I mentioned above that one of our favorite shows is: 4 Ristoranti, and coincidentally, Trattoria Sora Lella was also featured in the same episode as Trattoria da Danilo mentioned above and they were, in fact, the winners. This is a popular and historic trattoria located on Tiber island and it has been on our list of restaurants to try for more than a year and possibly even more like 5 years, depending on if you started the clock before we moved to Italy. We tried to experience this restaurant for a birthday celebration, but hadn’t made reservations and we were surprised to learn that they are needed, even for a lunch in February.

Trattoria Sora Lella, nestled on the quaint Tiber Island in the heart of Rome, has garnered acclaim for its exceptional take on the classic Roman dish, Carbonara. This storied establishment, a winner featured on the popular Italian TV show “4 Ristoranti,” stands out for its dedication to traditional Roman culinary practices, setting a high bar for authenticity and flavor. The restaurant’s approach to Carbonara emphasizes the quality of ingredients and adherence to time-honored Roman cooking techniques, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts of this beloved pasta dish.

Lei, la sora Lella, quando guidava la cucina di questa trattoria dell'Isola Tiberina nell'amatriciana metteva due ingredienti non tradizionali: la cipolla e l'aceto (per sfumare il guanciale con il vino bianco). I nipoti, però, hanno scelto di non deviare dalla ricetta classica e così, a parte il formato di pasta scelto, tutto rispetta il passato. Niente spaghetti o bucatini, Renato Trabalza e il fratello Simone preferiscono servire gli gnocchi (come faceva nona Lella) preparati in casa con le patate di Leonessa, paese che da Amatrice dista una manciata di chilometri.

Still another dynastic homage to Romanity through its cuisine is Sora Lella, founded in the 1950s by the short, plump, exuberant, comic actress Elena Fabrizi with her much more famous and even shorter and plumper gourmand comic actor older brother Aldo. The children of a widowed fruit vendor in Rome’s historic food market in Campo de’ Fiori, they considered their acting careers a hobby and their true profession restaurateur and gastronome.

The original owner, Elena Fabrizi (known as “Lella”), was a cook and an actress, known for famous roles and funny cameos up to the ‘80s. She was the sister of one of the most famous Italian actors: Aldo Fabrizi. She was such an iconic character, that she became the symbol of a certain Roman spirit, made of famous film directors, cozy taverns, charme and carbonara, movie sets and the magical sunsets on the river banks.

Nestled on Tiber Island, Trattoria Sora Lella is a tribute to Lella, an iconic figure in Italian cinema and an exceptional cook. The family-run restaurant, located at V ia di Ponte Quattro Capi 16, carries on her legacy with authentic Roman dishes. Their carbonara, made with organic eggs, Pecorino Romano Cheese, and Monti Sibillini guanciale bacon, is a must-try for anyone seeking the best carbonara pasta in Rome.

LOCATED ON THE PICTURESQUE TIBER ISLAND, TRATTORIA SORA LELLA IS A HISTORIC RESTAURANT KNOWN FOR ITS AUTHENTIC ROMAN CUISINE. The classic interior is warm and inviting, with terra cotta floors and exposed beams overhead. The menu features a range of traditional dishes, with highlights such as the rigatoni con la pajata (rigatoni with tripe) and coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew).

Located on the only little island on the Tiber River that runs through the city is the iconic and one of most historic restaurants in Rome is the Sora Lella. Italy’s famous actor Aldo Fabrizi’s sister Elena “Lella” Fabrizi an actor herself, opened Sora Lella in 1959 by. It immediately became a popular place for movie stars visiting the city like Alberto Sordi and Aldo himself.

Storica trattoria sull’Isola Tiberina, inizialmente gestita dalla Sora Lella in persona, ovvero la sorella di Aldo Fabrizi. A continuarne la tradizione culinaria sono oggi il figlio e il nipote, che hanno mantenuto intatta la “romanità” sia nel servizio che nei piatti. L’amatriciana è servita rigorosamente senza cipolla nella salsa, con il pelato “franto” a mano.

A few of my favourites you will find at her restaurant in Rome are: Amatriciana, Rigatoni Cacio e Pepe, and “Coda alla Vaccinara“. And just like every true Italian grandmother, you won’t go home starving!. So, make sure to come with an appetite and a reservation as it is one of the oldest restaurants in Rome where Italians say: “Si Mangia Bene!

Sora Lella is a legendary Roman restaurant made famous by its namesake, Elena Fabrizi. Before becoming a renowned actress, Sora Lella ran this establishment with her husband and son, Aldo Trabalza, who remains the sole proprietor. Many will remember her from classic Italian films alongside legendary actor and director Carlo Verdone.

Sora Lella is one of those hidden gem restaurants in Rome loved by the Italians. Not that well-known amongst tourists, but that is the point: for you to discover the hidden side of the Eternal City. As for location, this secret restaurant is close to Ghetto Ebraico where you are going to be treated like family.

Sora Lella in Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 16 features a top-notch menu and the highest quality products. The carbonara has been handed down for many years, and they have never changed the true traditional recipe, so if you want to eat a historical carbonara, here you are in the right place.

To make it they use short pasta and the main ingredients are Roman broccoli and thornback ray stock. It’s served as a first course or even as a consommé if you prefer, before the main dish. Very tasty and nourishing, this soup remains liquid but also creamy due to the presence of broccoli.

At Sora Lella Restaurant you will find, of course, delicious traditional Roman food. But that is the least—the most important aspect of the restaurant is the person who named it. Sora Lella (real name Elena Fabrizi) was a Roman actress and cook.

If you want to taste the typical dishes of the Roman tradition this is the right place for you. The Trattoria boasts 80 years of history and “hands-on”. Once here you should definitely try their fantastic amatriciana potato gnocchi.