After seeing a huge line at Old Bear, we made a reservation for the next day and I am SO glad we did. If you have more than two people you definitely need to make a reservation ahead of time. They've got an upstairs and a downstairs but they fill up very quickly. Every item we had was awesome. My boyfriend has never liked seafood but he LOVED the mussels here. The truffle lasagna is a fan favorite and I see why, it's an awesome take on lasagna and it's so flavorful. We also got the Chocolate Torte (basically a lava cake) and it was really wonderful. I genuinely think everything on their menu is bound to be great, there are no mistakes to be made. If you're in the area I'd highly recommend coming. read more

See all

Starting off strong with their very balanced and jammy house red at €4/glass. Next the perfect starter in Rome, the artichoke. Perfectly cooked and lightly seasoned. Next was the bolognese lasagna with a béchamel sauce and it was the star. Tiramisu for desert was nice, but a little heavy. Old bear is definitely on the list to return. read more

Food so good it made me cry. Staff is friendly and the ambiance is stunning. Absolutely worth finding (back alley). read more

See all

Referred by a friend. Met our Italian fam there. Everything was fantastic!! And I'm not easy to please. Made us a fab cacio e pepe off menu. All 4 entrees were perfect! read more

This place is a hidden gem! I absolutely loved the white truffle lasagna dish. The truffle lasagna is full of mushrooms and even though I dislike mushroom this dish was so good that I ate the entire thing. read more

Old Bear - White Truffle lasagna! So rich and full of flavor. I don't even like mushrooms and this dish was so good, that I enjoyed eating them. - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

See all

The service was great. Please have a reservation. It is small, but well worth it. The food is always very well prepared. The menu can serve foods for people with special requests like gluten free. The prices are not overly expensive. Everyone that I have taken has been very pleased. The ambiance is casual and not to loud. Great service staff. I return often usually every other week. read more

This restaurant had a really good menu with good food options. However, the service that I experienced was really unprofessional and rushed. I didn't feel my business was valued at all. I ended up canceling my main course after ordering two starters and a glass of wine. The manager approached me to see what was wrong, and when I told him how I was feeling, rushed and watched while I ate, he argued with me instead of just apologizing for the poor service I had received. He told me maybe things are different where you are from . Overall I was disappointed and I expected more, especially because it's not cheap. I got the truffle eggs and to be honest it was served with some greasy potatoes and coleslaw with mayo. It was just odd. They weren't that great. I ordered the Seabass, which was wrong marinated in lime. It was OK but nothing special. read more

Quick aperitif before dinner. Served with potato chips and chocolate. Didn't have a reservation so we sat outside on the patio in this quaint neighborhood. Bathrooms were clean but extremely small. read more

Old Bear - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

Stumbled on this place and was pleased. The white truffle lasagna was amazing! I might go back just for this. The bartender working the bar was an outstanding employee. Our actual server was not as welcoming, but not an unusual rome experience. read more

Old Bear - White truffle lasagna and Amatriciana - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

One of the best meals you'll have in Rome! You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. All of the lasagnas are DELICIOUS. The restaurant is so homey and warm, and the staff were always kind and helpful. read more

Old Bear - Pumpkin lasagna - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

Excellent food, especially the steak. Customer service was also excellent with great ambience.

Dined here based on a recommendation from a friend. It's tucked away in an alley away from the crowds. It has an inside dining area, but we chose to sit outside, which had charming little tables / chairs to sit on. We selected the truffle lasagna (recommended by our server) and the gnocchi for our meals. The truffle lasagna was to die for and though the gnocchi was good, the lasagna was the better of the two. They also seemed to have some innovative items on the menu that seemed interesting. Definitely a spot that's different from all the typical restaurants in Rome. read more

Old Bear - Gnocchi with parmesan and mozzarella - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

See all

Favorite meal while in Rome. Every bite was fantastic. Loved the family dynamic with everyone working and enjoying what they do! Sangria's were spectacular. Loved the interior vibe and a great location off the tourist path. Tried to book again but our 2 days in Rome this trip does not match with their hours. Guess I have to come back! read more

The food was excellent. I went with someone who is a vegetarian and they have excellent choices for them. I had a filet medium, which was great. The appetizer baked eggplant parmigiana was spot on as a starter. Entrees truffle mushroom lasagna and stuffed ravioli were amazing even better than the beef filet. It was the best meal I've had thus far in Rome. The staff was very nice and attentive. This may be my "American" bias, but a good number of restaurants in Rome have waiting staff that is laid back and not quite what is expected. It is just different culturely, but at the Old Bear, the staff was attentive and checked on us often with anything that was needed, and it was very appreciated. Please make a reservation, but if you come early enough, they are able to get a table. We walked in for a table of 2, and they were able to squeeze us in. It is a little hidden gem on a cute little side street and great ambiance. If it's closed, there is no sign outside, and you won't even know it is a restaurant. read more

Old Bear - Filet with potatoes, the truffle lasagna (closest), stuffed ravioli (upper left) - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

I accepted seating with note that I needed to wait an hour before ordering food. No problem, I order and enjoy the sangria. But then 90 minutes pass, it's 10pm now and nobody has checked in, not even once. I went upfront to settle the bill and left. No comment was offered about the negligence. Completely disappointing service. read more

Visited Rome in 2017 and still dream about the meal we had here. Pumpkin lasagna was recommended to us, and as other reviews note, can't be missed. I can't remember specifically what else we ordered - but it was all amazing. You truly can't go wrong. The atmosphere is relaxed, home-y, more casual than any sense of pretentious. Kinda felt like we were relaxing into a restaurant we had visited many times before; 'when you're here, you're family!' typa vibe Down a side street and feels like you're walking into oblivion... but it's just a little hidden gem off the beaten path. Not to be missed! read more

See all

The Old Bear is just one of those quaint, appealing little places you stumble across and come back to time and time again. There are so many places to have a meal in Rome, but unless you have a friend that has there before you, you risk being ripped off. That's the sad reality of dining in Rome, is that there are many restaurants who will fleece you. Not so the Old Bear. Located on a rather quiet street neat the Navona, the Bear offers tables inside and out. Inside or out, both equally charming and attractive. This visit we dined out on the street. Service was prompt with a casual friendly air. Outside the door was a sandwich board of the daily specials. They range from 10e to 21 e. For me, my choices are most always the baked eggplant Parmesan or Lasagna. The Parmesan is splendid...served in a crock with rich sauce...not too salty...whole milk cheese and eggplant cooked just right. Ahead of that was the fantastic bread. #2 is the Lasagna with the Linguini and clams a close contender. read more

Co worker took me here - Great food, friendly service in a casual atmosphere. It's more Mediterranean style food than Italian food. I had the best Niçoise salad I've had outside of France! Friends got a bolognese pasta type thing and a beef dish - I wish I could remember exactly what they ordered but it was a long day. But all the food was excellent! I should mention that this dinner with wine and beer was less expensive than the wine bar we visited earlier! Interesting selection of beers, some on tap, some in bottles. Wine was good too. We went early on a Friday and it was already getting busy, so consider making a reservation. Great food with a friendly, good looking staff! read more

Old Bear has a marvelous atmosphere that is romantic and quaint, plus tables are spread apart just enough to have a reasonable amount of privacy. We walked in on a Wednesday evening around 8pm, we were quickly greeted and taken to our table. The service was exceptionally professional and polite throughout the entire evening. We ordered water, cocktails, appetizers, main course, and dessert. My wife and I shared a menu item from each course and enjoyed each others company for several hours. I highly recommend the marinated sea bass as an appetizer as it is served chilled and is absolutely wonderful. Two of our items were specials to include the Roman artichoke, and the lobster fettuccine. The lobster fettuccine was one of the best meals I have ever had and I cannot recommend it enough; the artichoke was also incredible. You cannot go wrong with anything on the menu and you would be devastated if you missed out on the chocolate soufflé for dessert, so be sure to leave room. Ciao! read more

See all

Service from our waiter was pretty ok. All the staff are from Middle East. Pre-covid the staff was local Italian providing excellent service. Now just appears to be a job for this staff. There is no passion for the product or job. I ordered a dish the was on the menu as "homemade ravioli with spinach" Well... when the dish came out it was a wet flat noodle similar to a lasagna. The waiter told me that's how ravioli is made in Italy. Don't insult my intelligence. He just kept asking me how I liked the flavor. I ordered ravioli and you're giving me this dish of a manicotti texture. What do you think! We were a table of 3 and all ordered an appetizer, entree, a bottle of wine at 80€. There was no complimentary aperitif that seems to be a norm with most of the restaurants In Italy. I had to pay the bill downstairs and when I told the female she said yeah we're different as she sipped on her clear alcoholic beverage from a rock glass. She gave the perception of being intoxicated and could've cared less that her restaurant has plummeted. It's a shame that this restaurant has become so awful. While I have read the other post of higher stars mentioning certain dishes-at my visit those weren't on menu. I would definitely choose any other restaurant. (To the owner if a bit of concern was offered when I expressed my disappointment this review never would've been posted. Wake up call) read more

Great experience. Out of the tourist zone. Super great experience and amazing food. Loved the lasagna bread and gnocchi

My co-worker and I could smell the food before we saw the restaurant... it was deliciously intoxicating ... They hadn't opened yet ... the wait staff were not terribly customer friendly, but the Food, is absolutely amazing. Very Italian Meals Cooked with Love... The Owner is the Chef, the mother of the two managing and working the payment center. They are both lovely. I have invited other co-workers and recommended to clients. I have only had great meals. We have ordered second meals to take back with us to eat the next day at work.... My favorite is the Ametriciana SIMPLY FABULOUS, and EXTRAORDINARY great, affordable, and not very touristy... Father designed the interior; Outdoor dining area, Entry floor; cozy, comfortable, warm with open windowed small dining rooms, Upstairs room for large parties.... Make Reservations... read more

We went with a party of 7 (3 small kids and 4 adults). We sat inside and they turned the AC on and closed all the windows when it got warmer. I had the truffle lasagna and it was delicious! The kids had steak and it was melt in your mouth good. There was also very good gluten free options (including bread and pasta) that were very good. The service was good, they were busy and took a bit longer to get some things, but the staff was very kind and helpful. read more

Old Bear - Truffle lasagna and gluten free spaghetti and clams - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

Delicious food! We got the baked eggplant as a starter which was surprisingly the dark horse of the evening -- amazing. We also had truffle lasagna which was perfectly balanced and the Roman style gnocchi which was very different from the gnocchi we're used to but very delicious! Soaked up all of the sauce left with some bread -- absolutely clean plates. House wine was also great. We sat outside which is on a small street that a few vehicles went through but didn't bother us -- a line if 5 horse carriages actually went by us which was fun :) PS: don't get there too close to open because they were not quite ready -- a classic tourist mistake on us! read more

See all

By far my favorite restaurant in Rome, the best meals I had while studying in the Eternal City! The truffle lasagna is all I think about even all the years later. Fantastic service, delicious food, and a quiet gem hidden behind Piazza Navona. read more

The food and service are top notch. Such a quaint little alley way so you can eat outside without traffic interrupting you. I got the truffle lasagne and oh my gosh it was amazing! read more

Old Bear - Truffle lasagna - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

My wife and I enjoyed the place so much, we came back a second time on our 5-day stay in Rome. We discovered the Old Bear via a recommendation from a friend. The location and ambiance were nothing short of romantic. The food was absolutely amazing and the drinks were there with it. Top notch service to boot! We will definitely be back. read more

Old Bear - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

So sorry!! I hate to complain and I hardly ever write reviews at least not negative ones. This was not the place for me. Overly casual service. However, everybody was pleasant and kind. Nothing against them! The bread was so hard and stale, and even though the restaurant thoroughly apologized it is what it is. The food was barely just OK. Nothing special in any way. Not the experience I was looking to have while in Rome. I was expecting something a little bit better with a lot of the positive reviews I read. Might be for others, just not for us. This restaurant came recommended by a friend of ours, but we later learned that it was years and years ago back in college and he was probably heavily drinking at the time lol thank bro haha. Oh well. I did find it hard to find authentic places in Rome. the tourism and tourist traps have just taken over! read more

If I could give this place 6 stars, I definitely would! By far, this was the best dinner I had in Rome -- with wonderful service, a cozy ambience, and exceptionally tasty dishes, Old Bear is unbeatable! The tuna tartare was super fresh and the baked eggplant parmesan was amazing -- I'd have it every day if I could. For mains, I absolutely, without a doubt, would recommend the lasagna with truffles and mushroom. I have never tasted such a wonderful combination of savory and creamy and this lasagna was certainly one to remember! The chocolate cake and cheesecake were both lovely and a perfect way to finish our dinner. This place is definitely one you should not miss on your trip! read more

See all

Came here for a late dinner and would do it again. My husband and I ordered the truffle lasagna and steak, both were so good, we left stuffed! I would definitely come back to this place and would recommend to eat here. If your looking for a nice local spot, this place will not disappoint. read more

This hidden gem is off the beaten tourist path but, lucky for us, was literally around the corner from our airbnb. Food was so good we made a reservation for the following night. House wine, great! Portions large! I don't think it matters what you order as it's all delicious. Husband had oxtail one night, I had truffle lasagne. We thought the prices were very reasonable. The hours of Old Bear cater to jet lagged tourists and is open for dinner at 5:30pm. The weather was gorgeous (early October) and we opted to dine outdoors. It's a narrow street (think alley) but in the evening mostly pedestrians and a few scooters. Team servers were all friendly and service typical Roma. You're not rushed and they don't hover over you. They don't automatically bring you a check when you finish eating. When you want your bill, call a waiter over and say "il conto, per favore". read more

Starting with the service - great! Then the menu- wide variety to choose from! Food was superb! Service was outstanding! My wife and I give "Old Bear" five thumbs up. (Yes I know my wife is only showing one thumb but it's five!) read more

Old Bear - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

Food: 5/5 (went twice, every dish was great. A pappardelle mushroom dish was best entree) Ambiance: 5/5 (chill, friendly, has great charm. Tucked away down little residential street) Service: 5/5 (asked servers for recommendations, gave great recommendations and incredibly friendly) A rare true 5 out of 5 all around experience for a great price read more

When in Rome...you must eat truffle and mushroom lasagna! Especially during truffle season!! Omg, it's really, really good!! I would get this again in a heartbeat. This is a decent sized restaurant, it's two story with outdoor seating options. We didn't have a reservation so we waited longer then usual. This place gets really busy, make sure to get a reservation. I would definitely come back for that truffle lasagna!! read more

Old Bear - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

See all

It was great experience and the super delecious food. A waitress tried her best to give us the best seat and comfortable time, so she asked us to come back about 30mins later even if ee made no reservations. That made us to enjoy the leisure time at the labona square and after that she prepared the perfect table snd gourmets. Thank you I recommend you all to visit Old Bear. read more

The food was delicious. I got the steak and it was tender and cooked perfectly! Several dining for two options if you and the person you are with want the same item. It was very unique compared to the other restaurants in the area and I would definitely recommend this restaurant. read more

Old Bear - Steak baked potatoes and rocket salad - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

One of the best meals we had in Rome! Charming staff and ambiance. Baked eggplant appetizer, truffle lasagna and almond ice cream dessert are to die for! Highly recommend. read more

See all

I'm a flight crew member and been coming here for over 15 years. Got my first Rome trip this month in 2 years. Oh how I've missed this place! Wouldn't think of going anywhere else for dinner. Spinach salad and truffle lasagna are my two favorites. But I have so many! Good thing I have 3 more trips this month. Next week...Caprese salad, and the pumpkin lasagna. So many excellent choices! Good thing I get to come back often. read more

Fantastic gem off the beaten path of Rome. You must try the anchovy toast, gnocchi, and paella. Amazing place. My 7 year old son wanted to add to this review. "Ps it was great" read more

Old Bear - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

After seeing the plethora of five star reviews of old bear, my husband and I decided to judge for ourselves and truly, it is worthy. To start, we ordered the truffled toast. If you like truffles, this is amazing. Every bite is bursting with flavor so rich and addicting. it is out of this world and I plan to be back specifically for this item. We ordered the spaghetti with bacon. The pasta was cooked al dente which I like and the portion size was large. I ordered the lasagna with truffles, also very good. It's presented on a hot plate. The mushroom flavor really came through and again, those truffles! This place was a sheer delight and I loved learning to love Italian food. Service prompt and friendly and location pretty central. Do come if you have no idea where to eat in Rome. read more

See all