Located just outside the historic city center near Piazza Navona (one of the busiest and most…read moretouristic zones in Rome), Il Corallo is a classic Roman pizzeria/trattoria with a slightly more polished exterior that hints at its popularity. Inside, the space is larger and more bustling than your typical small trattoria, with tightly packed tables and a lively dining room with old-fashioned stone walls and a rustic fireplace. The vibe is energetic and social: perfect for groups or a casual dinner with a bit of atmosphere.
The menu is extensive, with pizzas, pastas, antipasti, and large-format appetizers, and there's also a long menu of daily specials that feature some more adventurous dishes (trippa alla romana, anyone?). The specials menu is in Italian, but our server was more than happy to clarify anything for us.
Three of us opted for their pizzas, all of which seem to be the Romano style of a thinner and crispier crust (as compared to the Napoletano style of a thicker, fluffier crust). The Diavola (€9) is a simple pizza topped with a thin layer of cheese and savory pepperoni; the Margherita (€8) is your classic thin-crust strewn with fresh mozzarella, herbaceous basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. Lastly, my Broccoli e Salsiccia Pizza (€12) was a bit more "out there", with mozzarella, roasted broccoli rabe, and herbed sausage on a white base. I appreciated the novel flavor combination, but found the pizza overly greasy.
Two members of our party tried their pasta options; the Spaghetti all'Amatriciana (€12) is al dente spaghetti with a bright, acidic tomato sauce, crispy bacon, and tangy Parmesan. The Cacio e Pepe (€12) is tonnarelli (egg pasta) served in a creamy, cheesy sauce with freshly ground black pepper, and Il Corallo's version comes in a delightful nest of crispy Parmesan.
Il Corrallo falls into the affordable price range, offering solid value for a sit-down meal in central Rome. It's slightly off-the-beaten path but still just steps away from some of Rome's most famous destinations, serving up delicious food with friendly service; a definite recommendation if you're in the area!