"The emblematic restaurant of Carpineto Romano"
I would like to provide travelers with a review written by a native (eater) since I grew up in Carpineto Romano.
Considering La Sbirra as a traditional restaurant of Lazio region is too simplistic. With more than 150 years of history, we may say indeed that it is one of the culinary symbols of Carpineto Romano.
It represents what inhabitants love: spending as much time as possible chatting, eating and drinking.
In other words, it is a restaurant designed on the village's customs that include 1- eating at least five courses (i.e. "antipasto, primo, secondo, contorno e dolce") plus coffee and a liquor (i.e. "ammazza caffè") and 2- sharing local news.
It might take up to 3 hours to foolish up an entire meal. Therefore, do not be surprised if the service may appear slow because it reflects what the residents want: having time to eat and chat in a relaxing environment.
Looking at the dishes, they are as ancient as abbundant. They haven't changed for ages, that is why, I guess, there is no written menu: native people know what they can eat there. I recommend the "Fettuccine al sugo" which is a homemade pasta dried at least 7 days seasoned with a light tomato and meat sauce. To be honest, the shape of this pasta is similar to tagliolini but native residents call it "Fettuccina Carpinetana". This is not a surprise since in Italy every single village has its own language and, apparently, this works also for food. You should also try the ravioli filled with ricotta cheese and spinach or the gnocchi with mushrooms and truffle. As a second course I suggest the rabbit cooked with carrots and olives or the lamb seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs.
Turning to the service, the maitre Luca is friendly and fun. He has vast knowledge about local wines, especially about Cesanese del Piglio. I feel, however, that the stars of this restaurant are females: Immacolata, Floriana and Beatrice, respectively grandmother, mother and daughter. Not only they cook properly, but they also welcome you familiarly.
Speaking about prices, last time I spent 30€ for 2 courses and a memorable bottle of red wine, but generally you can have 3 courses plus the house wine for 25€.
To sum up, La Sbirra is a place to preserve as it is. A place that breathes local manners and tastes ancient flavours. A restaurant run by the same family for 4 generations. This is why I think it deserves 5 stars. Remember: you should be starving but you shouldn't be in a hurry. My advice is to pretend to be a native inhabitant and enjoy the atmosphere. read more