This popular wine bar near Piazza Navona is among the city's oldest enoteche and offers a book-length selection of wines from Italy, France, the Americas, and elsewhere. Food is eclectic, ranging from a huge assortment of Italian meats and cheeses (try the delicious lonza, cured pork loin, or speck, a northern Italian smoked prosciutto) to various Mediterranean dishes, including delicious baba ghanoush, a tasty Greek salad, and a spectacular wild boar pâté. Outside tables get crowded fast, so arrive early, or come late, as they serve until about 1 AM.
Reviewed by aleaustin from Austin on 3/22/09
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.
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