On one of our last days exploring Rome, we had walked quite far seeing the last few points of interest and window shopping. After my partner and I snapped at one another for more than a few minutes while aimlessly meandering through the city I decided we needed to eat because someone was becoming a diva and a snickers was not going to cut it. Enter Maxela. Choosing a place to eat in Rome can be a crapshoot but desperate times amiright. We sat down and were immediately greeted by the staff. We reviewed the menu and I ordered a pizza with a recommendation from the server (it's hard to mess up pizza...in Italy...but several places have managed to do it). My partner had the Amatriciana. It was one of the best pizzas I'd had while in Rome and my partner was vey happy with her pasta. We had a couple of drinks and sat for some time enjoying the atmosphere in the square because we enjoy people watching and judging. You know, like asses. Someone ordered a hunk of beef which was brought out with an extravagant setup. It smelled delicious and we were there long enough to see the completely empty trap removed. I would have ordered that too if it weren't 32c. We enjoyed our stop there very much. Only side note was our attempt to leave which, rather humorously, seemed like our check was being held hostage. When we were ready to leave, we were the only customers still sitting outside. Obviously, these businesses like to look desirable by having their patrons on display. I first requested the check in perfect Italian (think Brad Pitt in inglorious bastards) and the server said "ok" and went and stood at the entrance. My partner then asked another server in English with the same response before disappearing inside never to be seen again. About thirty minutes after the first request we were finally provided our check. But all said, this was a great dining experience and I didn't take off a star for the check shenanigans because it was amusing. read more