Right next to the Pantheon so I can enjoy my wonderful meal with a great view. Waiters are considerate and service was great. read more

Ritorno al Passato - Italian Near Me - Rome, RM

This place is an outdoor restaurant and is located in such a beautiful location. It's across from the Pantheon. It is a busy place at dinner time. All around you are historic buildings. It is quite busy and full of energy. We loved the location. It also had heaters outside which was nice. There food was okay. The bruschetta was really big and could be shared. It wasn't as crunchy as I would like. The flavors were really good. The rice balls were okay. I had better elsewhere. The pasta fagilio tasted amazing. The flavors were great and it was seasoned well. The pasta aglio e olio was spicy but the spice over powered the rest of the dish. I didn't really care for it. The service was good. I don't think I would come back to this restaurant but I would try a different one in the vicinity. read more

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Gnocchi al ragù 5/5 Add a nice meat sauce and was potato filled. Fresh homemade pasta. Which everyone says, but you could really tell here. Good size portion two people could share. read more

Ritorno al Passato - Gnocchi al ragù 5/5 - Italian Near Me - Rome, RM

Very first meal in Italy. Dining outside with the fam, a stone's throw from the Pantheon. How could this not be 5-stars? (We were still 'starstruck' at/by Italy so we were generous with the ratings.) Could this place be dubbed as a 'tourist trap' - complete with the super smooth 'Hype Man' out front (our first encounter with one, but definitely not our last) - sure. But the food was (mostly) delicious, the pricing was solid and we left stuffed. What's not to like? Was it the best pizza I ever had? Nope. (But it was much better than a lot of places throughout the country, that's for sure.) Were the starters a bit 'different' from what you'd expect in America? Yeah. (Just getting a massive-sized plate with one sauteed artichoke swimming in a pool of wildly flavorful olive oil isn't what we're used to... nor a medium-sized plate that's just a few hunks/shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano.) There was also a 'learning curve' when it comes to if/when to tip and how some workers were more than forward with asking/suggesting one but other times they wouldn't. Confusing, for sure. read more

This restaurant is a gem! Everything that we ordered was amazing. The fried anchovy appetizer was well cooked and crispy. Also, the sausage and mushroom pizza had a perfectly crunchy crust and was filled with toppings. Both pastas that we ordered was wonderful as well, especially the penne with arrabbiata sauce. For entrees, the calamari, Roman style chicken, and veal are all great options. The veal entree came with spaghetti and mushrooms which paired well with the veal. The calamari was light and perfectly cooked as well. The portions are large as well so you are getting a decent amount of food in every dish. The staff did a great job of coming to our table often and making sure that everything was fine. They cleaned the table as needed, and the service was quick as well. We did not need to wait long for our food to come out. The restaurant is also located in the perfect spot. While eating, you get a direct view of the historic Pantheon (see my attached pictures).There was also some lovely music playing near the restaurant as well. It was a great overall experience! read more

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Updating previous review with more photos that I recently found. Not sure if this place is still open, due to the pandemic, but we had a great time there in January 2020! read more

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Located in the Pantheon's square, among several other restaurants, this does provide quite a view to go with your meal. Compared to the other restaurants, it's decently priced (avoid the restaurants that charge €12-€16 euros for simple dishes (such as the Cacio e Pepe/spaghetti with pepper, lasagna, etc.)) with about €9-€12 euros for a pasta dish. PROS -Across from the Pantheon and the Pantheon fountain -Service is relatively quick -Waiter at the entrance isn't too pushy, compared to other restaurants that hound for potential guests -Spaghetti bolognese was delicious and the sauce was perfect. Right portion too CONS -Pan handlers, and those selfie "vendors" will try to engage those who are seated closest to the Pantheon outside. Waiters weren't proactive with dissuading this or intervening -Restaurant needs to be maintained more. I understand they're in a heavy tourist area, however that should be an opportunity to show off versus show the age of the restaurant. My menu was literally falling apart, and many of the tables appeared to be wobbly -One restroom to rule them all...not bad when the restaurant is slow but considering the winding staircase you take down, I can imagine how it is when crowded Lastly, they automatically add a tip to the bill regardless if you're eating solo (me), as a duo, or with a group. Mine came out to €1,50 euro (not bad compared to some other places), not sure if it would've been higher if I was with someone read more

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Happy Hour, not because they have discounts but because when you're sitting there having a drink looking at the a Pantheon you're happy! I found myself stopping by before dinner or coming back here every night to enjoy the view. They're open late. This is the place for that photo of you truly enjoying Rome. I like that they have free peanuts with your drinks. I'm not a fan of the potatoes chips, I actually look for that when I stop for a drink. I didn't care for the pizza, I'm a pizza snob after Da Francisco but I enjoyed the spaghetti with clams. I officially claim this as my neighborhood bar, that is when I'm in Rome :-) read more

Ritorno al Passato - Spaghetti and Clams, and the beautiful Pantheon - Italian Near Me - Rome, RM

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My friends and I decided to stopped by here and gave this place a try since it was close to our meeting point, as we had to meet the rest of our group to go to the Vatican's city. The location of the restaurant gave us a wonderful view of the Pantheon as well as the city's square. The service that I have encountered in Italy have been positive. However, the server we got from this restaurant, provided the most wonderful service and was so patient with us. Especially when we asked him if we can split the bill, since it's a big no to some places. I got the vegetables lasagna. Nothing special on that dish, but it was comforting and flavorful. Now that I think about it, it was a bit overpriced for the portion. Including that dish, along with the service charge and a bottle of water, I paid about $18 US dollars. read more

We had a late dinner and drinks here and it was great! They are open late and still serve food and it was all very good! We got the fried anchovies, pasta with speck and artichoke, and a Roman style artichoke. The service was great, the drinks and wine were good, and the dinner views are unmatched- I definitely recommend! read more

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Beautiful location, Outstanding service, drinks and food. We were walking near the Pantheon( our apartment is right around the corner)in the late evening and stopped for some flatbreads (one with prosciutto and basil, on with sausage and tomato) both excellent, simple and straightforward. Also had a few drinks. Aperol spritz, Negroni, and limoncello spritz, all well done. The servers were all pleasant and friendly. Great spot for enjoying the evening, the music in the piazza, and people watching. Rasel was one of our servers, he took great care of us. read more

The food and service here were absolutely horrendous. It's a good location right in front of the Patheon so I suppose nothing has to be good to get business. We started with the saddest ham and cheese board I've ever seen for €16, was just a few slices of each on a small plate. The chicken Caesar salad was not bad had decent flavor but the chicken was way over cooked and there was a hair in it. My son got a pizza that looked barely edible. My Peroni was even luke warm. The servers all seemed to have an attitude too. Would recommend to avoid this place if possible. read more

First off let me say, great location in front of the Parthenon. Very lively and nice vibe. However, it's a touristy place, more for convenience than for actual dining. Staff is very nice and friendly. So at least you'll receive decent service. The food though is not recommended. Being from NY, we know Italian food and how it's supposed to taste. On top of that, we had just arrived from Firenze and before that Milan. Tuscan food far exceeds the food at this restaurant. Very disappointing is an understatement. I ordered pretty simple food, spaghetti amerticiana, with a starter of bruschetta. Both were horrible and even the pasta was soggy and over cooked. We also had their meatballs, which were very hard and chewy. However, the sauce was good. If you want good or even decent Italian food, avoid this place at all costs. However, if you want a casual place with a nice vibe and staff, this place will be perfect! read more

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The food is overpriced but it's still nothing for perhaps the world's best view of the Pantheon! I would never pay for a €5 coffee anywhere...except in this nice cafe in Piazza della Rotonda because really, where else can you sip a coffee in the plain sight of the world's only remaining ancient Roman building? It's not like the coffee is bad anyway. Seriously, this is the cafe that you see in many photos of the Pantheon! Even as a "tourist trap", the service is splendid and the food is decent. While I would not suggest eating a full meal here because of its high price, I recommend taking the time to admire the Pantheon with a cup of coffee or a light breakfast here! read more

Ritorno al Passato - Ciao Pantheon! - Italian Near Me - Rome, RM

I was really afraid sitting down here smack dab in front of the Pantheon that is was going to be one of those tourist type traps--but I couldn't pass up the view! No need to be scared! I was pleasantly surprised not only by how good my meal was but also by the hospitality of the staff--which sometimes can be lacking at places like this that tend to shuffle tourists in and out. I ordered a Peroni and the Spaghetti alle Vongole and had them add small cherry tomatoes (pomodorini). It was sooo delicious. The place has slightly higher prices for similar dishes that you might find elsewhere, but again you're paying for the amazing location. I travel to Rome for work often and will definitely being coming back! Brava! read more

Ritorno al Passato - Spaghetti alle Vongole. So tasty! - Italian Near Me - Rome, RM

Ritorno al Passato or 'Return to the Past' Restaurant and Bar has prime location right in front of the historic Pantheon hence the fitting establishment name. Besides the ambiance and being able to have lunch, vino, and caffe in one of the busiest areas of all of Roma, the Piazza della Rotonda, the actual food and service was ok, not great authentic Italian Cuisine but ok. Ritorno al Passato has a normal Italian menu and I had a pizza with my favorite toppings of Prosciutto, Mozzarella and Mushrooms. The cost was higher than the quality would suggest but the location and the ambiance justifies. With all the tourists and locals frequently walking by, my group and I found ourselves sitting for hours just catching up enjoying the ambiance meeting a lot of people with a few bottles of wine, table bread w/olive oil and caffe. read more

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Avoid this place. My friend ordered the lamb chops with potatoes for 20 euros. The lamb was almost inedible consisting mostly of bone and gristle. Another had fettuccine alla bolognese which was mediocre at best. This place has lousy food, lousy service and high prices. read more

The restaurant, Ritorno al Passato, was in the prime location, right in front of the Pantheon, so the restaurant was filled with tourists. We asked to be seated outside rather than inside, since the weather was so nice and we wanted to enjoy the culture. In front of the restaurant (so in the piazza), there were live musicians performing and singing, we felt like we were in a movie scene, or dreaming! We couldn't believe what was happening around us and where we were. We ordered the classic carbonara, some ravioli for me, and an eggplant dish to share. The prices were alright, I don't remember how much they were, but they weren't overly expensive, but they weren't cheap either. Since both of us were used to Westernized Italian food, we were shocked to taste the carbonara. Made with fresh eggs, bacon/ham and cheese, we were pleasantly surprised to taste the carbonara. To be honest, the quality of food here at the restaurant wasn't the best, compared to other restaurants we visited in Italy afterwards. However, given its prime location, it is worth sitting down, perhaps for a drink if you choose or plates to share. The ravioli tasted great also, but again, compared to other Italian restaurants we visited after this day, the restaurant isn't on our top tasting list. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our time here and the food was about average. The eggplant dish was more flavourful, and I loved the texture of the eggplant. Between the three dishes, both of us liked the carbonara the best and the ravioli the least. read more

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My first stop in Rome is always this lovely ristorante in the Piazza Della Rotunda in Rome. The beautiful name means Return to the Past and the romantic view of the fountain and the gorgeous Pantheon and authentic and delicious food certainly speak to a time of history and community. From this gem you can watch the world go by and enjoy Roman life at its best. Cappuccino is excellent and the location is a lovely stroll to several tourist sites or disappear down one of the small streets and just wander admiring this beautiful city. I always start with a glass of prosecco, and I don't miss the eggplant parmigiana or any of the daily specials are excellent choices as well. The atmosphere is convivial and charming. All the pastas are very good as well with linguine Alle Vongole one of my personal favorites. Ask for the wonderful and welcoming Massimiliano when you get there and tell him Melanie sends big hugs from California and will definitely be back soon...sending her many friends whenever possible!! read more

Haven't eaten there but the coffee and Aperol Spritz are very good. Amazing location read more

My husband and I went here to grab breakfast. I got the cheese omlette and he got the ham with cheese omlette eith a barley espresso and regular espresso and cafe latte. Very good and would love to come back if we get the chance! read more

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You must try here, Excellent food, wine , atmosphere, quality, service- 2nd visit in 2 days, remembered us and sat us at request at same table. Yesterday was fantastic today lovely with music coming from the entertainers we can see from our table.. This really was excellent food drink and service. Proper home-made Italian pasta. This is what memories are made of. read more

This is my favorite restaurant in Rome. I had the most delicious fresh oysters as a starter and Seafood Risotto, which was recommended by Alessandro at the restaurant. Delicious!!! The service was incredible, food was amazing and the view Bellissimo!!! Definitely a must try. I can't wait to return to savor it all again soon. read more

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A great spot for a coffee and the Pantheon. I've stopped here several times. I've never eaten food but it looks good. It's a wonderful spot 150 feet from the from of the basilica and a great place to soak up the sun while enjoying an espresso. read more

Unfortunately it is the location that makes this restaurant as the food was average for inflated prices. The service was actually more friendly and attentive than I was expecting at this busy tourist hotspot. The opportunity to sit in the piazza with sunlight streaming in, the magical accordion music floating through the air and the pantheon in your sights makes this place totally worth putting up with less than impressive food. read more

Delicious food, great location, especially if the weather is nice and you want to dine al fresco. Returned a second time the day after our first visit, asked the waitress for a slightly altered version of what I had had the day before, and they accommodated my request! Ignore what others say about the street vendors...they are everywhere, so good luck finding an outdoor spot without them... tune it out and enjoy your meal. And yes, there is only one bathroom. So what? Don't use it, then. The food is wonderful...isn't that why you visit a restaurant? read more

A great place to sit, eat, have beers or other drinks and listen to music. Ask for Simone for your waiter. At the end if your meal get Simone's chocolate lava cake. Oh my! It's fantastic. Right in front of The Pantheon. Street musician abound. Great time. Good food. read more

It was great coming back and seeing our favorite waitress from Cuba here to help. She is so pleasant and loving that you feel like you were at her house. The food is unbelievable, if your looking for a great place this is your place. read more

If it wasn't for the location and sitting facing the pantheon I would give it less stars. The ravioli was clearly prepurchased not freshly made. The ricotta cheese inside the ravioli was tasteless and flat. The pizza crust was stale and hard and wasn't fresh either. Waiter clearly had a language barrier which is to be expected but it was clueless and wouldn't bring what we asked when it was clear, repeated and obvious. Overpriced as well. Smoking everywhere and nobody cares. Had two meals the previous two nights that were incredible and fresh and everything you could ask for and cheaper. And they legitimately ask for a tip when you leave. Pretty bold for bad food. Bad service. And bad atmosphere. read more

You are definitely paying for the view. With the amazing view of the Pantheon, I probably could have accepted the €150 tab for 6 drinks and some appetizers but the waiters aggressive demands for a tip were way out of line. In the end he got nothing. read more

This was perfect! The focus was delicious and the menu had so much to offer. They modified dishes for us and offer gluten-free pasta and pizza. All good here. read more

Conveniently located at the Pantheon but ordinary food. Pizza is OK. Salads are OK. Service is fast and friendly. View is terrific and people-watching is good. read more

Location, location, location. This place is situated perfectly if you want to sit by the patio, have a bottle of wine, a great dinner, and people watch with a perfect view of the Pantheon. This should be on any Rome tourist's must do list. This also isn't just about the view and experience. The food is downright excellent. We had the vegetable risotto, tagliatelle with sausage and mushroom, and Osso bucco with spaghetti. YUM! read more

Forget this place. 10% service charge, $4 for water even though we asked for tap water and chipped glasses. The food was just mediocre at best. When we received our check the waitress said we could only pay with cash. Very disappointed in this place read more

Had a few cornettos and cappuccinos here to sit outside for a bit. Both were good. It's next to the Pantheon so the prices reflect the real estate. Pay with cash or risk what we observed occur at a table next to us: pushy waiter verbally asks how much tip you want to be added to the card. read more

Without a doubt the worst meal we had, in Rome for 5 days. Location is all that Ritorno al Passato has going for it. I usually wouldnt be bothered to give a bad review, everyone has an off day, but they really dont care (your a tourist and will never come back). Unfortunately for them and fortunately for the people that care about this stuff, the world has gotten a lot smaller with modern technology. We ordered 3 omelettes with one ingredient each, i asked for mozzarella to be added to mine (could hardly find it and cost 2 extra euro), the center of my omelette was still runny and all 3 very salty. Ive never seen such thin omelettes, also covered with cheap powdered parmesan cheese. Nothing else on the plate, €12 each. A cup of fruit (not sweet, still tart) €10. Coffee, bottle of water and bread, about €5 each. The total for less food and much worse quality than Ihop was €64.00. When i expressed my displeasure of the quality, the answer was "o well". read more