Need help with restaurant selection in Rome

[bajajohn]

We are going to be in Rome for my 60th birthday. I want to take my wife, daughter, her new husband and two of there friends(they are in there late 20's) to dinner. Would like excellent food in a fun atmosphere. Would like to spend no more than 60 euros per person. Thanks for the help.

[LulusMom]

It is in no way fancy, but a great place is Filetti di Baccala, just off the Campo dei Fiori (if memory serves me correctly). It doesn't look like much, but is always packed, serves amazing fried fish along with salads, etc. and cheap but cheerful wine by the jug. Inexpensive and very good, and a completely different world. Lots of fun.

[bajajohn]

Thanks mbfant and lulusmom for the recommendations. I think I will make reservations for Antico Arco. John

[HeelsSoxHound]

Hey LulusMom--fancy seeing you on this board! <grin> My wife and I are actually in Italy right now, trying to figure out our blowout dinner before we leave Rome on Wednesday for the Cinqueterre. Any recs from you (or anyone) would be appreciated

[LulusMom]

Hi HeelsSoxHound! Lucky lucky you. We loved Rome (and I have a plan for us to walk cinqueterre once Lulu is a bit bigger). However, I honestly think our best meals were at the funky little fish place (mentioned above) and just slices we'd get and walk around with. Somehow the fancier fish place we'd picked for our blow-out meal just didn't impress that much. Lots of amazing wine bars though, although again, more wine-wise than food-wise. Hope you find the perfect place.

[mbfant]

I think you may need to prioritize those criteria and specify what you mean by fun atmosphere. I can't think of anyplace that offers any sort of jollity, much less with excellent food. As for the 60 euros per person, which excludes most of the best restaurants, you are in the Checchino or Paris category, both of which have good traditional food; Checchino is the more upscale, with superb wines and cheeses as well, though if you get too superb, you'll go over budget. Checco ar Carettiere might be considered fun. Antico Arco might also strain the budget, but it's a modern, but not too, attractive place to celebrate a birthday. I usually fall back on Il Sanpietrino when I want something a bit spiffy without leaving the middle range. It should be within your budget. Vinarium, in San Lorenzo, could be another idea. Other ideas: Giuda Ballerino!, Al Ceppo, Ròmilo.

[deangold]

We always have fun at Checco but it is a neighborhoody kind of fun. The wiaters are gruff but will lead you to all the off menu specials gladly. We like the raw and marinated fish antipasti as well as the vegetable antipasti. Good fish and meats which is nice. They have a small patio if the wether is nice. Good wine list. I also love their gelateria next door for some gelato and a great grappa selection. Great espresso too.