"Wow" is all we could say after having a 2 hr lunch here (on purpose). We were recommended this restaurant from some local Wisconsinites, who travel to Rome for their church. Come to find out, Archbishop Timothy Dolan eats there as well, on his trips there.
We finished our tour of the Vatican and made our way to the restaurant, which was just behind it. It was 2:30 and they were not really open for service. But, the owner sat us down and prepared us for an eating adventure.
He started us with a simple bruschetta of toasted bread with sliced tomatoes/oil and oregano. He then brought some grilled eggplant, just because. Each had a simple design but deep taste. It was just the beginning of simple excellence.
It was our first meal of the day and we had plenty of room for what we were about enjoy. We started with mozzarella caprese and melon/prosciutto. Both were fresh and well seasoned to bring out the flavors of each item.
In typical Italian style, we went with pasta next. Ravioli, Rigatoni and Gnocchi. The ravioli was ricotta/basil with a lite tomato sauce. Rigatoni was with smoked salmon and lite tomato sauce. Both were lite but so deep in flavor. The gnocchi was absolutely incredible (we had two servings of it). It was served in a sweet Gorgonzola/pepper cream sauce. The Gorgonzola with not overpowering and blended well with the pepper. Simple to make (1/2 cup cream, 1-1.5 Tbsp sweet Gorgonzola, 1 Tbsp rough ground pepper and 2 Tbsp of Parma cheese. Heat softly until all blended) but so delicious. We used every piece of bread to soak up the remaining sauce.
We followed that up with several pizzas and a fried calamari. Pizzas had a great crust, sauce and perfect amount of fresh cheese. The calamari were lightly breaded and dusted with a slight amount of salt to make the the flavor jump.
It was one of the best meals I have ever had. It was so simplistic but so deep with flavor. Additionally, the price was below that of other restaurants in that vicinity off the Vatican. If you are ever in Rome, do as the bishops do and eat here. You will enjoy every moment of the meal. read more