Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara — Restaurant in Rome

During our trip to Italy, we really enjoyed visiting family-run businesses, and this wonderful place was one of them. My partner and I went there for dinner after a long day at the Vatican Museums. At first, I wasn’t sure how the system worked, as there were people standing at the entrance waiting (it turned out they were there for takeaway). Then I saw a handsome young chap with his right arm in a cast sitting at the front of the shop, so I went up, said Buona Sera, and asked in English how things worked. He turned out to be the owner’s son and kindly got us a table for two right away. Like usual, we had already done our homework, so we knew what was on the menu and what we wanted. The service was incredibly friendly, offered by the owner and, I guess, his brother. I just wish I could speak more Italiano so I could join in their conversation! A lovely lady who brought our dishes kindly gave us a tip: 'Not sure if you've been told. Please feel free to dress the salad with olive oil, but don’t add more salt, as there are anchovies and it’s salty enough.' Coming from Australia, where Italian cuisine is hugely popular, we already had a good idea of what to expect, but for any newcomers, such thoughtful advice would be so helpful. Also, in a city like Rome where prices can be quite high especially for tourists, this place stands out for being honest and truly committed to serving delicious food to its customers. My full respect, and Grazie Mille for the...

My wife and I saw this place on a TV show and it looked incredible so we put it on our "must go" list for our trip to Italy. This is a tiny place and is tucked into an odd triangular alley that dead-ends. Walk up to the front and you can tell the locals are going to outnumber you which is ALWAYS a good sign. The battered fish came out piping hot and we could see back through the doorway to the kitchen where it had just been fried. You add a little vinegar and bite into fried fish heaven. I'm not even a huge fish fan unless it is done super fresh and right and this was fantastic. This was one of the best fish meals of my life. I will always come back when I am in Rome.

Let me just say that if you don't like busy local spots and rushed service don't go to them. I have NO problem with a busy place taking my order and then leaving me alone because they are swamped. You are in someone else's country and will be treated well by standards that...

Ok, dear Rome restaurant explorer, here's the deal...

you want some fish: Check! you want something FRIED: Check! You want something crispy: Check! You want something tasty: Check! You want something fast: Check!

This aint the Ritz, my friend, but after weeks of eating pasta and traditional Roman fare, you will thank me for checking out this little joint. Nothing fancy here to be sure, but the way they batter and fry the fish is unique and incredibly delicious! It's kind of like "pizza by the slice", but only it's a big, lightly battered fish fillet that you can hold in your hand and enjoy. In the evenings you will see locals stop in and walk away holding one in their hand, wrapped in a paper holder. You can sit and make it a fish fry meal if you want. Grab a beer, enjoy the fried fish and thank me later! Five Stars for fried...