Da Francesco- A Rome Osteria Worth a Visit!
Da Francesco is located in a quaint little area of Rome called Piazza del Fico. It is a super cute pedestrian cobble stone area worth a visit... and tourists are not readily seen, which I always like!
The restaurant is known for their pizza... which is delicious. Evidently it is a local lunch spot known for serving fresh, delicious Roman style pizza fast. So if you are in a hurry, go there, have a pizza and run. However, if you are not in a hurry, book a table on the patio early in the lunch hour, settle in for an afternoon of deliciousness and watch the place fill up.
Rome is known for a few crazy good pasta dishes, and you can find them in just about every trattoria or osteria in town. Pasta alla Gricia, Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe. One of my favorites is Pasta alla Gricia which is really a 'fancier' version of Cacio e Pepe with the addition of sautéed pancetta. Pancetta, Pecorino Romano, Parmesano, olive oil and black pepper. At Da Francesco they elevate their Pasta alla Gricia by using fresh, home made pasta and adding shaved black truffle. Ridiculously good!
The perfect afternoon meal... crisp white wine, still water. A pizza to share as an appetizer. Pasta alla Gricia and Pasta con Fungi.... then Meatballs in Truffle Sauce! Wait.... meatballs in truffle sauce? You know I had to try THAT! The photo is above. Thankfully we shared the dish as it was very rich, but so amazing. The beef meatballs were light but not full of bread or filler and were served in a sauce that I can only describe as a Cacio e Pepe sauce with the addition of fresh black truffle. Creamy, cheesy and oh so full of truffle! On the side we had roasted Romanesco served with a few chili flakes. The perfect counter to the richness of the meatballs. After that all we could manage was a dopio espresso to help us waddle back to the hotel for a nap! The perfect afternoon!
Da Francesco
Piazza del Fico, 29, 00186 Roma, RM, Italy
Reservations?: a must!
Formal? : Not at all, casual but very upscale
Best Time?: Noon lunch reservation... enjoy for 2-3 hours!
Not to miss?: Fettuccini alla Gricia con Tartufo Nero, Polpette al Tartufo Nero
Cost?: Moderate, great value
Comments