Sometimes it’s difficult to find an authentic meal at a reasonable price in Rome’s touristy areas. However, even in the tourist-restaurant-saturated Campo de’ Fiori area, a good meal can be had. Enter Osteria da Fortunata. This family-run restaurant serves up fresh salads, handmade pastas, decadent desserts and otherworldly oxtail.
Although the Campo de’ Fiori market is crammed with restaurants, you can easily spot Osteria da Fortunata because at least one woman is always at the front window rolling out fresh pasta dough. Yes, employees literally roll out the pasta you will soon be devouring right before your eyes! You can’t get more homemade than that…unless, of course, you have an Italian mamma or nonna.
The food is so good at Osteria da Fortunata that you’ll even find locals lined up waiting for a table. Even if you have to wait a bit, it’s well worth your time. Just so you know, Osteria da Fortunata is usually open every day between 12PM and 1AM.
What’s this Italian Mamma Cooking?
Osteria da Fortunata specializes in warm and comforting Roman pasta dishes. One fan favorite is the oxtail beef gnocchi with a big helping of Parmesan cheese. Other classic dishes include strozzapreti carbonara, sciavatelli amatriciana, cacio e pepe, polpette umido and pasta mixed with artichokes and crispy bacon. Is your mouth watering yet? If not, then consider topping off that feast with fresh panna cotta or a slice of tiramisu!
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Please note, however, most of the people working at Osteria da Fortunata don’t speak very good English. This is a good sign, of course, because it shows Osteria da Fortunata doesn’t cater to foreign tourists. Just be sure to brush up on your elementary Italian before visiting this place. This book will help.
How to Find Osteria da Fortunata
The official address is Via del Pellegrino, 11/12, which is literally one minute from the center of the Campo de’ Fiori market. It’s just beyond the fountain in the Campo’s northwest corner. Other popular tourist attractions within a 5-minute walk include the Museo di Roma, the Palazzo Farnese and the Fontana del Moro. If you’re using public transport, it’s best to get on Line B at Termini towards Laurentina and take this line until you reach Circo Massimo. Once at Circo Massimo, hop aboard tram 8 towards Venezia and exit at Arenula/Cairoli.
