We walked by this restaurant near the Trastevere train station for several days, admiring its menu. Yesterday, we tried it for pranzo (Italian mid-day meal) and what a surprise! Behind the simple building facade is a fabulous Roman restaurant! We did not have a reservation, but there were some tables available, and we were given our choice. A glass of prosecco soon appeared to welcome us, followed by the menu, which is fairly extensive. We chose Carciofo alla Giudia for a starter. This was the best deep fried artichoke we have had in nearly 25 years of dining in Rome. For our Primo Plato, we enjoyed a perfect Cacio e Pepe -- homemade egg pasta with garlic, pecorrino cheese and black pepper. We stayed with pasta for our Secondi Plati, enjoying Bucatini Amatriciana and a pasta with bacon and artichokes (alla Gricia). Both were outstanding. Desert was a sinful Roman apple cake with zabaglione gelato. The wine list is being revised, but we found a nice Shiraz from Casale del Giglio in Lazio. The restaurant decor is simple. The staff is superb. Menu is in both Italian and English. We will return for another meal before we leave Rome. read more