Trattoria Al Tettarello — Restaurant in Rome

TL:DR - reasonable prices, reasonable food.

Longer review:

Last time I visited the Monti neighborhood was in May 2023. It was almost summer so lots of tourists were in the streets. We walked by this place and saw a super long queue and imagined this was a super popular place to eat. We didn't want to wait so we skipped it.

Fast forward to January 2024, and here we are again yet this time we came as soon as they opened at 18.00.

The place itself is lovely and feels cosy and pleasant. service was also good and friendly, and the waiters spoke great English.

However we ordered Aperol Spritz (6eur) and we got what we think was Campari Spritz...

FOOD: We had the mushroom and Prosciutto pizza, as well as capricciosa Pizza. Both arrived super quick (well, we were the firsts to order).

The pizza itself was just OK, nothing really special and nothing that justifies standing in qeues.

Crust was good (a bit burnt) and the dough was thin but it didn't hold the cheese, and the cheese didn't hold the toppings (the just "sat" on top of it).

This causes the bite to pull the entire layer of cheese with the toppings into your mouth. That leaves just the pizza base with some tomato sauce and that's it.

TABLE / COVER CHARGE: regardless of what you order and the cost, there is a 2eur per person cover charge.

That cover is waived (it's free) only if every person at the table orders in 20eur or more. So if you are 1 person it's 20 or above. 2 people - 40eur or above etc.

TO CONCLUDE: Great looking place with not so great tasting pizzas. Maybe it's a tourist place (not a "tourist trap" because the prices are fair and the pizza wasnt bad, it was just not amazing) but I would avoid - there are better...

So, we were let down by some restaurant owners who went on holiday, and their auto response confirmed our reservation, and we were forced to find food elsewhere!!!

Fortunately for us, Trattoria Al Tettarello were inclined to accommodate our short fall! So instantly we were struck by the WARM surroundings (in respect to the vibe and temperature!), but also met by a freindly staff.

So we swung for bruschetta and tomato, and some mussels starters wise, whilst opting for fillet steak and pizza (diavolo) for mains. Starters dropped a little short, as bruschetta just lacked a bit of freshness, and a dozen of the mussels were clamped shut! In addition, the bread was stale, although not a disaster when you soak it in the mussel soup (if you so choose)!

However, the mains were where the party was at! The steak was cooked well (probably more medium than medium/rare - although still super yummy) and the pizza absolutely on the money! We did have a few desserts, tiramisu (omg - off the scale!) and blackcurrant cheesecake (and yum / okay).

In regards to drinks, a bottle of Greco di Tufo was absolutely glorious, however a half bottle of Falanghina not so fabulous. We were plastered with 4 glasses of limoncello, which made the wander back home a bit more of a challenge...

Overall, 4 stars as was very pleasant but perhaps fell short on starters and half the wine/dessert. Credit to the friendly staff and warming...

I can honestly say that I had one of the best meals in my life here. You may have to wait for a table but it is DEFINITELY worth it.

We were with a group of 5 and we all loved this place. We shared the bruschetta to start (really good, especially the artichoke one - be warned the chilli one is very spicy, but delicious) and various different things afterwards (steak, pizza and carbonara being highlights).

Dessert was out of this world and I ended up having a second dessert! First, the white chocolate profiteroles and then a tiramisu. Both were delicious but the tiramisu (made by our waitress May) was out of this world and the best I (or any of our group) have had anywhere. I licked the bowl clean (both mine and someone else's). SO GOOD. The best thing was the pride with which May showed our bowls to the other staff afterwards. That sort of pride and joy in what you do is what makes good food great and that response warmed my heart so much and filled me with joy. Luckily I also left with the recipe! (Unfortunately I didn't take photos of the tiramisu, it didn't last long enough).

Service here was incredibly friendly and in all honesty exceptional. Our whole group left with big smiles on our faces and warmth in our hearts.

I cannot recommend this place enough....