La Campana In Roma

Historic place, attentive and kind service, all very good food but I'm still looking for the perfect carbonara.

Visiting La Campana isn't just about dining; it's about stepping into history. As the oldest restaurant in Rome, this restaurant preserves the capital's gastronomic tradition with a devotion and consistency that is evident in every detail, from the warm welcome to the classic, exquisitely retro atmosphere. The setting is elegant yet unpretentious, with walls adorned with paintings and historic photos that recount the centuries of the restaurant's history and the footsteps of the famous guests who have graced its walls. The menu is a triumph of traditional Roman cuisine, crafted with the highest-quality ingredients and with absolute respect for recipes passed down through generations. The culinary experience begins masterfully with artichokes, where you can appreciate the perfect transition between the crispiness of the artichoke alla giudia, fried to perfection and light, and the aromatic softness of the artichoke alla romana, expertly cooked with mint and garlic. Among the first courses, the expertly creamed tonnarelli cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper) stands out, striking with its perfect balance between the creaminess of pecorino romano and the pungent note of toasted black pepper. For those seeking a more robust flavor, the rigatoni all'amatriciana offers impeccably crispy guanciale and a rich, enveloping tomato sauce, with the pasta served strictly al dente. The traditional second courses are equally impressive, starting with the coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew), perhaps the restaurant's signature dish. The meat falls off the bone with just the pressure of a fork and is immersed in a thick, deep sauce, characterized by a subtle hint of cocoa that enhances its complexity. Equally superb is the roast lamb with potatoes, tender and fragrant with herbs, a classic executed to perfection. For a sweet finish, their famous warm apple tart accompanied by gelato is a true delight, but the tiramisu, creamy and with a balanced flavor, also fully meets expectations. Service is another of the establishment's great strengths. The longtime waiters, dressed in classic livery, move around the dining room with an air of old-world professionalism. They are always ready to recommend the daily specials with genuine courtesy and a lack of cold formality, making guests feel welcome. In short, La Campana shuns the temptations of modern culinary trends and remains an essential destination for anyone wishing to discover the true essence of Roman cuisine in the heart of the city.

Traditional, homemade, and Italian. What more could you ask for? Good food and friendly staff. If you don't want to overwhelm yourself with all the options and just want a good restaurant at a reasonable price, try this one.

A historic tavern offering good-quality Roman cuisine. Prices are currently average. Excellent service.

A historic and authentic Roman trattoria. The food is authentic and amazing. I had the best artichoke lasagna I've ever had, not to mention the fried zucchini flowers and the Jewish-style artichokes! But a special thanks goes to Pino, our waiter. A truly unique person! Very sweet and friendly. If the food wasn't good (which it is), I'd go back just for him!

We had lunch at this restaurant the good old-fashioned way: white tablecloths, clean cutlery, excellent food, and excellent service. The staff were kind and friendly. A nice and pleasant break in a Rome crowded with tourists. Reasonable prices.

I tried to make a reservation before my trip because I heard it was a traditional restaurant, but I failed. After arriving in Rome, I easily made a phone reservation for lunch on the same day. I ordered the famous braised oxtail, fried zucchini blossoms, fried artichokes, and pasta. The braised oxtail was decent, and the fried zucchini blossoms had a good combination of mozzarella cheese and anchovies. The artichokes were tasteless. As rumored, the pasta was extremely salty. It was interesting to see the server was someone I had seen on TV.

A place worth visiting: 500 years old, it's the oldest restaurant in the world. The current family has been running it for 200 years. The food is good and the price is fair. Recommended!

More hype with its history then reality.

Delicious food at a great price! We ordered fried calamari, rigatoni carbonara, and rigatoni amatriciana—all fantastic! The house red wine was very good and cost €15. Friendly staff. We recommend making a reservation.