Winning tip: Da Lucia, Trastevere

A Sunday stroll through the Porta Portese flea market should be rewarded with a hearty Roman lunch at Da Lucia. This old-school neighbourhood trattoria is justifiably popular despite being hidden on a backstreet. Everything is good here but I recommend the antipasto della casa and spaghetti alla gricia (pasta with pork jowl, pecorino cheese and black pepper).
Vicolo del Mattonato 2, +39 06 580 3601
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Old Rome

Trattoria Fiammetta

This place was recommended by a colleague from Rome and it didn’t disappoint: lots of locals were enjoying the tasty and reasonably priced food, despite the fact that it is near Piazza Navona. Service was exceptionally friendly. We enjoyed it so much we went two nights in a row.
+39 06 687 5777, ristorantefiammetta.it
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La Scaletta degli Artisti

The owner makes a daily trek to the fish market at Ostia to find the freshest seafood and designs the menu around what’s available. Primi and secondi are superb, and the wine list is terrific and reasonably priced. Sit at a quiet outdoor table when the weather cooperates for friendly, unobtrusive service – and excellent English.
+39 06 6880 1872, lascaletta-roma.it
gdenis

Armando al Pantheon

In the same family since 1961, this welcoming trattoria, just 200 metres from the Pantheon, is open weekdays only – because it serves local workers. The menu (three courses with wine for under €30) can feature pasta with tomato sauce and local pork or lamb.
+39 06 6880 3034, armandoalpantheon.it
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Centre

La Villetta

La Villetta, just round the corner from music venue Il Circolo Degli Artisti is a classic, catering for a mixture of young and old, elegant and casual – and the occasional pre-gig rock star. If you make it past the legendary antipasti buffet, the rest of the menu offers excellent and uncomplicated Italian food.
+39 06 702 6750, lavillettaristorante.it
PrivateIdle

Trattoria il Tettarello

Behind the unassuming facade of this small restaurant lies a wonderfully warm and typically Italian eatery, and you instantly feel at home. The food, and the house wine, are delicious and not expensive. It’s very popular with locals, so come early or be prepared to wait for a table.
Via dei Capocci 4, +39 06 474 2130
Sarah Evans

L’Antica Pizzeria Fratelli Ricci

In an unassuming location on a poorly lit street near Piazza della Repubblica, this place looks nothing special. But it’s 100 years old, the pizza is out of this world and the family wine goes down smoothly, as do big portions of pasta. Conversation is lively and prices low.
+39 06 488 1107, anticapizzeriaricciroma.com
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Trattoria Vecchia Roma

We were delighted at the high quality, affordable food: Italian dishes have never tasted so good. It’s always a good sign when a restaurant is full of locals. The atmosphere was warm, and the waiter remembered us when we visited again three days later.
+39 06 446 7143, trattoriavecchiaroma.it
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Suburbs

Al Casale

The hardworking, chatty lady who owns this place is known to locals as Mamma Luisa or la signora dei fritti. She welcomes her many visitors, who come for the simple rustic food, like supplí (stuffed rice balls) and courgette flowers with mozzarella and anchovy, pizzas and homemade desserts.
Via del Casale Rocchi 27, +39 06 4173 0599
Javierzamo

La Sagra del Vino

Inherited and run by Candido, Lella and their entertaining son Valentino, this trattoria has welcomed diners since 1938 with a warm and relaxed atmosphere. It’s away from the tourist centre but within easy reach of the Cipro metro station on Via Marziale. It has a large NO PIZZA sign on the door.
Via Marziale 5, +39 06 3973 7015
Nanetto