Agata e Romeo in Rome
Apr 19th, 2005 | 03:51 PM
#1
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Agata e Romeo in Rome
I'd be interested in hearing views on the restaurant Agata e Romeo in Rome. I'm the editor of the Fodor's Italy guide, and I'm trying to reconcile the generally negative comments in the rants and raves on this site with the opinion of my food writer in Rome -- she thinks it's one of the three best restaurants in the city.
Apr 19th, 2005 | 03:57 PM
#3
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Address is Via Carlo Alberto 45.
You can find the negative comments (and the Fodor's review) at
http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...erty_id=261254
You can find the negative comments (and the Fodor's review) at
http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...erty_id=261254
Apr 19th, 2005 | 06:16 PM
#4
Joined: Aug 2003
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Why did you post this twice? How odd for an editor to not know better. 
I never saw the complaint page before and the few offerings were an interesting read. I'm surprised more folks haven't written a review but I suspect most Fodorites don't venture to this expensive restaurant. I think it's more a Via Michelin reader's choice.
Too bad for Agata Parisella and Romeo Caraccio. I think they're quite possibly the victims of too much hype. They received tremendous press praise early on by some of the most prestigious publications and I just don't think they've been able to keep the momentum going, especially at those insane prices.
I've written about my lackluster experiences at this restaurant here on Travel Talk. With your delinquent search feature, good luck researching those posts. I failed to find any.
The last time I ate there I was joined by three priests from the Vatican, all Roman cuisine enthusiasts. Of course, we were treated very well. We had agreed on the tasting menu and had Romeo pick the wines. The wines were first-rate and probably the best aspect of our dinner. I paid no attention to their price and I'm sure they were overpriced.
What surprised us all throughout this four-hour feast was how each course tasted good but not one dish sent any of our taste buds to the moon. Considering the hype, time, and the expense, you have to walk away from an experience like this saying at least one dish was the best version you've ever had. That didn't happen here.
Service was much too slow for me. I love the fact that the Italians give you the table for the evening but four (plus) hours for a tasting menu tests my patience to sit still. Frankly, my glutes were killing me.
I've never found the room warm and cozy but I suspect it is for lunch, which accounts for why most photos of the place feature streaming sunlight. At night, with it's clear, crystal bulb lighting, the room and it's patrons look cold.
I've had much more exciting meals at Il Convivio, Hostaria di Valentini Pietro, and El Toula. I won't mention my new favorite but if you discover it (hint: it's not in the city center), I'll let you know.
I never saw the complaint page before and the few offerings were an interesting read. I'm surprised more folks haven't written a review but I suspect most Fodorites don't venture to this expensive restaurant. I think it's more a Via Michelin reader's choice.
Too bad for Agata Parisella and Romeo Caraccio. I think they're quite possibly the victims of too much hype. They received tremendous press praise early on by some of the most prestigious publications and I just don't think they've been able to keep the momentum going, especially at those insane prices.
I've written about my lackluster experiences at this restaurant here on Travel Talk. With your delinquent search feature, good luck researching those posts. I failed to find any.
The last time I ate there I was joined by three priests from the Vatican, all Roman cuisine enthusiasts. Of course, we were treated very well. We had agreed on the tasting menu and had Romeo pick the wines. The wines were first-rate and probably the best aspect of our dinner. I paid no attention to their price and I'm sure they were overpriced.
What surprised us all throughout this four-hour feast was how each course tasted good but not one dish sent any of our taste buds to the moon. Considering the hype, time, and the expense, you have to walk away from an experience like this saying at least one dish was the best version you've ever had. That didn't happen here.
Service was much too slow for me. I love the fact that the Italians give you the table for the evening but four (plus) hours for a tasting menu tests my patience to sit still. Frankly, my glutes were killing me.
I've never found the room warm and cozy but I suspect it is for lunch, which accounts for why most photos of the place feature streaming sunlight. At night, with it's clear, crystal bulb lighting, the room and it's patrons look cold.
I've had much more exciting meals at Il Convivio, Hostaria di Valentini Pietro, and El Toula. I won't mention my new favorite but if you discover it (hint: it's not in the city center), I'll let you know.
Apr 17th, 2007 | 09:46 AM
#7
Joined: Apr 2007
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This may be a "dead" topic due to time elapsed since mlongobard's original post but bravo to your Rome food writer! (I hope the lack of support for her very correct judgement didn't cost her her job <g>
The only thing I can agree with the aptly named NY Food Snob about is that "sticker shock" may put the ristorante off the board for the budget traveler. Prices are indeed quite high at this very special restaurant and we saved the visit for our special "farewell to Roma" dinner less than a week ago. Service was attentive without being intrusive. The sommalier's knowledge belied his youth, and Romeo and Agata saw us off at the conclusion of a memorable meal with rare grace.
As to the meal, the food was memorable and creative. We were a party of three, including our 11-year old who has quite a palate. Among the dishes were zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta, aged parmesan flan with fig and honey, saffron risotto w/ tiny rabbit meatballs,crisp-skinned suckling pig with pear chutney. My wife raved about the savory oxtail-a very different type preparation than that of her Chinese heritage-a culinary gap where her personal taste rarely favors the occidental Romeo (whom we had never met) stopped by the table early to proffer a wonderful, complementary foie gras pre-appetizer and the waiter likewise appeared with a complementary panne cotta treat before dessert. The dining room was warm and stylish and this was at 9 pm.
I plead guilty to only having visited Rome twice so as to where Agata e Romeo exactly stands in the Roman food hierarchy, I can't be certain. However, we live within 20 minutes of Manhattan and visit renown restaurants with some regularity. Business travel brings me to fine London dining often. I enthusiastically judge Agate e Romeo outstanding.
The only thing I can agree with the aptly named NY Food Snob about is that "sticker shock" may put the ristorante off the board for the budget traveler. Prices are indeed quite high at this very special restaurant and we saved the visit for our special "farewell to Roma" dinner less than a week ago. Service was attentive without being intrusive. The sommalier's knowledge belied his youth, and Romeo and Agata saw us off at the conclusion of a memorable meal with rare grace.
As to the meal, the food was memorable and creative. We were a party of three, including our 11-year old who has quite a palate. Among the dishes were zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta, aged parmesan flan with fig and honey, saffron risotto w/ tiny rabbit meatballs,crisp-skinned suckling pig with pear chutney. My wife raved about the savory oxtail-a very different type preparation than that of her Chinese heritage-a culinary gap where her personal taste rarely favors the occidental Romeo (whom we had never met) stopped by the table early to proffer a wonderful, complementary foie gras pre-appetizer and the waiter likewise appeared with a complementary panne cotta treat before dessert. The dining room was warm and stylish and this was at 9 pm.
I plead guilty to only having visited Rome twice so as to where Agata e Romeo exactly stands in the Roman food hierarchy, I can't be certain. However, we live within 20 minutes of Manhattan and visit renown restaurants with some regularity. Business travel brings me to fine London dining often. I enthusiastically judge Agate e Romeo outstanding.
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