La Fata Turchina — Restaurant in Rome

So we've been to Rome several times, never stayed before in the Monteverde neighborhood, arrived hungry and picked this restaurant because it was steps away. Omg. Unbelievable experience. Literally a hole in the wall place, seating maybe 30 people total, and was full when we showed up at the door about 7:30 pm. Owner was distressed she didn't have a place, but we sat down on a couple of chairs outside by the door and ordered a glass of wine. When she brought it out, she also brought out three large, fabulously delicious albondigas on bruschetta. Didn't want us to get hungry while we waited, she said, compliments of the house. When a table opened, we took seats and took in the ambience -- exuberant locals, eclectic kitsch decor, her gregarious co-owner brother. When the crowd heard we were Americans, big cheer for our broken Italian. Followed by more complimentary food, a patates Romana that was achingly good. Dinners of sea bass encrusted with shredded zuchhini and pasta vongole were superb. My gluten-free partner couldn't have any of the desserts on the menu, so they somehow produced one anyway. Afterward, I asked for a limoncello, at which the sister brought out a full bottle of their own brew and sat it down next to a glass for pouring at will. Seeing this her brother sailed through with a bottle of mirto from Sardinia and said we needed a couple of glasses of that as well. I'm embarrassed to say how modest the tab was, but not at all how extraordinary the experience. Including the people watching! With all Rome at our feet the next few days, we held out for going back to dinner at La Fata Turchina. The repeat experience was even better. Do yourself a favor and stop in. But make a reservation - few tourists find this place but the entire neighborhood knows them well and it's...

A jewel, hidden away in the most unassuming side street of Rome. It's an absolutely tiny place (I counted 13 seats) crammed with a mess of relics from past lives and ages... bras on the ceiling, gramophones, carnival masks, bottles, violins... something to see. It looks like a pub from the 80ies or a galley on a wooden ship or some sort of brasserie but it's a real Roman restaurant.

The food that is very very good: we tried simple things, traditional recipes expressly made on the spot, a profusion of entrees, abounding perfectly made pastas, large sized main courses, and excellent homemade desserts to top it all. We dined there and my kids licked the carbonara dishes. The bill was the final surprise: 21 € per person left us shocked. Nowadays you barely get a single pasta for 20 euros, and we had a whole excellent dinner. The lady (Flora?) that served us was very attentive and kind to our kids. Combined with the fact that they liked their Tiramisu and Meringhe a lot, you see why they asked "Dad can we come back with our little friend X next time?" I haven't taken photos, next time I will because the place, the atmosphere and the food deserve it.

If only I knew you...

This was by far the most authentic and incredible dining experience ever! The restaurant is in a residential neighbourhood and well worth a visit. It’s small, charming and the decor..Wow!! I spend the entire time marvelling at how eclectic it was! There were no tourists except for us. As soon as you walk in you are treated like family. The owners don’t speak any English so be ready to go with the flow and be open to eat anything. We just said “si” and nodded! The food was outstanding. The ambience was fun and engaging. The chef came out often to present dishes. Music played and he sang. It was overall a memorable evening. If you can, go towards the end of your stay because after his nothing will compare. Bravo to Antonio, Stefania and “Kiko”! The other patrons were super welcoming to us foreigners as well. Just know they only take cash but they include so many freebies an extras it’s not expensive at all. Would give 10...