Ristorante Carlo Menta in Trastevere is an absolute gem that offers an exceptional dining experience even in the face of bustling crowds. I had the pleasure of visiting in March 2023, and it left a lasting impression on me.
The ambiance of the restaurant was lively and energetic, with around 150 school children having dinner downstairs. Despite the large group, the service at Ristorante Carlo Menta remained top-notch, which speaks volumes about the restaurant's dedication to quality and efficiency.
The seafood at Ristorante Carlo Menta was nothing short of amazing. Fresh, flavorful, and expertly prepared, each dish was a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Italy. From succulent grilled fish to mouthwatering seafood pasta, every bite was a delightful symphony of flavors from the sea.
The pasta was equally impressive, cooked to perfection and served with delicious sauces that complemented the dishes perfectly. The combination of fresh ingredients and skillful preparation made the pasta a highlight of the meal.
The friendly and attentive staff at Ristorante Carlo Menta were true professionals, ensuring that each guest, including the large group of school children, received top-notch service and attention. Their efficiency and dedication to providing an outstanding dining experience were commendable.
Located in Trastevere, Ristorante Carlo Menta offers a charming setting that captures the essence of Rome. The restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere made it a perfect spot to enjoy a delightful meal while exploring the beautiful streets of Trastevere.
Overall, Ristorante Carlo Menta in March 2023 exceeded all expectations. The amazing seafood and pasta dishes, combined with the impressive service despite a large group of school children, made it a memorable dining experience. If you're looking for an authentic taste of Italian cuisine in a vibrant and welcoming setting, Ristorante Carlo Menta is the place to go. I will undoubtedly be returning to savor more of their fantastic seafood and pasta in the future. Don't miss out on this culinary gem - it's an experience you...
Read moreThree times we've been to Rome in the last 8 years, and Ristorante Carlo Menta has never disappointed us :)
The tables outside are a bit cramped, but it's not as bad as it looks and it allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the lively Trastevere evenings. The outside area is separated from the street by a some potted plants, vintage cars, and a bit of a fence, so there's no chance for a passer-by to look loom over you, or nudge your chair or something. Inside, there's a bit more space between tables - but just a bit - and the decor is pleasant and interesting without being overwhelming. The air conditioning is just fine and has saved us more than once on some of the hotter days.
The staff are polite, attentive, and helpful. They always make you feel very welcome, and I haven't had any issues communicating in English.
We're usually fairly frugal travelers, so the Daily Menu is our favorite after a long day of wandering Rome. It is a choice of of 2-3 options each for entrée, main course, second course, and dessert, and it comes with two variants - lunch and dinner. Lunch is available until 16:00 (or 15:00 - I'm not sure, sorry!) and is priced at 15 Euro. The dinner variant offers the same selection of dishes, but is available after lunch and costs 3 Euro more or so - haven't ordered that one, so I'm not familiar with it's exact pricing and availability.
I recommend trying their various pasta dishes, their pizza, and if you're in a mood for an a quick bite before lunch their suppli are amazing.
All in all, a staple of our trips to Rome - as long as we can travel, we will keep coming back to...
Read moreFirst time in Rome. Restaurant was packed and noisy which was a bit expected and it gave us hope that the food would be great. We were then greeted by the rude man at the door who guided us to our seats. We were expecting great Italian food as we read some of the reviews posted here. What we found was nowhere near that. We were first served suppli ( rice croquete) which was frozen in the middle, we had to ask the waiter for a hot suppli but instead were given the initial suppli that had been reheated in the microwave and it was still cold. The Italian antipasto promised us olives and the best meats, instead we were given 2 olives only and a poor meat selection that look that it came out of a supermarket package.
We then proceeded to the mains. We were really looking forward for the promised home lasagna and the carbonara. We have also asked some fries to come with it. Really disappointed when we were given a completely cold carbonara and a lasagna that looked and tasted worse that the one you buy at LIDL. We again asked for hot dishes and sent back our pasta dishes. We were given new ones 5 minutes after which were again clearly our initial mains that had been reheated ( carbonara sauce turned into scrambled egg). Lastly, worth mentioned we were given only the fries right at the end of our meal after asking for it 5 times.
Very disappointing visit and would not recommend this place. The prices might be reasonable but you will definitely compromise in the taste. If you want a true italian taste avoid this place and don't trust every review...
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