The food was just what my friends and I needed after our flight to Rome. The pasta was al dente,…read moreand the amatriciana sauce was unlike anything I've ever tasted. Truly, I was thinking about this pasta for the next two days, so my friends and I went back to Scopettaro for our last dinner in Rome. I got the alla gricia that time, and it was also very delicious. So delicious that I cleaned up both of my plates. I had tried other pasta restaurants throughout my trip, yet this place was my favorite! The service was quick and the Italian workers were very polite. This place felt very homey and a nice local spot if you want to avoid the tourist trap restaurants.

This was a real "hidden" gem! It is not very well known and recommended by an Italian, but it is…read moreclose to Trastevere on foot. We went for dinner and tried a few of their pastas, a chicken, and, of course, some dessert! The restaurant was busy, mainly Italians, which is a good sign, and everything we had was delightful! We had a lovely dinner, but our waiter didn't speak English; I would communicate in Spanish, and he would reply in Italian it made for some pleasant interactions, and we left with our hearts (and tummy) full

Although Chef Alba Esteve Ruiz left Marzapane in 2018 the Restaurant at Via Velletri 39 has…read morepersevered, and guided by the vision of Chef Francesco Capuzzo Dolcetta, Marzapane now proposes a seasonal menu full of bold flavors at a fair price whether one selects the €50-to-€65 tasting or a la carte options. A Michelin Guide Restaurant, though not currently starred, it is in a Scandinavian-leaning dining room that guests are seated starting at 19h30, the kitchen visible through glass pristine and well-appointed with everything from flat-tops to a Big Green Egg. Best defined as a Trattoria, but more avant-garde than many of Rome's time-tested Restaurants, a quick look at the menu shows several classics alongside more experimental plates, the willingness to test boundaries without eschewing history easily appreciated by those seeking something a little different. Situated a good distance from tourist attractions, and thus a largely locals destination, diners can still expect English-friendly service, Water plus well-priced Wine getting things started alongside complimentary Focaccia and Marzapane's daily "Gastronomia" consisting of handmade Ox Tongue Headcheese, Grilled Eel, Pork Meatballs and Sheep's Cheese. A sizable starter, though that is not to say primi or secondi skimp in terms of portion, Pastas next arrived in two rounds, the Rigatoni slick with Eggs and Pork Cheek a peerless specimen while Candela Spezzata "alla Genovese" took a backseat to more compelling Corzetto with Eel and Ginger plus Capellino that marries melted Beef Fat with a hint of Licorice. Selecting wild-shot Duck to share, three nearly-raw slices defiantly standing alongside smashed Potatoes and reduced Game Jus, Dessert followed as a trio, Quince Confit atop dry Bread texturally odd but nicely flavored while Custard-soaked Brioche and aromatic Crème Caramel each stepped away from the traditional Trattoria with stunning results.

Found Marzapane via an Eater list of Rome restaurants to try -- and we were so glad we did!…read more The location is a little unobtrusive but the rooftop balcony is just lovely. Service staff were helpful and engaged but not too present -- lovely wine recommendation to go with our meals. We dined a la crate because I have some food allergies -- we lived most items ans a few were just not to our palates. The dish that stole the show was the Felafel app -- you don't expect that but it was punch full of flavor with herbs running through the entire dough. Next up -- both pastas we're outstanding. The pesto made with Bibb lettuce instead of basil surprised with its freshness. Our mains/secondis were just a little less awesome than the rest of the meal -- but I suspect it's more about comparisons than anything after the first bites raiSed our expectations.

Fine trattoria run by a George Burns and Gracie Allen style couple…read more He is the straight man. She is a real character. She is full of chutzpah, an extremely good saleswoman and convincingly persistent. Once she starts talking to you, one way or the other you are eating at her restaurant. * * * Which is just as well because this is a five star place. We have generally been avoiding getting fish even though my wife is a major fish lover. We were thinking "Fish is Fish". In most places, "Fish is Fish". The fish at Paolo is better. I am convinced the fish was called "scapino" or "scipino". The internet finds no fish called anything like that. But whatever was on my wife's plate was fantastic - even if its name was Hercules. * * * Other treats here. A vegetable selection plate for a contorno that is to beat the band. Peppers worth a gold medal. Zucchini worth a gold medal. Eggplant worth a gold medal. Etc. Etc. With one exception that gets served everywhere in Rome and we still haven't bought into. Agretti. I have seen Agretti growing wild in various parks - and I presume in rural areas wherever. It consists of green strings with thin leaves on the stem. It has a sour uncompromising taste. It is like eating string because it is a string. I can see where people could use it for taste contrast because it is bitter. Italy has had a long history of poverty. So I can see how Italians forced themselves to eat this stuff because it was what was there for free. I am not ready to be a main character in a life-is-hard-in-Italy-social-justice movie quite yet. * * * Fortunately the agretti was followed by a plate of chicken and peppers suitable for being served to Craig Claiborne. Several kinds of peppers and a farmer's chicken in a savory tomato restrained sauce. Tomato restrained is good when you have amazing peppers doing all the work. I was in chicken and pepper bliss. * * * I have one rule that has served me well in most restaurant eating. Avoid a restaurant with a shill. Avoid a restaurant where they are begging you to come in. Logic: If they are so good, why do they have to beg for customers? You can toss that rule out the window with Trattoria da Paolo. The alt-logic for Trattoria da Paolo is the lady running the show is your mother. Do what your mother says. In this case, Mother really knows what is best.

Trattoria Da Paolo is a great restaurant to dine at in Rome. We ordered quite a few dishes,…read moreincluding Cacio e Pepe, pasta with fresh mozzarella and tomato, mixed vegetables, Roman meatballs, tiramisu, and pistachio mousse. The food was great. This place makes the best tiramisu, and I have tried the dish several times in Italy.

If you're looking for a BEAUTIFUL restaurant minutes away from The Vatican I highly recommend…read morestopping by this hidden gem because the restaurant itself is a work of art and is absolutely beautiful inside. You walk in and every inch of the restaurant is decorated with gold trim, angels, and hand painted works of art it's truly something special to see. Service is great everyone is very friendly and the food came pretty quick. Not very crowded even on Saturday night which is great for families or groups looking for a great place for dinner. The food is pretty good, they have an extensive menu, very affordable and well priced, and service was excellent so if you're in the area I definitely recommend stopping by this hidden gem.

We were planning on going to the popular pizzeria next door but it was too busy. I searched on Yelp…read moreand found this place which is right across the street. We ordered pasta and pizza. Given that there were only two other tables in the restaurant, the service was very poor and the food came out after 50 minutes of waiting. Both were edible but not good. Disappointing overall. When we went to pay, the waiter informed us that the Credit card machine was done and we had to pay cash. That's something they should have told us before we ordered or during the 50 mins of waiting. Just go to the place across the street and save your time.

My fiancé and I were celebrating our engagement at this small but quaint restaurant as we were…read morestaying at a hotel nearby and were looking for something with traditional on our last night in Roma. We came in and ordered the Pasta Pesto and Pasta Cabonara and were delighted with some of the best pasta we've had in Rome. Alongside we ordered the Roast Beef and Meatballs with Zucchini and finished out plates even as we were stuffed! The food was delicious alongside a bottle of white wine (15 euros) and sparkling water. The restaurant owner served us personally and was very respectful. The waitstaff understood English and made the experience easy. As Americans, we need to be respectful and polite and they showed us with the exact same treatment. This was out favorite dinner of the entire trip and we ate at some of the more recommended spots in Italy and found that they treated Americans less respectfully than Trattoria Guerra. Bravo! The food was out fast and they respected the time we took to eat. Would definitely recommend this to others and would say try anything on the menu. We had a full 3 course meal for $67 euros including a bottle of wine, bread, and sparkling water. The plating was beautiful and we enjoyed sitting outside under the night sky.

The Tuna Steak was amazing!! So flavorful and tender. The other three dishes were good, but lacked…read morea little flavor (that being said we all over season / flavor our food when we cook for ourselves). It was very fresh. Menu was in English and there was only a very minor language barrier. When I checked in I received a 5% discount. The main gentlemen seemed unaware and was skeptical but he supported it after talking through it with me. After he brought out a free dessert for our table and I left him a 10 Euro tip on our 116 Euro meal. Great decor and ambiance. Highly recommend!!

Insanely delicious meal prepared by a former Michelin star restaurant chef who enjoys the less…read morestressful Osteria life. Located just, but safely outside the swirling madness and mess hall slop restaurants of the tourist areas, the staff and owners are wonderfully friendly, cheerful and hospitable! Every dish was sensational and did not overwhelm or underperform against any of the other dishes. Each dish had its own distinct flavors and appeal. That said, the Cacio e Pepe was sensational!

We have been here twice & both times have been incredible. It's very much a mom & pop restaurant…read more Yes, it can be difficult to find, but soooo worth it. Very comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. Both times we asked what they recommended & both times, the food was amazing. I highly recommend it!

"Hi, I have a reservation at 9:00pm" I say warmly only to be met with a head shake, a step…read moreforward, and an ushering towards the exit. "Il mio Italiano e terrible. Inglese?" I try again. Suddenly her face brightens. "Si" she says, laughs and welcomes my group in. The effort is appreciated. So begins one of the most memorable meals in Roma. Note: This is the "Angry Cousin" trattoria featured on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations Rome. Difficult to find (go by taxi). Very rustic and austere bordering on old BUT oh, such incredible pasta. Carbonara, Carbonara fiori di zucca, amatriciana How can dishes made of such few ingredients taste so incredible. Once you try them you will NEVER be able to eat the American counterparts. The carbonara with its concentrated egg flavor blends perfectly with the earthy pecorino cheese and oil of the guanciale creating a complex creamy flavor that goes on and on. Add the zucchini flowers for the green, herbaceous sweetness. The rustic amatriciana with the extracted tomato sauce, perfect. Other dishes worth mention; the braised tripe, braised oxtail, Tortino di carciofo (artichoke pie). Perfectly cooked and delicious. Almost all the reviews posted by Romans on yelp and that "other review site" say the price is very high. About €35 per person inclusive of the house wine. Note: the house wine matches the simple, flavorful food but is overly simple for most connoisseurs. Is it worth seeking out? Definitely. Just remember, you're a guest, not a customer. Don't be a snob. Pour your own water and wine. Don't complain, Don't waste food. Unlike America, regardless if you paid for the food, Italians view not finishing everything you are served as wasteful. Tip: do not eat the bread when it is brought to the table Use it only to mop up the pasta and meat sauces. Watch the face of the server brighten when they see you doing it the right way. Very little English. Booking required.