Seemor
Checchino Dal 1887B+Worth Trying
Via di Monte Testaccio, 30, 00153 Roma RM, Italy
· Roman restaurant, Italian restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (943 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Historic Testaccio icon for classic Roman offal and pastas with a deep wine cellar; excellent for purists, but service and saltiness are inconsistent and the experience can feel unwelcoming to some visitors.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Checchino Dal 1887 delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality in classic Roman dishes and exceptional wine guidance, anchored by historic Testaccio charm and genuine heritage appeal. However, inconsistent pasta execution and seasoning combined with uneven service tone prevent grade A territory—this is a destination for Roman cuisine devotees willing to accept occasional rough edges in exchange for tradition and cellar depth.
Restaurant Summary
Checchino feels like stepping into Testaccio history, with warm wooden rooms, a deep wine list, and staff in classic jackets guiding pairings. One diner said the team was "attentive and knowledgeable," while others described brusque service and long waits. Expect an old-school pace in a heritage setting. The cooking leans classic Roman and meat-centric: pajata, tripe, and a standout oxtail braise, alongside faithful pastas like amatriciana and cacio e pepe. When it hits, flavors are soulful and satisfying; on off nights, some pastas skew overly salty or timing slips. Best for diners who crave tradition and care about wine. Families will find a few approachable anchors—cacio e pepe, amatriciana, and simple sides like carciofo alla romana—but the menu is heavy on offal and bold flavors. There is no clear kids menu; picky eaters may struggle, and reported saltiness could be a hurdle. Consider simpler pastas and vegetables for younger palates.
At a Glance
- Deep Roman heritage with benchmark quinto quarto and a strong wine program
- Historic ambiance and cozy dining room enhance sense of place
- Service tone swings from gracious to curt; expect potential delays
- Salinity and pasta texture inconsistencies reported
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- heritage_quinto_quarto_mastery
- deep_wine_cellar_guidance
- historic_testaccio_setting
What People Love
- Emotionally resonant heritage cooking that tastes of Rome
- Knowledgeable wine guidance and a deep cellar
- Cozy, wood-paneled room with old-school charm
- Signature dishes like oxtail and pajata done with care
Points of Concern
- Service can be brusque with slow pacing at peak times; several guests felt unwelcome
- Carbonara and gricia occasionally reported as too salty or texturally off
- Large parties and mobility needs faced challenges and limited accommodation
- Pricing is premium for a trattoria; value depends on execution night
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€45-65 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Adventurous eaters: pajata, trippa, arrosto misto
- Classic-leaning: amatriciana, cacio e pepe, saltimbocca
- Vegetarian sides: puntarelle, cicoria, carciofo alla romana
Perfect For
- A traditional Roman dinner focused on offal and classics
- Wine-centric nights with guided pairings
- Culinary travelers exploring Testaccio history
- Small groups seeking a slow, heritage meal
Location Insights
Area: Working-class-turned-foodie district famed for markets and meat traditions; draws locals and culinary travelers.
Safety: Generally safe, lively dining streets with steady foot traffic in evenings.
Nearby: Near former slaughterhouse complex, wine bars, trattorie, and Tiber waterfront walks.
TestaccioTestaccio is renowned for its traditional Roman dining scene, featuring trattorias, markets, and innovative eateries. The neighborhood has a relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere with a focus on genuine local flavors and a mix of old and new culinary experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday12:30–15:00, 08:00–23:00
Thursday12:30–15:00, 08:00–23:00
Friday12:30–15:00, 08:00–23:00
Saturday12:30–15:00, 08:00–23:00
Sunday12:30–15:00, 08:00–23:00
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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