A very good neighborhood Trattoria with attitude. We ate in the lovely outdoor patio on our first day in Rome. The other diners were mostly local business people so we were under dressed. The service was friendly and efficient but we didn't speak enough Italian to ask reasonable questions. They apparently do not normally use menus, but he dug up a mimeographed menu in English, but we had seen a neighboring table with fresh pasta alla oglio with ripe cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs that looked great and refreshing. It was! We were staying in the neighborhood so went back two nights later and struck up a conversation with a man waiting to take food home. He helped us choose two dishes and split them, a great idea. Again no menu, just say what you like and they will make it.

Trattoria Cotto e Magnato is a fantastic family run restaurant without any ego whatsoever. I'm a little reluctant to post a review, as this restaurant is a hidden gem that I want to keep all to myself, but the owners Marco and Alba really do deserve to be acknowledged for sticking to their principles to only producing fresh and authentic Roman food at a very affordable price. The unassuming street frontage, traditional red and white table cloths and the delicious homestyle food really make you feel like your eating at a local Nonna's house in Rome! The fact that this place is packed with locals (I don't think I heard a single non-Italian voice) for lunch and dinner is proof that the food is authentically Roman - so if you are after your carb heavy, mainstream, mass produced italian food that you can find back home - don't bother coming here. The menu was different just about every time I came back, as it all depends on the produce that is in season - so just go with the flow, and ask the waitress to recommend some dishes. I didn't come here for their desserts, but I was surprisingly impressed by the sophistication and quality of their cake selection. The sticky date pudding would have to be my favourite and I would highly recommend it. I came back another two times in my week stay in Rome and will be recommending this place to my Aussie friends when I get back home. 10/10!

Epica scelta di primi e secondi, con tutto il meglio della tradizione. Fregnacce salsiccia e porcini il must assoluto. Amatriciana succulenta. Il tocco finale: la moka servita al tavolo con le tazzine