Pizzeria Ristoro Est! Est! Est! — Restaurant in Rome

Visited July 2012 & September 2013 — Est! Est! Est! (Da Ricci), Rome

Est! Est! Est! is a late-night lifeline near Piazza della Repubblica, often cited as Rome’s oldest pizzeria (1888) and still open until midnight. I first stumbled in after two other places had shut, and what a relief it was. Starters set the tone: crocchette of potato and egg were hearty if under-seasoned (7/10), while the fiori di zucca — crisp batter, perfectly judged mozzarella and anchovy — were a knockout (10/10). On my return visit, I was half-afraid they wouldn’t live up, but lightning struck twice. Still impossibly light for something fried. Still perfect. Another 10/10.

The pizzas are classic tonda romana — thin, crisp, with minimal cornicione. My pizza con prosciutto hit good notes on cheese and ham, though the tomato base lacked depth (7.5/10). A year later, though, pasta hijacked my plan. Tonnarelli in creamy artichoke with salsiccia was fresh and simple; I wanted more seasoning, more artichoke punch, and sausage caramelised properly, but it was solid (7/10).

And the panna cotta alla ricotta ai frutti di bosco? A house specialty, and a personal birthday treat. Sweet and bouncy panna cotta, ricotta’s savoury edge, berry fruits cutting through — blissful. A second straight 10/10.

Est! Est! Est! may not always hit transcendent heights, but when it does — those courgette flowers, that panna cotta — it reminds you why this historic...

A hidden gem of Italian tradition.

This Italian restaurant is a true testament to tradition and warmth. Located in the centre of Rome, the atmosphere immediately transports you to a bygone era. The place is rustic and welcoming, an excellent venue for a dinner with friends. The menu, although not very extensive, offers dishes of Roman cuisine cooked to perfection with high quality products and budget friendly. The pizzas are excellent, but if you want to appreciate real Italian cuisine I recommend the first courses more. Service is impeccable. Attentive yet unobtrusive, making you feel like a cherished guest rather than just another customer. Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, you’re treated with the same warmth and genuine care. If you’re looking for an authentic and memorable dining experience this hidden gem is...

An unforgettable experience! The atmosphere of this restaurant is warm, welcoming, and truly Roman it feels like stepping into a place full of tradition and heart.

The pizza is simply extraordinary: a light, crispy crust with fresh, genuine ingredients that bring out the best flavors. The pasta is handmade, perfectly cooked, and paired with rich, flavorful sauces. To top it all off, the house wine is excellent, well-balanced, aromatic, and the perfect companion to every dish.

A special thank you to samuel and flavia, whose professionalism, kindness, and attention made the evening even more enjoyable. They made us feel cared for from start to finish.

I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine in a genuine Roman atmosphere. We will definitely be...