The best ravioli in the world: Taverna Trilussa Trastevere, Rome

Trastevere is a quaint little area in Rome, south of the Vatican. It’s known for its cobbled streets and ancient houses and also for its many pubs and restaurants. There’s a lot of North American schools here so it houses a few expats as well. Lovely as the area is, it has attracted artists, tourists, and local quasi-hedonists. Frankly, I didn’t care much for the drinking but when my friend L recommended we try the best ravioli in the world via Taverna Trilussa Trastevere, I knew I had to be there.

We went on a Tuesday night so it wasn’t as busy as I thought it would be. But at the same time, it was pleasant to have a wander around Trastevere’s streets. There was beauty in the quietness of it, and in knowing that these streets would be lined up with people making stories during the busier days of the week.

Whilst waiting for our dinner reservations, we decided to have some aperitivos at a bar nearby. Drawn to the music we heard passing by, we ended up at Ombre Rosse. It was lively for a weeknight and the vibe was cool. There’s an acoustic set playing covers - think BBC Live Lounge - and a lot of punters laughing and munching and sipping on cocktails. Even the servers seemed to be enjoying themselves. Oh, and the margaritas were actually fantastic.

We were given some complimentary bruschetta and olives. I didn’t want to eat much so as to not ruin my appetite for ravioli, but the smell of warm, garlicky bread topped with the smell of super fresh tomatoes was irresistible. One bite, and I was sold. Like, how can this be free?! They should seriously be charging people for this as it’s much better than other places that actually charge.

After drinks we were also given a shot of limoncello each, again, on the house. Service was great, drinks were great, and the music was really good (and you guys know I like my tunes). I’d definitely come back here for pre-dinner tanking.

We headed to L’s recommended restauraunt, Taverna Trilussa. I didn’t know what I was expecting, but it was not what I thought I’d walk into.

I mean it was brilliantly rustic and immediately I had a nostalgic yearning for home.

By the way - I wish I sorted out my white balance settings! Sorry loves.

Legs of ham hanging on the floor and knocking at punters from the shelves, glorious truffle on display, a good selection of cheese waiting to be cut into and served.

Liquor, vino, pastry and cakes… I mean this is like the ultimate place to be, isn’t it just?

We arrived rather early (I promise it got busier later into the night) so I was pretty snap-happy and noticed a lot of reference to tennis along the walls. I got excited. Because many years back I was blogging about tennis and my heroic love for sport (and random dreams with tennis players, eeek).

Turns out Stanislas Wawrinka hails Taverna Trilussa as his “best restaurant in the world”. Andy Murray comes here for his non-sushi fix. And look who I found on the walls:Allez, Roger et Thierry!

We had a long day walking around - literally - the city so we rewarded ourselves with a bottle of Pinot Grigio and poured for days.

Pretty as it is, I was really ready to get some food.

I had a suppli to start and it was super tasty.

The rice was delicious and nicely cooked, the breading was good, the filling was absolutely hearty and tasty. I ended up ordering another one cos it’s that good!

When in Rome, having some sort of dish with zucchini flowers is a must. Taverna’s is a deep fried, battered product. And though the batter is more doughy and thicker than say the one they serve in Barrafina or Ember Yard, the zucchini flowers actually tasted fantastic and fresh.

Oh and yes, we had a bit of salad to tick our five a day.

We had a classic bucatini all’ Amatriciana which, apparently is one of Rome’s most famous dishes. In all fairness, this was possibly the simplest spaghetti combo I’ve ever had, but it was so bold in flavour and hearty in all sense of the word. Oh, and it was served in the pan it was cooked from. How cute was that!

And then came the infamous Ravioli Mimosa. It’s freakishly not the best looking plate of food I’ve seen.

BUT YES. It was freakishly delicious, too. Like you know when someone asks you for the Top 5 dishes you would like to eat over and over and over for the rest of your life? This could easily be there.

The sauce was rich and creamy, the filling was beautiful. We’re not quite sure what this ravioli is comprised of, to be honest, because Taverna Trilussa has been coy about it and wants to keep it their secret recipe. Perhaps it’s more egg in the sauce? Or nutmeg? Or extreme portions of butter? I dunno. All I know is that it was magical. And yes, best ravioli I’ve had. Ever.

Not wanting to miss out on dessert, I ordered a tiramisu.

And all was good in the world.

Overall verdict for Taverna Trilussa

Okay. I may have had multiple gastronorgasms from that bowl of ravioli which is why I’ll recommend this Taverna Trilussa. The atmosphere was dead when we arrived but it built up and was really buzzing as we progressed through the meal (perhaps come in for dindin late).  But simply put, I highly recommend Taverna Trilussa. It’s a place I’d bring family with, because it has a rustic charm to it that can actually tug your heart and ham strings (lol).

Taverna Trilussa
Via del Politeama, 23/25, 00153 Roma, Italy
Ave spend pp: 50€

(4/5)

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Honey de Gracia