Sugarbeets — Restaurant in City of Rome

What a wonderful find! While visiting Rome for a sporting event, I had overheard someone mention the name of this restaurant. When I looked it up online and saw the menu offerings, we decided to give it a try. First, it is the most adorable place! A converted house on the edge of a residential neighborhood with a lovely ambiance inside. Front of the house is a well-stocked bar with high-top tables for those who like a bar eating atmosphere. The back is tables for two and four with real linens (rare these days), quaint table-top lighting (remember those nightclub table lights from the ‘50s and ‘60s?), and small vases with simple dried floral arraignments. The wine and liquor menu is extensive (we don’t drink, but I looked), and the food menu is small but varied, with something for everyone. Part of their menu changes monthly, part is static. We tried things from both. The static offering of Lobster Bisque with a small crab cake floating in the center was amazing! Light, creamy, and flavorful with plenty of lobster throughout. The crab cake was a delicious little addition. Their other regular offering we tried of Fried Calamari with marinara sauce was fairly standard, with nice rings that were not overcooked, as so many places do. We also ordered a monthly special appetizer of Fried Artichoke wrapped in Prosciutto on a bed of sautéed asparagus with a balsamic glaze. Quite tasty and beautifully presented. Our entree specials were Chicken Marsala, served over bucatini pasta (rather than the offered mashed potatoes), and a dish called Miss Jenny, which was the house’s take on Eggplant Parmigiana - panko breaded slices of fried eggplant layered with fresh sautéed spinach and mozzarella, served atop a bed of bucatini with marinara sauce. Both entrees were delicious! Our bill was probably higher than most because we were really hungry and wanted to try lots of dishes. The service was friendly and attentive, and we got to meet the owner as we left - so happy to tell him about our wonderful experience! If you’re passing through Rome, or if you’re local (lucky), visit this lovely restaurant! You...

This was my first visit to Sugarbeets after a friend recommended their pho as the only source in Rome. I have to say, this place checks nearly all of the boxes for me personally in atmosphere, service, and food.

Firstly, walking in there’s modern flow jazz playing with warm tones. The chill vibe coming from this place is enough for an extroverted introvert like myself to come back.

The service was top tier, starting and ending with Chase, the lovely GM and bartender, who’s also responsible for the invention of an amazing drink off the craft cocktail list called “The Crimson Pimm” (pictured).

This cocktail served in a large Bordeaux glass, had aromatics involved: a whiff of rosemary sprig atop a mix of lemonade, pomegranate juice, Pimm’s Liqueur, grapefruit vodka, and ginger beer. It’s very well balanced with the grapefruit taking a star role without being overwhelming.

Chase’s recommendations, and heartwarming personality, were fast, inviting,and attentive. Lastly, but surely not least, I had their Sugarbeets Pho and Dominick Salmon (both pictured).

The flavors of the broth from the Sugarbeets Pho was full of depth and spice. It’s a ginger-heavy broth with baby shrimp and shallots with non-traditional pho noodles. Overall, I found it light, refreshing, and it hit the spot for a quick appetizer or a small meal.

The Dominick Salmon was another Chase suggestion and she was 4 for 4 for the evening! It was perfectly cooked at medium and delicately coated in house butter. The seasoning was spot on with a hit of acidity and a beautiful blend of fresh vegetables on the side.

Even the lovely couple at the bar, in a full restaurant, was wonderful company.

10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for an impressive, well-balanced, flavorful meal in Rome in a cozy,...

Friday evening, my wife and I stopped in for dinner before a local show. They had full reservations even at 5:30 p.m., so we sat at the bar. We got our drinks and ordered and realized that because it was busy, it might take a while to get our food. Finally at 7:15 we asked about our food order. Somehow, they misplaced/didn't place/lost our order. We couldn't wait for them to prepare our meals so we left. We were very disappointed. As a chef, I understand being busy and mistakes, but here's how they messed up. They allowed a waitress to take and place the order instead of the bartender. With only 10 seats at the bar, regardless of how busy, she should have handled our drink and food orders. Because she wasn't in the loop, she didn't even know we were waiting for food. Did we wait too long? Yes. I was being patient since I used to be in the industry. Would like to try it again on a less busy night. I don't believe they would have such a high rating if they didn't provide good service and great food. They did comp our two glasses of wine...

Update: Thank you Logan for the quick reply. I totally understand how things can snowball in our business. Heck, if I had known all those details my wife, a bartender, and I could have jumped in to help! It has been a few years but certainly would...