Dish
Coda alla Vaccinara
Photo from
Locanda della Mercanzia · Pucciarelli
The story
Coda alla Vaccinara is a classic Roman braised oxtail stew, originating from the city's *vaccinari* (butchers) who transformed humble off-cuts into a rich, slow-cooked masterpiece. The dish is a cornerstone of *quinto quarto* cooking, the Roman tradition of using the "fifth quarter" of the animal. Key ingredients include oxtail, a *soffritto* of celery, carrot, and onion, tomato passata, dry white wine, and a generous amount of pine nuts, raisins, and dark chocolate or cocoa powder. The defining characteristic of a great Coda alla Vaccinara is the meltingly tender meat that falls from the bone, achieved through hours of gentle simmering. The sauce must be deeply savory, with a subtle sweetness from the raisins and chocolate, and a distinct bitterness from the abundant celery, which is often cooked down until it almost dissolves. Regional variations are minimal, as the dish is a proud Roman standard, though some cooks may adjust the ratio of chocolate or add a pinch of cinnamon. In Milano, Italy, diners can experience an authentic rendition at Davidino Cucina Romana, where, as noted by Habemus Fame, the dish is prepared with the traditional depth and respect for its Roman roots.
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Where to eat it
6 places reviewed by YouTube creators.
What creators say
Highlights from 6 creator reviews of Coda alla Vaccinara.
Locanda della Mercanzia is a family-run trattoria hidden in an industrial area of Castiglion del Lago, where everything is homemade with fresh ingredients at incredibly low prices. A place where you can feel the passion in every dish.
Osteria da Fortunata is a chain of Roman trattorias that serves authentic, traditional Roman dishes like scialatielli all'amatriciana and coda alla vaccinara, with fresh pasta made daily in their own laboratory and high-quality ingredients sourced from local producers.
Bonellino is the new gastronomy project from the Bonelli family, offering Roman classics in a more casual, takeaway-friendly format — the food is excellent and generous, the vibe is spartan but charming, and it's a worthy extension of the beloved Osteria Bonelli.
Bonellino · RomalovedA traditional steakhouse and Roman cuisine restaurant in Ardea, serving an excellent, classic coda alla vaccinara at a great price.
A solid, no-frills trattoria that successfully blends Roman and Piedmontese traditions, with standout dishes like the coda alla vaccinara and flan di vignarola, though the cacio e pepe needs work.
A traditional Roman steakhouse that serves an excellent, grandmother-style coda alla vaccinara at a very competitive price, with perfect bread for scarpetta.