Cul de Sac

My husband and I dined here during our trip in Sept 2010, after receiving a recommendation from our proprietor. Later, we realized it was a Fodor's pick (in our 2010 guidebook). Had we read the previous reviews posted here, we might have changed our minds. I'm glad we didn't as our experience here was quite nice and food delicious (our first meal in Rome!) Management must have taken note of the reviews and have improved upon service. Outside tables do fill up fast (as Fodor's states) so be prepared to wait. We waited only about 10-15 minutes. They let us wait inside at a table while an outside table opened up.

I fully agree with the last reviewer. I visited Cul De Sac during early January 2010, and experienced the same lack of service. Three times I had to remind my waiter that he forgot to bring one of the orders. I finally asked for the check and left. I must say that the food and wine are great.

I tried this restaurant after reading about it in my Fodor's Italy book. Had a smile on my face once I found it, but not when I left. After finally finding the manager/host, who was really busy handling tables and other issues, I was told it would be 15-20 minutes. He handed me a hand-written paper with a number on it. So I walked up and down the street nearby and came back and waited another 10 minutes before being rushed to a table right by the door. The waitstaff was more interested in visiting with each other than serving customers. Seeing how busy they were I ordered everything at one time for fear the waiter wouldn't return. Ordered a glass of wine, fava bean soup, and a salad, and I told the waiter I'd like the four-cheese plate for dessert. After finishing the soup and salad I watched the waiter walk past me nearly four times before I got his attention and told him to forget the cheese plate and bring the check. I had already been there an hour-and-a-half. The manager eventually brought the check and I paid and left. Great food but lousy service that left me disappointed. I would definitely recommend the wine list -- extensive and the bottles are stacked for viewing -- but I wouldn't recommend the place unless you don't mind spending a couple of hours on a light meal where the items are sold a la carte.