festival held every year in the Testaccio district in honor of San Paolo.
• Nightclubs: the Testaccio district is famous for its lively nightlife, with numerous bars, pubs and discos where you can have fun until late.

And when you get hungry, here are some tips on where to eat in Testaccio for a quick or relaxed meal, with street food and Roman trattorias.

Here are 7 tips on where to eat in Testaccio

• TAVERNA VOLPETTI. Join the locals as they dine at this casually elegant restaurant. Volpetti serves a popular buffet of pasta and vegetables at lunchtime, as well as supplì (risotto balls) and fried appetizers. For dinner, expect fine cheeses, charcuterie and a selection of daily specials such as calamari salad with fresh anchovies and pecorino.
• CUPS STREET FOOD. This gourmet food stall at Testaccio Market is the latest venture from famed local chef Cristina Bowman. It gets its name from the cardboard cups used to serve dishes such as meatballs in tomato sauce and pho broth of Vietnamese origin. You can also order homemade sandwiches, focaccias, pastries and ice creams.
• TRAPIZZINO. The original of what is now a growing national chain, this is the birthplace of the trapizzino, a kind of hybrid sandwich made with the stuffing of a doughy focaccia cone with fillings such as meatballs with gravy or chicken
  alla cacciatora (stewed chicken). A little difficult to eat but very delicious.
• MORDI E VAI. Chef Sergio Esposito’s critically acclaimed and busy market stall – ‘Bite and Go’ in English – is all
  on the genuine joy of traditional Roman street food. That means beefsteak sandwiches, tender slow-cooked beef stuffing, and no-fuss meat and vegetable platters.
• PIZZERIA DA REMO. For an authentic Roman experience, join the raucous crowd here, one of the city’s most famous and popular restaurants. It’s a basic-looking place, but the deep-fried antipasti and thin-crust Roman pizzas are the highlight, and there’s an upbeat, boisterous atmosphere. Expect to queue after 8.30pm.
• FLAVIO AL VELAVEVODETTO. Housed in a rustic Pompeian-red villa nestled into the side of Monte Testaccio, this casual eatery is celebrated locally for its simple, no-nonsense Roman cuisine. Expect appetizers of cheeses, charcuterie and fried bites, huge portions of homemade pasta, and simple meat dishes.
• DA FELICE. Much loved by local foodies, this longtime stalwart is famed for his unwavering dedication to Roman culinary traditions. In contrast to the modern and light decor, the menu is pure old school with a classic weekly schedule: pasta and beans on Tuesday, boiled beef on Thursday, fish on Friday. Reservations essential.

When is the best time to visit the Testaccio district in Rome?

The Testaccio district is an interesting destination to visit at any time of the year and the Roman trattorias are always open. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when planning a trip.

If you’d rather avoid the crowds and warm weather, you might consider visiting the Testaccio district during the spring or fall when temperatures are milder.

If, on the other hand, you want to participate in local festivities, you could plan your trip to coincide with the Festa di San Paolo alla Regola, which is held every year in the Testaccio district in honor of San Paolo.

In any case, we advise you to check the events, not just street food, and the demonstrations scheduled during the period of your visit, so as not to miss the opportunity to participate in something interesting.