Osteria da Fortunata - Pantheon — Restaurant in Rome

FOOD POISONING – Avoid Due to Serious Hygiene Concerns and Poor Customer Service

I visited Osteria da Fortunata Pantheon a few days ago and unfortunately had a very troubling experience. I ordered the carbonara, but the meat tasted clearly off. Within 30 minutes, I became violently ill—vomiting persistently throughout the night, with ongoing stomach pain that lasted for several days.

As a medical doctor, I can confidently say this was a textbook case of food poisoning, which does not always require a visit to the hospital unless symptoms become life-threatening. I contacted the restaurant to raise this concern, expecting at least an acknowledgment or refund for the dish. Instead, I was met with a dismissive and arrogant response claiming that “food poisoning is not possible” at their establishment, and that “fresh ingredients” somehow make it impossible—which is factually incorrect.

What’s even more alarming is their clear lack of hygiene. I witnessed a staff member handling fresh pasta with bare hands, then touching cleaning equipment and other unclean surfaces without washing hands in between. This is unacceptable food handling behavior in any kitchen, let alone a busy restaurant in the heart of Rome.

The food itself was okay, but certainly not worth the health risk and disrespectful service. I strongly advise potential visitors to think twice before dining here. Hygiene and accountability matter—especially when people’s health is on the line.

Now most likely the restaurant will try to respond to this review with false, changed facts, and in such a case, I’d be happy to provide anyone the evidence supporting everything that took place.

EDIT: If you look at the most recent one star review you will see someone else also commenting that their stomach was...

Giorgio 03/07

Dining at Osteria da Fortunata - Pantheon was an experience I won't soon forget! The moment we stepped in, we were greeted by a warm, inviting, and genuinely friendly atmosphere that made us feel right at home, thanks to Giorgio!

And the view? Absolutely unparalleled! Enjoying our meal with the magnificent Pantheon as our backdrop was simply breathtaking – it felt like a postcard come to life.

The food was every bit as impressive as the setting. We started with the prosciutto, thinly sliced and melt-in-your-mouth delicious, a perfect Roman appetizer.

Then came the main event: the amatriciana. It was truly excellent – rich, savory, and perfectly balanced, with pasta cooked to perfection. Every bite was a testament to authentic Italian cooking.

To wash it all down, the Aperol Spritzes were perfectly mixed, crisp, and refreshing.

But the true star of the evening, beyond the food and the view, was our server, Giorgio. He wasn't just efficient and attentive; he was genuinely the coolest server we've encountered in Rome!

His friendly demeanor, excellent recommendations, and engaging personality made our dinner so much more enjoyable.

And as a fellow basketball fan, I was thrilled to discover he's a huge Warriors and Steph Curry fan! We even shared a quick chat about the team, which added such a fun, personal touch to the experience.

This osteria offers the perfect blend of incredible Roman cuisine, an iconic view, and an atmosphere made truly special by staff like Giorgio. It's a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic and memorable dining...

Osteria da Fortunata definitely lives up to its hype when it comes to authentic Roman food and a buzzing local atmosphere. We came here for dinner and it was a genuinely enjoyable experience — simple, flavorful, and truly Italian.

Let’s start with the food: absolutely delicious. The pasta is handmade right in front of you — fresh, thick, and with a perfect al dente bite. I had the classic cacio e pepe, and it was rich, creamy, and beautifully peppery without being overwhelming. You can taste the quality in every bite. Portions were generous too, and you can tell they don’t cut corners on ingredients.

The service was efficient and professional, even though the restaurant was packed. Our server was quick to take our order and brought everything in a reasonable amount of time. It wasn’t overly chatty or warm, but definitely respectful and organized — which is a win for such a high-traffic spot.

Now the atmosphere is where this place really shines. You can feel the energy of the Roman streets from your seat. It’s loud, it’s alive, and it’s part of what makes the experience authentic. Don’t expect anything super calm or intimate — this is traditional osteria dining, where the vibe is fast-paced and social. We sat outside, which added to the charm.

Prices are fair for the location and portion size — you’re getting a true taste of Rome in one of its most iconic areas.

If you’re a tourist and want a no-fuss but flavorful Roman dinner, this is the spot. Be prepared to wait if you don’t have a reservation — it’s popular for a reason....