You will probably walk right past this the first time. Glass fronted, with a single wood framed glass door that opens to a single dining room, with no waiting area. If it's full (it probably will be), wait outside and the nice young lady will come out for you. Tables are packed close, and reset with a plain paper cloth. You will be taken care of quickly, and your bottled water, wine and bread are there for you in a hurry. As Americans, we were given a menu. We noticed a few more tourist tables...the guidebooks, you know...but the families and tables of local workers gives this room an earthy Roman flair, with Antonio working each table with a real familiarity for his customers.
The young lady who seated us also took our order. It wasn't on the menu, but I wanted to try Cacio e Pepe, so I asked, and she was delighted to say yes. We noticed almost every table trying the slim Fall artichokes, and my wife ordered a plate of two. They are trimmed, steamed or braised, and served simply, bathed in a olive oil herbed lemon sauce. These begged that you take the time to savor the exquisite flavor. Since this was our first Roman meal, we later noticed these artichokes everywhere we went. Amazing!
We were out for right around 20 euros. A fantastic meal and delightful experience.
Favorite Dish: Cacio e Pepe. Made with a fresh pasta, tonarelli I suspect, long strands like spaghetti, but just a bit thicker. A generous serving, in a wide shallow bowl, it is a simple preparation tossed with lots of cracked black pepper and pecorino cheese. Just the right amount of olive oil at the bottom of the bowl for wiping up with the last crusts of bread.
Updated Nov 22, 2009
Address: Governo Vecchio 18/19
This hidden restaurant in the heart of Rome is/was my favorite restaurant in the world. I have visited here 18 times since 1993 and each time was greeted with a smile and great service from a wonderful staff..the best "peasant food" in all of Rome and the best feel for what Italy and Rome is all about. This was a restaurant that was always filled with local Italians, no tourists whatsoever...and then Gourmet Magazine rated it as a hidden find in Rome. Last Monday, I went back and the place was teeming with tourists...I wanted to cry! My little hidden gem was hidden no more. The food was still great, the prices the best in town, but I only hope it stays that way.
Antonio uses fresh ingredients, makes homemade dishes, and doesn't garnish the plate with drizzle. It really is like eating at my grandmother's everytime I go there...just don't tell my grandmother.
***2 Feb 08 Update: Antonio Bassetti's is still as great as ever...hopefully when tourist season rolls around, it will remain so!*****
Favorite Dish: I have never had a bad meal at Antonio's.
Updated Feb 3, 2008
Address: Governo Vecchio 18/19
1 - 2 of 2
Sponsored Links
Albergo Del Senato Rome
5 Reviews and 1040 Opinions The Pantheon is my favorite building in Rome and might be my favorite building in the world. The...
Campo De' Fiori Rome
5 Reviews and 582 Opinions It has been completely renovated but still with a very traditional elegant decor. I am not sure if...
Artemide Hotel Rome
3 Reviews and 1511 Opinions Awesome hotel. Great service. Free breakfast was just enough to get you going each morning. We...
Governo Vecchio 18/19
Trattoria di Antonio Bassetti tips and photos posted by real travelers and Rome locals.
Write a Review
This hidden restaurant in the heart of Rome is/was my favorite restaurant in the world. I have visited here 18 times since 1993 and each time was greeted with a...
1,068 members live in Rome

Q: From 20 years ago I remember that one could simply walk into St. Peter Basilica as well walk around the square. But I assume that...

A: pre-book your tickets to the Vatican/St. Peter's ahead of time. If you search under "Rome" or browse through the forums here, you will see where questions about best way...
Read 5 Replies
1

Coming to bella Roma? B R A V O !! A grand lady - she is. Overwhelming - she can be.......... Know a little about her and you will not SEE her - you will EXPERIENCE her - she will be yours. Open...
2
To the Sources of my Culture and History.

On each of my visits to Rome I have the same feeling of cultural, historical abundance and plenitude. The abundance of monuments is unequalled. The famous Guide Michelin proposes a visit program of...
3

Without a doubt, Rome is my favourite city in this world. There is little to dislike about Rome, and too much to love for a short introductory paragraph. Even listing random non-descriptive positives...
4

Rome is huge, beautiful, full of attraction by very very dirthy town! Yes, it is the very first thing one can noticed when strolling around. Is it so because of huge number of tourists or perhaps...
5
Rome : A Surpise Around Every Corner

I have had a fascination with the Eternal City since I was child. The history and the art and the spirituality speak out across the centuries to stir something deep within me. Within the last nine......
Build your own Rome page
Sponsored Links