Il Localino — Restaurant in Rome

I’d like to begin this review by mentioning I had one of the best experiences with my father in 2015 at this restaurant. It was so great that we asked to meet Claudio, and congratulated him on his fine establishment. I would rave about this place to family/friends, and I was looking forward to the next Rome vacation to once again dine here.

Fast forward to 2022. I came to Rome with my girlfriend for our 2-year celebration and couldn’t wait to take her here. Money was no issue, as this was a special occasion…

We were sat outside at the far end next to the alley, away from other parties. I asked the server who sat us if we could sit at one of the MANY empty tables at the front, but apparently those were reserved. Okay, I gave him the benefit of the doubt. I proceeded to order a bottle of wine without asking the price, but he proceeded to tell me it anyways. “Okay? Bring me the bottle,” I responded. At this point, I’m beginning to get frustrated. I didn’t appreciate how our server was treating us. His tone made us feel like we were beneath everyone else. On top of that, we finished our meal at 10:30p, the restaurant closed at 11p… and not a single one of those “reserved” tables were ever occupied. I was extremely disappointed, and visibly frustrated. Our server didn’t even have the spine to hand me the check at the end. He had someone else do so.

I’m giving a 1 star review because I couldn’t help but think that we were profiled. Although the food was still fantastic, I can confidently say that I will never dine at this establishment again. If you don’t look like a “local,” I’d think twice about dining at Il Localino. The name seemed...

My husband had a ragu and I had the carbonara which was rigatoni - it was excessively oily and had A LOT of parmesan. This was my first experience of "authentic" Italian food. I couldn't eat all of it because it was chewy undercooked pasta and far too oily and cheesey. I don't know if authentic Italian carbonara is supposed to be like this or not but I didn't particularly enjoy it. My husband really enjoyed his meal though and I had a lovely lemon sorbet for pudding though which was much needed as a palate cleanser after the oiliness of the main meal. I think if we visit again I won't have the carbonara. Staff also lingered around outside next to our table chatting loudly to each other while we were eating. I didn't like this as we wanted to relax and enjoy our evening, this also made me feel uncomfortable. It was as though they were watching to make sure we didn't leave without paying - which we would...

One of our good friends back in the US recommended we check this place out. We moved several things around in our itinerary just to eat dinner here, and holy cannoli was it worth it. Genuinely the best food we’ve ever eaten. My wife’s comment to me, mid-chew as she tried my carbonara, was, “this place has absolutely ruined me for any other pasta, nothing will ever measure up.” If the food, wine, and dessert weren’t already enough for highest marks, the service was also genuinely spectacular. The food came out timely and the servers were attentive, courteous, and at times downright hilarious. As the final touch to a perfect evening, from the moment we arrived and throughout our meal, the owner, Claudio, treated us like we were old friends, family even. Grazie mille, Claudio. You made our trip one...