Food
Cesare al Pellegrino occupies a deliberately utilitarian, no-frills space, but reviewers who've sampled puntarelle across the city single this out as the best version they've found, dressed with the classic anchovy vinaigrette. Despite the small, simple room, service is described as friendly and attentive, with individual staff members mentioned by name in reviews. At 4.5 stars over 318 reviews, it's a smaller, more intimate operation than many nearby restaurants, fitting a modest hidden-gem score for a place known mainly to those who've sought out proper Roman home cooking. It suits diners more interested in authentic seasonal Roman dishes than atmosphere or spectacle.
✨ Reasons to go
💡 Good to know
⏱️ Typical visit
1h30
🕰️ Best time
early evening, evening or late night
🚶 Walking intensity
Easy pace
What people say
"I’ve eaten a lot of puntarelle in Rome – always with anchovy dressing – and the best I’ve ever had is at this very utilitarian space serving authentic Roman home cooking just around the corner from Campo de’Fiori. Their other outstanding dish is rich creamy Fagioli con le Coteche (beans with pork rind). They do a good beef carpaccio with plenty of greens, and a good ricotta and visciole tart too. Service is friendly and helpful (if a bit slow at times) and the wine list is very good."
— Roberta Muir
