Italy means Rome—and Rome means carbonara!
If we’re doing this, I want the real deal—Rome’s most popular spots for true carbonara!
To help you decide where to eat the best carbonara in Rome, I (a Rome-based writer) honestly compare three favorites: Roscioli, Tonnarello, and my personal top pick, Trattoria Valentino. We’ll cover crowd buzz, prices, taste notes, and overall value.
- Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina — once crowned Rome’s No.1 carbonara
- Tonnarello — a beloved Trastevere institution (est. 1876)
- Trattoria Valentino — my local-favorite trattoria pick
Read on and you’ll know exactly where to eat carbonara in Rome that fits your taste and budget.
Roscioli: The Famous Carbonara
Roscioli: Quick Facts
- 5,000+ Google reviews, ★4.3 (as of Jan 2025)
- Featured in major Japanese guidebooks
- No.1 “Best Carbonara in Rome” (2020) by Gambero Rosso
Restaurant Details
Name: Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina
Address: Via dei Giubbonari, 21, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: 9:00–23:30
Closed: Irregular
Booking: Official booking page, Tel. +39 06 6875287
Payment: Cards accepted
Website: http://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/
Roscioli’s Carbonara
✓ Price (Dec 2024)
La Carbonara — €17 (approx. ¥2,600)
*Calculated at ¥150/€
✓ Tasting Notes
- Ultra-rich organic eggs from Tuscany’s Paolo Parisi farm — lovely depth.
- Guanciale (cured pork jowl) is very crispy—great texture.
- Crispness sometimes dries the fatty parts a bit too much.
- The rendered fat can make the overall impression slightly oily for some palates.
- Some online reviews mention saltiness; if you’re sensitive, pair with milder starters (e.g., artichoke salad or burrata) rather than salty cured meats.
- €17 is a clear tourist premium (~30% above local average). For me, the value didn’t match the hype.
I went in with sky-high expectations after its “Best Carbonara in Rome” win. While it was good, it wasn’t mind-blowing for me. Honestly, I preferred their Amatriciana.
If you want the full Roscioli experience (ambience, other dishes), check my full report below:
Tonnarello: Trastevere Crowd-Pleaser
Next up is Tonnarello, an ultra-popular spot in the restaurant-packed Trastevere neighborhood.
Tonnarello: Quick Facts
- Beloved spot in charming Trastevere
- Staggering 78,000+ Google reviews, ★4.7 (as of Jan 2025)
- Featured in major guidebooks
- No reservations accepted
Restaurant Details
Name: Tonnarello | Paglia
Address: V. della Paglia, 1/2/3, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: 11:30–23:30 (Fri & Sat until 00:00)
Closed: Irregular
Booking: No reservations
Payment: Cards accepted
Website: https://tonnarello.it/en/homepage-2/
Tonnarello’s Carbonara
✓ Price (Dec 2024)
Tonnarello Carbonara — €12 (approx. ¥1,800)
*Calculated at ¥150/€
✓ Tasting Notes
- Great value at €12.
- Very thick pasta—super satisfying bite.
- Guanciale is not crispy (crispy-fans may miss that crunch).
- Generous amount of guanciale—feels hearty and indulgent.
- Heavy on cheese; sauce is thick and weighty.
- Salinity is spot on.
- More rustic and home-style than refined—comforting and bold.
No, it didn’t make me tear up—but compared with Roscioli, it’s €5 cheaper and wins on value. Fast service and pleasant terrace seating also give Tonnarello the edge.
Want the full Tonnarello scoop (other dishes, ambience tips)? Check the report below:
Trattoria Valentino: My Top Pick
Finally, my personal favorite: Trattoria Valentino.
Trattoria Valentino: Quick Facts
- ~1,100 Google reviews, ★4.5 (as of Jan 2025)
- Featured in major Japanese guidebooks
- Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024
- Skews local—more Romans than tourists
If you want a local trattoria vibe and excellent Roman cooking, this is it.
Restaurant Details
Name: Trattoria Valentino
Address: Via del Boschetto, 37, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Hours: 13:00–15:00, 19:00–23:00
Closed: Sunday
Booking: By phone only
Payment: Cards accepted
Valentino’s “Carbonara Cousin”
Not a classic carbonara—but a gorgeous, carbonara-adjacent signature you shouldn’t miss.
✓ Price (Dec 2024)
Tagliolini arancia guanciale — €13
✓ Tasting Notes
- Their hallmark dish feels like a “citrus-kissed carbonara” — guanciale + cheese with fragrant orange zest lifting the richness.
- That balance of creamy depth and bright peel is unique—and addictive.
- Homemade tagliolini is perfectly al dente with a springy chew.
- For me, this was emotionally delicious—a memorable, must-try plate.
The room was filled with Italians when we visited—lots of friendly banter with staff and regulars. It screams “beloved by locals,” which I always take as a great sign.
For more on Valentino (menu highlights, vibe), see the full report below:
Related article
>Rome Favorite: A Visit Report on “Trattoria Valentino”
Conclusion
Here’s a quick recap of the three Rome carbonara stops we compared:
- Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina — famous and polished, but pricier
- Tonnarello — big portions, great value, rustic comfort
- Trattoria Valentino — local vibe and a stunning “carbonara cousin”
I hope this helps you zero in on the carbonara experience you’ll love most in Rome!
If you want to explore other iconic Roman dishes beyond carbonara, don’t miss the guide below:
Buon appetito and enjoy your Rome food adventure!
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