The authentic taste of Rome in the Testaccio district.
In the heart of Testaccio, the neighborhood where Roman cuisine was born, you will find Ristorante Ai Cocci. This part of Rome has remained authentic: home to locals and frequented by families and friends who gather in the squares and restaurants of the area. Just a few steps away from the tourist crowds, Testaccio preserves the city’s genuine and popular soul.
The restaurant is named after Monte dei Cocci, the symbol of the neighborhood. This artificial hill, formed by millions of fragments of terracotta amphorae used for transporting oil and wine in ancient Rome, bears witness to the intense commercial exchanges of the time. Right above the ancient Roman market, today stands the modern Testaccio Market, a must-see stop for those seeking fresh and genuine local products.
Handmade pasta, every day The heart of Ai Cocci’s kitchen is the handmade pasta, prepared daily using traditional techniques passed down through generations. From tonnarelli to fettuccine, from egg pappardelle to ricotta and spinach ravioloni, and even stuffed tortelloni and cod ravioloni, each shape is a small masterpiece.
If you arrive at the right moment, you can watch the pasta being made: a process that takes place every morning and afternoon. Otherwise you can discover its secrets through the videos on the restaurant’s social media channels. Top dishes The cuisine at Ai Cocci is a journey through the flavors of Rome. The carbonara, considered one of the best in the city, the amatriciana, the crispy carciofi alla giudia (Roman Jewish-style fried artichokes), and the delicate carciofi alla romana that melt in your mouth are just some of the offerings.
Among the mains, highlights include the abbacchio allo scottadito (grilled young lamb, served hot off the grill), coda alla vaccinara (Roman-style oxtail stew), polpette alla romana, saltimbocca, and bistecca alla fiorentina for grill lovers. To finish, homemade desserts: the tiramisù and a cheesecake that many claim to be the best in Rome. Hospitality and passion Everything is guided by the careful leadership of Payel, the owner, who has over twenty years of experience in the restaurant industry: he has created a place where hospitality feels like home.
The restaurant’s motto, “Eat, drink, relax, feel at home” is not just a phrase but a promise fulfilled every day. Payel’s passion shines through the warm, attentive welcome every customer receives. Rome on the plate, Rome in the heart Dining at Ristorante Ai Cocci immerses you in Roman culture, with authentic flavors, Payel’s warm hospitality, and an atmosphere that reflects Rome’s sunny beauty.
Ai Cocci is not just a restaurant; it is an experience that encompasses the best of tradition and Italian hospitality: a place where every customer truly feels like home. Welcome to Ai Cocci: where Rome greets you on the plate and touches your heart.
