Ristorante Virginiae - Cucina Tipica Romana — Restaurant in Rome

Virginiae was the last restaurant we went to during our trip to Italy, and it was also one of the most special. The interior of the restaurant was ornate and beautiful, and our table felt romantic and intimate. This experience was elevated by our server, who was attentive, pleasant, and responsive. If you were only looking at the vibe and service of the restaurant, you could be fairly confident that Virgniae was the type of place could consider going out for a date - but that wouldn't mean much if you weren't confident that the food was any good.

Fortunately, the food at Virginiae was fantastic. Our antipasti was the assorted crostini (decorated with various toppings such as red pesto, green pesto, and olive oil), and it was good enough that it could have been an actual main dish itself. As good as our antipasti was, however, our main dishes were better. I ordered the cacio e pepe and my wife ordered the tagliatelle con funghi, and we were both very pleased with the quality of our food - the pasta was cooked perfectly, the sauce on my cacio e pepe was flavorful and the funghi on my wife's tagliatelle was fresh and well-seasoned. Our server told us that Virgniae specialized in local Roman cuisine, and I can't help but agree - our food was authentic, fresh, and really highlighted the strengths of dining at a more local restaurant in Rome. We finished our night by both ordering the tiramisu, and I can confirm that it was some of the best tiramisu we had in all of Rome (and we ate a lot of tiramisu!).

Overall, I think that you would be doing a disservice to yourself if you didn't give Virginiae a try. The food was great, the service was spectacular, and our dinner was romantic - you can't really ask...

Silvano, Silvano, Silvano!!

TL;DR - food is out of this world, but the service is even better somehow!

My wife, our baby and I arrived 30 mins before opening/our reservation. Silvano greeted us and apologized for not being able to seat us right away as they were still getting ready. However he asked us to come back in 10mins and he will seat us then. We asked to sit at the tables out front while we wait and he kindly said yes. During the wait, we could see Silvano busily instructing his staff to prepare faster while moving fast himself. We were then allowed in early with a big smile.

During the meal, our baby was fussier than usual (read: crying loudly) and we had to pick him up, and even take him out for a brief walk before he calmed down. Silvano (and also all of his staff) were very kind to us and helpful. I'm not sure they know this but we could even hear some of them singing a jolly song amongst themselves and it really helped ease our nerves and feeling of embarrassment.

And, as mentioned, the food was really out of this world. Everything was homemade even their olive oil! We ordered their house wine, to which Silvano said we will love it. And I did! It paired very well with everything we ordered: sliced meat and cheese platter (with fresh homemade mozzarella), spaghetti carbonara, fettuccine with meat sauce and their meatball (so delicate and juicy!). We will surely be coming back as it was such an experience to stand out as a bright moment amidst an itinerary filled with wonderful experiences in the...

Ristorante Virginiae is a treasure in a sea of what is sadly many average and sometimes even outright mediocre restaurants in Rome.

It is discouraging to see how many tourists, perhaps out of a fear not being able to communicate or try the unknown fall for the busy, loud establishments on the piazzas and main roads with the big, colourful menus out front and the staff begging them to enter.

True Italian hospitality is found in the smaller restaurants-the ones located on the quiet side roads, the ones that still believe in crisp table linens, crystal and silverware on the tables, well presented servers setting the stage for what hopefully will be a memorable meal.

Ristorante Virginiae is one of those places that does not “scream” at you, but rather quietly beckons you to join it.

Our waiter Silvano was top notch-professional, knowledgeable and efficient, but at the same time, warm, friendly and with a good sense of humour. He was our host, our guide, gave solid recommendations and took wonderful care of us.

We shared the mixed Bruschetti as appetizer, followed by the ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta and the Bucatini all’ Amatriciana (Silvano’s favourite.) The red house wine was a solid accompaniment to a very tasty and well prepared meal.

It was evident that the ingredients used were fresh and of high quality and that the kitchen was as solid as the front of the house.

We left knowing that we had just enjoyed a memorable meal with a newfound good friend.

Thank you...