restaurants

La Cisterna

Via della Cisterna, 11, 00153 Roma RM

Rating: 4.5 ★ (51 ratings)

Details

La Cisterna, in the vibrant Trastevere district of Rome, offers a truly distinctive dining experience. It boasts a rich history, having once been an osteria that safeguarded the town's water well. The warm interior features dark clay-red walls adorned with murals depicting Roman life, alongside embedded 17th-century street signs, poems, and signatures, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. Legend even suggests a mystic water well in its lower basements, inspiring Disney's Fantasia.

Specialising in traditional Roman, Italian, and Mediterranean home-style cuisine, La Cisterna presents a delightful array of dishes. Patrons can savour perfectly cooked cacio e pepe, gnocchi, and spaghetti carbonara, amongst other pasta options. Meat specialities include abbacchio, suckling lamb prepared in various Roman styles, and saltimbocca alla Romana, featuring veal, prosciutto, and sage. The restaurant is also noted for its antipasto, pizzas, and delicious desserts such as millefoglie and tiramisu, complemented by good house wine and coffee. Enjoying fast, friendly service, guests appreciate the generous portions and attractive prices.

La Cisterna is an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic Italian dining experience in a convivial setting. Its engaging atmosphere, sometimes enhanced by live musicians playing Roman folk songs, makes it ideal for lively gatherings with friends or a memorable family meal. The restaurant's location in the bustling Trastevere, a neighbourhood known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse crowds, positions it perfectly for both a relaxed evening and special occasions.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed | Tuesday: 6:30 – 11:00 PM | Wednesday: 6:30 – 11:00 PM | Thursday: 12:30 – 3:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM | Friday: 12:30 – 3:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM | Saturday: 12:30 – 3:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM | Sunday: 12:30 – 3:00 PM, 6:30 – 11:00 PM

Contact

+39 06 6699 5500

Comments

Rudi Dudi
14 Jul 2026
5.0 ★
Brilliant
Carbonara was amazing
Portions huge
Service was friendly and not rushed
Definitely try this place, you won't regret it
Jessie Saville-Brown
14 Jul 2026
5.0 ★
Not only is the food and service here incredible, as is the ambiance and charm of the building. We had an incredible meal and were charmed and delighted by the staff which were extremely attentive and lovely. We even got to see the ancient well in the restaurant’s basement!
Kelly Bauch
14 Jul 2026
5.0 ★
Beautiful setting and incredible food. We got the carbanara which might have been from the sister restaurant attached next door. Great wine. It was an amazing and perfect experience.
Alan Jacques
14 Jul 2026
4.0 ★
We were looking for another restaurant and accidentally stumbled upon this gem when a very Italian chef told us, the restaurant just over there is mine, curiosity won over us and we got in.

The door hides how beautiful and big the restaurant is inside.

We went directly to the terrace which is so cozy and sunny.

We ordered some antipasti and they were delicious although the had run out of cheese but the Mozzarella di Bufala that we got was heavenly.

Then we ordered pasta and Trippa alla Romana, the servings are huge which is amazing because the food was exquisite.

After our meal we got to wander around the restaurant, especially the basement which houses a well that has quite a hard to believe legend.

Everything was amazing to be sincere the only place where it left wanting for more was the service, they weren't rude, it was just not great.
Louis LaBoy
14 Jul 2026
5.0 ★
What a hidden gem in Trastevere. I was honestly surprised it wasn’t packed because this ended up being our favorite meal in the area. The food was outstanding from start to finish, and every dish we ordered was full of flavor and clearly made with care.

The service was just as impressive. Our server was incredibly friendly and took the time to show us the historic basement and ancient cistern beneath the restaurant, which made the experience even more memorable.

The atmosphere is unique, the history of the building is fascinating, and the prices were very reasonable for both the quality of the food and the location. After trying several restaurants in the area, this was easily our favorite.

If you’re in Trastevere, do yourself a favor and give La Cisterna a try. You won’t be disappointed.

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