Month: April 2024

Ristorante Il Fantino

I was looking for a place to have a quick lunch before heading to Fiumicino. I found this restaurant with positive reviews on Google Maps, conveniently situated down the street from where I was staying. Il Fantino is in a quiet area within the Jewish Ghetto alongside the Portico of Octavia. There is a small indoor dining area and a beautiful courtyard adorned with hanging vines. I arrived right at the opening and was the first one there, but customers gradually started arriving, and before long, the outdoor dining area was filled up. Service was efficient and friendly.

The menu offers a simple selection of antipasti, pasta, secondi, and desserts. I ordered a Carciofo alla Romana (Fried artichoke), Rigatoni all’Amatriciana (Rigatoni with bacon, hot pepper, tomato, and Roman cheese), and a Tiramisu.

As I waited for my meal, they brought out a bruschetta. It was amazing—the warm bread with a fresh, pureed tomato topping was just perfect.

The fried artichoke, lightly seasoned with salt, offers a taste reminiscent of artichoke chips, albeit a tad oily.
The pasta was delicious, simple yet flavorful, and not spicy. Every rigatoni was perfectly coated in the sauce.


I found that the flavor, texture, and consistency of the Tiramisu are more reminiscent of a custard than the type that I prefer, which is richer and creamier.

 

Ristorante Il Fantino

Website: https://www.ristoranteilfantino.it/
Telephone: +390666736928
Opening hours:

Saturday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–10:30 pm
Sunday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–10:30 pm
Monday
  • 12–3 pm
Tuesday
  • Closed
Wednesday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–10:30 pm
Thursday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–10:30 pm
Friday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–10:30 pm

Address: Via di S. Angelo in Pescheria, 13/14, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

A hiddle gem: La Pace del Palato

Nestled in a charming alleyway adjacent to the bustling Piazza Navona, La Pace del Palato is a hidden gem recommended by our Airbnb host. The restaurant features a rustic-chic setting with exposed brick walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The menu is small but each dish is carefully crafted to excellence.

Upon entering the restaurant, we were warmly greeted by Renato, the owner, whose polite and inviting demeanor immediately made us feel welcome.

If it wasn’t for our host’s recommendation, we might not have discovered this place.

We decided to try the puntarella salad, beef fillet strips with artichokes, and black truffle topped with Parmesan.

Puntarella is a type of chicory with a mild bitterness, resembling the texture of celery root and a touch of fennel. It’s a popular dish in Rome. The puntarella we ordered was refreshing and crisp, enhanced by the salty umami flavors from the anchovies.

The beef strips were tender and packed with flavor. The combination of tender beef, artichokes, and black truffle was simply delicious.

La pace del palato

Website: http://www.lapacedelpalatocatering.com/
Telephone: +390668135463
Opening hours: 

Tuesday
  • 7:30–11 PM
Wednesday
  • 7:30–11 PM
Thursday
  • 7:30–11 PM
Friday
  • 1–4 PM
  • 7:30–11 PM
Saturday
  • 1–4 PM
  • 7:30–11 PM
Sunday
  • 1–4 PM
  • 7:30–11 PM
Monday
  • Closed

Address: Via del Teatro Pace, 42, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

First meal in Rome at Antica Hostaria Romanesca

I came here on the recommendation of my Airbnb host, who spoke highly of it. He knew the owner and was kind enough to call ahead to let them know we were coming. The servers were a mother-daughter duo. The mother greeted us warmly and escorted us to our seats, radiating hospitality and friendliness.
The restaurant in Campo de’ Fiori offered simple, no-frills Roman cuisine. I was somewhat skeptical due to its touristy location, but to my surprise, the food was delicious.  I left feeling satisfied and full.

Puntarelle is a classic Roman dish—refreshing, crisp, and savory. The saltiness of the anchovies helps soften the bitterness, and the olive oil brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony. My host insisted that I try this dish, and I’m so glad I did.

Pollo e Peperoni (Chicken with onions, bell peppers and tomato)

The chicken was incredibly tender, with meat so tender it practically fell off the bone. The peppers were soft, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Bistecca alla Griglia (Grilled beef steak)
Abbacchio Scottadito (Grilled lamb chops)

Both grilled beef and lamb chops were tender and juicy. The exterior char added a delightful smokiness.

Tiramisu

The tiramisu had a light and creamy texture with a custard-like consistency. However, it was slightly sweeter than I preferred.

 

Antica Hostaria Romanesca

Website: https://www.facebook.com/anticahostariaromanesca
Telephone: +39066864024
Opening hours:

Sunday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm
Monday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm
Tuesday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm
Wednesday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm
Thursday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm
Friday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm
Saturday
  • 12–3 pm
  • 7–11 pm

Address: Campo de’ Fiori, 40, 00186 Roma RM, Italy