Founded by three friends with a passion for wine and fine food, Antico Arco attracts foodies from Rome and beyond with its culinary inventiveness and high style. The location up on top of the Janiculum hill provides for a charming setting and a homey ambience difficult to come by elsewhere in the city. Seating upstairs is cozy, particularly in winter. The menu changes with the season, but you may find such delights as flan di taleggio con salsa di funghi (taleggio cheese flan with mushroom sauce), or a carré d'agnello (rack of lamb) with foie gras sauce and pears in port wine. The chocolate soufflé with a molten chocolate center, is justly famous among chocoholics all over the city.
Reviewed by Gormetta from USA on 11/13/09
The food was good, but not good enough to cover up the poor service. The food was worth the trek, and actually brought me back a second time, but the service was cold and uncomfortable, and to top it off, we discovered that they put a 10% service charge only on tables of foreigners. !! Do the Italians not need to pay for service? The waiter seemed rushed and forgetful the few times we interacted... Maybe they need more waitstaff, then the 10% charge would actually be worth it.
Reviewed by ajidulce from Austin, TX on 6/7/09
There was a bit of confusion the night of our reservation. Some sort of disorder with staff or timing. So I was skeptical. But with the delivery of our first selection and the first taste of the wine selection, all doubts vanished.
This was by far in my top five meals I've ever eaten.
My companion watched as my entree arrived and smiled. I'd selected the Suckling Pig. From presentation through flavor and textures, this dish was perfectly balanced. I shared, but held back. She understood.
There is a great understanding of flavors and great evidence of creativity at this restaurant. I could tell that each hand that brought our food to fruition cared deeply about the food and the clientele.
I'll return to Rome and I will most definitely return to Antico Arco.
Reviewed by gdawg from Birmingham Alabama on 1/23/08
We wanted to try an upscale local place while in Rome. I have to say, after having dined in many good restaurants over our 5 day stay Antico Arco was far superior to the rest. The owner made the rounds and chef came from behind the stove and the wait staff couldn't have been more welcoming and helpful. We plan to be back in Rome again this summer and the first thing my husband said was"Get us reservations at Antico Arco.
Reviewed by Bonzz from Birmingham on 4/18/07
Not that I need to add much to the above comments. Went b/c of the recs here. It was my best meal in Italy by far (but also the most expensive).
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