Rome Restaurant Recommendation for 60th Birthday
 

My friend will be in Rome on February 11 and wants to celebrate her 60th Birthday at a special restaurant. Any suggestions?

Hi K,

What's the budget?

((I))

She wants something very special and is willing to pay. There really is not set budget.

Checchino dal 1887. Don't be put off by the fact that it is famous for its offal dishes. While they are fabulous, Checchino also does wonderful saltimbocca alla romana, coda alla vacinara, abbacchio (milk fed lamb) scottaditto and abbacchio cacciatore, to name just a few of the more "regular" menu offerings. Camponeschi on Piazza Farnese is always an elegant choice, but I prefer it in the summer when you can sit outside. Agata e Romeo near Santa Maria Maggiorre is also excellent.

"I went to Checchino dal 1887 once."

"Really? What was the food like?

"Offal".




Sorry, couldn't resist.

La Penna d'Oca on Via della Penna, just off Piazza del Popolo.

06.32.02.898, fax 06.32.50.56.42

The owner is the chef, and I thought it a special place for a special meal, being recommended to me by friends in the UK. I loved the fish tasting menu - all 7 courses of it! And delicious local wines to accompany it all.

A speciality of the house is an exquisite light souffle for dessert, but you have to choose when you order. I had the lemon souffle with limoncello sauce and it was divine! Others loved the chocolate and amaretti souffles... it is hard to choose, and believe me, although you wonder how you will manage a souffle after 6 previous courses, they give you plenty of time between, and the amount you are given is just right so you can just squeeze that incredibly light souffle in at the end, and still have room for coffee and homemade chocolates at the end! And if you make it clear when you book that it is for a birthday, I am sure they will lay on something a bit special for you - it is that sort of place.

There was a good review by the NY Times but I can't find it now, though this review was on tripadvisor...

<<Ristorante La Penna d'Oca at via della Penna, 53 - a small intimate and warm place (a bit upscale), quiet location (just near the Piazza del Popolo) amazing food where the owner/chef prepares much of the menu. The food has a southern Italian flair with Roman influences. Do not forget to try the souffle's which are fabulous - but remember, these need to be ordered in advance! A special place for a special meal.>>

and another review here

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...&tid=83819

But have a great birthday celebration wherever you go!