Paulo is awesome, that's the first order of business. This man made my boyfriend and I feel like family. The romantic atmosphere was divine. We sat outdoors and enjoyed appetizers and a bottle of Chardonnay recommended by our fabulous server. I usually don't love that white variety, however, things always taste better in Italy! For dinner we tried the house specials. They were unique but tasty. Authentic and true to tradition. The chicken and the lasagna. I will come here every time I find myself in Rome now. read more

Hostaria Antica Roma - Roman Near Me - Rome, RM

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Was a wonderful dining experience! Food was amazing and the owner made us feel like family. I had a chicken dish off the ancient recipes with anchovy seasoning. It was delicious! My husband had meatballs and salad. The potatoes were delicious. Alas we had no room for dessert! read more

Incredible experience. Everything was perfect. Paolo was a great host and went over and above to ensure we enjoyed our experience. Highly recommend. read more

Before I left Rome, I found a special location for romantic dinner. I mean "Roman" tic dinner. It is a ancient Roman recipe serve at Ancient Roman tomb site. The setting is a Tomb of Caecilia Metella. The rotunda is circular equal to 100 Roman feet. The rotunda raise up high and and we can see from our table. We got garden seat and have two entree. The first one is the House Special Pollo Oxizomum. This dish is the ancient recipe from Apicius of 1st century. It is chicken dish with Roman recipe. The sauce is out of this world. It is not your typical Italian cuisine. Our second dish is the Abbacchio di Sella di Corno. It is a Lamb cutlet roasted and grilled. Outward is crispy and inward is soft. The marinated sauce went into the bone. Love it. Both of our dish are really good. Service is great. The setting is romantic, historic site. Can ask for more. read more

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This is one of the best dining experiences we had in Rome. Paolo (the owner) made us feel welcome the moment we stepped in the front door. Along with the excellent service, the food was simply superb. Everything we ordered was delicious. The menu is diverse and offers many special dishes that are seasonal and utilize local ingredients. The Tiramisu is a must have and is one of the best I've ever had. All in all, if you're in Rome, you need to come here. read more

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Our friends who started their European trip in Rome kept talking and talking and talking about this place. They loved it so much, they decided to close out the trip with one last supper here. Since we were flying out of Rome too, we decided to join them and see what the hype was all about. First off, loved that this place is off the beaten path. You follow one of the original roads of Rome to get here. A rocky cobblestone path. It was a cool path to get here. Once you arrive, you look around and wonder where you are. You walk into the beautiful garden and find beauty all around. Paulo, the owner greets us with open arms at the entrance and hugs our friends, who are now regulars. Lol. Then he introduces himself to us and gives us big hugs, like we're old friends. Upon greeting us, he escorts us to our table on the beautiful garden patio. Immediately, he tells us to put our stuff down and follow him to a perfect photo opp location. He sets us up and takes our picture which was a gorgeous shot by the way. Then we head back to our table. Turns out Paulo is also our server! He is incredibly charismatic and witty. He makes the whole experience of Hostaria Antico Roma what it is. So very personable and continues to charm us with his stories of famous people who have visited his place, the history behind Hostaria, and plenty of other stories to keep us entertained. Paulo's dad also comes out to greet us and is the cutest Italian man ever. Our table orders a variety of antipasti as per Paulo and his dad's selections. Then we ordered our entrees. The space is just beautiful and you sit there and take it all in. The food came out little by little and then it got to the point where we thought we were full but could not stop eating. So we don't. Everything was delicious and nothibf disappointed. The meatballs we're exquisite and full of flavor and very juicy. My favorite was the Cacio e Pepe which was simple and perfect. Loved the peppery flavor! The tiramisu was also the best I have ever had...EVER!!! We did not have a bad dish. The whole experience was worth the drive here and was the perfect way to close out our European trip. Thank you Paulo and your entire staff for making this one of the most memorable dining experience from our entire Italy trip. I want to go back!!! Paulo made this whole experience. Along with the amazing food and ambiance too of course. Thanks Paulo for the hospitality!!! read more

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This beautiful restaurant never disappoints. Tonight was my third visit to Hostaria Antica Roma and I've sent many friends from the USA to visit. They always agree it is a must stop when in Rome! Tonight's meal was amazing and Paolo is the best host....so attentive to all the guests and makes everyone feel welcomed. Paolo is so knowledgeable about Roman history and is very proud of his heritage and is very entertaining while revealing the history of his menu and those who have visited his beautiful restaurant! This is a must stop when in Rome! read more

You must go here if you end up in Rome. The dining experience is homely / comfortable (family restaurant) with some amazing food as well! My party was vegetarian, so we ordered a variety of items on/off menu both. All of our dishes were amazing - the ingredient quality and cooking were both top notch. I won't recommend any dish in particular and instead recommend letting Paulo guide you through the menu. Service was best I've ever had. The stories, the jokes, the warmth - there's real pride that the family has in running the restaurant and you can feel it from the moment you walk in and get seated. read more

We came to Italy to explore the culture, food, and history. After trying many foods in Rome, this restaurant was the only representative of real Italian food that you can experience both great authentic food and great ambiance with a nice Italian wine all at once. The chief was very kind. The food was amazing, with the unique and secret recipe of the great chief "Paolo Magnanimi". I Highly recommend to experience this place if you are looking for real Italian food and an ambient environment. read more

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Great Lasagna and ambience. On our last day accidentally stopped here by no recommendations and found food to be very tasty! Definitely recommend. read more

A truly unique and wonderful dining experience! Paulo took great care of our group throughout the evening and offered numerous stories about the restaurant and the food. Get the lasanga...like no other! read more

Everything about this restaurant exceeded our expectations. We made last minute reservations and (foolishly) walked from the nearby catacombs: that is, we looked a little disheveled and out of place. The owner, Paolo, greeted and took care of us. He was kind and hilarious, with wonderful stories about the area and the food. Before we get to the food, let's talk setting. The restaurant is charming and cozy without feeling cloistered or claustrophobic. The decor is tasteful. The garden, beautiful. But the food. Paolo joked the tiramisu was so good it ended up in at least one novel...now we know why! The tiramisu and the creme Brule may have been life changing. The lasagna based on a 2000 year old recipe? Transcendent. We can't glow enough about this place. It's off the beaten path in the best way and we're so, SO glad we went! Paolo: thank you for having us and caring for us. We're immensely grateful and thoroughly sated. read more

I visited here about two years ago when I went on a trip to Italy. I remember how kind the man (I believe he was the owner) was. He sat us in the outdoor area and it was absolutely beautiful. I remember the owner kept bringing us foods we didn't even order to try, at no charge. All of the foods was absolutely delicious. I can't express enough how wonderful the service was, or how excellent the food was. It was the best pasta I've ever had. They have an ancient roman menu and a more modern menu. Items from both were delicious. This place is also super fascinating and historic - firstly, it's on the first built road in ancient Rome. Hostaria Antica Roma's location was a mausoleum of Augustus Caesar - he gave freedom to 6000 slaves and built this place for them to pray at. When they would die, they burned the bodies and put the ashes in the niches in the walls. The urns are now gone, but not the niches. The restaurant opened in 1987. Overall, this place was nothing short of amazing. One of my favorite stops in Italy. read more

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Paolo Magnanimi is the most welcoming host in all of Italy. He entertains you with stories of famous visitors, being featured in a best selling novel, treats you to his special garlic spread and explains the origins of the delicious food they serve. Do yourself a favor and hope a cab for a 20 min ride to the Appian Way, enjoy the countryside and this magnificent experience. We will return on every trip to Rome! read more

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One of the greatest restaurants in Roma (if not all of Italy). Total hidden gem. Beautiful aesthetic. Food is based on ancient Roman cuisine which is an amazing and genuine experience (equally delicious). Ask the owners about the history of the dish if you're interested, it's fascinating how they went about creating their dishes. The owners are delightful; the epitome of Italian hospitality. I came in one night late as a traveler close to closing time. The owner saw I was alone and gave great company during my meal (not too much and not too little). He tells excellent stories and is extremely personable. When I finished my meal he went out of his way to give me a ride home (with a short local tour) a gesture which awes me to this day. Also fantastic house wine. It is food, wine, and personality which make restaurant experiences great, and there is no greater than here in all of Roma. Cannot recommend this place enough! read more

Very good pasta and environment. 4 fruit flies in the wine brings it down a notch. Family owned and driven.

Found out about this from an article published that week. The food was the most delicious and unique we had in Rome, and the service was excellent. Hope to come back some day! read more

We stopped by for lunch while walking the Apian way. We didn't know what to expect but were happy with what we found. The food and service were born great, probably the most entertaining meal we had in Rome. If you're in the area swing by, you'll enjoy it. read more

Hostaria Antica Roma is an Italian, family owned restaurant and a unique Roman dining experience. We've been lucky enough to dine here on multiple occasions, both in Summer and Fall. Dining outside in the Summer is a must! The restaurant boasts a beautiful outdoor garden with the ancient Roman ruins, Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella, in the immediate background. Dinner at sunset while dining in the gardens is magical. If the weather is cold or rainy, their indoor dining room is beautifully appointed and can easily accommodate large parties or cater to a more intimate dining experience. If you are lucky enough to have Paolo as your server, your experience will be filled with his easy going manner, well-spoken English, historical culinary trivia, and excellent menu recommendations! read more

Let me tell you what a exceptional experience Hostaria Antica Roma is, first of all Father and son Mosimo and Paolo are 2 of the nicest people you will ever meet. Second the ambience in the summer time is a something very special, outdoor dining at its finest, beautifully lit and in a garden setting with ancient castle walls as the back drop. Now the best part, the food is extraordinary, Let them pick the appetizers, you will not be disappointed, we were served a beautiful display of bruschetta, roasted zucchini with eggplant, a seafood salad with some do the best salmon I have ever had and to top it off a homemade garlic cheese that is to die for. The main dishes are so well prepared, we had the best lasagna we have ever tasted(a ancient recipe from the first cookbook in existence), the sea bass was cooked to perfection and my veal literally jumped in my mouth.. you will have to go here to understand what that means. Let's not forget about the Tiramisu, it is absolutely the most decadent I have tasted, it is a must have dessert to end your meal. I took my family here and from the time we entered the beautiful grounds till we left 3 hours later we had amazing stories from Paulo about his travels, the food and where these recipes came from. If could give them 6 stars I would. Thanks again Paolo and Mosimo, you made our last night in Roma one to remember! read more

We had a wonderful time. Paolo was an incredible hostess and the view was incredible. If you have the chance come here. Even if it's kind of difficult come here you won't regret it ! read more

Wow what a phenomenal restaurant with a talented, entertaining and funny chef named Paulo. He made us feel at home right away. I ordered the roasted chicken which was to die for. My husband ordered the special lasagna, he said it was the best lasagna he has ever had. Paulo gave us a sample of his special cheese, that's definitely a must try. This place is a great gem tucked away. Make the trip out there, it is worth it. read more

Top of the line service and cuisine. A little out-of-the-way but worth it. I would recommend it to anyone who visits Italy. A hidden gem!

What can I say about this hidden gem (literally hidden) other than it was the most memorable part of my trip to Italy. The place is magical, with the ambience with all that history, warm lighting inside, service that is excellent and the food that hits your flavor palettes. We went at night which adds to the aura of this converted mausoleum and were personally greeted and attended by the owner Paolo Magnanim. When I tell you the dinner was an event, I am not exaggerating. Mr. Magnanim is a character right out of a movie. There is a great story behind the place but let me tell you the food was amazing. You can choose a modern Roman dish or an original Roman dish dating back 2,000+ years. A MUST if you are visiting Rome. Let him know the Miami fellas sent ya! read more

Authentic Roman food, Chef Paolo Magnanimi researches the history of Roman food and built his signature dishes from it. The chicken with Garum was tender and tasty, Lasagna didn't need the tomato sauce to taste good. The catch of the day didn't disappoint and the divine Tiramisu, the taste I will be looking for outside of Rome. The food is not expensive, you will get your money's worth with an excellent service. I loved Chef Paolo sharing his stories, he is such a personable person. HAR serves delicious food and provides excellent service. Highly recommend. We'll definitely go back. read more

If you are in Rome, you should make Hostaria Antica Roma a destination not to be missed. I have had the pleasure of eating here twice, once with my husband and once on a very special trip with my daughter. The venue is charming and so interesting, the food is delicious, especially the Tiramisu, you will be hard pressed to find better and may return just for it, but what will keep us coming back is the welcome you receive. You are treated like family from the time you enter until the time you leave. The service is remarkable and our host Paolo is a master of customer service. He made both visits very special for me and my family and we recommend it to anyone that will be visiting Rome. We hope to return again soon. read more

My daughter says her pasta was really good. I had the house special chicken. It was tasty but dry. The staff is in no hurry. It took us 20-30 minutes to get the check after we asked for it. No big deal, we were not in a hurry. Good thing. We stopped here on the way back from the catacombs. It was nice. read more

This hidden gem was simply amazing. My family and I arrived a few minutes after their lunch service and Paolo graciously welcomed us in. We had the place to ourselves and went with every recommendation Paolo had, much to out delight. Not only did we have a wonderful culinary experience, but we were also entertained by his stories of his travels to the US. read more

This is by far the best meal I have had in my entire life! Not only was each course more delicious than the last (if that is even possible), but the atmosphere itself was incredible. Paolo made us feel as if we were family and we felt right at home. In addition to being an amazing chef, Paolo entertained us with his stories and experiences, making this meal truly memorable. I will never forget my time at Hostaria Antica Roma and will never forget this experience with Paolo. Can't wait to return someday so that I can have his life-changing tiramisu yet again! read more

The meal I had at Hostaria Antica Roma is arguably the best meal I've had in my life! From the lasagna to Paolo's homemade cheese, to the heavenly tiramisu, the meal was absolutely impeccable! I would recommend this place to anyone visiting Rome not only for the food itself, but for the atmosphere! You truly feel like you're in an Italian home and everything is completely authentic! I'll never forget this meal or Paolo's kindness! read more

This place is a bit out of the way but definitely worth the trip! The food is great, the service is fantastic, and the owner is hysterical! He kept telling us jokes and interesting historical facts throughout our meal. I highly reccommend this restaurant and have nothing but praise from my experience. read more

We have eaten here twice (and will be back in June :-) ) and have had great meals each time. From antipasti to main courses we have enjoyed everything here...plus Paolo is a great host! read more

Quite possibly the most consistently remembered aspect of our trip to Italy. Amazing service, unique dining space and food that, with it's integrity and authenticity, really spoke to me as a retired chef. If I'm within range, I'm absolutely going to return...soon, I hope! read more