Nena Mercato&Cucina | Discover Romes Hidden Culinary Gem

Overview

Nena Mercato&Cucina, located on Via dei Sabelli in Rome, offers a genuine taste of Italian culinary tradition woven with subtle modern touches. This restaurant stands out in the bustling heart of the city for its authentic flavors and inviting atmosphere, favored by locals and discerning visitors alike.

The heart of Nena’s menu lies in its expertly crafted pasta dishes, where classics like Amatriciana and Pasta al Pomodoro are elevated by attentive preparation and quality ingredients. The Carbonara Tartufata and Carbonara al Tartufo add an indulgent, aromatic twist to the Roman staple, showcasing the kitchen's creativity without sacrificing authenticity. Beyond pasta, specialties such as Vitello and Carciofo alla Romana reveal a dedication to regional staples infused with thoughtful flair.

The space itself is modern and vibrant, breaking away from traditional Roman trattoria aesthetics. It strikes a balance between cozy intimacy and lively energy, making it ideal for both date nights and casual gatherings. The ambiance feels relaxed yet refined, reflecting a contemporary approach that appeals to a wide audience, especially those seeking a local experience away from typical tourist crowds.

Service at Nena Mercato&Cucina is attentive and warm, with staff offering well-suited wine pairings and guiding guests through the menu with genuine enthusiasm. While some guests note a brisk pace in ordering suggestions, this likely reflects the team’s effort to enhance the dining experience through attentive care rather than pressure.

Overall, Nena Mercato&Cucina is more than just a restaurant; it’s a culinary destination that harmonizes regional Italian flavors with a fresh, modern setting. Its appeal to food lovers who prioritize authenticity, quality, and ambiance makes it a standout choice for those exploring Rome’s rich gastronomic landscape.

Menu Highlights

See Full Menu

Amenities & Services

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Cocktails

Coffee

Healthy options

Late-night food

Small plates

Spirits

Wine

Atmosphere

Casual

Cosy

Quiet

Trendy

What Customers Say

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Maybe the best food I’ve had in Rome. Amatriciana was excellent. Only locals, will definitely return

Harry Wong

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Beautiful restaurant nestled away from the busy neighbourhood. Great food and wine suggestions from the waitresses and team, even with serving sequences.

Anna Harutyunyan

Dec 3,2025

5/5

The best restaurant in Rome is Nena. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the service was also excellent. This is not a touristy and overcrowded place. The food was delicious. The only unpleasant thing for me was that after ordering pasta, they asked me twice if I wanted something else to eat. I understand that pasta is not considered the main dish, but I was already full.

Clara

Dec 3,2025

4/5

Cool, modern place unlike many other restaurants in Rome. Very cozy and vibrant. Solid food with a twist, perfect for a date night or night out with friends. A little hectic. 4/5 because the food was a bit heavy.

Aleyna Karaoğlu

Dec 3,2025

5/5

Everything was super delicious and the team was soo sweet I’ll definitely come back soon

Dany Turcios

Dec 3,2025

5/5

My family and I were looking for somewhere to dine and found Nena! We were immediately given great suggestions for food when we had no idea what to eat. After our appetizers, our dishes came out perfect and paired well with the wine suggested by the house. Closed the night with an incredible dessert!! Would recommend to anyone to go and try for yourself!

Raffaele De Rose

Dec 3,2025

5/5

At NENA, you’ll find a warm and inviting atmosphere that perfectly blends modern elegance with a cozy, neighborhood feel. The menu is a love letter to Italian cuisine. My favourite dish? The calamaro! It was simply exceptional, served with a delicious pea sauce... We were a group of 10, not the easiest guests! Between our cameras, microphones, lights, the rest of the work gear and our endless requests, we certainly put everyone to the test (even the fellow guests!). Lorenzo, Gemma, and Karen in the dining room, along with Salvatore and Patrizio in the kitchen (and my apologies to those whose names escape me!) handled it all with professionalism, patience, and good humour. And yes, we will be back!!! (Consider this a warning!)