Rome 2012 Guidebook
Best and worst restaurants:
Best: Flann O'Brien on Via Nazionale
Why: Great food and service!!! also was very close to our hotel. We stayed in Hotel Opera on Via Firenze, a subsidiary location for Hotel Sonia on Via del Viminale.
Larry Barstow in Buena Park, Ca USA 11/30/2011
Best: Hostaria dei Bastioni
Why: Perfect after the hectic visit to the Vatican Museum
Rachel in Washington, DC USA 11/08/2011
Best: L'invincible restaurant & wine bar
Why: Wonderful people who enjoy their jobs, innovative food and lovely ambiance.
christi lavoy in naples, fl USA 10/18/2011
Best: 2 that Marco recommended, but cant remember names
Why: One was for fish, at the end of Arco dei Tolomei,near the river on left. One of the windows says Erborista, but that is not the name. Marco can advise.
The other was Marco's choice of the best pizza in all of Rome on main boulevard.
Cindy Luis in Cambria, CA USA 10/07/2011
Best: n/a
Why: n/a; I did my own...
Worst: n/a
Why: n/a
Yolanda in New York, NY USA 10/03/2011
Best: Hostaria Antica Roma Restaurant
Why: This casual family restaurant in the Catacombs is so unique. A once in a lifetime experience. It is on the Appia the queen of all roads of the Roman Empire. The menu is extensive and delicious with an excellent wine list. The restaurant is air conditioned and on summer nights they have live dinner music and dinner by candle light under the stars. Massimo Magnanimi and his family run this restaurant. It is a little ways out from the city but well worth the taxi ride close to the Appia Antica Archeological Park. Don't miss it!!!
Ginbud in Niceville, Fl USA 09/28/2011
Best: Ristorante Pizzeria "da Francesco"
Why: You described this restaurant very well, particularly the "hardworking young waitstaff." The food wasn't five-star, but it was definitely well above average. My 16-year-old son's steak fillet was so tender--he inhaled it. Also, for dessert, we ordered the watermelon. It was the juiciest, best-tasting watermelon I have ever had and the slice was HUGE. But best of all was the atmosphere. It was buzzing (and on a Sunday night!), full of life and lots of locals. This was a very fond memory of Rome for me.
Worst: La Cambusa, Positano
Why: The food at La Cambusa was very average and the service took FOREVER even though we arrived somewhat early. Waiter spoke no English (which I find odd for such a touristy place). It was a struggle to order. We ate across the way the next night at La Pergola. The food was excellent, especially the white bean salad with seafood. Our waiter was so friendly and very attentive. We felt much more welcome at La Pergola and it was a much more positive experience for our last night in Positano.
Cynthia in Wellesley, MA USA 08/18/2011
Best: Ristorante del Giglio, Rome
Why: Although slightly pricey, the food and atmosphere are incredible and make a memorable, relaxing evening.
Judy in Boulder, CO USA 08/01/2011
Best: Ristorante alla Rampa
Why: Located in a small square near the Spanish Steps, this restaurant is excellent. It used to be recommended by RS, but was dropped from the books several years ago, which we can't understand. We have been there several times over the last 10 years, and always enjoyed it. It has an incredible antipasto bar, and we routinely make a meal of that alone. The bar and the house wines are very reasonably priced, and their outdoor seating is excellent. It should be included once more as a recommended restaurant.
Ron in DeWitt, MI USA 06/30/2011
Worst: Osteria da Mario
Why: Grumpy staff
Lynette in Brooksville, FL USA 06/25/2011
Best: La Rustichella
Why: The house wine was to die for! I had a simple spaghetti that was simply amazing. The service was good and the prices were reasonable. Right next door is Gelateria Millennium which was the best gelato we had in Rome.
Worst: Not worst, just 2nd best: Ristorante il Gabriello
Why: We ordered the recommended Claudio's Extravaganza, it was the most extravagant meal I personally I have ever had. It was all delicious, but we enjoyed the cheaper and equally delicious La Rustichella slightly more.
Katie Yingling in Lubbock, TX USA 06/11/2011
Worst: Hostaria da Nerone
Why: Terrible service, need more staff. We left our table after waiting 30 minutes without even a menu. The only waiter working outside just watched us leave.
Rob in NY, NY USA 05/27/2011
Best: Il Gabriello and Ristorante Santa Cristina
Why: Il Gabriello as a RS recommendation, great place that uses organic vegetables from the family farm - WOW!
We also ate at Santa Cristina and the lasagna and gnocchi were too die for! Excellent apple pie as well.
Worst: Der Pallero
Why: This meal was a disaster - Rick you need to rethink this recommendation. We knew the meal was preset but the food was bad and the portions very small. The staff was rude. They just threw down the plates and walked away. AVOID!
Frank in Washington, DC USA 05/26/2011
Best: Taverna la Coppelle
Why: Our apartment was right across the street! Their house wine was delicious and the pizza, well, it speaks for itself
Worst: pizza in Naples
Why: Honestly, after pizza in Rome, the famous pizza in Naples was no better. It was still sensational but I'm a devout fan of Taverna. Who has a bad meal in Rome?
Sheila Redling in Huntington , WV USA 05/22/2011
Best: Da Lucia (in Trastevere)
Why: great food, great atmosphere
Giuliana Chapman in Roanoke, VA USA 05/13/2011
Best: We liked them all!
Why: I don't think we had anything remotely resembling bad food while in Italy.
Shannon Fonferko in Schaumburg, IL USA 03/20/2011
Best: Dar Burratto
Why: Good service, good food, extremely good Antipasti buffet. Near to guest house.
Dorit in BS, CH 03/15/2011
Best: Le Mani in Pasta
Why: Fresh Pasta and great fish in safe hands. Highly recommended - book ahead.06.5816017
Delyth Edwards in Cardiff, Wales, G.B. 03/09/2011
Best: N/A
Why: Can't say we used any of those in the guide book except maybe the cafe in the Capitoline museum for a snack. But we took Rick's advice and stayed away from everything touristy. Everywhere we went, we were the only English speakers, and we ate delicious food every time!
Worst:
Why: Not in Rick's guide book, but we did try a "pizza kabob" place. We saw them all over, and since we are big fans of middle eastern food, decided to give it a try. Ugh, very much a fast-food taste: lots of grease and salt, while managing to taste dry and bland. I guess London is the place to try exotic flavors, not Rome!
Synda Sallee in Scottsdale, AZ USA 02/28/2011
Worst: Mad Jacks Irish Pub, Rome
Why: I was in Rome on Via Arenula and found myself in need of a toilet. I went to Mad Jacks Irish Pub and asked a redheaded barmaid if I could use the facility. She rudely responded that the toilet was only for use by customers. I later found out that in Rome it is unlawful for bars and restaurants to prohibit toilet acces to anyone, customer or not. If I had told a polizia they would have issued a fine on the spot. Great law! So next time you need a toilet in Rome, try Mad Jacks on Via Arenula 20...and remember you dont need to buy anything there!
Honestjournalist in Miami, FL USA 02/24/2011
Best: Pizza Sonnino
Why: Located in the Trastevere area. Mario, the "boss", was charming. The Tavola Calda included wonderful home made orcchietti and the spinach pizza was great. Other guests were very friendly which was nice as I was traveling alone.
MaryAnn Whalen in Sebastopol, CA USA 01/30/2011
Best: La Trattoria
Why: Great dining experience in minimalistic setting. Refined, sicilian original food. Worth every calorie. Pricey.
dahl in Minneapolis, MN USA 01/29/2011
Best: Ristorante Pizzeria Sacro e Profano
Why: Loved the place! Great food, great athmosphere, friendly service. Their mixed antipasti plate was the best I've ever had.
Robert in Boeblingen, Germany 01/25/2011
Best: Trattoria der Pallaro
Why: My wife's friend had told her about this place, then I read your review and it was dead on. Food was OK, but it was a fun night with Paola, who made sure your plate was cleared of all food.
Jim Bonatakis in Freehold, NJ USA 01/21/2011
Best: Miss Pizza
Why: We weren't looking for fancy stuff, and this little place across the street from our hotel was good and inexpensive. In fact, all the little food shops were cheap and good (in our area).
John in Denton, TX USA 12/12/2010
Best: Gabriello
Why: Flavorful food with nice atmosphere - what more do you want!
Worst: Trattoria del Pallaro
Why: Bad service, bad food and really not that cheap considering we didn't eat the full meal.
Ben & Liz Montgomery in London, UK 11/22/2010
Best: L'EnotecAntica
Why: Only one recommended in book we visited and it was excellent. Other restaurants recommended by our local guide and they were very good. Restaurants in Trastavere and Jewish Ghetto not in your book.
Sheila Forchtner in San Clemente, CA USA 11/12/2010
Best: Giovanni's in Rome
Why: Fabulous food, location, and prices.
Worst: The irish pub in Rome
Why: Much higher prices then in guide, and horrid food
Tina Hvizdos in Porter, TX USA 11/12/2010
Best: Trattoria da Lucia
Why: All the food was outstanding! Can't eat pasta or pizza at home anymore. The highlight was Uncle Ennio joined us for dinner. he signed our Rick Steve's guide!
Bob Conigliaro in East Lyme, Ct USA 11/08/2010
Best: "Off the beaten track" restaurants.
Why: Lower prices, fine food.
Anne Schumann in Savannah, GA USA 11/06/2010
Best: Termi di Dioclesian, Irish Pub and Antica Boheme
Why: All very close to Hotel Sonya, convenient at the end of a long day of walking, sightseeing, food good, reasonable prices
Martins in HOPEWELL, VA USA 11/03/2010
Worst: Trattoria del Pallaro
Why: It was plain food that was way overpriced, and not a 5-course meal. It started out encouraging with a varied antipasti plate. The ziti was so so, but ho hum pork roast and overcooked broccoli, and potato chips, then dry cake, and a shot of mandarine juice, but no soup or salad or coffee, and no break on the price because we don't drink wine (we asked for coffee, but no.) It was the worst meal on our trip.
Merrill in Sacramento, CA USA 10/26/2010
Best: Le Mani in pasta
Why: Super super Food price reasonable
Morks in Baden, AG Swiss 10/05/2010
Worst: Restaurante da Fortunato
Why: Worst:Restaurante da Fortunato was a bust. We dressed up a little,did not have a reservation, but there was plenty of seating inside and a few outside. The very stuck up maitre 'd looked down his nose at us -- not sure why.. and gave us a very bad table by the passageway where waiters were going in and out. Another couple, also dressed similar, also without reservations, were seated in a lovely table on the edge of the outside. They were then waited on quickly while we were still waiting. We finally walked off without ordering. And went over to the "touristy" restaurant right on the Piazza Pantheon, Di Reinzo. We were welcomed with a smile, seated at a nice table and quickly served with grace. I was presented with a souvenir postcard with pretty picture of the restaurant. The food was good-- mine was homemade pasta and pesto. The scene on the piazza was entertaining, jazz band and human parade.
Judy Gibson in Lake Elmo, MN USA 10/03/2010
Best: Gelateria Cafe
Why: Technically not a restaurant, but the best gelato. Located near Pantheon and nice for a break. Pay first, then pick up your gelato.
Debra in New York, NY USA 08/15/2010
Worst: Caffe delle Studente
Why: Our lunch here was the worst we had in Rome. Going there after leaving the Colosseum on the advice of the book, we were looking forward to something that was at least average. If we had to grade it, we give it an F. Ordering a large antipasto, we were given a plate that included hot dogs (yes, hot dogs split lengthwise), a piece of sausage, tasteless ham, a spoonful of jarred artichoke hearts, two pieces of bruschetta (best thing on the plate), a couple pieces of salami, 3 slices of tomato, and a handful of olives. Very disappointing and Rick should review why he includes this place in his book.
Mary Bruels in Gulfport, FL USA 08/15/2010
Best: Page 791: Ristorante il Gabriello
Why: We were hesitant to enter, due to note about "dress respectfully, no shorts", but a number of customers were in shorts (I had on a short-sleeved shirt), and we were made very welcome, and had a great meal. I finished off my meal with a Lemoncello, and the manager said it was "on the house".
Steve in Pleasanton, CA USA 08/08/2010
Best: Ristorane di Pasquino, and a couple of others...
Why: Ristorante di Pasquitno (on Piazza di Pasquino, just west of Piassa Navona) is very near Osteria da Mario, but the food and service were both outstanding. Great regional specialties that the waiters urged us to try. And very affordable.
For a splurge meal, try Ostaria Gorte dell Grillo, on Via Grillo, near the Colosseum. The grilled scampi appetizer was probably the best single thing we had in three weeks in Rome, but the price was astonishing - 50 euros!
Another lovely choice is Ristorant Termi di Diocleziano, near the train station. Superlative food, attentive service, and not too much of a budget-buster. Again, it's a splurge. We also made repeat trips to Giglio, and Lumiere da Sicilia.
Worst: Osteria da Mario
Why: The food wasn't bad, but the service was terrible. There was only one table occupied when we arrived for an early lunch, but the waitress insisted we sit at the only table NOT under the sunshade. She brought us the wrong kind of water, didn't bring bread, and we didn't receive our food until people who had arrived after we did were already finished! Luckily, Mario himself showed up, and things improved. He chastised the two young servers for not taking care of their stations, and he brought us bread and our food. This is probably the only place we ate in Rome that we would not return to. Unless we saw Mario standing there.
Jane in Sapulpa, OK USA 07/15/2010
Best: All gelatoerias!
Why: I tried as many gelato stores as possible and non failed to satisfy my taste. I tried some other ones not recommended in the book and was not as impressed.
Amanda Kwon in St. Louis, MO USA 07/12/2010
Worst: La Isolda della Pizzeria
Why: We didn't even get a chance to try their supposedly excellent food because they loaded us up with unordered antipasti and bread. We even asked the waiter if it was included as he was populating our table without even taking our order (our menus were still on the table) and he ignored us. Another American family next to us got the same treatment but the Romans did not. Even if we wanted the antipasti we would never order three helpings! Please take this restaurant out of your guidebook. A quick view of other travel sites show that their unethical practices are common. An endorsement in your publication suggests that this business is trustworthy, but it is not. If you keep it in your guide, you will lose trust in your readers.
Nancy Atkinson in Takoma Park, MD USA 07/04/2010
Best: Dar Poeta and Giolitti
Why: Dar Poeta was inexpensive, and the pizza was delicious, super thin crust! Giolitti was the best gelato we had in Rome. Super creamy and fresh tasting. The crowds there say it all.
LJ in Toronto, ON Canada 06/14/2010
Best: Enzo
Why: Atmosphere and food (but remember to book)
G & M Finnie in Shetland, UK 06/07/2010
Best: Ristorante alla Rampa
Why: Your guide says to arrive by 19:30 or prepare to wait. We arrived at 19:15 and watched the crowd build from our table. Great food - watching him pour the chocolate sauce over my profiterole was so entrancing, I nearly forgot to say "when". A leisurely stroll through the adjacent Spanish Steps and down to Piazza Navona finished off the last of three perfect nights in Rome.
Alan in Crestwood, KY USA 05/15/2010
Best: Osteria da Giovanni ar Galletto and Filetti di Baccalà
Why: The Osteria food was very good. The two waiters. Yes two, had there hands full with all the patrons. But you always have to remember that bad service is good service in Europe (It doesn't matter to me, I'm on vacation and in no hurry). Now Filetti di Bacala. For a small restaurant it sure packs a big punch. We had almost everything on the menu and it was great. BE WARNED it's very popular with the locals and you might have to wait for a table. They are both located off the Campo di Fiori. For some reason we kept going back to this area to eat dinner time and time again. Also we kept finding these small hole in the walls that served sandwiches or panini with wine or beer, GO FOR IT they were good.
Worst: Pizza???
Why: Come on Pizza? I lOVE PIZZA, but every day! Everywhere! After a couple of pizzas I was jonesing for Mickey D's, and I rarely eat MD's at home. I don't know where it was but I ordered an Italian sausage and pasta, I got a crappy hot dog with Pasta. I'll take Spain's culinary experience any time over Rome's. After experiencing eating in Rome, If you want good Italian food go to Chicago (WOW), New York's Little Italy, Miami"s Italian restaurant scene (where I'm from) or even The Olive Garden. My wife is not Italian, but when she cooks any of Giada De Laurentiis recipes, BABY, stand back you're in for a treat (my wife is an awesome cook). Maybe I was expecting too... much? Maybe a civilization that has existed for so long would have figured out how to prepare something other than pizza. Sorry folks the food in Rome did NOT impress me!
MIguel Romero in Pembroke Pines, FL USA 05/10/2010
Best: Osteria da Giovanni ar Galletto and Filetti di Baccalà
Why: The Osteria food was very good. The two waiters. Yes two, had there hands full with all the patrons. But you always have to remember that bad service is good service in Europe (It doesn't matter to me, I'm on vacation and in no hurry). Now Filetti di Bacala. For a small restaurant it sure packs a big punch. We had almost everything on the menu and it was great. BE WARNED it's very popular with the locals and you might have to wait for a table. They are both located off the Campo di Fiori. For some reason we kept going back to this area to eat dinner time and time again. Also we kept finding these small hole in the walls that served sandwiches or panini with wine or beer, GO FOR IT they were good.
Worst: Pizza???
Why: Come on Pizza? I lOVE PIZZA, but every day! Everywhere! After a couple of pizzas I was jonesing for Mickey D's, and I rarely eat MD's at home. I don't know where it was but I ordered an Italian sausage and pasta, I got a crappy hot dog with Pasta. I'll take Spain's culinary experience any time over Rome's. After experiencing eating in Rome, If you want good Italian food go to Chicago (WOW), New York's Little Italy, Miami"s Italian restaurant scene (where I'm from) or even The Olive Garden. My wife is not Italian, but when she cooks any of Giada De Laurentiis recipes, BABY, stand back you're in for a treat (my wife is an awesome cook). Maybe I was expecting too... much? Maybe a civilization that has existed for so long would have figured out how to prepare something other than pizza. Sorry folks the food in Rome did NOT impress me!
MIguel Romero in Pembroke Pines, FL USA 05/10/2010
Worst: Tre Pupazzi (near Vatican on pedestrian Borgo Pio
Why: Food adequate, but unfortunately, it was the worst experience our family has had of outright rude waiter behavior, directed at non-Italian patrons. I literally waited 25 min for the check, after asking 4 times, sitting alone after my family left to continue shopping, and finally having to stand up and go to the back to pay. We noticed two other tables being equally ignored (a German couple, and another American family), while two Italian families (apparently regulars), were attended to quickly, often with more than one waiter. I felt very disrespected. Experiencing "local" favorite restaurants is one thing, but this was flagrant nationalistic distain and rudeness toward tourists. Sorry, but I would recommend removing the Rick Steve's endorsement.
William Cartmill in Kalamazoo, MI USA 05/07/2010
Best: sora margarita
Why: Just as described. Great atmosphere. Food very good, service as well.
gary gomby in west Hartford, ct USA 04/13/2010
Best: Ristorante Sant'Eustachio
Why: Not to be confused with Café Sant'Eustachio, this may be our favorite restaurant in Rome. Not extremely fancy, just wonderful. Try it for lunch or dinner. We ate here twice, once for lunch and the second time for dinner, and neither time disappointed. What we ate: ravioli stuffed with slices of artichokes in an asparagus sauce. Yum! The gnocchi was also delicious. Also, their ragout sauce over rigatoni was simply amazing . . . you’ll want to lick the plate! They also have wonderful Jewish-style fried artichokes (order one plate and share). For dessert, the semifreddo is wonderful. They also serve assorted cookies (complimentary) when you order espresso.
Kristy in Westfield, NJ USA 04/11/2010
Best: Osteria da Giovanni ar Galleto, Trattoria der Pallaro
Why: Both are excellent -- at Galleto the lamb was exceptional with good wine recommendations, at Pallaro food was unusually good and nice experience for a late lunch in Rome, especially on Sunday when many places were closed. We also liked Pizzeria "Al Marmi" which was fun with excellent pizza. Another good place which you didn't mention was Da Enzo in the Trastevere neighborhood (definitely need to either go early or make a reservation). W also had lunch at Hostaria Isidoro which was good.
Worst:
Why: We always had good luck with our restaurant choices in Roma, due largely to suggestions from your guide book and our hosts.
Bill Beckner in Austin, TX USA 04/04/2010
Best: Maccheroni (near Pantheon)
Why: Food and service were great, priced were reasonable and it was on the same block as our B&B (Baldissini). Recommended to us by our Through Eternity tour guide, an American ex-pat.
Steve in Tulsa, OK USA 04/01/2010
Best: Pub Crawl
Why: Our young adult children had the best time visiting various bars with people from all over the world. Despite getting in at 4 am, they managed to be down in the hotel restaurant at 7 am for a full day of touring the city on foot. (HAHA)
Jane Coghlan in Vilonia, AR USA 03/25/2010
Worst: McDonald's at the Pantheon
Why: The hotel told us that the McDonald's offered free WiFi with a purchase of food. But that only works if you have a European mobile phone. American phones that do not have local phone numbers do not benefit. We enjoyed the french fries anyway!
Donna in Winston-Salem, NC USA 03/22/2010
Best:
Why: we never had a bad meal, nor an expensive. We used a very simply trick, only go to really busy restaurants, and stay off the piazza squares.
Kevin Lang in Denver, CO USA 03/18/2010
Best: Ristorante Da Giovanni
Why: The food was great and the waitstaff was wonderful. We had an older gentleman who pretty much ran the show in the room we were eating in. He spoke to us in Italian and repeated our botched pronunciations correctly when we ordered which made it feel authentic. He was very kind and made sure we were not troubled even to move something on the table for him to put down another plate. It was the only restaurant we ate at that we truly felt like we were in a real Italian restaurant.
Jennifer Duke in Peabody, MA USA 03/16/2010
Best: Ristorante il Gabriello
Why: The food was wonderful, fresh and carefully prepared. The restaurant was lovely, people were friendly. When we went in early March most of the diners were Europeans. When asked how we heard about the restaurant and we mentioned your guide book, we were offered complementary glasses of limoncello. An altogether wonderful evening
Nancy in Pella, IA USA 03/07/2010
Best: Miscellanea
Why: This was a fun place with interactive staff (especially to the girls dining there). The "sexy wine" was tasty.
Worst: Snack bars
Why: Watch out for microwave fare from these places. The pizzas and pastas are frozen.
Dale in Fairfield, OH USA 03/05/2010
Best: Baffeto
Why: Best Pizza in Rome that I had. Also went to Naples and ate at both famous pizza places there (michelle and tornino ((sp?)) but baffeto was by far the best.
Michaek in NYC, NY USA 03/01/2010
Worst: Ristorante il Gabriello
Why: This was a recommendation from your book and we made a reservation here as it was "full of locals." We were very disappointed to find out that there were all Americans in this restaurant. All guests were speaking American English, not even another European tourist was present. The food was mediocre and way over-priced, probably because they are used to tourists eating here. I would not return unless I wanted to meet other Americans.
Bevin in Stuttgart, Germany 02/25/2010
Worst: Trattorie de Pallaro
Why: You would think if they only serve one entree it would be excellent, insted we got boiled, bland veal, mediocre pasta, dried out olives, mozzarella from the package, and a plate of potato chips. The woman with the towel on her head was charming, but that doesn't make up for bad food. By far, the worst and most dissapointing meal we had in Rome.
Mary in Kaiserslautern, Germany 01/23/2010
Best: Ristorante Pietro in Rome
Why: A small family run restaurant near Piazza Navonna. Small, homey great food, reasonable prices. The owners speak English. Off the beaten path but well worth it. 5 min walk from Piazza Navonna at via dei Pianellari 19.
Jorge USA 01/21/2010
Best: Miscellanea, near Pantheon
Why: Good food at a good price and a very friendly, comfortable feel to it.
Marlon in Milpitas, Ca USA 01/10/2010
Best: Gabrielo
Why: A very good dining experience in a very good location! Right at the end of the Night Walk. It is well priced for the area and a very good meal! Definitely recommend!
Worst: Restaurante Target
Why: The service was poor. They were out of everything we asked them for. My girlfriend was upset that there were no hot looking Italian men, which she was REALLY looking forward to! But, I guess that may be subjective. The food was very average. Our waiter really was not very good at all. He screwed up something at every table around us including ours. I didnt think it was very well-priced, especially for what you got and the location.
Brian Freund in Keego Harbor, MI USA 11/11/2009
Best: Ristorante la Carbonara, Campo dei Fiori
Why: Pasta carbonara is superb, pork dishes were excellent, dolci were divine espcially the chocolate cream. Excellent service and definitely sit on the piazza or upstairs.
Worst: Ristorante Il Gabriello, via Vittoria 31
Why: Remove this from your book! Wrong street number, full of American tourists carrying Rick Steves book, greeting and service not very friendly, waiter would not speak English so I did my best in Italian. Especially galling: I paid a premium for a bisteca with "Lardo di Colonnata" but was served just a plain slice of tasteless lard. It was a fraud! I should complain to the Italian police.
Bob H. in San Diego, CA USA 11/09/2009
Best: MISCELLANEA
Why: Portions are huge and waiters will discourage you from ordering too much. Mikki was unbelievable! We sat and talked with him after our meal for about 45mins.He gave us a free glass of lemonicello and grappa,on our return visit he gave us a free bottle of sexy wine on our way out. A big man with a big heart!
Ken in Corona, CA USA 11/09/2009
Best: All were great
Why: Reasonably priced, good food and service.You might want to add Sora Margherita, in the Ghetto. Small, with timed sittings for dinner. great food and service. A little difficult to find.
Susan Handloff in Steamboat Springs, CO USA 11/02/2009
Worst: Al Bric restaurant
Why: When we arrived at this restaurant we were immediately welcomed(?)into the restaurant with the question of whether we had a reservation; after telling the owner no we were told to call next time but that we would be "allowed" to eat at his establishment this one time. The irony of this whole scenario is that the restaurant was half empty. We nonetheless decided to go in and try the restaurant as it had been so highly recommended by Rick. The food experience was no better.This is a pretentious, expensive restaurant no better than a common Roman trattoria but with Beverly Hills prices. Personally, I found the owner to be boorish, the meal lacking and the prices exhorbitant for what you got. This is definitely a tourist trap and one that I do not think Rick should be recommending. We saved this restaurant to be our last meal in Rome as it was close to our hotel and was so highly recommended. Biggest mistake we ever made: it ruined our last night in Rome!
Madeleine in Orange County, CA USA 10/23/2009
Best: Trattoria der Pallaro
Why: What a great find! We would of never found this without the help from your book. This was our fav dining experience while in Rome. I was worried about getting sat but it all worked out and the older women is very warm and like a grandmother. I will go back here when we go to Rome again!
Jennifer in NY, NY USA 10/10/2009
Best: Ristorante alla Rampa
Why: Oh my goodness, are you kidding? WHY? The four of us shared melone and cheese and a couple of pasta dishes. Everything was delicious, including the bread. For dessert, Robbie had a Flan and I had Panna Cotta con Cioccoleto (cooked cream with chocolate). Wonderful!
Worst: Flann O'Brien's Irish Pub
Why: Again, please know that there is no "Worst." In fact, I just want to take this space to say I appreciate you mentioning Flann O'Brien's because we were at St. Peter-in-Chains (loved it) and then Sta. Maria Maggiore (loved it even more) -- and this was at the end of our arrival day in Rome after the overnight flight, so we were really, really tired. By 5:30pm we were starved and couldn't wait for "dinnertime," so I pulled out my trust Rick Steves book and said, "Hey, let's find this Irish pub -- it's open all day." While the food wasn't as great as we enjoyed elsewhere, the pasta was quite good and the setting was relaxing. We rested our weary feet and fed our empty stomachs, and that bolstered us up enough to walk back to Hotel Nerva before calling it a day. Thanks for the tip!
Cindy in Saint Louis, MO USA 09/30/2009
Best: Le Cisterna
Why: Not in Rick's book, but for a splurge the food and service was wonderful. The history of the family and the building just added to the evening. Just off Piazza Santa Maria.
Jack & Sieni in Phoenix, Az USA 09/30/2009
Worst: Pizzaria Ricci Est Est Est
Why: Arrogant waiter brought us the wrong order, insisted we were wrong and he was right. Finally replaced my husbands order but would not replace mine. Replacement Pizza was not cooked through, dough was raw in the middle. The restaurant's listing in guidebooks has affected the quality and service. Avoid.
Barbara in Boca Raton, FL USA 09/25/2009
Best: Gelateria Caffe Pasticceria Giolitti
Why: Fantastic gelato!!!
Worst: Osteria da Mario, Rome
Why: I have eaten pasta alla carbonara at other restaurants over the years so am very familiar with this dish. The pasta alla carbonara at Osteria da Mario was the worst pasta dish that I have tasted in 40 years. The sauce had the consistency of uncooked egg yolks, and was heavily salted to the point of being inedible. I was very hungry from a lot of sightseeing so I ate the pasta without the sauce by scraping the sauce from the pasta onto the side of the pasta bowl. The cook at this restaurant should be embarrassed. The waitress put a basket of bread on my table towards the end of my meal, and tried to charge me for it even though I didn't touch it. Lastly, I ordered water with gas, but was served water without gas from a reusable bottle. I was charged for the water, and hope that it was not tap water. Unfortunately, I have nothing good to say about my experience with this restaurant. I suppose I should have gotten a clue ... the restaurant at the other end of the street was teeming with business while Osteria da Mario was relatively empty.
Joni in Mission Viejo, CA USA 09/24/2009
Best: Miscellanea
Why: Mikki was outstanding and the food was great
Timothy E. Tidmore in Albertville, Al USA 09/07/2009
Best: Ristorante Target
Why: Recommended by the staff of the Hotel Aberdeen. We ate there twice in the 4 days we were in Rome. Excellent food, good service.
Worst: Sacro e Profano
Why: Hesitant to call it "worst", just so-so food and extremely slow service. Asked 3 different people for the check (with a wait in between), waited another 20 minutes, and then went to the manager/desk and demanded it again.
Gregory in Fullerton, CA USA 08/17/2009
Best: Ristorante del Giglio
Why: I had the best gnocchi here that I have ever had in my life. Service was friendly and attentive.
Worst: Hostario dei Bastioni
Why: Service was really nice, but food was just Okay.
Laura Logan in Kirkland, WA USA 08/04/2009
Worst: Ristorante il Gabriello
Why: We left the restaurant because they were so rude to us. We arrived 15 minutes early and they told us our reservation was an hour later. We tried to discuss it with the host and he was literally screaming at us. We went next door (which was great) and found of host of tourists who also left because of their treatment. It was the only place in our 2 weeks in Europe that we were treated this way. You should remove it from you book.
Patricia G in Washington, DC USA 07/29/2009
Best: Miscelenea
Why: Cheap, friendly, and tasty.
Russell in Metaire, La USA 07/08/2009
Best: Miscellenia
Why: Charming, great service, fresh delicious food fun atmosphere.
Worst: La Rustichella
Why: In the Rome 2009 guidebook Rick recommends the antipasti buffet at La Rustichella 7 euro for a dinner sized plate. It's in fact 8 euro for a six inch plate. The buffet is predominantly cold fried potatoes, cold fried veggies and things swimming in mayo. The owner also arbitrarily decided that one member of our group had put too much on the plate--- seriously how much can you get on a six inch plate and charged us 16 euros AFTER we'd eaten. This was the very first time we've EVER had any problems whatsoever. Mediocre food, very rude service and trying to extort extra money screams tourist trap to me.
Maggie Flynn in Florissant, MO USA 06/01/2009
Best: Miscellanea
Why: The owner, Mikki, was so friendly... he sat and talked to my brother and I for hours and gave us a bottle of his "sexy wine" (which is fabulous!). The food was excellent and very reasonably priced. I would highly recommend this restaurant and wish we had found it sooner... we went there for lunch and went back for dinner as well!
Jeni in Beaver Dam, WI USA 05/31/2009
Best: Osteria Ponte Sisto
Why: The waitstaff was very kind and spoke English both for the telephone reservation & our order. The lasagna is marvelous and the 10 Euro house bottle of wine from Lazio is fine.
Worst: La Isolde della Pizza
Why: Aggressive waiter served various antipasti without being ordered, brought white wine instead of red, asked to reduce the number of different pastas for our party of four to two types to speed kitchen time. Food was good, however.
Steve Raffensperger in Leola, PA USA 04/11/2009
Best: Miscellanea
Why: Friendly, inexpensive and delicious. Close to the Pantheon. I know they were moving a few days after we were there. We enjoyed the complimentary Rick Steves glass of wine. Thanks!
Suzy Pare in Cleveland, OH USA 04/04/2009
Worst: La Gallina Bianca on Via Antonio Rosmininear Termini
Why: This has become a tourist trap. The food was only ok. The bill came with a service charge of 20 percent. When I asked about it, I was told that it was on the menu. I did not notice it. The menu was totally in English. We loved theRestaurant Cav. Gino and Il Gabriello, both near the Spanish Steps.
R. White in Rainbow
Best: Sacro e Profano
Why: Amazing food! The best pizza and fresh mozzarella we have ever had!!
Evelyn Fernandez in Jericho, NY USA 02/03/2009