Trattoria Pennestri In Roma

A treat in the Ostiense neighborhood, I'm out of words to describe the wonderful culinary experiences you can have at this trattoria, which just underwent a makeover this year. The atmosphere is very family-friendly, the staff are polite and professional—in short, a perfect example of an osteria of this caliber. About two years ago, I had my first experience here at Pennestri, with their typically old-school Roman dishes—I'm talking about gricia—and I was already impressed by the balance of flavors and the overall quality of the ingredients. Their offerings, in my humble opinion, are very interesting. The dishes aren't overly elaborate, almost home-cooked, but at the same time they have their own character and personality. Looking at the menu, I can tell that this trattoria doesn't shy away from serving only traditional Roman dishes, but rather takes a tour of Italy. Among the appetizers, you'll find caponata, as well as pasta shapes like pici, which originate from central Italy. Today I opted for tradition, at least for the first course. I chose maltagliati with chicken giblets and pecorino cheese, and a tart with onions and robiola. The first course was spectacularly flavorful, with well-spiced egg pasta, perfectly blended, smooth and not thick—just how I like it. I appreciated the fact that the giblets were cut like giblets, the classic small pieces. And I'll go further, since I also had excellent warm bread, I even had to mop it up. The appetizer was good, with onions providing a sweetish note that contrasted with the goat's cheese flavor of the robiola. Then there was the shortcrust pastry, which was cooked just right, I think, also to better dry out the insides, given that the onions, as we know, release moisture. Total cost €30 plus water, bread, and service.

Fantastic, as usual. Food is amazing and the people are even better. Highly recommended!

It wasn't our first time at Pennestri, but this time we decided to bring some friends from Padua. We tried several appetizers, various first courses (the carbonara was excellent), a liver main course, and the salti in bocca (sautéed vegetables): very tasty dishes that combine traditional cuisine with a truly interesting modern twist. The olive oil and rosemary mousse was unique and delightful, striking us with its originality. The wine selection was also good. The staff was always friendly and welcoming. The only downside: the wait between courses was a bit long, probably because the restaurant had just reopened after the summer holidays. Overall, a positive experience and one we'll definitely repeat.

Authentic, finally. Fair prices.

Trattoria Pennestri was one of the true highlights of my time in Rome. Tucked away in the Ostiense neighborhood, this place blends a warm, relaxed atmosphere with serious culinary skill. It absolutely delivers on both. I came here for pasta, and I wasn’t disappointed. Every dish I tried was flawless: pasta perfectly al dente, sauces rich and deeply flavorful without feeling heavy. The carbonara in particular was unforgettable: creamy, balanced, and exactly what Roman comfort food should be. By the end of the meal, I was already wishing I had time to come back before leaving the city. It’s no surprise they’ve earned a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. You can taste the thoughtfulness in every bite, and the service matches it: warm, attentive, and never rushed. Trattoria Pennestri is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve uncovered a local treasure, and for me, it’s an easy five stars.

Phenomenal dinner and the attention to service was top tier best meatballs I had in Rome. A must if you’re in Rome.

A wonderful discovery. Warm welcome and delicious dish.

It was supposed to be a perfect evening, and it was. Super meatballs!

Consigliato da un amico, ha confermato appieno le aspettative. Buon cibo, ambiente caratteristico, servizio cortese e corretto il rapporto qualità prezzo

E' e resta una delle migliori trattorie di Roma. Ottimi i piatti della tradizione, in questo caso la gricia. Molto molto buona anche la pajata. Degno di nota anche lo stracotto di pecora. Carta dei vini in linea con il locale, con un occhio anche sulle etichette regionali.