Osteria La Gensola

A much calmer, more relaxed spot compared to the busy center of Trastevere. The restaurant specializes in seafood, and you can really taste the quality in every dish. The atmosphere has a nice, fancy vibe without feeling pretentious. Everything was delicious. A great place to unwind and enjoy amazing Italian foods.

A timeless Roman institution loved by locals in the know but overlooked by the crowds. I’ve tried many of Rome’s acclaimed restaurants, and without a doubt, Gensola served me one of my favourite meals. The attention to detail and the freshness of everything they bring to the table did not go unnoticed. Rarer roman dishes and fresh seafood make the menu stand out from most others in Trastevere’s many establishments. The classic clean decor inspires a comfortable and unpretentious mood. A diamond in the rough. To the kitchen, service and management: Keep up the good work. Thank you.

Gorgeous place set in the neighbourhood of Trastevere! Pasta was delicious. Portion sizes were of a perfect size so that you can comfortably enjoy a 3 course meal without feeling too full. Staff were also very friendly and allowed me to practice my Italian with them which was much appreciated. Overall definitely try here if you are in this neighbourhood which is known for great food and restaurants.

We stood out like sore thumbs as asians, but the waiter was patient and even offered to help us split our dishes to 2 shared portions without extra costs. Food was great and atmosphere was fancy, but I would have definitely love to come here with a local.

This is a classy, up scale, attractive atmosphere with indoor and outdoor dining spaces. The interior is nicely decorated and bright. You will be eating on table cloths with well spaced tables. Perfect for couples to impress and quiet for conversations. Food menu is refined, diverse, and interesting. The wine list will assure availability for a compliment to your dinner or lunch choice. Don’t miss out on the superb cannoli or lemon sorbet.

This was, without a doubt, the best restaurant we tried in Rome. Although we had no trouble getting a table, I recommend making a reservation. I think we were lucky because we arrived quite early just as it was opening, but it quickly started to fill up and many people were left without being able to dine here, which would be a shame to miss it! The service is very attentive and detail-oriented, and the menu is so full of amazing options that it’s actually hard to choose. I also recommend it for people who are lactose intolerant or allergic, as it can be hard to find lactose-free options in many restaurants. We had the calamari to start — they were delicious and super tender. The spaghetti alle vongole was without a doubt the best pasta dish I had in the city. The stracciatella mousse with chocolate really surprised me, and all of this was accompanied by the best Aperol Spritz we had in Rome. Although the prices are a bit higher than in other restaurants, it is absolutely worth it if you’re looking for a great place to eat. And for the quality and service they offer, I’d even say it’s quite affordable. It will definitely be my number one choice when I return to the city!

Wonderful restaurant with indoor and outdoor dining. We’ve enjoyed two lunch meals here over the past three days. The food has been excellent.

We came here two nights in a row it was so good! They have gluten free pasta available. We went with seafood dishes and they were all excellent. The gluten free chocolate dessert was also delicious

Sicilian osteria La Gensola has long been considered one of the best Trastevere restaurants for seafood offers some harder to find products like sea urchin and monkfish cheeks. You will also find some meaty, Roman dishes, but it's fish is what they are best at You can count on high quality seafood but you should also expect fairly high prices (40-60€ pp without wine.) The ambiance is more serene and relaxing than most typical bustling Trastevere restaurants No outdoor seating Reservations a must

The food, staff and atmosphere were all amazing! The menus are in multiple languages and the staff speaks English. The swordfish / eggplant app was my favorite. I also enjoyed the bass ravioli. I went by myself and met a lovely couple next to mine and had a great time. They enjoyed their tuna tartare- it had a horseradish sauce and looked amazing. a bit pricey but it was my first dinner in Italy and they made it great!

We didn't care for this place. Service was slow and spotty (forgot to bring things out more than twice) food was mediocre - not bad, but nothing to waste calories on.

This restaurant was recommended to us by a google search for the best seafood. We got there and were nervous as we didnt have a reservation, but thankfully were seated. We shared each course including a bottle of wine which was a Forchir Pinot grigio. So lovely and refreshing and crisp. Loved it. Will try to find it in the States! We started out our food courses with a Seafood Carpaccio which was super delicious. Very fresh tasting. We moved onto Spaghetti alle vongole which was very tasty and actually left me wanting more. They thoughtfully split it for us before they brought it out. Our main was the salt encrusted Sea bass. It was the first time we had even had this. Wasnt our last!! My only complaint was that the waitress brings it out to show us and then takes it into the back to plate it. Not that there is room in the dining room to plate it there, but we joked that they probably only had a single salt encrusted fish in the back that they brought out each time. The fish has a good taste, but I was surprised it didn't impart much in the way of salt into the fish. I dont recall what sides were available for it, but definitely pass on the spinach, try something else. I do highly recommend this place!!

Ok, it was hot and I sweated through my whole meal, but it was simply one of the most wonderful dining experiences in Rome. I began with the seared scallops in black squid ink- perfectly prepared with strong notes of lemon and the rich salt of the ink. Accompanied by the Sardinian white wine, Vermintino (a steal at 18€!), the second plate was spaghetti with sardines, breadcrumbs, raisins and piñolis, and an entirely distinct dish of roasted Amberjack with sage and a generous flavoring of raw ginger. Suffice to say, this selection sent me to heaven! My neighbors were delightfully engaging- a plus for a solo diner, and we established what might very well become a life long friendship- the kind that unfolds so providentially when we meet strangers who are kindred spirits. I couldn't resist celebrating with a delicate portion of their cassata Siciliana. A perfect night!

My mom and I came upon this restaurant without realizing that it was so highly ranked on Yelp. We agreed on going for dinner the following day, which we did. Since it was a weekday we didn't make reservations, but it seemed like they would've preferred it if we had made reservations. It could be that they were very busy, but we felt that they were less warm and attentive to us than to those who had made reservations. However, other than the service, this restaurant was amazing! For antipasti we shared the swordfish rolls, which I'd rank among our best appetizers during our two-week trip in Italy. For mains we both had pasta. My mom had a ravioli with sea bass and sage which was delicious. I had the monkfish ragu and it too was delicious. It was like having a real meat ragu without the same heaviness. We had a glass of white wine each, which were nice. I recommend all of our dishes to anyone who chooses to come here. The atmosphere and decor is also very nice. Despite its popularity, the restaurant feels a lot calmer than anywhere else we dined in Trastevere.

Checked out the restaurant based on reviews from the "Eat Rome" app from Elizabeth Minchilli. It was a casual atmosphere, friendly service, and really good food. We had the wrapped swordfish and eggplant for an appetizer and the salt crusted seabass which was delicious. The potatoes that were served with the fish was less than desirable but we had also ordered the spinach which turned out to be good.

This small wonderful restaurant was suggested by our Airbnb host and it could not have been more perfect. Each course fresh and on point. We tried the iconic Cacio e Pepe which is a pasta dish from Roman cuisine. "Cacio e Pepe" means "cheese and pepper" in several central Italian dialects. So good. The pasta with seafood, always al dente, rocked it. And who knew fresh sautéed spinach could impress. Service was warm and friendly. Make a reservation-this is a busy, popular place.

Ohhhhhhhh man! This place has got it going on. I love the interior. Cool art. We had some sea bass "ceviche". I would call it crudo style because it's not really the Mexican/South American style ceviche I'm used to back home. But, it is fresh, large and super delicious. I had the Carbonara and it was the best version I've tried. And, my girlfriend had an amazing tuna plate that was cooked rare with a side of Carmelites red onion and some cooked bitter greens. I will certainly return here. This was for lunch. Oh, the service was great too.

My wife and I ate at this restaurant on the recommendation of her sister who truly liked it. We found the food to be good but not exceptional. Service is good but again not anything to be noteworthy just acceptable. The value for the quality of the meal was most likely the deciding factor for a mediocre review. Just seamed a little pricey for two people. Expect to pay with a good bottle of wine around 150 euros. Solid just not note worthy.

This was our first meal in Rome and what a way to start! The walk over to Trastavere was beautiful at night. We were seated promptly with reservations. Service was kind and efficient. We shared two appetizers and primi pasta. My scallops were tender and with the most fresh tomatoes I have ever had. My friend had a potato, egg, black cabbage dish that was outstanding! Never had I had something so delicious. I ordered sea bass ravioli with sage cream that I still think about. However, my friend declared her pasta "the best of the trip." It was with shrimp and guinciale and was unique, unsual and like nothing either we had ever had before. Cannot recommend La Gensola enough. In hindsight, it was nice to have a meal with seafood and that was a bit lighter than usual Roman fare.

Friendly atmosphere, wonderful food and wine, what more can you ask for? We started with the boiled octopus which was prepared simply, but was clearly of great quality. We then shared the steak and roasted potatoes dish, cooked medium, which was SO good! Paired with the house red wine, it was the perfect meal and an experience I would suggest to anyone visiting Roma.

Wonderful meal, charming ambiance, and friendly, efficient service mark this bistro which is tucked away on a side street in the Trastevere section of Rome. The chef obviously cares about the quality of the ingredients and the preparation. Excellent wine list as well. Bravo!

Has slipped slightly the past few years, but still one of my favorite places to eat in Rome. Tuna carpaccio and the John Dory are highlights.

One of the best fish restaurants in Rome. The sea bass ceviche was heavenly as was the sword fish caponata. The mains were just good, not amazing. Only downside is the price. We paid 60€ per person for a starter and a fish, plus a glass of wine. This is Michelin territory pricing and La Gensola is not quite there yet.

My husband and I had lunch here prior to heading to meet our Vatican Tour. Conveniently for us, this restaurant is located in Trastevere where we were renting an apartment! I read very positive reviews on Trip Advisor and decided to give it a try. I was sold when I read about their sea bass cerviche which of course we had to try and as promised, was delicious. I am a sucker for ravioli...so I ordered their seafood ravioli in a sage, butter sauce. WOW! Fresh pillows of wonderfulness. My glass of house white was delicious, too (I had to order a 2nd glass!). We were the first customers that day...12:30pm is early for the Romans to eat lunch but by 1pm the restaurant was filling up at a good pace. I sensed a lot of locals...business lunching. La Gensola is a high end restaurant. Lovely cuisine, cool decor and friendly and efficient service. I definitely recommend it!

The food was good not great, service was fine, but we were very annoyed to be charged 7 euro for bread and olive oil. At least tell your customers if you will be charging that much for something that should be free!!!

Amazing service wine atmosphere. So amazing. Just want you want when you visit Rome. Perfect in every way. Make a reservation

Fried artichoke, cuttlefish, cacio e pepe, ziti carbonara, and seafood pasta; lovely relaxing environment, well decorated and effortless, charming. Service was quietly excellent, and it's in Trastevere!

Pasta is delicious, their tomato sauce is the best I ever had. Try the salt crusted sea bass ...it is amazing. The whole experience was wonderful.

This restaurant has amazing service. Even while it looked like they were short staffed- this restaurant made sure that each customer was served on time and had great service. I really enjoyed the food. I ordered the special of the day, it was a shrimp and mushroom pasta, YUM! And for dessert, they had an amazing apple crumble. I would definitely recommend this place! It's filled with locals, so you know it's got to be good! :)

Call before you go on vacation to make reservations, Best fish place in the Trastevere!

If you're in Rome then you most try this place. The food was amazing and the owner and staff are very accommodating. We're planning our next trip and this restaurant is on list to visit again - I would give it 10 stars - one of the best restaurants in Rome. Congratulations to the owners and chefs for a well run and successful restaurant- this place won't disappoint!!!

Over-rated. Nice, local, intimate, decent quality, but... Service terribly lacking. Maybe because we're American, I don't know. The owner is obviously trying, but the staff - not so much. Understaffed. The Tagliolini with sun-dried tomatoes and calamari was amazing!! Highly recommended!

Our favorite restaurant in Rome. Beautiful setting and wonderful food and wine. The tripe and sea bass ravioli are stellar.

One of my favorite restaurants in Rome. It is off the beaten path and not very well known by tourists. You will see many locals dining here, which is a very good sign of delicious food! The restaurant and small and quaint., with a very intimate setting. Also good for group or business meals (I've been for all reasons and it always seems fitting) Some tables are specially located in front of beautiful windows. The restaurant offers a great array of fresh fish, raw bar, typical Italian dishes, and beautiful desserts. They also offer a great tasting menu at a good value. Reservations are recommended, but I have been able to snag a table by chance a few times by walk-in. They have an unusually large wine selection...it is more of a book than a menu. It can be overwhelming, but the wait staff can provide guidance. Most speak English.

Worth a visit. Really great place for seafood if you're right by the trastavere. The sea bass ceviche and the octopus with lemon and olive oil are a must. We ordered the tagliatelle with octopus and pomodoro and the tagliatelle with mushroom (house special). We also couldn't forget a bottle of white and sparkling water to go with our dinner. Everything was delicious and the service was great. Total bill was around €95 which is pricey but you get what you pay for!

Great restaurant in Trastevere, fresh fish, great service

Terrible service. Waiter couldn't be bothered. Ordered great, expensive wine and aside from first glass had to pour every glass myself including my sparking water. Ordered 3 dishes got 2, and when I asked about getting entrée before 2nd appetizer waiter said, "Ok"!!. Seafood which they are known for was very mediocre. Real Trastevere tourist trap. Had one day in Rome as missed connection home and was huge disappointment. Stay away!!

Lovely place for dinner. We had great food and service. It was packed and no room for us as we didn't have a reservation. Without any inquiries or prompting from us, the manager came over to the front desk and worked his magic. He was able to fit us in between two reservations. My husband had the steak, I had the cod with apple sauce (an odd combo but it worked in the dish) and we shared the scallops and spinach. All were fantastic. We did have dessert but I guess it wasn't the best as I cannot remember what we had. Make sure you make reservations before you go, just in case.

We stumbled across this place after a very long walk. It was late and we were hungry. The service was ok but the food was outstanding! We ate a octopus salad which was very good, chickpeas fritters which looked very boring but we're so delicious and the warm calamari served with a bread salad was the best I've ever had! Finally spaghetti with razor clams, spaghetti with parmesan and pork fat and penne with pork cheeks and pecorino... all superb!!!

Went here based on recommendations from Rick Steves, TripAdvisor, and Yelp and were not disappointed! We got a bottle of wine, and appetizer, and two entrees and it was €81. We got sea bass ceviche, linguini with shrimp, eggplant and cheese, and a sirloin with potatoes. All of it was fabulous! We had our heart set on cannoli for dessert but the can't serve it in the summer because the heat effects the ricotta cheese that goes in it! Overall AWESOME dinner!

Delicious restaurant, nice people, a lot of locals. Everything is great really.

Good food, nothing special. My salted cod dish with cherry tomatoes was ok and uninspiring. My wife's grilled calamari was better, but basic. Overall, I overpaid by quite a bit. The service was friendly, which was a plus. I'm a little confused by the overall rating; I'll chalk it up to grade inflation.

Wonderful restaurant and service. Many delicious options on the menu to choose from plus great wine selection. In a nice part of Travereste right next to a piazza with a great after dinner bar, Akbar.

Too popular with tourists. Food is pretty good but generally unexciting all around. Not a great place. Staff is nice enough but the nice attitude felt forced as if they were just trying to get through another evening of the same-old.

Terrible! Arrogant. Food is delicious if you can eat real fast. Time between courses is 30 seconds. We left after first course, with second course on the table. These people are rude. Entrees and prosecco 90 euros. Stay and you will pay 200 euro and will be finished within the hour. Four persons.

Good food, sea bass ceviche worth the price. A little too expensive. 82 euros for two - two appetizers and two second courses, two glasses of wine, bottle of sparkling water and a fried artichoke. Will come again

My wife and I came here recently on our honeymoon. This was our favorite restaurant in Rome. The seafood pasta was my wife's favorite meal on our 2 week Italy trip. Quaint and romantic ambiance, delicious food! Great overall experience.

We were recently at La Gensola, Roma. Unfortunately, this is not a restaurant we would recommend. The restaurant was not ready for opening, confused about our reservation, a lit cigarette was thrown out of the front door, and the staff was quite unfriendly. Though our hotel had highly recommended this restaurant, the food was just fair and tasteless, the salad not fresh. When I mentioned our poor experience to the manager, he commented "Well, the service is free". How unfortunate.

Came here by invitation of local business partners. Lovely small place, full of locals, even on a monday night. Very good italian/local food. Personal & attentive service. Would definately go again.