When in Rome...wait in line for this one...it moves quickly, and that's part of the fun. This spot is the real deal, reasonably priced, and 100% worth it!
On our first night in Rome, my wife and I stumbled upon II Grottino dal 1936, literally steps from our Airbnb. At first I we thought about passing because the line stretched down the street, but then decided..."when in Rome"...and joined the line. Best decision we could have made.
The wait turned out to be relatively short and also part of the fun. Watching guests duck inside to grab a beer to enjoy while waiting in line was special. Also the atmosphere was lively with friends and family greeting each other with smiles, laughter, and a lot of hugs. Tons of locals...always a good sign. The owner was a one-man show greeting everyone, welcoming us like family. Next he was off bussing tables, delivering food, and still made time to stop for a chat. You could instantly feel like this was a true family-run place.
Once inside, we loved the cozy decor and welcoming vibe. The menu was surprisingly extensive, with plenty of choices. We ordered a bottle of Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, which was refreshing and paired perfectly with our food. It was nice that a few of the staff spoke enough English to help us navigate the menu, which was a nice touch.
We shared a sausage pizza first...think, crunchy, and perfectly balanced with sauce and cheese. Then came the star...the carbonara. Absolutely packed with flavor, not heavily sauced, and just clean and delicious. We ended the meal with a pour of grappa, the perfect night cap.
All in all, this was a fantastic first meal in Italy. Prices were very reasonable, the food was excellent, and the experience unforgettable. Don't let the long line scare you off - this one is worth the wait. read more