Negresco Bocca di Leone — Restaurant in Rome

After spending the afternoon walking this shopping district my family and I were looking for a place to dine. We came across this ristorante and decided to give it a try. Negresco turned out to be one of my favorite restaurants in Rome, I know that it isn’t the traditional Italian looking restaurant but the food, the service and the ambiance were fantastic. We took a table inside because we wanted to cool down with air conditioner after a hot summer day, the ambience is still very much Italian but with a modern-chic twist, our servers were attentive and always aware of our needs.

To my surprise the restaurant had an awesome 80s playlist for background music which made things even better. As for food, we shared the mozzarella with prosciutto ham appetizer which was one of the best cheese I’ve ever had. For dinner I had the danish steak with potatoes, and my wife had the salmon tartare and both were excellent, my daughter had the cacio e Pepe pasta and she loved it, and she’s a picky eater. And finally we had the fruit panna cotta which can be best described as a delicious mousse or flan-like base topped with berries. And while the restaurant is a bit on the pricey side compared to others in Rome I do think it is worth it, I will be returning on my next...

I found Negresco Bocca di Leone almost by accident while wandering near the Spanish Steps, and I’m glad I did. The place feels instantly welcoming, polished enough to feel special, but still relaxed enough that I didn’t feel rushed or out of place.

I started with the fiori di zucca, which were crisp and perfectly salted, and followed with a classic cacio e pepe. The pasta had just the right bite, the sauce was creamy and peppery without overpowering. I couldn’t resist finishing with their tiramisu, and I’m glad I didn’t. It was airy, rich, and probably one of the better ones I’ve had in Rome.

The staff were warm and attentive, checking in without hovering. It’s the kind of service that makes you feel like a valued guest, not just another table. My only real critique is that, while everything was well-executed, it didn’t quite hit that “wow, I’ll never forget this meal” moment that earns a full five stars for me. Still, I’d absolutely come back—especially for a leisurely lunch after a morning...

While in Travestere/Rome and lost at a tram stop a gentleman was kind enough to assist us, as we chatted with him he advised he owned a restaurant near the spanish stairs. We asked for directions and he provided his card. We went there for supper and has a outstanding meal. Service was top notch. We enjoyed the garlic bread and fresh mozzarella and ham for starters. I ordered the steak, which is imported from Denmark, it was delicious, crisp on the outside but perfectly medium on the inside it came with roasted potatoes. My wife ordered the pistachio crusted salmon and said it was one of best plates of salmon she has ever had. The location is perfect as it is just a short walk from the spanish steps and down a side street away from the crowds. So glad we met Frederico while fumbling...