Cacio e Pepe — Restaurant in Rome

We chose this restaurant based on reviews, had no problem getting a table at 1845 on a holiday Monday. The decor is very pleasant, staff friendly, service was good. I had the carbonara, a generous serving so rich that I could not nearly finish it, and my wife had chicken with grilled vegetables. We thoroughly enjoyed the food and wine (a nice Chianti). The place filled up quickly with people mostly speaking Italian, generally a good sign.

The only negative came at the end. After we declined dessert (too full), the waiter brought a dessert menu anyway, set it down, and tapped it strongly with his finger. I looked to see what he seemed to be pointing out, and rather than a special dessert it turned out to be a notice that service was not included and we should tip the waiter. When I called for our bill, he brought it and set it down with a pen to fill in the “tip” line. I wrote in a small tip that I thought was appropriate for Italy (not the 15-20% common in Canada and the US where the staff are paid peanuts), paid, and we left. In a month in Rome, this is the only time I have seen this, and it did not leave a good impression. Giving them 4...

Nope. 1st of all, do NOT go here unless you speak Italian. Literally 9 people over 3 tables seated after us got their food immediately. The food was poor to ok at best. When waitress finally asked us what we wanted, she was abrupt and rude. They have 3 or 4 pastas she told us about none of which met my teen's needs to avoid dairy because she was so curt, we couldnt ask. He told her he would have nothing. She shrugged and walked off. As we reevaluated whether to stay, we noticed several meats in pans behind the glass to the kitchen. So after another 15 minutes of her ignoring us (yes it was busy but she passed us 8 times with not an eye or word), we asked and he ordered chicken. Pasta came 20 minutes later (Italian tables got it immediately no joke). As in many places, the meat is considered secondi. So my son had to wait another 20 minutes and even then we had to ask for it. We'd clearly all finished our pasta, stacked the plates, etc.."primi is done". No matter. Asked for the bill several times. Wasnt until 3/4 of us walked out that she brought it. 51 Euros for nothing....

This is probably the most unassuming little corner bistro/ristorante you can find in Rome. You eat on an exterior terrasse only, on plastic chairs and classic wobbly tables. You ask for table wine, which is fine. This is not a fancy place by any means and yet, the food is simply lovely, served generously and rapidly. The service is not only amazing, it is done with lots of passion and effort (contrary to 90% of restaurants in Rome). Everyone we encountered there were very nice and eager to help, even for French/Canadian tourists. We went twice so we could experience more of the menu. Will most probably make another visit on my next Rome visit. Tasted: Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, gricia, brocoli side, potatoes side, a...