Felice a Testaccio

I was in Rome for 2 weeks of work – and you know how Italian food is, absolutely incredible! The only problem is to actually pick the right places, which, being a foreign, are not necessarily the ones that will come across you on a high street. But I was luck – and this second week I was introduced to a couple of great Italian cuisine restaurants by two local friends. Felice is one of those marvellous restaurants that will make you crave for more.

It is a nice and quiet area of Rome, next to Piazza Testaccio – hence the name. It is has two small dining rooms, including the hall and bar. Sober decoration, but cosy, nothing that actually will make you ready for the full flavour of its food. It really let me yumming for more.

Claudio picked the wine and guided us through our choices. Prosciutto with mozzarella, a salad as anti-pasti / starters. Then, it was time to actually move on to the main courses – I must forewarn you that nobody picked a secondi / second entrée, a second dish, though the roasted lamb actually looked and sounded amazing (we were saving our stomachs for dessert…). But, the primi / first entrees were amazing. I went on to spaghetti with clams that was absolutely delicious. Claudio went for a gricia (a delicious traditional Roman entrée that I have no idea what was made off, but was great). The carbonara a friend of mine ordered also tasted divinely. Food was delicious! And specially with a great Brunello de Montalcino! Marvellous!

Dessert was simply amazing. I already told you I judge Italian restaurants for their tiramisu – and, under that definition, this would probably be the best I ever tasted!

Felice is a nice, cosy and friendly place, perfect for a good dinner that flavours Italian tastes! It has that authentic Roman ambience that only good food is able to bring – and, did I already told you, Roberto Benigni was there next to us? How could it be more authentic and enjoyable?

Where: Roma - Italy

Address: Via Mastro Giorgio, 29

Phone: +39 06 5746800

Website: http://www.feliceatestaccio.it/

Expensive: Around €30 per person, for the menu .described above

Last visit: April 2012