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Recommended Reviews - Al 42 By Pasta Chef
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The location of the restaurant is tucked away on a side street but highly recommend trying to find it. The atmosphere of the restaurant is lively and food seemed mostly made to order. A professional kitchen that has great customer service and the wait time for us was short due to showing up a bit early as the line can grow quite fast during lunch time. It was a great value for the money considering its all chef inspired cooked in the same area you would eat. I would return and recommend.
One of my favorite meals in Italy! I had the fettuccine al ragu bolognese and loved it. The pasta was so chewy and perfectly cooked and the meat sauce and cheese was delicious. The restaurant is on the smaller side and there are limited tables for groups. We had to wait a bit, but really appreciated the amazing service and walkthrough of the menu we received before ordering at the counter!
Get there early if you want to be the first seating and don't want to wait in the line outside for the first seating to be done. You wait outside in a line and they call you in to order and sit down. They will call your number and you pick it up. After you are done you bring your plates back to the counter. Friendly staff that is patient and asks if your first time and explains it all. My son ordered the carbonara and they warn you because of the cheese, it could be salty. He enjoyed it. The only complaint I have is that it's really hot and stuffy inside. Food was excellent! The sea bass was so light and melts in your mouth. All the pasta(truffle, carbonara, pesto) we got were great too!!
This place was a recommendation and it was SO worth it! The food was absolutely amazing and the service was top notch. It's a so unassuming compared to all the other places in Rome but you HAVE to visit this place. There will be a line so I recommend getting there before they open. And if it's a Thursday get the gnocchi before they sell out of it. Which happens.
We loved al42 so much that we came back three times during our stay in Rome! Every single dish was incredible, full of flavor, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care. One thing that really stood out was how the staff take the time to explain everything before you order, such as which dishes are salty, fried, veggie, or meat-based. It really helps you make the perfect choice and try something new. The service feels personal and kind, never rushed, and they seat you when it's your turn, which keeps things organized even when it's busy. My absolute favorite dish was the fettuccine Alfredo, creamy, rich, and unforgettable! If you're in Rome, do yourself a favor and stop by al42. It's small, friendly, and serves some of the best food we had on our entire trip. Highly recommend!
Al 42 By Pasta Chef was one of the best meals we had on our trip to Rome! The Alfredo and Carbonara were hands down the best we tried in all of Italy--so fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. On top of that, the host was super kind and enthusiastic, which made the whole experience even more memorable. A cozy spot with amazing pasta we'll be dreaming about until our next visit!
The best Carbonara I have ever had anywhere! And I have had a lot of Carbonara in Rome. The fresh egg yolks, so rich and golden in color, and legit, salty pecorino Romano take this classic Roman dish to the next level. For this dish alone, the wait in line is worth it! While in Rome last year I stayed in the Monti neighborhood where Al 42 is located. I happened upon the place on one of my many strolls thought the charming streets filled with boutiques and restaurants. The line caught my attention and I figured the food must be good if people line up when there are dozens of fabulous restaurants nearby. Yep, there is a reason for the line! Dont let it stop you, the fellow customers are friendly and engaging and time moves fast. Now for some basics. While the food is top of the line, the venue is small and they don't have table service. The owner greets you, welcomes you inside where you are introduced to the menu, make your selections, pay, and then you are seated. I'm down with that! The tables are high tops and the stools are not that comfortable, but it's all worth it for the food. Also, there are no toilet facilities on site. For me, that isn't an issue, but for others with a small bladder, plan accordingly. Now back to the food. The fresh pasta is cooked to perfection with the perfect al dente bite. Cooked in the sauce for the last minute or two so that all the flavor is in the pasta, not just on top, it's sublime. The Carbonara was so good that I had to go back a second time while in Rome. This time I also ordered the fettuccine bolognese. The rich meat sauce was delicious and it was great to enjoy two pasta dishes that were so completely different. Save room for tiramisu! The perfect ending to a scrumptious meal. Oh, and the prices are incredible; you get a 5 star pasta dish for $11 or less. I love Rome!
This place is amazing and I can vote it has one of the best pasta in Rome. The idea of this restaurant is a bit different as you order the food , pay, get a number and wait until it is prepared and the you go pick it up. The have small menu with one special that changes from time to time I assume. You can also get a small bottle of wine or o beer. We tried Lasagna, Ravioli and Ragu. Ragu was definitely one of the best I had in my life so far. Deep in flavor served with fresh pasta and juniper berries, it was so good that we went twice to get it :) The place fills super quick, there is no reservation so once the restaurant is filled inside you have to wait outside in line for your turn. We were lucky to get there right away without waiting just at lunch time so the best bet is to be there right at the opening around 1230pm or later at second shift around 7pm. If you visit Rome make sure AL 42 is marked on your list!!
If you're like me, part of your Italy trip preparation involves a careful compilation of restaurant recommendations that you must visit. Al42 was NOT on our list. Yet we were fortunate enough to stumble upon this Rome gem early in our trip to eat there twice. This is the part where I tell you the food is fresh and delicious, the value is incredible, and the service is personal and friendly. You knew that with the 5 star rating so let's move on. First, you will need to show up 30 minutes before restaurant opening. This number was an accurate sweet spot for our trip in January 2024. You should be one of the first groups to be seated. Next, visit the restaurant website to check out what should be the latest menu with pictures. If you find itself near the back of the line, perhaps think of a backup dish to order just in case they sell out your primary choice (happened to us). Keep in mind the restaurant may have a daily special that is not described on the website. For us, the pasta was the star of the show. Don't skip it for the meat dishes. The bolognese was divine. The tagliolini (with prawn) also hit the spot. The portions are quite generous so you will be quite satisfied with a pasta and meat. At these prices, I would visit this joint every week if I lived in Rome. Do your research. Eat like a local in Rome. Do NOT miss out on AI42.
When in Rome.... Pasta is a total must! We found the restaurant tucked away in a side alley among homes and away from the main drag. There was a long line and with only about 1 1/2 hours from closing, I was worried we may not be able to make it in time. After reading more reviews that it was "worth the wait" and a few others in line substantiating that claim, we decided to wait it out amongst the others. We quickly found out that they turned over tables fast and had a great system in place to keep customers in the know and kept the line moving. We waited maybe 30-45 minutes and got a small counter seating against the wall. It's small and the space is tight, but we were happy to squeeze ourselves in. You first order up at the counter and then they bring your food to you. We ordered the bolognese, fettuccine alfredo, ravioli, and the special for the evening -- a fettuccine al tartufo nero. My husband luckily got the last of the special and yes, all this pasta for two adults and one child... lol. We dug into the pasta and oh my goodness, the pastas were completely divine. I honestly have never had pasta this good in my life. Simple, clean ingredients, and balanced flavors with perfectly cooked pasta. Authentic Italian cuisine and TOTALLY WORTH THE WAIT. The manager (i think) came by and chatted with us as well. He was incredibly friendly and brought over an extra chair and stacked it together to give my son an extra 'boost' to reach his food better. Although we visited last year, during the summer of 2022, it was such a great experience and I continue to dream about this pasta and will for many years to come. Highly recommend stopping by here!
We were here in mid-June, 2025. We ordered four various types of dishes, ranging from spaghetti to ravioli to seafood, all of which were on the salty side in our opinion. The ambiance was cozy, but the metal barstool seating could be improved for comfort. In addition, on a scorching day of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the restaurant does not have adequate cooling, and therefore, the temperature inside and outside was the same. Wait staff are friendly and accommodating.
Pasta texture: 5/5 Flavors: 5/5 Service: 5/5 When arriving to Al 42, there was a short line outside, due to no table service. We were greeted with the chef, as seen in the pictures, he quickly apologized to us for the wait and no table service. The chef explained how this restaurant would work; we come in, he will explain the menu, we order, then pay, and lastly find a seat. While explaining the pasta dishes, Chef made sure that we knew the carbonara would have a strong taste, very different from American carbonara. We decided to try the carbonara (I have never tried carbonara before). The Chef asked us to try with an open mind, due to strong flavors of black pepper. We are glad he prepared us, as it was very strong. The salty meat was a good balance to the melty pasta sauce. This dish felt a little heavy for us, yet still enjoyable. We also tried bolognese. This was my favorite out of the two, the meat was a perfect ratio to the cheese, sauce, and noodles. With every twirl of noodles, we were able to chase it with a fork full of sauce. Personally, my favorite thing about these dishes was the texture in noodles. It was the perfect aldente texture.
1 month ago
It doesn't get any better than this! Fresh pasta in a small setting where the chef brings your dishes out is exactly what you want in Rome. We loved it so much we dined again the next night. The host was incredibly kind and explained everything to us. We had a salad that was fresh, crisp and refreshing. Ravioli, fettuccine Alfredo, and eggplant parm were all fantastic. It's a small restaurant with delicious food down a charming street in the Monti area. read more
A small pasta spot right next to the Colosseum. There was a line right when they open but they're efficient with seating people. Inside is small so be prepared to be elbow to elbow with people. You order and pay first at cashier then take your seat. We got the traditional Roman Carbonara and it's thick and rich with parmasan but not heavy somehow. The star though was the Chicken Stew in Olive Oil. Super tender and flavorful. Paired with the bread, it's amazing. Caprese Salad was not bad either but pretty standard. Don't skip on their Tiramisu for the perfect end to your meal. Perfectly creamy. read more
11 months ago
There's a wait, but it's worth it. The chef cares INTENSELY about his food and his menu, and will be sure to tell you it's like nothing you've had before. I didn't think the ceiling for carbonara went that high, but al42's is intensely flavorful (albeit salty with that 24mo aged parm). I'm not a pesto person, but I also really enjoyed theirs. It was light and not too oily. The generous portions were definitely welcome with the salad, which was consumed immediately after a few days without decent vegetable servings. This casual hidden restaurant is in a neighborhood, so expect to have people coming and going. It's very casual, where you order first, then get seated at a counter. Come right before or when it opens to avoid too long of a line. This is a can't miss in Rome. read more
7 months ago
The location of the restaurant is tucked away on a side street but highly recommend trying to find it. The atmosphere of the restaurant is lively and food seemed mostly made to order. A professional kitchen that has great customer service and the wait time for us was short due to showing up a bit early as the line can grow quite fast during lunch time. It was a great value for the money considering its all chef inspired cooked in the same area you would eat. I would return and recommend. read more
One of my favorite meals in Italy! I had the fettuccine al ragu bolognese and loved it. The pasta was so chewy and perfectly cooked and the meat sauce and cheese was delicious. The restaurant is on the smaller side and there are limited tables for groups. We had to wait a bit, but really appreciated the amazing service and walkthrough of the menu we received before ordering at the counter! read more
1 year ago
Get there early if you want to be the first seating and don't want to wait in the line outside for the first seating to be done. You wait outside in a line and they call you in to order and sit down. They will call your number and you pick it up. After you are done you bring your plates back to the counter. Friendly staff that is patient and asks if your first time and explains it all. My son ordered the carbonara and they warn you because of the cheese, it could be salty. He enjoyed it. The only complaint I have is that it's really hot and stuffy inside. Food was excellent! The sea bass was so light and melts in your mouth. All the pasta(truffle, carbonara, pesto) we got were great too!! read more
This place was a recommendation and it was SO worth it! The food was absolutely amazing and the service was top notch. It's a so unassuming compared to all the other places in Rome but you HAVE to visit this place. There will be a line so I recommend getting there before they open. And if it's a Thursday get the gnocchi before they sell out of it. Which happens. read more
5 months ago
11 months ago
We loved al42 so much that we came back three times during our stay in Rome! Every single dish was incredible, full of flavor, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care. One thing that really stood out was how the staff take the time to explain everything before you order, such as which dishes are salty, fried, veggie, or meat-based. It really helps you make the perfect choice and try something new. The service feels personal and kind, never rushed, and they seat you when it's your turn, which keeps things organized even when it's busy. My absolute favorite dish was the fettuccine Alfredo, creamy, rich, and unforgettable! If you're in Rome, do yourself a favor and stop by al42. It's small, friendly, and serves some of the best food we had on our entire trip. Highly recommend! read more
1 year ago
Al 42 By Pasta Chef was one of the best meals we had on our trip to Rome! The Alfredo and Carbonara were hands down the best we tried in all of Italy--so fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. On top of that, the host was super kind and enthusiastic, which made the whole experience even more memorable. A cozy spot with amazing pasta we'll be dreaming about until our next visit! read more
The best Carbonara I have ever had anywhere! And I have had a lot of Carbonara in Rome. The fresh egg yolks, so rich and golden in color, and legit, salty pecorino Romano take this classic Roman dish to the next level. For this dish alone, the wait in line is worth it! While in Rome last year I stayed in the Monti neighborhood where Al 42 is located. I happened upon the place on one of my many strolls thought the charming streets filled with boutiques and restaurants. The line caught my attention and I figured the food must be good if people line up when there are dozens of fabulous restaurants nearby. Yep, there is a reason for the line! Dont let it stop you, the fellow customers are friendly and engaging and time moves fast. Now for some basics. While the food is top of the line, the venue is small and they don't have table service. The owner greets you, welcomes you inside where you are introduced to the menu, make your selections, pay, and then you are seated. I'm down with that! The tables are high tops and the stools are not that comfortable, but it's all worth it for the food. Also, there are no toilet facilities on site. For me, that isn't an issue, but for others with a small bladder, plan accordingly. Now back to the food. The fresh pasta is cooked to perfection with the perfect al dente bite. Cooked in the sauce for the last minute or two so that all the flavor is in the pasta, not just on top, it's sublime. The Carbonara was so good that I had to go back a second time while in Rome. This time I also ordered the fettuccine bolognese. The rich meat sauce was delicious and it was great to enjoy two pasta dishes that were so completely different. Save room for tiramisu! The perfect ending to a scrumptious meal. Oh, and the prices are incredible; you get a 5 star pasta dish for $11 or less. I love Rome! read more
This place is amazing and I can vote it has one of the best pasta in Rome. The idea of this restaurant is a bit different as you order the food , pay, get a number and wait until it is prepared and the you go pick it up. The have small menu with one special that changes from time to time I assume. You can also get a small bottle of wine or o beer. We tried Lasagna, Ravioli and Ragu. Ragu was definitely one of the best I had in my life so far. Deep in flavor served with fresh pasta and juniper berries, it was so good that we went twice to get it :) The place fills super quick, there is no reservation so once the restaurant is filled inside you have to wait outside in line for your turn. We were lucky to get there right away without waiting just at lunch time so the best bet is to be there right at the opening around 1230pm or later at second shift around 7pm. If you visit Rome make sure AL 42 is marked on your list!! read more
3 years ago
If you're like me, part of your Italy trip preparation involves a careful compilation of restaurant recommendations that you must visit. Al42 was NOT on our list. Yet we were fortunate enough to stumble upon this Rome gem early in our trip to eat there twice. This is the part where I tell you the food is fresh and delicious, the value is incredible, and the service is personal and friendly. You knew that with the 5 star rating so let's move on. First, you will need to show up 30 minutes before restaurant opening. This number was an accurate sweet spot for our trip in January 2024. You should be one of the first groups to be seated. Next, visit the restaurant website to check out what should be the latest menu with pictures. If you find itself near the back of the line, perhaps think of a backup dish to order just in case they sell out your primary choice (happened to us). Keep in mind the restaurant may have a daily special that is not described on the website. For us, the pasta was the star of the show. Don't skip it for the meat dishes. The bolognese was divine. The tagliolini (with prawn) also hit the spot. The portions are quite generous so you will be quite satisfied with a pasta and meat. At these prices, I would visit this joint every week if I lived in Rome. Do your research. Eat like a local in Rome. Do NOT miss out on AI42. read more
2 years ago
When in Rome.... Pasta is a total must! We found the restaurant tucked away in a side alley among homes and away from the main drag. There was a long line and with only about 1 1/2 hours from closing, I was worried we may not be able to make it in time. After reading more reviews that it was "worth the wait" and a few others in line substantiating that claim, we decided to wait it out amongst the others. We quickly found out that they turned over tables fast and had a great system in place to keep customers in the know and kept the line moving. We waited maybe 30-45 minutes and got a small counter seating against the wall. It's small and the space is tight, but we were happy to squeeze ourselves in. You first order up at the counter and then they bring your food to you. We ordered the bolognese, fettuccine alfredo, ravioli, and the special for the evening -- a fettuccine al tartufo nero. My husband luckily got the last of the special and yes, all this pasta for two adults and one child... lol. We dug into the pasta and oh my goodness, the pastas were completely divine. I honestly have never had pasta this good in my life. Simple, clean ingredients, and balanced flavors with perfectly cooked pasta. Authentic Italian cuisine and TOTALLY WORTH THE WAIT. The manager (i think) came by and chatted with us as well. He was incredibly friendly and brought over an extra chair and stacked it together to give my son an extra 'boost' to reach his food better. Although we visited last year, during the summer of 2022, it was such a great experience and I continue to dream about this pasta and will for many years to come. Highly recommend stopping by here! read more
1 year ago
We were here in mid-June, 2025. We ordered four various types of dishes, ranging from spaghetti to ravioli to seafood, all of which were on the salty side in our opinion. The ambiance was cozy, but the metal barstool seating could be improved for comfort. In addition, on a scorching day of 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the restaurant does not have adequate cooling, and therefore, the temperature inside and outside was the same. Wait staff are friendly and accommodating. read more
8 months ago
Pasta texture: 5/5 Flavors: 5/5 Service: 5/5 When arriving to Al 42, there was a short line outside, due to no table service. We were greeted with the chef, as seen in the pictures, he quickly apologized to us for the wait and no table service. The chef explained how this restaurant would work; we come in, he will explain the menu, we order, then pay, and lastly find a seat. While explaining the pasta dishes, Chef made sure that we knew the carbonara would have a strong taste, very different from American carbonara. We decided to try the carbonara (I have never tried carbonara before). The Chef asked us to try with an open mind, due to strong flavors of black pepper. We are glad he prepared us, as it was very strong. The salty meat was a good balance to the melty pasta sauce. This dish felt a little heavy for us, yet still enjoyable. We also tried bolognese. This was my favorite out of the two, the meat was a perfect ratio to the cheese, sauce, and noodles. With every twirl of noodles, we were able to chase it with a fork full of sauce. Personally, my favorite thing about these dishes was the texture in noodles. It was the perfect aldente texture. read more
2 years ago
just looked this up for a friend who's in Rome last June we were near the Colosseum and came across a line waiting so we inquired and then we waited. Best plate of pasta I have ever had in my entire life simply amazing about it. It is a walk up bar type atmosphere so the owner doesn't have to pay exorbitant restaurant fees, so worth it. read more
2 years ago
1 year ago
3 years ago
The convention here is sto wait outside until the host calls you in. He takes you to the menu board where you decide what to have, then you take your order to the counter and pay. He then ushers you to your seat. The place is fun and funky and the food? FABULOUS! I had ragu Bolognese and Bob has Truffle spaghetti. We could've licked the plates. read more
3 years ago
We had lunch here during our Rome visit in March. We had to wait in line for about 30mins before getting seated. The place is really small. However, the staff was very welcoming. We ordered Pesto Pasta, Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce, Fettuccine Alfredo and Cheese Ravioli. All of them were delicious. Their tiramisu looked really good on other tables. So after food, we decided to order one to share as well. It was amazing, probably the best I have had. Looks like there is a valid reason why this place has such high rating! read more
3 years ago
2 years ago
OMFG! This place is incredible! I have a friend that was born and raised in Roma and he recommended this place to me. It was so good that we came here twice! The host is a polyglot and delightful. He recommended the carbonara and it did not disappoint! There is usually a line to enter, but it is 100% worth the wait. If you are someone that doesn't like to wait long, you can go right when they open for lunch and dinner service. That's what we did the second time we went and we didn't wait that long. I highly recommend! read more
5 years ago
OMG! It's so creamy! I think it's a little bit over-salted.. BUT! The pork cheeks (something like bacon?) in their carbonara are sooooooo good!!! There were so crispy!! Waited 20 mins but it's worth it. They were really busy. read more
We stumbled on this place because we were hangry and it was the first place we saw. Food was great! They have all the pasta classics, and sure to have your favorite. Dishes made quick and very flavorful. Eat in or take out. Tiramisu was dreamy, we took it to go. It was presented in an open small round container with 2 tiny spoons so that you could stroll with it. Perfecto! This is their second location in Rome. Staff very friendly and cheerful. Chef came out to ask how our meal was. Pasta cooked to perfection with flavorful sauces. read more
4 years ago
This was the best pasta we ate in Rome and we came back a second time even though we were only there for a few days. We loved everything we tried, and the host was SO charming and friendly. read more
4 years ago
One of the best pasta experiences we ever had. No joke! Not your traditional restaurant but don't let that deter you. There is no waiter service so you order, pay and pick up your food when your number is called. There are several tables as well as stools at counters to sit at. After taking to the owner, we ordered Fettuccine Alfredo, Tonnarelli alla Carbonara, caprese salad, a Prosecco and a Heineken for a total of 37 euros... reasonable prices, delicious and fresh food and great customer service. We also ordered a chocolate cake after we finished which was amazing: warm, moist and bursting with flavor, 7 euros. When you enter, the owner greets you and takes his time to discuss the menu. He also walks around and checks on you and your satisfaction. While we were there a gentleman came up to the owner and said this is the best meal he has had in Rome. I have to agree! Highly recommend! read more
4 years ago
First of all don't let the name "street food" discourage you and the waiting line outside and the way how you order, it appears to be like a fast food place ordering system but this place is far from fast food restaurant. I was discouraged because it is small and the waiting but my husband insisted to eat here , he had a "feeling " Food was excellent! I mean the Carbonara is to die for it, pasta is fresh you can taste it that isn't overcook or left over from the day before. The manager is so nice he takes you in even if you tell him you were there the day before he'll explain the menu and tell you the specials and I caught a glimpse of the chef when he came out of the kitchen to see how busy was it and that gave me the feeling "ok my food is going to be amazing " and it was because how many times you catch the chef who's picture is in the dining area coming out of the kitchen?! I personally haven't. Definitely try this place be adventurous and order as many plates as you can you won't be disappointed AND don't forget the tiramisu read more
4 years ago
Excellent service and food, will definitely revisit next time we come to Italy. Very welcoming entrance read more
4 years ago
4 years ago
Truly the best meal we had while we were in Rome. Truly exceptional in every way! The staff were amazing! read more
7 years ago
We ordered ravioli and Alfredo. Looking at the price we thought the quantity could be less but it was more than enough, ended up leaving some on plate. Food was pretty good in general and for the price offered quite great. Alfredo was good and ravioli didn't meet my expectations. read more
8 years ago
The pasta here was alright - portions and prices are good but the flavor isn't the best I've had in Rome. read more
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More info about Al 42 By Pasta Chef
Via Baccina 42
00184 Rome
Italy
Monti
Directions
06 4883198
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http://www.al42.it
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3 years ago
