A culinary masterpiece in the heart of Trastevere.
Some restaurants feed people, while others tell a story. Antica Pesa, located on Via Garibaldi in the famous bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere, falls into the latter, rare category.
It’s a place where the spirit of 17th-century papal Rome blends with culinary avant-garde, a world-class art gallery, and laid-back Hollywood chic.
To understand the atmosphere of Antica Pesa, it’s worth going back four centuries.
17th century (“The Old Scales”): the building served as a customs post for the Papal States.The name Antica Pesa comes from the fact that large scales were set up right here to weigh grain, flour, and oil and to collect taxes from peasants entering Rome from the Janiculum Hill.
19th century (Inn): After the customs post fell into disuse, the building became an inn (locanda) with a tavern. According to legend, the legendary Giuseppe Garibaldi took refuge and rested within these walls during the struggle for the unification of Italy.
1922 (The Panella Family): The establishment was founded in its current form. In the early 20th century, the Panella family opened a family-run osteria here. The family served simple, hearty meals to local artisans, artists, and residents of Trastevere.
Present: Today, the restaurant is run by the fourth generation—brothers Francesco, Simone, and Lorenzo Panella. Francesco Panella has become the brand’s international face and a TV host, while Simone heads the kitchen, striking a balance between family secrets and modern culinary standards.
The interior of Antica Pesa differs significantly from traditional Roman trattorias with their checkered tablecloths. It is a refined space where historic masonry blends with a private art collection.
Main Hall (Sala Principal): The walls are adorned with original contemporary paintings (by artists such as Andy Warhol and Helmut Newton, as well as murals by contemporary Italian masters). The centerpiece is an antique fireplace, perfect for a cozy dinner during the colder months.
The Courtyard (The Garden): This was once a court for the traditional game of bocce (the Italian equivalent of pétanque). Today, it is one of the most romantic indoor and outdoor gardens in Trastevere, surrounded by lush greenery and soft lighting.
Wine Cellar (La Cantina): The restaurant’s underground cellars are a true sanctuary of winemaking. With over 1,100 wine labels, the selection includesrare vintages from Tuscany and Piedmont, as well as exquisite champagnes and exclusive finds from small Italian wineries. The restaurant regularly receivesthe Grand Award fromWine Spectator magazine.
The culinary philosophy, led by Chef Simone Panelli, is based on the “Zero Miles” principle (seasonal and local ingredients) and absolute respect for tradition. Here, classics are not reimagined but elevated to a higher level of texture and balance.
Despite its status as one of Italy’s most famous restaurants, Antica Pesa retains the atmosphere of a private club where privacy is respected. This is precisely what attracts global celebrities here.
International success:its popularity among the American elite prompted the Panella family to open Antica Pesa Brooklyn in New York City (Williamsburg) in 2012, which quickly became a culinary hit among New Yorkers.
Notable guests: Quentin Tarantino, Madonna, Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Jennifer Aniston, as well as Italian film stars and politicians.
Address: Via Garibaldi, 18, 00153 Rome RM, Italy | Phone: 39 06 580 9236 | Hours: Sunday: Closed Monday–Saturday:7:30 PM – 11:00 PM
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