Roma Ristorante Italiano — Restaurant in Watertown

Saturday night was the final dinner for the NIABA/CIABA three day event and it was held at Roma Ristorante in Oakville. The event room was packed and there wasn't a seat to be had at any of the tables. It was a very merry occasion. Appetizers were put out buffet style: Fried calamari, eggplant and meatballs. The meatballs had a perfect flavor and density, and those eating the eggplant dish said it was really good.

Starter plates of pasta with meat sauce, a basket of bread and salad came out before the main course platters of grilled bone-in pork chops with peppers and onions, breaded chicken cutlets stuffed with mozzarella cheese, and roasted potato wedges with julienned vegetables. Dessert was a variety of Italian cookies and pastries. Everything was satisfying.

During and after the meal, guests were once again fabulously entertained by Argentinian opera singer Carlos De Antonis. For those who stayed late, the worldwide performer sang many songs with dramatic animation and resounding vocal chords. Imagine being in a private room with Luciano Pavarotti. What a treat. Grazie, Roma, NIABA/CIABA and Carlos.

Exceptional food. Intimate dining room, long bar and sizeable backroom for events or larger parties. Authentic Italian cuisine.

Arriving at opening time, we ordered two cappucinos, ate some warm bread and moved on to two special menu gin drinks, "The Name Drop" with Hendricks, St. Germain and grapefruit, and "Italiano" with Malfy, lemon juice and Mionetto Prosecco. Both were appealing.

A special of the day was a salad with sirloin tips we saw a few people eating and it looked scrumptious.

We split two appetizers. The Mozzarella en Carozza was amazing in taste, texture and molten fresh cheese. The Clams Patricia had a wonderful presentation with two waitresses bringing a hot ceramic pot to our table and removing the lid to reveal the clams inside. Fellow patrons turned their heads to ask what this dish was as the aroma scented the room. Very tasty but for me the clams were a little chewy, but my companion said this was good, because it meant they were cooked. It may be they cooked longer as we ate the Mozzarella en Carozza first before moving on to the otherwise delicious clams. The tomatoes and the broth were magnificent.

We ordered a bottle of Piedmont Pio Cesare Barbera d'Alba to have with our main meals. The wine had a light mouth feel and hint of leather in its otherwise fruity taste.

Roma favorites: My Chicken Monteleone baked in a Marsala and sage demi-glaçe topped with fresh mozzarella and prosciutto di Parma over a bed of garlic sautéed spinach, was perhaps the best Italian dish I've ever had - and I've been to many parts of Italy, as well! Certainly the best Italian chicken dish. Really outstanding.

The Veal Milanese, breaded and pan fried, with sweet peppers requested over the hot ones and garnished with lemon, was also exceptional. My partner said in jest the veal was pounded so thin and flat, he thought a Cadillac SUV must have run over it!

We both took half home to have later, and with some pasta I whipped up, it was a great second meal. Depending on what you order, it can be expensive and we noticed some regulars just ordered their entrées and a drink as a result, but if this is the way to eat here often,...

Roma is a restaurant that exceeds your expectations. The atmosphere is “traditional Italian”, warm and friendly. The food is momentous, and astounds the taste buds. This evening I enjoyed the linguine in white clam sauce. The dish is light, dazzled in shelled clams, and placed in a delicate broth with a superb aftertaste. I recommend pairing with a Pinot Grigio as to not over power the subtlety of the dish.

My mother had the cavadelllis. If you’re in the mood for something with a red sauce I can’t imagine a better dish to order. The pasta is divine, the sauce is sensational.

Ending your meal with a cup of espresso revives you after being bathed in the culinary excellence. It would be a disservice to yourself not to order the strawberry shortcake. The biscuit is warm and contrasts perfectly with the fresh chilled strawberries. While this dessert is large enough to share, it doesn’t leave you feeling I comfortably full. Something I personally appreciate.

Lastly, the owner, is absolutely fantastic, going above and beyond to make accommodations for his guests. I watched as he greeted ever guest and walked around making sure each table was satisfied with their meal. Christina was our server and made our experience so memorable. She is so sweet, kind, and helpful. She made solid recommendations, and was patient while I was deciding on what dish to choose. She brought a smile every time she approached our table, and that’s the kind of service that makes you come back.

I genuinely couldn’t say enough...

Good food, good service, intimate atmosphere.

When I came in - it was strange ... hmm, this dining room is narrow - that's a bit ... odd. Roma has the feel of a genuine European restaurant. This is what dining is like in Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen - rustic, narrow, intimate spaces. Everyone enjoys great food in great company. I love atmosphere and decor.

Salads were very good. I loved their dressings - everything here is handmade, consistent, prepared with care. I also liked that if you so choose - true European salad dressing is readily available: Olive oil, Vinegar, Salt, Pepper - right there at the table. I can also tell it would be nearly impossible to find a can opener in Roma's kitchen. This is the way Italian food should always be.

The sauces were absolutely fresh. Everything is prepared with care - you can see and taste quality. There are nitpicks from someone who's eaten in Italy -BUT- when I must dredge up insignificant issues... that means the food and service are outstanding. Roma is very close to perfection.

The critiques that I can offer:

I'd like to have seen a bit more variety with non-breaded options.

Prices, are fair. However, a bit on the steep side in comparison to restaurants I've enjoyed of similar quality. Were Roma anywhere else, this would be a ding. Considering a trip across the state is needed for similar quality: absolutely not a problem at all.

Great local place to eat if you're in the area for outstanding...