We called the restaurant ahead of time for a lunch reservation. After not being able to get through we finally got a reservation for 1pm a couple days later. However when we showed up they had no evidence of our reservation and told us to come back later and they may be able to accommodate us. The host at the front desk tried to tell us we were probably calling the Milan location buuut we showed him the phone number we were dialing and that we talked to a man (aka him) who confirmed the reservation. After some back and forth they sat us. The restaurant itself is clean and nicely decorated. I wanted to have cacio e pepe at least once in Rome and this did the trick! You can tell everything is fresh and made to order. My friend ordered a pasta with red sauce and she enjoyed hers too. Despite the initial confusion I'd definitely recommend this place if you're visiting Rome and call ahead. read more

Felice a Testaccio - Cacio e pepe - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

The food was ok to good. but the service was terrible, and I'm writing as someone who has been living in Roma for 5+ weeks now. We were looking forward to eating at this legend but the chaotic service marred the meal. We spent about 100 E for two incl a nice bottle of wine. My wife ordered lamb as a secundi but waiters kept trying to wrap us up with coffee or dessert. This happened 2-3 times. Then finally another waiter came to say the lamb was gone. She substituted veal but the chaos of them not seeming to know what was order d ( not a language issue ) was comical bordering on bad. Save your money and go to another Testaccio place read more

Make sure to make a stop here whenever you are in rome, this place has the best food ever. Pricey but worth it. Not your run of the mill touristy pasta and pizza place. I loved the tiramisu. read more

Felice a Testaccio - Tiramisu and cappuccino - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

Asked a local friend of ours what's some of his favorite places to eat in Roma and he did not disappoint! It's about a 10 minute ride southeast from the center of Roma but definitely worth the drive! We arrived when it opened and already it started to fill up quick. The staff was very helpful and spoke good English, the menu was in both Italian and English too so it helped with making the choices easier. I had the fish which was cooked perfectly, and each of the calamari slices perfectly cooked all the way through but the prawns was slightly over cooked but I wouldn't complain. The pasta was delightful and smooth and the clams was fresh and scrumptious. But the best part in my opinion was the homemade tiramisu! Each layer was well balanced and the coffee at the bottom was delightful! In all my years of traveling the US I've never had anything like it, if I could I'd have some delivered to the US that would make my day!! read more

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Unless you enjoy ironic, condescending, rude, annoying service...... AVOID. WORST SERVICE EVER. Every single member of the team appeared to be going out of their way to make customers feel uncomfortable. If the restaurant's mission is to have the worst service in Rome, they have succeeded. The food is just about ok. read more

I'm not one to start off negative, but.....I simply cannot believe how many whine asses have posted on here about how they didn't get seated without a reservation. To top it all off, many of you act like restaurant gurus. Just because there are open seats doesn't mean they have enough prepared meals or staff to serve you! I'm often embarrassed to be an American in other countries because some of you can be so ugly. Throwing big fits because you didn't get seated without a reservation or, EGAD!, local customers got preferential treatment over someone that is going to eat there maybe once. All that being said, we called at 645pm to see if they had any seats left tonight and they said we could be seated at 730. Yep. That's early by Italian standards but I was happy they agreed to seat us. When we got there, we were seated outside. Inside seemed almost exclusively for locals, and they were packed very early! Still, the staff was attentive and polite. We went for all the normal dishes: The Monday app was stuffed zucchini and we split it. We also split a Cachio e Pepe. Wife had steak. I had the Lamb. Everything was extremely good. Paired with a wonderful local red for 26 euros, and Cappuccinos after, the meal came in right at 100 euros for two, which I thought reasonable for the amount of food we had. Certainly worth it for the how well made the food was. Perhaps some day I'll call ahead far enough to get inside! Haha. read more

Great food, great wine list, but they seem to force all non-italians to very early reservations. Called and asked for a reservation - in Italian - but they figured out we were not locals and insisted on only giving us 7PM reservations (the table had a reservations for locals at 10PM) Just about everyone there at 7PM was not local, but by 9 it was more and more locals coming in. So that was kind of... frustrating... but other than that - it was excellent food - in the top 2 or 3 pastas I had all week in Rome. So give a go but call earllllly for a reservation and hope they give you a real time... Because 7PM in Italy is like having dinner at 5PM or earlier in the US. read more

This is a pretty famous restaurant that deserves all the good things people say about it. On multiple visits spread across three different trips, the food was consistent and outstanding. The Tonarelli Cacio e Pepe was among the best we've ever had and the Ravioli Alla Felice was unique and incredible. On every visit, Da Felice gave us a really memorable meal, even for Italy. The service is excellent, if a bit on the formal side. You definitely need reservations, even for lunch. read more

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Food at this restaurant is exceptional. The restaurant opened at 7 pm. We had no dinner reservations after walking a long way to this establishment. They were kind enough to let us use their bathrooms. However after seating everyone with reservations, the hostess told us we could be seated if we would be done by 9 which was more than enough time. We are so glad to have dined here. The cacio e pepe was excellent, mixed right at our table -- quite a show. The lamb was exceptional and the only time I have seen this kind of cut -- a section of the spine (think, the end part of the lamb chop) with one kidney still attached, well grilled and flavored. We also had the steak which we juicy and well cooked. Desserts of tiramisu and creme brulee was good. Service was wonderful. read more

Call a few days ahead for reservation. Definitely worth it. Average price for delicious traditional Italian food. Our table had starters then lamb, fish, pasta, then desserts too. Portion size is average/ not huge. Every thing is very rich, lots of flavor! Nice slow pace. One negative -Table was wobbly. Service staff very cheerful.. read more

We didn't have a reservation, but figured it would be fine bc it was a Monday. They got us in promptly, Drive was great and the food even better. read more

Felice a Testaccio - Meatballs and carbonara- delish - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

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Four days in on my one week and first time trip to Rome I had pretty good pasta dishes and dinners around the city. My girlfriend and I had heard good things about Felice and their Cacio E Pepe and decided to call in for a reservation. It was an early dinner (7:00 PM) but spots were limited so we took it. After entering we were sat down and we knew to order the Cacio and one more pasta dish (Carbonara). Our server recommended the lamb and potatoes for the secondi. We ordered a small bottle of Merlot red wine as we awaited our dishes. We received the pasta dishes and I've got to say I have not had a better pasta dish on this trip or in my life rather. There was so much texture in the noodles and there was a certain weight to them that felt wholesome with the accompanied flavors. You will not be disappointed ordering either of these. The lamb and potatoes were really good too and surprisingly not that heavy after our first dishes. I highly recommend making your way to this neighborhood to try it and the prices are still pretty decent for the quality of food and service you receive in a not-so-touristy part of Rome. read more

As good as it gets. Traditional Roman cuisine, in a nicely renovated restaurant in a quiet neighborhood away from the center (take a taxi). Most famous for the Cacio e Pepe with homemade pasta. To die for. Don't miss the Saltimboca alla Romana as a secondo and Tiramisu for dessert. Simply amazing. Get ready for an explosion of your taste buds! The waiters are professionals so go with the flow, catch the Roman sense of humor and take their advice. read more

Felice a Testaccio - Un dolce ..... - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

Every time I'm in Rome love love to stop into this restaurant. Amazing food especially the Cacio e Pepe love love it so deliciousness. read more

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I thought I knew pasta. I thought I knew how to sauce it. I thought I knew what al dente is. I was wrong. Pasta is the dish. The right amount of sauce just to coat it and enhance it's flavor. Al dente is not based on cooking time, it is the inherent chew and texture from glutinous flour and starch that you can never experience from dried pasta. Felice A Testaccio does it right. Straight to it, the cacio e pepe is incredible. Creamy, cheesy, peppery. Mixed table side, the residual heat of the just cooked pasta instantly melts the pecorino cheese. Unctuous doesn't even describe how incredibly rich the dish is. And the texture, the chew of the pasta; perfect. Not to be outdone, the tagliolini ala amatriciana. Rich tomato pure, the acidic zing of wine, the richness of cured pork fat all passionately enveloping the pasta. Eat like a local. Meaning, don't take your time with the pasta. It is best when it is hot. (Everyone around us finished it in less than five minutes). The left over sauce should still be warm as you use the crusty bread to mop it up. It not only taste better but it will bring a smile to your waiter and the passing owner to see you enjoyed the food. Non pasta Roman dishes are equally successful. The deep fried cod, incredible. Thick cut with huge flakes, aggressively seasoned. The fish is firm and moist, the coating extremely crisp. Outstanding textural contrast from such a simple dish. Carciofo ala Romana, tender and buttery. The bone marrow with peas, rich with a punch of vegital vibrancy. Tip: Do not waste food. Do like the locals, order your meal in stages. Appetizer. Finish it then order primi. Finish it then order secondi. You will fit right in. Open for lunch and dinner. Advance booking required. Telephone booking only. Lead with Italian when you are greeted by the host or risk being turned away. Menu in English. Wine list in Italian. Some English spoken. A very good wine list representing dozens of Lazio DOC producers. Extremely reasonable prices. Expect to pay €30 per person. read more

Best meal of my life. And that's after dining out in New York City for the past five years, and in Chicagoland for four years before that. Hands down best meal of my life was at Felice a Testaccio in Rome, Italy. If you are planning a trip to Rome, do yourself a favor right now and ask your hotel to make a reservation for you at Felice. You will not regret it. If you wait until you land in Rome, you will be sorely disappointed when they tell you they're all booked up. I went by myself on a Saturday evening (thanks to a reservation by my hotel). The waiter (Alexis/Alessio) was excellent, one of the best servers I've ever had. They have no printed menus, so you must rely on your server to find out what the options are for the evening. Never fear, they have waiters that speak English and just about any European language you may require. Alessio walked me through their offerings and was happy to answer my many questions. He explained every menu item about which I had a curiosity in vivid detail. Every suggestion he made paid off. I ordered a half bottle of wine, which was lovely. They have 2-3 half bottle options, plus an enormous full wine list. I wanted to start with a pasta, but I simply could not decide, so Alessio was happy to bring half orders for me. So, first came the "ravioli alla felice," which is a homemade pasta with a COLD sauce made cherry tomatoes, basil, mint, oregano, thyme, and marjoram (the sauce warms as it's tossed with the pasta) - topped with a touch of ricotta salata. I believe they use this same sauce method with various types of pasta on different nights. Then I had the "tonnarelli cacio e pepe" (cheese and black pepper), the most famous/popular dish at Felice - they even have a picture of it on the wall. It comes out and the waiter mixes the cheese and pepper into the pasta right at your table - sounds like a simple task but it's really quite a sight. They really work their biceps here to get it all incorporated. It was delicious. Next came my entree, for which I barely had room at this point. I had ordered, upon Alessio's suggestion, the Roman rolled beef (forget the Italian name), in the most flavorful yet simple tomato sauce I've ever had. As a side I ordered the artichoke, which was roasted to perfection and coated in a lovely olive oil. Scrumptious. I consider it a sin that I couldn't finish every bite of my entree. For dessert I had "un caffe deca" (decaf espresso) and a sort of tiramisu parfait to go (which was devoured in my hotel room a short while afterward). Then, since it was well past midnight at this point, the restaurant even ordered me and a few other patrons a taxi service back to our respective hotels. Full service here. When I went to Italy for a week, I ate wonderful meals every single day, including in the food capital of Italy / the world - Emilia Romagna. However, this place wins the top spot not only for my trip to Italy but - of my entire eating career. It is an absolute must do if you are in Rome. Will upload pics of my dinner - each of the dishes above will be included. Adding this entry now but dined at Felice in April 2010. read more

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I really enjoyed the meal we had at Felice a Testaccio and I would have to say yes, their Tonarelli Cacio e Pepe (pasta with black pepper and cheese served table side) was my favorite one out of all the versions we tried during our stay in Rome. I also loved, loved, LOVED their Mezzemaniche all'amatrciana (pasta with tomato, cured pork jowl, pecorino, and chili) which had a deep savoriness that was lacking in the ones I tried elsewhere. The restaurant gets busy so I would highly recommend reservations. There was a gentleman who came alone without reservations and he made a big stink at the door saying how he was alone and he really wanted to try the restaurant and couldn't they accommodate him considering he was in Rome for only one night? You could tell the staff felt bad but every seat in the house was filled and it didn't look like anyone was going to be leaving anytime soon. Moral of the story? Make reservations. One thing to note, most restaurants in Italy only use seasonal ingredients and Felice a Testaccio is no exception. I had my heart set on trying their Coratella con carciofi (Offal with artichokes) as it was highly recommended but July-August is not the time of year for artichokes so they did not serve it. Same thing goes for Puntarelle (Chicory typically served as a salad with a dressing of anchovies) which is available late fall and early winter. However, we did have the Coda all caccinara (Oxtail braised in tomato sauce) as well the Involtino al sugo (Beef rolls with tomato sauce), and the Abbacchio al forno (Roast lamb with potatoes). All three dishes were delicious and we licked the plates clean. The atmosphere of the restaurant is jovial and lively, the service is friendly, and the wine list is quite good. If you're in Rome, don't miss out and if you go in the spring, try the Coratella con carciofi and let me know how good it is! read more

Felice a Testaccio - Tonarelli Cacio e Pepe (cheese & pepper). Photo courtest of Rick P. of alamodejournals.com - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

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The first time I really have no opinoin regarding imrovment. We tryed several maincourses but I strongly recomend Italian meatbolls, carbonara, melanzane, it will be a surprice. Make sure to save some room for dessert aswell. AND try Tiramisu its a mindblower. Service is exellent a special thank you to Ceasar and crew. They go the extra mile even though english isnt their mother tounge its not a problem to ask question and get answers like in other places we visit during our stay in Roma. read more

Felice a Testaccio - Great friends with awsome food - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

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Best roman food in Rome. Love it here. Going back for my last meal in Rome. Definitely repeat!! read more

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Throughout the dinner, the word "yum" was uttered several hundred times, and "mmm" a few more. The meal was an excuse for old friends to catch up and talk about life and life-related things, but every other statement was interjected with a sentence about how tasty the pasta/lamb/dessert was. I came for the pasta, as I was told I had not yet lived since I hadn't experienced the cacio e pepe. It was good, very good. I found the artichoke and fettuccine to be even better - a fantastic blend of flavors with the pasta cooked to perfection. We then proceeded to the next phase of our journey of fried lamb/fried zucchini and the roasted lamb with potatoes. Words cannot do justice how well the meat was prepared and how absolutely amazing the taste was. We decided to end the night with one of the enticing desserts on display. I chose the tiramisu and don't mean to frighten you but it changed my life. I think I'm a better person now because of it. read more

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There was nothing wrong with this meal, except that we kept eating until we were in pain. Get the cacio e pepe and the lamb. The involtino al sugo was good but there wasn't anything rolled inside it, and the ravioli were great but not as stunning as the cacio a pepe, which the waiters mix for you at the table so that the cheese, pepper, oil, and pasta water melt together immediately before you take your first bite. The panna cotta, strawberries, and berry torte were all solid. The wine list was huge and fairly reasonably priced The service is good but a little on the obnoxious side, but in an entertaining enough way that it is kind of forgivable. For example, what appeared to be a female American study abroad student walked in and asked for a table in English. When the only somewhat-Anglophone waiter came up to tell her it was full, she asked again, at which point he made his hands into fists under his eyes and pantomimed a crying baby for a few seconds until she left. I guess if she ever comes back she will know to have made a reservation. read more

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Pretty good restaurant! Fair price. The portions are huge. Really good food. The wine list is small, but you can get a good Barolo for a good price. It is a must go in Rome. read more

Delicious food, a little pricey compared to the rest of Rome, but I think the experience is food. More well known so it can be hard to get recommendation (Call ahead). Cacio e pepe and carbonara are their classic dishes. Try the carciufo alla romana (non-fried carciufo as fried is mostly what you'll find in Rome) and the chicory dish with anchovy (delicious). read more

Ignore anyone who says you can get a table at 7:00, I,e before the Italians eat. This is not true even on a cool off-season evening in damp November. They save no tables for walk-ups, and don't suggest waiting a bit in case of no-shows. The large space was mostly empty and there weren't many people waiting to be seated. To me, flat-out rejecting walk-ups is a snobbish mistake. They literally booted me right out the door without even a "thanks for trekking all the way down here and thinking of us." There are plenty of other places to eat in Rome. read more

Got denied service because we are tourists. I would save you money and go to the place called Flavio al Velavevodetto on the block. We walked there after a got denied service with lots of emptied tables. The other place has similar food and great reviews! read more

Amazing pasta. The carbonara and the tortellini was amazing. Had the chance to watch the chefs from our table cook! Very close and easy to get to and open on Monday's which is convenient. Some serious Roman cooking tho. Very good price and delicious!! read more

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Best cacio e pepe in Rome, it means the best in the world? As Rome is the origin of the dish. I loved it. The fresh noodle was perfectly cooked to al dante with a bite, yet tender without loosing any tension of gluten. The cheese that is mixed in on the table side by server using too fork- they are even give the two fork for extra, haha, coated the noodle perfectly creamy and cheesy. The black pepper was absolute finesse by adding a good spicy and citrusy note to the pasta. One perfect dish. My table had other dishes that was very good, but if you have to choose one, it is absolute choice. Their roman artichoke is good too if it is in the season. Their tiramisu was good, however i didn't agree with the chocolate sauce idea, which add too much sweet instead of bitter chocolate flavor from coco powder. read more

Felice a Testaccio - Cacio e pepe - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

Excellent! It's on the high end in prices, but I can't imagine finding a restaurant this good in the US, so the upper end prices are worth it. We were lucky finding a table without reservation. We saw groups arriving around 8 pm while we were dining and had to leave without being able to eat, on a Saturday night. First restaurant in our visit to Rome. It couldn't be a better start. read more

One of my goals in Rome was to eat amazing cacio e pepe and I scoured the internet for restaurants in Rome. Felice showed up on multiple blogs and was also recommended by several friends. Maybe my expectations were too high going in, the pasta was good but it wasn't mind changing. Upon serving the waiter presented the dish and expertly mixed the heaping mounds of cheese. Don't get me wrong, it was good but probably not a dish I'd remember for the rest of my life. The Testaccio neighborhood is lovely to walk around if you want a break from all the crowds. Check out Assemblea for unique and beautifully curated decor! read more

Felice a Testaccio - Cacio e pepe - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

I read the reviews and expectations were high, I asked my hotel concierge to make the reservation a month ago. Having had the good fortune of dining throughout Italy, this is one of the best meals I have ever had. The Cacio e Pepe, phenomenal! Roman artichoke was tender and seasoned perfectly with a drizzle of extra virgin olive that was the perfect compliment. The service was impeccable, attentive but not overwhelming. Deserts Tiramisu and a Semifredo with Almonds, to die for. This is my last meal in Rome and I could not have asked for a better way to end my trip and give me a reason to return to the Eternal City! read more

you need reservations for this place! it is actually quite big inside and well organized. came here specifically for their Cacio e pepe, which i have read that they make one of the best! OMG, something sooooo simple, can be soooo satisfying and delicious. thick tagliolini noodles, super al dente, with pecorino shavings on top, tossed table side. it was chewy, creamy, peppery, so freaking delicious. definitely a live change cacio e pepe for me. as for the service, they can be quite brute and rude. but hey, whatever, i just want pasta and to enjoy ever bite of it. read more

There seems to be a long running scam here and discrimination in regards to reservations. If you call in, they say the date is too early, they don't have their appointment book, to call back at a time when the business website says they're not open, or claim to not understand or hear you. I have a few of these recorded. Have called to reserve and got a handful of these random responses, and had a friend try in case it's just me with varying and similar excuses. The woman sounds exasperated seems nice enough but they make it really difficult for you. Following inane rules on calling at 9 (but their business opens at 10) and calling a different night when the book is there has really been a clever run around. Because the attempts have been during business hours and across either weekday or weekend in the right time zone also from different originations/people- They appear to be denying English-speaking customers systematically. read more

This place gets packed! Make reservations and go early! There was a one hour wait on a Thursday night. A lot of the items we wanted to try were sold out by the time we were seated at 10pm. I recommend getting the pecorino cheese and black pepper - our server said it was a popular Roman dish. The osso bucco was delicious too! It's also close to lots of bars if you want to grab drinks walking distance after your meal. PS - the owner was really nice and friendly! read more

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This place was worth the trek- a subway ride to an unknown neighborhood followed by almost twenty minutes walking through dimly lit streets, a little sketchy at times, in search of what I expected to be one of the best spots to eat a true Roman meal. My fellow travel companions began to doubt me the further we kept walking, but I was certain I made the right choice. Thanks to apple maps and a the boisterous group of Italians posted outside the front door smoking cigarettes, we found it, just in time to make our reservation, which by the way is a must. I've been to Roma countless times and it's easy to end up in a tourist trap-there's so many of them! And while they're not bad I prefer to eat among the locals. I've been on the hunt for a true neighborhood restaurant that not only caters to the locals but serves a high quality meal. This spot is that and more. We arrived for our 9:30pm reservation, which is somewhat early by Italian standards, and the place was packed with locals and their families, toddlers included. I was already feeling the five stars at that point. Our table was ready for us and weeks before our trip I had already decided what I was going to order: Cacio e Pepe. As many of the reviews have mentioned, Cacio e Pepe is one of the most classic Roman pasta dishes (among Pasta alla Carbonara and Pasta all'Amatriciana). There were six of us. We ordered a number of appetizers for the table- Involtini al Sugo, Carciofi (artichoke), Bone marrow with peas, Polpette di Bollito (large meatball that's breaded and served with a rich tomato sauce). The portions were plentiful. After apps, I could have been done eating, but I had to save room Cacio e Pepe. Others ordered the Carbonara, Fettuccine al Carciofi, Amatriciana and a seafood dish with grilled swordfish, calamari and gamberetti. The portions were generous. We could've have easily ordered to split, but everything was too delicious to want to really share. My Tonarelli Cacio e Pepe was perfection. The pasta is made fresh daily and you can taste it. As mentioned in other reviews, the Cacio e Pepe is mixed table side, a must for a dish like this. For those that are unfamiliar with Cacio e Pepe, this dish literally translates to cheese and pepper. And boy is there a lot of freshly grated Pecorino Romano and pepper, tossed with hot pasta water to melt the cheese, creating a super creamy consistency. It sounds basic, but it's an incredibly delicious and satisfying dish. We all shared bites of from each others dishes, but for the most part, silence took over with intermittent "wow" this is incredible, "this is the best Cacio e Pepe I've ever had." It truly was the most memorable meal I've had in the six plus times I've been to Rome. I can't wait to come back. read more

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Affordable and excellent! Very simple, plainly furnished trattoria - genuine and traditional Roman Cuisine and one of the best in Rome booking strongly recommended - no sign outside Best Carcofi alla Roman in town. Their Abbacchio al Forno - Rosemary scented roast suckling lamb is the best in town. Their version of the "tiramisu" was also outstanding. Via Mastro Giorgio, 29 (The owner is said to be very particular who dines at his place. He won't let you in if he thinks "you don't GET IT!" It pays to be open minded. People that come here to eat pasta are missing out even if their Cacio e pepe is the best in town. The roman food is extraordinary and one would better ask the waiter for roman recommendations. I notice one patron ordered a steak and another ordered meatballs- Yikes! The Abbacchio al Forno - baby lamb is fantastic, Carciofo alla romana, Coniglio alla cacciatora (rabbit hunter style), Ossobuco (marrow bone seasonal), Coda alla vaccinara Roman oxtail stew. This is ROMAN Cuisine. If you don't want real Italian, then for heven sake, go elsewhere. You came all the way to Rome for the experience of a life time. Don't throw it away on meatballs.) read more

This was one of the best meals I had while in Italy. The restaurant is very popular, and rightfully so, so I highly suggest making reservations. Everything we ordered was beyond delicious and the wines were inexpensive and our waiter was extremely helpful. If you do visit the restaurant, the cacio e pepe and the tiramisu is a MUST! read more

On our third trip to Rome (and on our first leg of our honeymoon), my husband and I went to Felice a Testaccio for dinner. I was a little hesitant as on previous trips, we had stuck to guidebook and internet forum recommendations for restaurants in the center of Rome (which is most familiar to tourists). At first, I wasn't sure if it was worth it to make a trek out of the center of the city for this restaurant. Well, I'm so glad we did! Felice a Testaccio ended up being only a 45-50 minute walk from our hotel near the Spanish Steps (which would have been a ~10 minute cab ride) and we really enjoyed strolling through parts of Rome that some tourists never reach. Plus, Testaccio is an up-and-coming, trendy neighborhood in Rome and it feels much more authentic than touristy Rome. Our experience at the restaurant itself was fantastic as well. The servers were friendly, the food was amazing (you absolutely cannot go wrong with their cacio e pepe and their tiramisu), and I loved how other diners in the restaurant were all local families -- no other tourists in sight. It was by far one of the most memorable meals on our honeymoon (which spanned nearly three weeks and several countries). My husband and I have fond memories of our meal at Felice a Testaccio -- the entire experience was excellent and homey feeling with its authentic food and local company. We definitely want to return on our next trip to Rome, and just regret that we didn't branch out of Rome's touristy center until our third trip to the city! FYI: Reservations are a must as they turned away other diners without reservations. Since I was nervous making reservations over the phone given my lack of Italian fluency, I asked my hotel to make the reservation for us, which worked well. read more

Like the last couple reviews that came in a couple weeks back, I have to down-vote this place. Disclaimer: we didn't actually get a seat so this review is purely about my abrupt experience and some comments. If you're looking for a menu review, please move on. When I walked into the place to ask for a seat for two, the old man at the counter said what I believe was "we're booked", in Italian. Funny thing is, there was at least 1/3 of the place that was wide open, and NO ONE standing outside waiting on their table to be ready. To be fair, as we chilled outside, trying to figure out what we were going to do as another lunch option, we did see two groups of around 2-3 people go in after us, and not come back out, indicating that they must've gotten a table. Those groups were both native Italians though, and again, there were at least 6-8 tables that were wide open as we waited there for 10 minutes trying to see where the mass of people that were waiting for their reservation. Super disappointing. On to my comments. So I did a little research on the place (i.e. checked out their web site), and admittedly, this place has a gimmick to it, where even the original owner would reject bunches of people even as his tables sat empty. This, plus previous reviews, and the price tag as stated here on Yelp (three €), lead me to believe this place is doing pretty well for itself, and therefore has every right to decide who/who not to serve. However, as it's their right to decide who/who not to serve so is it my right to let other's know to avoid a place that perpetuates such a gimmick, which clearly places its own pride before customer service. Every other place in Rome so far has been accommodating to foreigners, and even appreciates that we try and speak what meager Italian we know. Instead of wasting any more energy about this place, I would submit the uniqueness and friendliness of a place a few blocks away from here called Trapizzio. Their food and service are a hidden gem in this district of Rome. However, if you choose to proceed to Felice, just know you're rolling the dice. Ciao! read more

Terrible service. So so food. Husband and I went here on our last night in Rome. Had a 9 pm reservation and we were seated immediately. Usually a good sign but not in this case. Waited 45 minutes for pasta and then another hour for our two entrees but when only one arrived with a different preparation than what was described, and we were told they ran out of other order (but we're only telling us now!) It's now 10:30 and we have had half the food we ordered and it wasn't that great. Maybe living in NYC has spoiled me to food and service but this place was definitely a miss. read more

It was very nice that the owner was able to squeeze us in without reservations. We ordered 2 linguini, beef with tomato sauce and spaghetti. Food overall was ok. However, the waiter stated that several of the items on the menu were not available. My auntie wanted to order spaghetti with clams but was told that only shrimp was available. When her spaghetti with shrimp dish came out there was only 1 shrimp in the entire dish along with hair. The waiter was aggressive and pushy in recommending an appetizer of fried and grilled fish for our table. The appetizer came out after our main course and was the best part of our meal. However, we felt mislead as the price of the appetizer was 60 euros and cost as much as our meal. We would suggest going to Roman restaurants where the locals eat. Essenziale in the Travastere district was a homey authentic Italian experience with less tourists and more locals. Better value for your money then this restaurant. read more