It is said that when Nonna Fortunata opened her Roman trattoria in 1900, the restaurant quickly became a go-to spot for those seeking authentic, no-frills Roman cuisine. Among her most illustrious customers was reportedly Gabriele D’Annunzio, who deeply appreciated the simplicity of the dishes and the genuine atmosphere, a far cry from aristocratic salons. It is said that he once even improvised verses dedicated to the famous supplì, describing them as “little bombs of flavor that herald the greatness of Rome.”

Sibilla Aleramo, a pioneer of Italian feminist literature, was also a regular at the historic Roman trattoria. She found it to be a genuine refuge, the perfect place to observe the real life of the capital. She was particularly fond of pasta e fagioli, a symbol of traditional Roman cuisine—simple yet full of flavor.

In 1950, when her daughter reopened the restaurant, carrying on the family legacy, Rome was experiencing its golden age. With Cinecittà and the film boom, the city was teeming with artists, actors, and directors. The “new” Trattoria Nonna Fortunata, while remaining faithful to Roman culinary tradition, became one of the best places to eat in Rome for those seeking authenticity.

Rumor has it that among the restaurant’s most loyal customers was Anna Magnani, an icon of Italian neorealism. Her strong personality was perfectly reflected in the bold flavors of the cuisine. She was in love with the authentic Roman carbonara, prepared according to Nonna Fortunata’s recipe: fresh eggs, crispy guanciale, and Pecorino Romano. A creamy and authentic carbonara, still considered one of the best in Rome today.

Marcello Mastroianni was also a frequent visitor to the trattoria. He loved the restaurant’s simplicity and the quality of its home-style Roman cuisine. Among his favorite dishes were pasta with chickpeas and Roman-style tripe, perfect examples of authentic traditional Roman cuisine.

Over time, Trattoria Nonna Fortunata began to be recognized as one of the best places to enjoy authentic Roman cuisine. Rave reviews and word of mouth helped make it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a traditional Roman restaurant in the heart of Rome. Even without Michelin stars, the real measure of its success was the line out the door: tourists and locals alike eager to savor iconic dishes like carbonara, amatriciana, and supplì.

Even today, the trattoria remains a symbol of Roman culinary tradition. It is a place where time seems to stand still, where every dish tells a story, and where Nonna Fortunata’s carbonara continues to take center stage, drawing in anyone who wishes to savor the true essence of Roman cuisine.