Checchino dal 1887
The historical Checchino dal 1887, located near the old slaughterhouse in Testaccio, is one of the landmarks of traditional Roman cuisine.
Dating back to 1887, Checchino has been owned by the Mariani family for many generations. As a result, the food here has not only taste but also history, and is a true testimony to the humble traditions of Roman cuisine.
Today Checchino dal 1887 is an elegant venue, often crowded with politicians, local food connoisseurs and lovers of good food in general. The speciality here is the quinto quarto, or fifth quarter, a Roman term for offal. Among our favourite dishes are the Rigatoni alla Pajata, the coda alla vaccinara served with a sprinkling of chocolate, the involtini (see below), and the insalata di zampi (salad of pig’s trotter). One way to experience the range on offer is through Checchino’s ‘historical tasting menu’ (€63, not including drinks).
The wine selection at Checchino dal 1887 is also excellent—at least one member of the Mariani family is a qualified sommelier.
Unione dei Ristoranti del Buon Ricordo
Checchino dal 1887 is a Rome member of the Unione dei Ristoranti del Buon Ricordo. Founded in 1964, the Unione is a non-profit association consisting of some 120 restaurants around Italy dedicated to “Supporting, enhancing, and improving regional cuisine or local specialities”. They publish a guidebook to their members’ restaurants, and issue a “Buon Ricordo card” that gives certain perks like discounts or a free digestivo.
In addition, each restaurant puts forward one dish—for Checchino it’s their involtini—which is listed in the guidebook and immortalised on hand-painted ceramic plates, which are presented to anybody who orders the dish. So if you take the Menu del Buon Ricordo at Checchino dal 1887, you’ll receive not only the involtini, but also the plate they inspired.
