Our family visited on a recent trip to Rome, based on the great video from Rick Steves that highlighted this restaurant as an example of the type of dining that Romans love. We had a great experience. We had our hotel book reservations for us at 7PM (when they open). The restaurant is cozy and inviting. The staff and service were excellent. The food was a real experience. We enjoyed the fresh local fish (which they prepare for you, and divide into serving plates). They have a great wine selection. We also enjoyed our pastas and deserts. All-in-all, it was just a very nice experience. read more

This little downstairs restaurant is super cool. The art on the walls is great, the service was impeccable and the food is unbelievable. I had the truffle steak with roasted potatoes and mixed vegetables. Was divine. Highly recommend!! read more

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What a treat in Roma. The appetizer was amazing and the entrees prepared to perfection. The ambiance was nice and refined.

Every time we are in Rome, we come back to this wonderful restaurant near the Spanish Steps. Claudio doesn't seem to age, he and family happy and healthy! We always have the crudo, so fresh, seafood and pasta, friendly service. Great dinner, once again! read more

Il Gabriello - Crudo of the day - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

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This place was amazing. The service to start was the best anyone could ask for. Very friendly and kind. Showed menu item if you asked. The whole fish was so delicate and delicious. The black pasta wood dish was my favorite. I loved how intense the flavors were in this dish. People look for a tone a seafood in a dish for it to have flavor, this was just right. When in Rome and you want a great intimate dinner. This is the place. read more

Il Gabriello - Thin slices of smoked beef. - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

We were bleary-eyed and hungry on our first night in Rome after arriving on the red-eye at 6:30 a.m. Rick Steves said to eat here, so we called for a reservation expecting to be laughed at either for asking for a same-day reservation or for our terrible Italian. Neither happened, and we got a nice table in a small, beautiful room, where I ate the best cacio e pepe I've ever had, and my husband enjoyed the fish of the day. It seemed all the diners were American, so also friends of Rick, probably. While it might be for tourists, this place was a big step up from the kitschy restaurants on the main piazzas, and that's not just the great bottle of staff-recommended wine talking. Finally, by the time we ordered a couple of courses and dessert, we were afraid to look at our bill - much more reasonable than our "Italian" places at home. read more

An absolutely incredible meal. I ordered the Spaghetti Amerisciana (sp) and it was truly the best ever. My wife had the Veal Saltimbocca and she also agreed that it was the best she has ever eaten. The ambiance is superb and the owner makes sure that you are more than satisfied. When in Rome, you have to go to Il Gabriella. read more

Il Gabriello is a little gem of a restaurant located near Piazza di Spagna, location of the famous Spanish Steps. The restaurant is located below street level. As you descend the stairs the restaurant opens into a beautiful cave-like brick ceiling space. It is intimate and cozy. Angela, the hostess greets you at the bottom of the stairs and shows your party to their table. Angela is a classy lady, speaking multiple languages, including near perfect English, to help those non-Italian speaking with their order. She was so incredibly helpful, assisting us with our food choices and wine pairing. We started the evening with a cocktail. I had a classic martini. Everyone ordered something different, but all the cocktails were great. For appetizers, we ordered beef carpaccio, octopus, and a ricotta cheese dish. My favorite was the carpaccio, which had a strong smoked flavor, which was a bit of a twist from the carpaccio I have had in the past. I had the truffle ravioli which was loaded with truffle. It was rich and delicious. Someone else ordered classic spaghetti with red sauce and basil - it was simple and delicious. We did not have room for dessert, but Angela brought us a nice plate of chocolates and what I think was small biscotti. She also brought us each a complimentary shot of meloncello. It was like limoncello except made with cantelope. It was surprisingly good. We liked it so much Angela brought us another. Thank you to this amazing restaurant for making our meal special. I have no problem rating this meal with 5-stars. I cannot wait to come back. read more

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One of the best meals I have ever had. Yes, get reservations, but I called 20 mins before they opened and had availability. Staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind (helped guide us tourists through the menu). Wow was the food great! Best meal of the trip. Fresh, unique, and authentic. Hidden gem!! read more

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Absolutely fantastic restaurant. We went here on our last night in Italy based on the recommendation of a friend. It was a last-minute decision and we didn't have a reservation, but we arrived at opening and were given the last table they had which was outside. Shortly after we were seated, the host came out to let us know a table inside had just become available due to a cancelation, and she offered us that table if we wanted to switch. We stayed put because it was a beautiful night, but I really appreciated the offer. The food was outstanding. The black spaghetti was the best I've had. Service was attentive and friendly, and the meal was coursed out beautifully. Family owned, unassuming from the outside, and authentic. This is the best kind of place to find in Rome! read more

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This is one of my favorite restaurants in Rome. Their specials are always worth trying too.

So nice we had dinner here twice! While they don't have outside dining, the interior is very, very well appointed and such a nice place to eat a fine meal and drink some fine wine. The carbonara! Oh my it was so, so good I got it both nights! My party of four all loved everything we ate. The servers are also great and play along with our sense of humor too. Go here, you won't be disappointed. read more

Lovely dinner spot in the basement of an alleyway. Stopped by early before opening and was kindly told were closed. Came back about 2 hours later just as they were opening and was promptly seated even without reservations! Very happy to have bumped into this place as all the tables filled up very fast and after our meal, found the place packed. We were a party of 3 and ordered a ravioli, meat pasta, and mini lobster pasta dish (forgive me if I have forgotten the names of the dishes) all of which were amazing and delicious. Pleasant service and nice staff. Owner was a charming Italian man. Would definitely recommend! read more

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A wonderful family restaurant hidden away near the Spanish Steps. I've been multiple times and know it's a solid option when anyone comes to town. Delicious food and fun specials! Be sure to have meloncello at the end of your meal--it's delightful. read more

I cannot say enough good things about this incredible restaurant. The food, the service, the ambiance & art are all best in class. Even my kids loved every single bite. There was nary a crumb left in the table. A+++ read more

Wonderful food and hospitality. GABRIELLO and family are amazing Will be back again.

My husband and I tried coming here for dinner on a weeknight and were turned away because we didn't have reservations. We decided that must mean something good so we made reservations for the following night. I'm so glad we were able to eat here because it was definitely a memorable meal! We tried: Shrimp & zucchini risotto, 14 euros - amazing! We got this as an "app" to share and it came out split in two bowls. Portion was generous considering I only ate half the entree, and it was the perfect amount! Risotto, no matter how good, has its limits on how much can be consumed - it's just a heavy food. The risotto was cooked just right and the flavors and ingredients of this dish couldn't have been better. Fresh zucchini and shrimp, and a good amount too - I want to say we each got at least ten shrimp! It was so good I'm salivating just thinking about it now.. Lamb chops, 15 euros - very good! I think I got six pieces and they were really meaty and tender! If I had to choose though, this was my least favorite of the three dishes we tried. Just not was wow-ing as the others. The lamb was seasoned well though, but it just didn't compare to the beef we also got. Grilled beef fillet with green pepper sauce, 21 euros - the BEST! The meat was unbelievably tender - think, melt in your mouth. My husband and I were thinking it might be the best steak we've ever had. It was THAT good. Just a note though - the pepper sauce is actually black pepper, so it wasn't as expected, but it didn't matter.. it was delicious and we definitely had a sad moment when the last piece of beef was consumed. Overall, loved our dinner. Food and service were great. The only kicker - they give you new/more bread after each course.. but be careful because you actually end up getting charged for each one separately! Thankfully we only got two, but wouldn't want to spend more than 4 euros on just bread. Just don't eat it all and they won't "give" you more. When in Rome, go to Il Gabriello and get generously portioned, amazing, fine dining food at reasonable prices. But don't forget to make reservations first! read more

Il Gabriello - Risotto split in two plates. You can't tell, but there's an abundance of shrimp in here! Maybe the best risotto I've had. 13 euros. - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

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When in Rome...eat like the Romans do! Il Gabriello is a wonderful place to dine because the food is delicious, the friendly staff was engaging, and there's a good vibe all around. The ambiance is very suitable for the contemporary romantic. I loved the intimate low lit wine cellar feel, modern art adorning the walls, and exposed duct work as shiny as a espresso machine. We tried white truffle spinach ravioli, seafood paccheri, seafood course, meat course, and a light cream pastry w/ strawberries. I ate my little heart out! The menu is extensive, with some seasonal variations. This was the best restaurant recommendation that we received, after a long day of sight seeing, it was the perfect ending. We enjoyed Il Gabriello and would definitely visit again. Grazie read more

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Now asking for additional "service gratuity" to be added to your bill prior to payment because you are an American tourist. Used to be a favorite, but the Italian attitude towards tourists has changed. We wont be back. Rome, Italy has really changed and is overrated. read more

If you're looking for nice restaurant, Il Gabriello has very good food, great service and is a beautiful place to dine and relax. Reasonably priced. read more

We happened upon this little gem in the Spanish steps neighborhood and made reservations since they are quite busy! Ambience is perfectly romantic yet good for families too somehow! Our antipasti choices of black angus carpaccio and octopus were very tasty along side with the spaghetti and clams! Shrimps and salmon were perfectly done but a little under seasoned although it could be different for others. Service was fantastic!! read more

Delicious food, lovely family members, cozy, artsy environment. Went once, returned two days later!

AMAZING! Our only regret was not finding this place earlier in our trip to Rome. Everything about our visit was perfect! It was close to where we were staying, the atmosphere and ambiance was dark and romantic yet it was appropriate for families/well behaved children. We ordered the bruschetta to share for starters which they brought out plated separately saving us from having to fight over the bigger piece (I kid I kid...). It was fresh and delicious. The bread was grilled and served warm. Next up, we shared the shrimp and zucchini risotto. Again this came out pre-split so there was no fighting over the dish with the most shrimp. As matter of fact both of our portions had an abundance (if there is such a thing) of shrimp. Each bite was perfectly seasoned and the flavors played off of each other. The zucchini helped cut the richness of the risotto. I honestly could have eaten the entire portion and had regrets about splitting it.... For our main dish we shared the sea bass which they brought out whole and then took to the back to de-bone and split into two portions. The fish was light and flaky and perfectly seasoned. I could have/should have licked the plate. There were two clams on each plate and a few wine roasted (I'm just guessing here) tomatoes that I dream about to this day. We finished our dinner with complimentary desert wine and limoncello and biscotti's. On the way out we bumped into a family from California who said they've been coming here for 10 years, I can understand why. Il Gabriello is hands down the best restaurant I went to in Rome and can't wait to return again and again!. read more

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Food was amazing! The owner and his daughter were serving, it was excellent. They even have some of her art on every table, a fantastic personal touch. The vino list was lengthy and very reasonably priced, including a 6 year old brunello for under $70 USD. Will be going back when back in Rome! read more

Such a cool spot for dinner! You go downstairs into a medium-sized room with a trendy wine cellar feel. The service and food were spot-on. We must have overheard a hundred people getting told there were no available tables, so reservations are a must. We agree with many other people that the shrimp and zucchini risotto is amazing. We did not have a bad dish here. Save room for the delicious dessert! read more

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NOT recommended at all... The bread was not fresh and obviously not cut from a single loaf of bread. It was very likely they reused the leftover bread, or maybe we came too early and got stale bread from the night before. We ordered a full fish. The waiter came and asked if we want to remove the bones. After removing the bones, we only got half of a fillet. And we realized it only after getting out of the restaurant reading other people's reviews, cuz the restaurant is located underground. The phone had no service nor wifi at the time we ordered. The dessert was nice, though. read more

Solid dining option in Rome due to its great service, tasty dishes and a fantastic ambience. The restaurant is located close to the piazza di spagna with the Spanish steps and is located essentially in a cozy basement type setting. Nonetheless the ambience is very nice as it is clean, well appointed and has several pictures peppered throughout the dinning room. The food is really good with most seafood options being delicious, as was their rissotto pasta. Desert is also reasonable. The restaurant is busy so reservations are necessary although they only accept r reservations up to two days ahead. Check it out it !!! read more

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Worth the reservations and the price, the meal here was incredible. We ordered the feast, which is 45€ per person, and it is so worth it. Appetizer, 2 fish dishes, 1 meat dish, and dessert. So good. Was recommended by rick steves and he was totally right. This place was awesome. read more

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Il Gabriello has a great atmosphere. I loved the pasta every time I came. The waiters are knowledgeable and can give you great recommendations. You will need a reservation so call over the phone. Ask what wine to pair with your meal as well! read more

Il Gabriello - Mediterranean Near Me - Rome, RM

My girlfriend and I had a wonderful experience at il Gabriello! Despite the mixed reviews on Yelp we decided to give it a shot (it gets great reviews on a competing travel review website which shall remain nameless). The space is lovely--upscale but not pretentious. It's quiet and romantic--a nice change from the many touristy restaurants nearby (no noisy scooters motoring by or rose sellers interrupting your meal). I definitely recommend getting reservations or showing up right when they open. We started with the bresaola, which came with an arugula salad. It was light and a wonderful starter. We shared a couple of pasta dishes for our first course. The spaghetti all'amatriciana was delicious--a savory tomato sauce with bacon. The sedani carbonara (a tube-shaped pasta like rigatoni) was peppery and savory--yet not too heavy, despite the egg and cream in the sauce. For our second course we split the saltimbocca, which was phenomenal. We split a lovely bottle of rosso di montalcino and for dessert shared a delicious bowl of lemon sorbet and strawberries. Of course we washed dessert down with a couple glasses of limoncello. Our entire meal was just under 90 euros--which we thought was quite a good value. I don't know about the other reviewers' mixed experiences, but everyone else in the restaurant seemed happy and pleased. We never felt rushed and the servers were very friendly and helpful. Il Gabriello is a great spot for both locals and tourists. read more

Delicious! Make sure to make a reservation since it's a small restaurant (saw many people get turned away). Here as a party of 2. Had burrata with anchovies, mussels, risotto, and a while fish w clams. Fantastic service, great atmosphere. Good value. Very impressed!! read more

Il Gabriello is actually a hard restaurant to review because it has good and bad qualities which means its inconsistent and you might avoid the bad and be near 5 stars. Executive brief - its a good looking place with inconsistent food, rapid fire service (for Rome) that focuses on flipping tables fast. The good is a great ambiance and design, its upscale, romantic, classy but without being stuffy and pretentious. The prices are good for the type of restaurant (minus the hidden bread tax of course). The inconsistent - the food is definitely up and down. For example we had 2 caprese salads - one was made with obviously unripe tomatoes that any good restaurant would have easily rejected (this demonstrates their overall of speed over quality) while the other was very good. Baked seabass excellent - prawns not but overall the food is 3 1/2 stars. The service is part of their rapid fire plan - not a lot of pleasantries (but not rude). This dishes are served very fast. Roman dinners are normally a very drawn out experience but not the case here. The bad - they charge for bread per basket and keep refilling it without asking and charging per bread refill. I have never heard of such chicanery and knock them a star for that bs. read more

This was the best restaurant experience my husband and I had in Rome! We went based on Rick Steve's recommendation. 1. The service is amazing! Our waitress was super friendly and helpful. 2. We had the buffalo mozzarella caprese salad for appetizer. It was delicious. 3. We also had the artichoke appetizer. Get one for each person because you'll be fighting each other for more!! It's super delicious!! 4. I had the pesto pasta which was excellent. 5. My husband had the steak with green pepper sauce. He was craving meat after eating pasta for the past week and it hit the spot. 6. The house red wine was excellent, and so cheap. 7. For dessert we had fruits stuffed with ice cream. It was interesting and tasty but I would try something else for next time. 8. The ambience is really nice and relaxed. Tip: I would definitely make a reservation because it's a pretty popular place. Overall, considering the service, food quality, and price - this place is definitely worth coming. read more

Our favorite meal in Rome! Great food, great service, great all around. My family had dinner here on our last night in Rome. We didn't know what to expect -- our meals in Rome had ranged from horrible to pretty good, and another highly recommended restaurant on Tripadvisor had been one of the worst meals of my life. We were so happy to leave Rome on such a high/delicious note. Sure it's packed with tourists, but there's a reason why. **Reservations a must** Highlights: Seafood risotto, lamb. Skip: Tomato-based vegetarian pasta. read more

So, while the food it good, it's not exceptional. The more problematic issue is that this restaurant only takes phone reservations, and only 2 days in advance! I kid you not! Very frustrating for those of us that would like to plan a week or two out. And not to mention the cost and inconvenience of having to call from another country. It's clear to me that this restaurant is not interested in visitors dining at their establishment, only locals. That's fine ... there are plenty of other better restaurants in the Spanish Steps area. read more

Il Gabriello is just an Amazing Restaurant where to go for a full dinner or even just to enjoy a bit of the always fresh fish that this place is offering. I have lived almost three years in Rome, and for whom who knows this beautiful city a little bit, I am sure he will agree that to find a good restaurant, without been robbed in one of the touristic places, is not an easy challenge! Well, Il Gabriello has a stunning quality, fresh ingredients, and I am feeling to suggest something like: Starters: Oysters! very clean and fresh! Fennel salad with Prawns, Octopus and potatoes! Deliciouuuus!!! Main: Pasta and Ravioli with fish! Second: any dish of Fish! About Wines they have a great choice! Honestly everything is great in this Place! And something really important, from the owner to the staff everyone is absolutely friendly and the service is TOP! The Prices are not the lowest, but in average for the Eternal City, and most important the Restaurant is situated in an ancient Wine Cellar, that the owner has decorated with paintings, books and bottles of Wine; a really pleasant environment! so, that's it, enjoy your visit at Il Gabriello. Buon Appetito! read more

A great go to restaurant near the Spanish Steps. The seafood linguine is delicious. Great food, friendly and attentive service.

Il Gabrielo is dependable, flavorful and colorful. The setting is very charming, located in a basement featuring arches from the 14th century as it's ceiling. We went with a group of 8 friends for a birthday celebration and I was able to see and try 8 distinct dishes. They were all very well displayed, served in a friendly, quick manor with lots of flair, and followed up on quickly. Complimentary drinks after lunch were a plus. Loved the veal, lamb, branzino and several pasta dishes. Definitely going again. read more

I was really disappointed after having dinner at Il Gabriello. I wanted to love this place with its intimate setting in a wine cellar, proximity to the Spanish Steps, and friendly staff. Unfortunately they missed the mark too many times when it came to the food. My wife and I ordered the cacio e pepe. It's one of the only pasta dishes I hadn't tried and I was excited to try it in Rome. When we got the cacio e Pepe we found that both orders were lukewarm and the pasta was not done. I tried to get past the temp and hard pasta but could not and stopped eating after a few bites. My wife, not wanting to seem rude, tried to finish eating but got through less than half of hers. Our server noticed that we had barely touched our food and asked what was wrong. I told her and she apologized and offered to exchange the dish. I asked for the carbonara instead, it was better but still underwhelming. We also ordered the steak medium, what we got was the steak blue. I expected so much more from this place, but was let down too many times. There are better more affordable restaurants in the area like That's Amoré. I suggest looking elsewhere if you are near the Spanish Steps. read more

This was our last night in Rome and had seen write ups in Yelp and in Rick Steve so we figured, lets go have some fun. Was thrilled that there were more locals there than tourists it appeared. It is located in a very romantic downstairs area with hip pictures lining the old roman walls. For food we had a great cold shrimp and potato appetizer that was wonderful. For mail course we had sliced fillet mignon and turbo cod....both exceptional and cooked perfectly. Finally for desert we had strawberries and lemon ice-cream.....all this with a good bottle of wine was a perfect night. read more