Fodor's Expert Review Ristorante La Bricola

Times have changed and so have the dining habits of the capitaleños and, consequently, so has this spot. Lunch is still served, but only inside near the bar. Staff are not as professional as they once were, and the menu has been abbreviated. You will no longer find the suave Italian maitre d’ and business clients in expensive suits, but the historical ambience, with seating in the brick-arched, Spanish courtyard remains, continuing to be the magnet—much more than the food. The food has not kept up with contemporary trends, nor are the plates garnished artistically. Still, if you go with the carpaccio, fettuchini alfredo, and Italian cheeses with onion jam, you can have a lovely and romantic night out. The white twinkle lights add to all this. A piano player ordinarily arrives by 8 pm, and there are jazz concerts on Friday night. On the weekends particularly, there may be a wedding going on but they will still seat a few diners in the side dining room.