I really liked this place. Don't know what the reviewer that gave a 1 star review was talking about - when I went the majority of the patrons were Italian. The food is definitely not pre-prepared- pasta was fresh. Place was clean, service was friendly. I liked the decor. I tried the "La Carbonara"- it was fantastic. It completely destroys the vast, vast majority of "Italian" slop served in the US. read more

We tried to go to this restaurant on 2 occasions unsuccessfully. The kitchen is only open for 2 hours for lunch (12:30-2:30) and 3 1/2 hours for dinner (7:30-11). We decided to keep trying due to the poor food we've had in Rome and the rave reviews about this place. We ordered a carbonara and a daily recommendation (big, round pasta with bacon, mushrooms, garlic and tomato sauce). All I can say is salt, salt, salt. Neither of us could taste any of the other ingredients in our food. This is not so uncommon in Rome from our experience, but still neither of us could finish our meals. The food was underwhelming at best. Also, they have "no tap water", only bottled. They charge you 2€ for bread and don't tell you until the bill comes. You are much, much better off at ai tre scalini (panisperna 251) down the street. They have tap water, free delicious bread, and amazing food. read more

This place had the best pasta I had while in Italy. It's extremely popular so don't expect to just walk in and be seated (although that is what we did, but only because we had 3 people). The phone was ringing off the hook with people calling to book reservations, and if you don't show up on time they will give your seat away (although they will try to fit you in at a later time that evening). The carbonara pasta was to die for, the ze tere pasta was my favorite and you can't go wrong ordering anything with artichokes. The staff is very friendly and engaging. I was incredibly pleased with the quality of food for the price we paid. I cannot wait to go back. read more

My friend and I waited at the door until opening at 1900. Were let in at 1915 on the basis that we finish dinner by 2030. We were sat and 30 minutes, not even water was offered. Not one server attended us. And yet we were expected to finish our meal by a set time. I was highly recommended this restaurant but was severely disappointed in lack of good service. Best bet would be to have prior reservations. But if a business is unable to provide services, at least honestly turn away customers so they can fairly find a meal elsewhere. Walked over to Diadema a few blocks over and my first 2 minutes of interaction with an employee were already a treat! read more

Absolutely terrible. Host was extremely rude. My brother and I went to the restaurant in the morning and was told the kitchen didn't open till 7, which is totally understandable. I tried to make a reservation for that night, she said it was overbooked. Went back to the restaurant that evening and was told there was a 30 minute wait. Ended up waiting 45 minutes then an hour and then we gave up. Then! Attempted to make a reservation for the following evening! I was answered by a very condescending host saying that it was impossible due to over booking. I hear great things about this place. I wish could back up those opinions. I had a horrible experience. read more

Wonderful experience here while in Rome. Are here twice. Loved the graffiti on the wall. Great experience. Can never eat "Italian" food in States again. Cannot duplicate those fresh ingredients. Artichokes! Yum! read more

I'm a chef who has worked with many Italian chefs and this is the worst food I've ever had! They also lie to you about the wine. No matter what you ask for they will tell you they ran out. Worst tourist trap ever! I will never ever go back! read more

Best meal we had in Italy- and that is saying a lot!! We met a man from Rome on our last day there and told him how much we fell in love with this great city, the people, and of course the food. He told us he wanted us to go to his favorite restaurant on our last night there and sent us here. It was fantastic. Best carbonara any of us have ever had. Staff was super nice. Guy at next table worked at Vatican. Get table on second floor overlooking the piazza. Pretty spot to stroll around after dinner. WOnderful memory of a special city. We took cab from our hotel (Parco d Principe) and had cab driver wait for us as we stopped on way to La Carbonara so we could see L'argo Argentine which is spot where Julius Caesar was killed. That took about five mins and then we headed here which was about another ten mins. perfect last night in Rome!! read more

wonderful place with great food! Best choice in the area! It's totally to wait in line outside, and if you book table you will get in first! Strongly recommend to try beef -- I'm no an expert but it's tasty thing I've ever ate! And of cause try local wine -- won't regret it! read more

Me and my family loved this place so much we came 2 days in a row. Food was incredible, welcoming staff that speak good English. Very affordable, perfect potions. This place was recommended to us my native Italian friends of ours. read more

We had dinner there twice during our visit in Rome last summer. It has the feeling of a small street restaurant. We sat outside, we had the amatriciana and the carbonara and really enjoyed it. The kids had some pene pasta and said it was the best tomato sauce ever. The first time, service was also very good. We went back a second time and service was not as good, food came in the wrong order, the waiter was a bit abrasive with the kids and their preferences, he was giving advice how to raise our kids etc so it was not as great. read more

Great pasta --- great prices... ate here twice for less than 15 euro per person including wine... Service is a bit grumpy and disorganized but has the feel of family... plus I can deal with that for great food at a great price. Atmosphere was casual but comfy. Also I ordered a glass of wine without checking the price... they made a great selection and it was only 5Euro... they easily could have taken advantage of the situation. Carbonara and Cacio et Pepe was great... Gnocchi was fantastic but only available Thursdays. Went here twice during a 5 day visit to Rome. A reservation is a must as they get very busy!! Bread for 2Euro is automatically brought to the table as is with so many restaurants in Rome, it's just part of the program. They open at 7pm and they mean 7:00 on the dot... don't expect to be let in even a minute earlier!!! Also a lot of the staff speaks English, so even though the menu is in Italian, its a very comfortable experience if you only speak English. read more

Such a shame. We were in Rome twice for the departure and arrival point of a cruise. The first time we were in Rome we tried getting a reservation here (our hotel had recommended La Carbonara as the best most sought-after restaurant for dinner in Rome), but could not. That made us want to go even MORE because if a place was packed at 11pm at night it must be good right? So on our return journey from our cruise, we had tried yet again to get a reservation. Upon calling, they made it seem as though they were doing us a favor to "squeeze us in." When we had arrived, there were a ton of empty tables. The server spoke English very well (menus are in Italian and English) and she was able to recommend a fantastic bottle of wine. The 3-stars comes from the fact that she was trying to push all the most expensive items on the menu as the "best and most favorite ones." It was clear that she did this only to tourists and not locals. Furthermore, when trying to signal to another waiter for him to help us get something simple like olive oil, he said yes be right back, and never came back-how rude! Lastly, they charge for anything and everything-water and bread too! Stay away, because this is an over priced tourist Rome trap like everything else in this eternal city. read more

Friendly enough service and decent food but generally average. Points taken off for no tap water option (fancy bottles of acqua panna only), 2 euro charge for bread they just gave us without asking, and passing off a bottle of wine as organic when it in fact was not. There is better out there, why settle?? read more

Carbonara was excellent. The prosciutto was excellent as well. The bartender was very friendly during our short wait as we walked in without a reservation on a Wednesday evening. He suggested a delicious bottle of red wine from the region at a good price. Good energetic atmosphere in a cool neighborhood. read more

I heard from a friend that the place is great. The first night we came its was very busy and we needed a reservation so, we left and made one for a few days later. When we came back we realized why. Our waiter Luca was amazing. He was really patient with us while we took out time and really looked through the menu. He made really great suggestions for what wine would go with out dinner. The food was good but, the service was even better! Will definitely be back for my next trip to Rome! read more

We called for a reservation (12) in the late afternoon and got a table outside in the Campo dei Fiore market area. Food was good (not outstanding) along with decent service. The highlights were the fried artichokes, fresh Lamb entree and pasta carbonara. read more

went for a little lunch, had great fresh pasta. The mozzarella bufala was very good. Loved it so much we made a reservation for the next night read more

This review is overdue...this was the best pasta we had in Rome and we tried so many restaurants. The pastas were light, perfectly sauced and rich in flavor. The carbonara was heavenly! read more

Order the La Carbonara and Steak with Truffle sauce. You will not regret it. So delicious. We ate there twice during our 3 day stay in Rome. read more

I made a reservation a day in advance for 7pm. I was still asked to be done by 8:30 which was fine. I understand turnover and maximizing table space. I arrived promptly at 7pm only to be assigned a table in a dimly lit space and between two intersections, so lots of foot traffic. I asked if other tables were available and I was told no. Yet I watched 3 couples who explicitly said they didn't have reservations get better tables including one I had asked for in advance. I promptly left and found a better restaurant in La Vacca M' Briaca on Via Urbano. read more

Went here based on other yelp reviews as we were staying in hotel near restaurant. Hmmm...called to make reservation so front lady would not give us attitude. She told us to come at 7. There was a line waiting...couldnt even get in a tad early to get a drink. Then we were hearded in to sit in the back room with all tourists...talk about segregation. Food was ok. Flavors were good...noodles were a bit thick. Highly resent being sat in room full of tourists while front was for italians only. read more

One of the best meals we've ever had in our lives. ORDER THE artichoke and you will experience a true joy of taste buds. We did not have reservations, but were on our honeymoon and they squeezed us in. Amazing, amazing, amazing. read more

This place was recommended to us by a couple of ladies we met in Venice. We going to stay another couple of nights in Rome so we asked where a good local restaurant they would recommend. The first night we went they were too busy and said we needed reservations so we made some for the night after. I had the ravioli with funghi porcini e formaggio al tartufo. It was the most amazing pasta I have ever tasted. Fresh ingredients made this meal shine. The atmosphere was amazing. It was a small restaurant so I recommend making reservations so you won't get dissapointed. We wanted to eat somewhere where the locals eat and this is the place. read more

Hostess was extremely rude. Tried to go for lunch and weren't able to eat because the kitchen was closing in 10 minutes. Went back for dinner and were told again they weren't serving food while the whole restaurant was bustling and people eating. Sign even said they were serving for another hour and a half. Will not try to go there again...apparently they don't care about how their 'could be' patrons are treated. read more

Best meal I had in Italy! The bar tender was very nice and prepared a delicious cocktail for me while I waited to be seated. I ordered Pasta alla carbonora and carciofi alla romana...one word: Exquisite! read more

The only bad place I ever ate in Italy. My husband's lamb was gristly--a poor cut. My trippa was dreadful. We did make early reservations and got seated as soon as the door opened. Seemed like a lot of young people drinking American style cocktails. More of a tourist scene than real Italian dining. But we did go earlier than most Romans eat. read more

Excellent pasta!!! Service was ok, so does the plate of cheese. But as I went to eat some good Roman pasta, I was totally satisfy by my diner! read more

This restaurant was in our guidebook and we had read promising reviews online. I don't know if the restaurant was having an off night or what the problem was, but this was the worst meal of our trip. The dining room is small and there are as many tables jammed in as possible. My husband had to get up to allow the person at the next table to leave. It is so noisy we couldn't have a conversation. The worst part was the food. I live my pasta al dente but this was so undercooked it was crunchy. My husband ordered the carbonara and I had the amatricana - both arrived with pancetta that had fat on it that meat - huge globs of white mixed in to the pasta. We opted not to order a meat course. It was only €17.50 for our two plates plus a bottle of water. At least it was inexpensive but we would have been happier with a couple of fresh panini. read more

They were able to accommodate the 8 of us, food was spot on and our waiter was pretty good with English.

One of the oldest osteria in Trastevere Roma, very good food, traditional Roman food, nice people, nice service. I love eating there. Just one thing I don't like, tables and chairs are very unconfortable- read more

Amazingly great pasta with a great intimate environment. Came here with a local and it was great food with a free Grappa thanks to the owner. read more

Worst experience in Rome. The waiter could not have been more rude if he tried. The food was lack luster and it was the worst meal I've had in two weeks of being in Rome. I speak Italian, so the idea of being American is a moot point. This was the worst food, experience, and service I have had in two weeks. Ridiculously rude and underwhelming food cannot compensate for a bad experience. Spare yourself the nightmare and head to Piazza Navona and one or two blocks off the square has great food and a great experience. read more

This place is a tourist trap. They have tacky paper signs on the tables asking you to talk quietly, along with paper place mats with some expression in 20 different languages. I discovered this too late, having already sat down and received a bread basket i didnt ask for. But i digress...lets start at the beginning when i walked in and asked for a table - the hostess made a comment about "a table for one?" while looking me up and down. It might have offended someone who doesn't take frequent solo trips abroad, but I have zero f's to give so i played along, making a joke about how impossible a table for one is and she was actually pretty friendly. The waitress was also friendly - she opted for english over my pathetic attempts at italian and i peppered my requests with heartfelt grazies. On her recommendation i ordered the buccatini amatriciana, house red wine, and acqua naturale (i think its b.s that you have to pay for flat water here, but hey...when in rome..and i know everyone charges here, so no points lost for that). I had flipped over the tacky sign so i could pretend i was in a nicer establishment, and she flipped it back (not knowing i had flipped it). I joked that i had flipped it so i wouldn't have to see it and she laughed and took it away. She brought bread i didnt request, i didnt touch it. The wine and water came quickly - big bottle of water and good wine. The pasta came quickly as well. It was a little worse than fine. I finished it bc i was very hungry after a day of travel. She asked if i wanted anything else and brought the bill when i said 'no'. 17 euros (higher than i was expecting but i didnt really pay attention bc i just wanted to be out of there). I left a 3 euro tip. I walked out and she ran after me to give me the receipt. I inspected it and realized i had been charged for the bread, which normally i would have let go, but the whole experience was just so disappointing that i went back to the original hostess/lady behind the bar and said- i was just charged for the bread i didnt ask for and didnt eat. She told me it was a service charge, to which i replied i had left a tip for the service. She said it was a "legal" thing and pointed to some sign as if to explain (i could t see anything that explained it) The formerly half friendly hostess had taken on an enforcer tone, letting me know there was jack i could do about it. I walked out. Defeated. And immediately starting drafting this post in my head as i walked home, because there actually was something I could do about it. read more

I really wanted to love this place. It's warm and cute -- but on our night there -- their service was just off. We ordered two fried artichokes and two plates of Pasta Carbonara -- but for whatever reason, our pasta orders got lost or misplaced or something. We had two fired artichokes arrive promptly on the table soon after ordering. They were delicious and we really enjoyed them. But then we waited....first it was 20 minutes...then 30. We asked and the waiter said he'd take a look. Then there was no follow up from him. So at 45 minutes, we asked again. This time a different waiter came back and asked us what we had ordered (never a good sign). And 15 minutes after that, the new waiter produced our two plates of delicious pasta carbonara. Was this pasta worth waiting over an hour for? While good, it realyl wasn't worth that kind of wait in between courses. The new waiter apologized and offered us an after dinner cordial but at this point, we just wanted the check and to go back to the hotel since our jetlag was catching up to us. Overall, there was good food, but poor service really overshadowed our experience. I'd go back again next time I'm in Rome to try again to see if it's a better experience. read more

Delicious carbonara pasta. I thought the portion would be small but it was a good amount for 7 euros. A bit on the salty side though. We also ordered the truffle sauce beef. It honestly looked terrible in terms of presentation, a pile of dark gloop, unappealing but taste was good. I had hoped they would give us bread to eat it with but never did. Another issue was I made a reservation online for 18:00 and was asked by email if 19:00 was ok instead which I agreed to. When we went we were asked to stand to the side while they figured it out and we ended up being given an isolated table near a soda machine. Oh they do not encourage customers to graffiti the wall as google states. As I was about to an older woman who worked there tapped me and told me not to. read more

Usually a place called carbonara would have good carbonara. I just ate there this evening and it was very disappointing. To start they pretended to lose my reservation which I made a month ago and provided them with online proof. Once disapproved I was hurried to a very crowded table in a very noisy section of the restaurant. I ordered a salad and my wife ordered a salad with buffalo mozzarella. The salad was like eating out of the bag and the mozzarella did not seem fresh. The seller did not even come seasoned I was handed oil and vinegar and told to mix my own. I ordered a carbonara and my wife ordered amatriciana. When our meal was brought to us the waiter said very disrespectfully (because we do not speak Italian) "the red" and "the yellow" referring to our meals. My carbonara was lukewarm at best and had zero taste. My wife's meal tasted like it was sauce out of a can. After leaving the restaurant I thought back and I feel that the reason my meal was so cold was because there was a table next to us that ordered six carbonaras and I think my meal was made with theirs and left waiting to be served until my wife's meal was prepared. We have been very much looking forward to this meal having made a reservation over a month ago. However, it did not live up to the hype and it was very disappointing... The service the food the ambience everything was a disappointment... we couldn't get out of there fast enough. It was a total waste of a meal in Rome. read more

I think the place is over rated. Location wise it is good, close to Colessium, however food wise it is in the medium range. We took "la carbonara" (too much bacon fat ), "alla Checa"(the one with anchovies, nothing special) and "oxtail "(small bone in the middle and that is all). Will try another place for sure next time. read more

The food was alright. Went for lunch service and ordered the fish. It was still raw in the middle so had to be sent back. The waiter also gave us bread and charged us for it even though we didnt order it. Wouldnt come back unless something seriously changed read more

This restaurant serves the very best Italian food in Rome. The carbonara and Cacio e Pepe pastas are the best I have ever had. Everything In the menu is great and authentic. This place is quite busy so call in advance. We tried to repeat but the place was booked for several days. read more