FICO — Restaurant in Rome

We recently returned from several days in Rome. FICO was near our apartment and warmly welcomed us in after a long day of flying. The staff was attentive and English-friendly. The food was delicious.

In our several days in Rome we went 3 times. Once for lunch where we ordered Amatriciana, Carbonara, and Cacio E Pepe. All three were excellent. We also went for drinks (Aperol Spritzes). Finally we went for a snacky dinner of splitting some pizza and meatballs. Every visit we ended with some delicious chocolate or pistachio panna cotta!

The restaurant has a great vibe. The outside is inviting with a Vespa and some tasteful Christmas lights. They are always playing some great music. First time was hip hop, during drinks it was indie rock, and the last time it was classy jazz versions of popular songs. The staff carried on great conversations with us and added a great personal touch to the place

Overall, highly...

The food was really good, I had one of the best calcio e pepe that I ever had in my life. But I think they saw me the face of tourist and charged me the water and the "service". And when I tried to ask for this they were defensive and said that they always do this. I somewhat frustrated just left because I wanted to enjoy my stay and not worry about dumb things, I have not seen this before in other restaurants in italy, and with a little research I found out that this is common practice in some places in italy but not rome, and it is supposed to be illegal.

"As a general rule, a service charge of this sort is a tourist scam and all you can do about it is negotiate that it be lowered. Refusing to pay it will probably land you in more trouble than them. However, if the charge is just €1 or roughly 10%, you should simply pay it."

So if you don't speak italian, they will make a fool of you....

The Aperol Spritz was fantastic, perfectly balanced and refreshing, setting the tone for a delightful meal.

The carbonara was a highlight, prepared with precision and bursting with authentic flavors. I have a preference for pasta that is a bit softer than the traditional al dente, and the kitchen accommodated my request perfectly. It was cooked just to my liking, and every bite was a delight.

The ambiance at Fico is warm and inviting, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing meal. The organization and timeliness of the service were impeccable, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.

A special mention goes to the waiter, who was exceptionally friendly and attentive. His warm demeanor and helpful nature added to the overall positive experience.

Overall, Fico restaurant exceeded my expectations in every way. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a memorable dining...