Al Bajniero — Restaurant in Rome

We were extremely lucky to find ourselves staying right next door in Ostia Antica Park Hotel. At first we were a little disappointed because after a very long drive from the south of Italy we were looking forward to going there for lunch as online it stated they were open at lunch. That wasn't the case. They don't open until 7pm.

Nevertheless,  we waited,  and it really was worth the wait. A very simplistic restaurant with no frills and very friendly staff who made every effort to speak English. A lovely open area on pebbles with simply laid tables and plenty of shade. There is also a very large indoor area, but we chose the outside as it was a perfect summer evening.

As I was dining with my five year old daughter I already knew what kind of thing she wanted to eat and I found exactly what she wanted on the menu. Grilled chicken breast with chips, very adventurous! I on the other hand, love to look through the menu and chose something a little different but I couldn't face another bowl of pasta or Italian Pizza on our first visit as I made sure I had my fair share the prior 10 days in Italy, so I chose a Tagliata Di Manzo (slices of beef steak) with vegetables and a beautifully fresh salad. Washed down with a medium draft beer for me, a peach ice tea for my daughter and naturally when in Italy, una bottigla di aqua frizzante (fizzy mineral water).

Our second visit was just as satisfying, as Antipasto fior di zucca for me (fried courgette flower) and tomato bruschetta for my daughter, followed by Cotoletta a la Milanese for my daughter, and Spaghetti alle vongole for me washed down with a small jug of white wine.

When I say little is more, it really is. They don't pretend to be anything they are not and the food is lovely. Just being served on plates that are mismatching just like you would have eaten on at your grandparents house made you feel at home from home. Food didn't need to be artistically presented as just the meals were more than enough to make up for it. Everything was fresh, you could taste the love that was put into the cooking and its always something when you find the place full with locals. There were tables of about twenty people and local families who had come to dine with each other, all laughing and enjoying their family time.

To anyone who happens to be staying in the area, make sure you come and eat here, have a look at the menu, there is so much to choose from. I have attached the photos below of the menu. If you appreciate food as much as I do, then you certainly will not be leaving disappointed.

It would be my pleasure if you joined my bog on f.a ce book; My...

I was pleasantly surprised — the prices are fair, and the food was genuinely good. The portion was generous and everything fresh. I also found a great way to count calories — the one shown in the photo. Now I can instantly see what I’ve eaten without manual tracking....

This place was great. Food was very good. Not fantastic, but very good. It was classic Italian and fresh fish. It served us well as we were staying in the hotel next door. We enjoyed a local dance group dancing in the next room, a catering hall, to the sounds of a...