There are many restaurants in Rome that offer the classic Roman pasta dishes, as well as other Italian specialties, but very few reach the level of quality of Armando.
We had the mozzarella with Pomodori del Piennolo, the gricia, the ossobuco (the dish of the day), and the vitello tonnato. Every dish was exceptional in both flavor and quality. In addition, the wine selection is outstanding, and the staff’s recommendations were superb.
I would love to come back every time I visit Rome (assuming I can get a reservation!).
I don’t say this lightly. It was the best pasta I’ve ever had. Every bite made me cross-eyed. It was incredible. A death row last meal. Excellent wine list. Oh yea, you can look at the Pantheon if you’re seated outside.
The veal with lemon cream was a daily special so don’t expect it to be available.
My rigatoni gave me a Diavola pizza vibe in pasta form but the crispy pancetta was cooked so perfectly, it melted and added a salty element. Stanley Tucci ate here and had this pasta. My wife’s carbonara was equally perfect as I finished her plate. We (I) left nothing. I’m almost sad to eat elsewhere now because I’ll just be comparing it to Armando al Pantheon.
We had to book this restaurant a month in advance so we were expecting something special. We didn't get anything special. The cauliflower gratin pie was a very hot tasteless mush and at 13 euro hugely overpriced. The lamb was tender and tasty and served on the bone but was devoid of any seasoning. Maybe if it was cooked with garlic and rosemary it might have been better. It was served on its own so we ordered some roasted potatoes which were warm not hot but tasty enough. The spaghetti carbonara was very good and well worth trying. Wine was expensive enough. There were three empty tables at 8.30pm. The restaurant was 70% tourists and 30% locals. There is no atmosphere whatsoever in this famous Roman restaurant. A pleasant experience but certainly nothing to write home about.
Located just steps away from the Pantheon, this small restaurant is a reservation only affair that must be booked weeks in advance (see website). Inside, one is greeted by a tastefully decorated dining area replete with artwork covering the walls. Both the food and service are exceptional at surprisingly reasonable prices. We indulged in a trio of pastas - the classics (Cacio e pepe, Carbonara and Amatriciana) as well as the Roman style artichoke and a cauliflower gratin tart. We were (barely) able to finish everything but felt obliged to do so as leaving any of the delicious meal for the trash would be a crime. As a person who cooks a fair bit, these flavors were a revelation.
This is without a doubt, the best pasta I’ve ever had. We are so glad we made the reservation - it did not disappoint. You have to go here. I don’t think I even need to sell it. You just gotta go.
