La Pergola is an Italian/Mediterranean restaurant in the Rome Cavalieri hotel. It boasts a few treasures and eccentricities alike, including its extensive wine list, gold flatware, rooftop view and forty choices of mineral water. Some of La Pergola's patrons have accused it of being over the top, but the restaurant has a devote following and top rankings in Zagat's Most Popular and Food Tops lists. The nine-course tasting menu changes frequently, but has included in the past raw tuna on amaranth grain and pea puree, suckling pig's cheek with crispy chili-flavored rice, whole roast duck and the restaurant's famous Pergola pasta dish. Expect exceptional service, quality, creativity and taste, with an exceptionally high price to boot. However, with German chef Heinz Beck in the kitchen, few find reason to complain.
La Pergola
Rome Cavalieri
Via Alberto Cadlolo 101
Rome, Italy 00136
011 (+39) 06-3509-2152
http://www.romecavalieri.it
Antica Pesa is a traditional Roman restaurant recognized by the nation as a historical heritage site. Antica Pesa prides itself on modern interpretations of traditional cuisines, cuisines that were once thought simple, meager and in keeping with the seasons. With its garden, outdoor seating and fireplace, Antica Pesa is a naturally romantic locale. In recent times it has become something of a celebrity-sighting spot, after being associated with Robert De Niro's Tribeca Film Festival and the new Rome Film Fest. Though its reputation dates back to its establishment in 1922, Antica Pesa has recently been accused of high prices and fluctuations in both quality and service, especially when the crowds form. As a plus, they have an exceptional wine menu and stay open late. Reservations are recommended.
Antica Pesa
Via Garibaldi 18
Rome, Italy 00153
Phone: 011 (+39) 06-580-9236
http://www.anticapesa.it/english/ristorante.html
Antico Arco is a popular Italian restaurant in Rome's Gianicolo neighborhood. The food is delicious and decently-priced while the service is reliably good. Expect freshly baked homemade bread and appetizers like the onion tart and swordfish tartar or the suckling pig with crispy pork rind to be equally exceptional. Main courses that have proven their worth include the risotto with nebbiolo sauce, lamb terderloin, and a duck breast with a devine reduced muscato wine. The wine list is extensive yet reasonably-priced while the décor and atmosphere is decidedly trendy. Though slightly out-of-the-way, with its location up in the Janiculum Hill near the American Academy, Antico Arco has proven to many to be worth the trip.
Antico Arco
Piazzale Aurelio 7
Rome, Italy 00152
011 (*39) 06-581-5274
