Trattoria Trecca

Expand your Rome geography by taking the metro four stops from the Colosseum to Trattoria Trecca. There’s a large, lively dining room with simple wooden tables and chairs, a covered patio outside, and a small bar with a view of the kitchen. The menu is tight and traditional—highlights include the amatriciana that’s served with bucatini, the rich and eggy carbonara, and the padellotto regaje e patate. 

Unless you’re with a big group and a bottle of wine makes more sense, go with the sommelier's by-the-glass natural wine suggestions. Note that there are timed seatings here, and they watch the clock carefully. If you go for Saturday lunch, you can stop in at one of four papal basilicas, Saint Paul Outside the Walls.