Our 6 Favorite Family-Run Restaurants in Rome for Christmas
The 6 best family-run restaurants in Rome
While there is nowhere quite like Rome at Christmas time, traveling away from family during the holiday period can prompt feelings of homesickness. Luckily Rome has an abundance of friendly, family-run restaurants ready to provide you with a warm welcome, comforting food and a convivial atmosphere, making you feel right at home.
Here is Local Aroma’s pick of the top 6 family-run restaurants in Rome that are perfect for a festive meal:
Enoteca Ferrara
Sisters Lina and Mary have been running this Trastevere institution for over 30 years and continue to focus on high-quality products and wines served in an elegant and refined space. Lina’s award-winning wine cellar features over 1600 labels while Mary’s gastronomic influence is seen in classic regional cuisine, sometimes with an unexpected twist, always using top ingredients. One of the forerunners of multi-functional dining in Rome, Enoteca Ferrara is comprised of an upscale ristorante, a low-key, relaxed osteria, an informal wine-bar (which serves a limited food menu), and a craft beer bar with finger food all under the stunning roof of an ex-convent dating back to the 15th century.
Piazza Trilussa, 41 (Trastevere)
Gli Ulivi
The owners of Gli Ulivi bring a true family aspect to all the diners who stop by their restaurant in the well-heeled Parioli district of northern Rome. Mamma Rita ran a central Rome kitchen for over 20 years before moving to new premises this year to set-up a family business with her children Eleonora, Giordana, and Luca. She still prepares everything exactly as if she were cooking for her own family. Homemade bread, pasta, and gnocchi are served with touches from historic recipes passed down the generations. Everything from the food and service to the décor and ambiance reflects the heart and history of the family. Don’t miss the traditional cappelletti in brodo (meat filled pasta in broth) and the old-school lasagne.
Via Luigi Luciani, 23 (Parioli)
Colline Emiliane
Championing the cuisine of the region of Emilia-Romagna, the Latini family has been running this well-respected restaurant since 1967 and continue to offer excellent food and service in a conveniently central location near Piazza Barberini. Nowadays Luca is in charge along with his father Massimo, while his aunt Anna makes fresh pasta daily and his mamma Paola prepares the delectable dolci. Try the Christmas classics of tortellini in brodo or lasagne made in-house. But also, don’t miss the excellent meaty second courses and leave room for the fabulous desserts, all washed down with the classic Lambrusco wine of the region.
Via degli Avignonesi, 22 (Barberini)
La Tavernaccia da Bruno
No matter where you are from the lovely folk at La Tavernaccia will welcome you like a member of the family. Bruno Persiani opened his cozy restaurant back in 1968 and now his daughters Patrizia and Paola have taken the helm, continuing the delectable combination of local Lazio cuisine with hints of the family’s Umbrian roots. The hand-written menu offers not only generous pasta dishes but also delights from the wood-fired oven including lamb, suckling pig, roast pork and the delicious house focaccia as well as pizza in the evenings.
Via Giovanni da Castel Bolognese, 63 (Trastevere)
La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali
Just a short stroll from the Colosseum, this family trattoria has been in business since 2001 picking up a myriad of accolades and fans along the way. Despite the loss of effusive owner and chef Alessio, his very individual stamp carries on with wife Maria and children Aldo and Claudia who continue to transmit the joy, excellent food, and personal service that have gained the place a legion of followers. Try the classic meat-filled agnolotti pasta or ask for the seasonal specialties safe in the knowledge that you will be well looked after.
Via della Madonna dei Monti, 9 (Monti)
Da Enzo al 29
The parents of Francesco, Roberto and Maria Chiara di Felice took over this well-established hole-in-the-wall Trastevere trattoria back in the 1980s and this next generation continues its long-held tradition of fantastic cucina romana albeit with a new emphasis on exceptional ingredients to bring the home-cooked food to a new culinary level. Aside from excellently-executed Roman pasta dishes, there are succulent meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, crispy fried artichokes, authentic oxtail stew and a charming selection of daily specials chalked up in the corner.
Via dei Vascellari, 29 (Trastevere)
Only in December, Local Aromas runs a special edition food tour in the heart of Trastevere. Join our festive and family-friendly Christmas Food Walking Tour in Rome.
