Absolutely starving after returning to Rome from a 3-day drive through Tuscany (that makes it sound like we didn't eat for 3 days... we ate... a lot) we set out from our Airbnb in Trastevere to wander the streets seeking a suitable establishment for lunch. We circled the block a few times, considering the options, and the inviting, ivy-draped front of the restaurant drew us in.
Inside, it's a sprawling two-room space; it was Palm Sunday and the joint was full of Italian families, filling the long tables. Considering how many tourists there are everywhere in Rome, even this early in the season, I was heartened to find a place where locals seemed to outnumber travelers. We got seated immediately at a small table near the door, and were lucky, because the restaurant began turning away walk-ins who came in after us.
I was craving seafood after traveling with a friend who didn't eat it, so I wanted to order an arrosto misto pesce... well, I forgot to specify the pesce part and received an arrosto misto di carne. Whoops. So not what I wanted. That was completely an error on my part, but I have to dock a star because of the quality of meat we were served. A small t-bone steak that looked like more gristle than meat, one pork rib that was certainly more fat than meat, and one tasty sausage. I wasn't about to send it back as I'd made the ordering mistake, and luckily my dining companion, far less picky than I, happily ate the whole thing. I did enjoy the sausage and the roasted potatoes, swimming in the drippings.
We also ordered a penne all'arrabiata to share, and it was very good and a generous portion. The penne was cooked perfectly, not too al dente as can sometimes happen in Roman kitchens, and the sauce was perfectly seasoned. I had a half-litre of the house red, which was cheap and tasty with a generous pour. The service was very prompt and friendly, and I really enjoyed the boisterous family Sunday lunch atmosphere. If it weren't for the carne quality, this would have been a solid 4-star experience; still, I would absolutely return and try something else from the expansive, classically Roman menu. read more