La Matriciana
About
La Matriciana is the quintessential Roman trattoria that has been welcoming guests since 1870. The first‑hand legacy of a woman from Amatrice, who brought the classic *amatriciana* recipe to Rome, has been carried on by the Crisciotti family for generations. Nestled behind the iconic Teatro dell’Opera, the restaurant’s historic charm is captured in its 1930s‑style telephone booth and its simple yet elegant décor that harkens back to the Roman culinary traditions of the past. The heart of the menu is, as the name suggests, the legendary *amatriciana*: hand‑made pasta tossed with aromatic pancetta, ripe San Marzano tomatoes, generous shards of pecorino cheese, and a subtle kick of peperoncino. The dish is prepared in the traditional Roman way, letting the flavors of the ingredients develop slowly in a simple olive oil base. Alongside the signature pasta, the menu delves into a broad selection of Roman classics—from *cacio e pepe* to homemade *supplì*—that showcase the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity and seasonal freshness. Guests are treated to a warm, family‑friendly atmosphere, with the space divided into cozy dining rooms and an open patio overlooking the opera house. The historic 1930s phone booth, preserved as a nod to the restaurant’s beginnings, offers a visual anchor to the charming interior. Whether you’re meandering through the intimate rooms or enjoying a casual lunch by the terrace, La Matriciana excels at marrying history with comfort. Open from 12:15 PM to 3:00 PM and again at 7:15 PM to 11:00 PM, Monday through Friday, the trattoria closes on Saturday. Reservations are accepted up to 15 days in advance, and although the restaurant is accessible without prior booking, a reservation is strongly encouraged during the bustling spring and autumn periods to ensure you don’t miss a seat at this legendary Roman institution.
Highlights
- Authentic Roman Trattoria
- Historic 1930s Phone Booth
- Signature Amatriciana
- Cozy Outdoor Patio
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
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Best time to visit
The most pleasant times to visit are late spring and early autumn—May‑June and September‑October—when the weather is mild and the crowds are moderate. A cozy autumn dinner, in particular, complements the classic Roman ambience perfectly.
At a glance
- Verified listing
- Typical visit: about 1 hour