Mario's
A traditional, low-key and inexpensive family-run restaurant in the heart of Trastevere. Go for the delicious ravioli and vegetable side dishes, but take an extra pullover because, like many places in Rome, it is not heated very well at this time of year.

Address: 53 Via del Moro | Telephone: 06 580 3809 |

Pizzeria ai Marmi
This is a local institution, which has been deservedly popular for many years. Dubbed the "obitorio", or morgue, by locals because of its long marble tables, it serves fantastic pizza plus the standard range of bruschetta and deep-fried vegetables and cheese for starters.

Address: 53 Viale di Trastevere | Telephone: 06 580 0919 |

Al Giardino del Gatto e la Volpe
"In the Cat and the Fox's Garden" has to be one of the most original restaurant names in the world and is taken from the owners' nicknames. The pair serve classical Roman dishes, such as cacio cheese with black pepper, in an extensive garden - as the name suggests.

Address: 14 Via Buccari | Telephone: 06 3974 2280 |

Antica Trattoria da Carlone
A friendly yet elegant family-run trattoria on the quieter side of Viale Trastevere. If you stick to the first courses and mains and avoid the costly little extras like bruschetta, it is very good value. Go for the delicious ravioli with artichoke sauce or the scamorza (grilled fermented cheese).

Address: 5-7 Via della Luce | Telephone: 06 580 0039 |

Da Benito e Gilberto al Falco
Round the corner from the Vatican, you should book a few days ahead to eat at Gilberto Bassi's intimate, informal but excellent fish restaurant. He does a fantastic tagliolini alla pescatora (fish pasta) and the homemade apple pie is wonderful.

Address: 19 Via del Falco | Telephone: 06 686 7769 |

Nino
A famous haunt popular with politicians, businessmen, and film stars, Nino serves Tuscan cuisine adapted for the Roman palate. For hors d'oeuvres, try the crostini (toast) with pâté and then follow it with a steak.

Address: 11 Via Borgognona | Telephone: 06 679 5676 |

Brunello
This elegant, refined restaurant on the famous Via Veneto serves a range of wonderful dishes. For the main course, try the delicious sweet carbon beef filet with rosemary maldon salt and vegetables and for dessert, the tiramisù semifreddo.

Address: 72 Via Veneto | Telephone: 06 4890 2867 |

Il Simposio
A treasure hidden away inside a trendy wine bar. The décor is a bit old fashioned, which fits well with the old-world style, attentive service and classical cooking. The risotto with red wine, Treviso radish and Roccaverano robiola cheese is superb. For dessert, go for the crema catalana with saffron.

Address: 16 Piazza Cavour | Telephone: 06 320 3575 |