Perched on a hill with twinkle lights decorating the door, this small family run trattoria is a wonderful spot for dinner. We each had a traditional Roman meal – including cacio e pepe and saltimbocca. We decided to get a recommendation on a white wine since the Frascati Superiore is what this town is known for and it did not disappoint. Final course was a terrific berry tart dessert with fresh whipped cream. The staff was kind and the restaurant was very busy with local so we knew we came to the right spot. Our taxi driver even told us to say hello to the owner for him…. we love a local experience and this was as good as it gets.
Trattoria La Bottega Frascatana
City: Frascati
Region: Lazio
About the Region:
Lazio is often seen only as the region that holds Rome, but it offers so much more beyond the Eternal City. Of course, Rome itself is reason enough to visit. Walking its streets is like wandering through a living museum, where ancient ruins, Renaissance palaces, Baroque fountains, and bustling piazzas blend seamlessly with modern life. The Colosseum, Vatican City, and Trevi Fountain are icons everyone should see at least once.
But beyond Rome, Lazio’s countryside is filled with surprises. Just an hour away lies Tivoli, home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Villa d’Este with its stunning Renaissance gardens and fountains, and Hadrian’s Villa, the sprawling ancient retreat of Emperor Hadrian. Both are breathtakingly beautiful and often overlooked by travelers.
Further north, you’ll find the medieval hill town of Viterbo, known for its well-preserved historic center and ancient thermal baths. Nearby, Civita di Bagnoregio sits atop a crumbling cliff, accessible only by footbridge, earning it the name “the dying town” – a hauntingly beautiful place frozen in time.
Lazio also boasts volcanic lakes like Lake Bolsena and Lake Bracciano, perfect for a relaxing day of swimming, boating, or dining lakeside at family-run trattorias. The region’s food reflects rustic Roman flavors: hearty pastas like cacio e pepe and amatriciana, and porchetta roasted to perfection.
Visiting Lazio means experiencing the grandeur of Rome and discovering a countryside rich with history, quiet beauty, and authentic Italian life that few tourists ever see.