Nena Mercato & Cucina
Via dei Sabelli, 193, 00185 Roma RM
Rating: 4.7 ★ (619 ratings)
Details
Nena Mercato & Cucina offers a wonderfully warm and homely atmosphere within Rome's vibrant San Lorenzo district, known for its authentic flavours and burgeoning culinary scene. This welcoming osteria boasts a thoughtfully curated interior, featuring charming exposed brick arches, striking textile chandeliers from Valencia, and retro wooden tables, creating an inviting and convivial setting. Additionally, guests can enjoy an ample outdoor area and a delightful small internal garden, often enveloped by jasmine during warmer months, which adds to its distinct character.
The culinary approach at Nena Mercato & Cucina is a celebration of Italian and Mediterranean traditions, expertly overseen by Chef Susanna Sipione. The menu features a range of delectable options, from popular fried starters such as *primosale in carrozza* with caramelised onions and orange, to hearty pasta dishes like carbonara, *spaghettone burro e alici*, and homemade pappardelle with mixed mushrooms. Notable main courses include the "Maialino Nena," a pork dish with smoked provola and caramelised figs, and braised beef cheek. Beyond the restaurant, a market area provides selected cured meats, cheeses, and artisanal produce, complementing the dining experience.
This Roman eatery is ideally suited for those seeking a convivial and familiar dining experience, perfect for gathering with friends or family. It caters to guests who appreciate quality Italian cuisine in a lively and unpretentious environment, offering generous portions and an emphasis on shared plates, fostering a sense of togetherness. With its pleasant service and reasonable pricing, Nena Mercato & Cucina makes for an excellent choice for casual dinners and vibrant social occasions alike.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: Closed | Tuesday: 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM | Wednesday: 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM | Thursday: 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM | Friday: 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM | Saturday: 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM | Sunday: 12:30 – 3:00 PM, 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Contact
+39 06 8343 4951
Comments
We visited as a couple; we weren't particularly hungry, but we ended up ordering four small appetizers and shared a Carbonara pasta.
First of all, the service was wonderful patient and very pleasant. The appetizers were an outstanding culinary experience. For dessert, we had the Tiramisu and a Baked Cheesecake with Clementines, which was surprisingly delicate and paired perfectly with the richness of the Tiramisu.
The venue itself is beautifully designed, making for a very successful evening.
I highly recommend booking in advance so you don’t miss out on this spot during your visit.
After watching a great movie, we found out that the lead actor owned a restaurant in Rome, so we added it to our list for our next trip. We finally got the chance to visit this past Sunday, and it was such a lovely experience.
Every dish was delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented without feeling over the top. A special thank you to Dulia, who took wonderful care of us and recommended a fantastic wine that paired perfectly with our meal.
The desserts were also excellent — balanced, not too sweet, and the perfect way to finish meal.
Overall, a really memorable and recommendable experience that we are looking forward to repeat on our next visit to Rome (hopefully soon ❤️🍾).
We didn’t get a chance to meet the actor-owner, but at least we managed to “take” a picture with him there! 🤣