A family run neighbourhood restaurant with a limited menu, Hostaria dell' 800 da Gasparone is a mouthful in every (positive) sense.
A stones throw from the Trevi Fountain and in the shadow of the Quirinale Palace (built by the Popes and now home to Italy's Presidents), this gem of a neighbourhood restaurant seems not to appeal to tourists. I loved it. For a start it seems people that lived in the area actually ate there, it couldn't be bad now could it?
Service was charming and entirely in Italian. I speak some Italian but I confess I struggled all the same. No matter, we were shown every courtesy and kindness imaginable from being shown to the terrace tucked away at the back well away from the tourists hunting in packs and hysterical from their first sight of the Trevi fountain, to the water that was given without our asking for it along with the 'Suppli' or Roman Tapas (nor were we charged for this). A quick word on the 'Suppli' - fat olives covered in bread crumbs and fried in olive oil having first been stuffed with pistachio and minced ham, along with pistachio nuts and smoked mozarella and some deliciously herby pastry 'straws'.
Our orders were taken and it was explained that the kitchen was very busy so there would be a wait of about 10 minutes before we got our first course . . . . . did I mind? Hell, no! To me that is a sign of good food and a place that takes pride in what it serves.
When the food arrived it was as follows. Al-dente spaghetti dressed with a light olive oil in which had been cooked red chilli and garlic and a ton of parsley - it had bite but also freshness. The Sardinian wine I chose was the perfect match to the first course (this place has an extensive wine list I should add, much of it regional and little known outside Italy . . . or in some cases even it's region of origin). I had veal (Boconcini) with a side serving of Verdura Cotta (Spinach in this case dressed with salt and lemon). The other half opted for fillet steak which was cooked to perfection - as with family food there was no need to ask how it should be cooked when the order was taken, you just have to trust it will be perfect, and it was . . .
With scarce room for pudding we opted for Amari, the bitter sweet digestif popular among Romans. In this case we had the offer of the home made 'Abruzzese' version, made from a base of Abruzzo wine and spirit with blood orange and herbs galore including chicory and basil - it was heaven in a glass.
The bill was a reasonable 92 Euros (around £75). Service was excellent. The food was faultless, truly perfect. read more