Restaurant for Anniversary Dinner in Rome

[letahaa]

My husband and I will be in Rome on our 5 year anniversary, and will be staying near the spanish steps. I've read a lot of advice on this site and others, but I still can't decide where to have dinner. We want amazing food in a romantic atmosphere, but it doesn't have to be fancy or expensive (but we don't mind those things either). One of my friend's suggested Mirabelle, which looks beautiful, but doesn't always get the best reviews for food. I'd rather go to a less "fancy" place if it means better food. Does anyone have any suggestions? We don't mind taking a cab. Thanks!

[mbfant]

Well, I've booked Il Pagliaccio for our own anniversary, but mainly because I need a special occasion to be able to try it. My other standbys for important dinners are Agata e Romeo and Il Convivio, either of which would be suitable for you. They are expensive, but probably not as fancy, and maybe not even as expensive, as Mirabelle (where I have never been). Another I would add to that list is Antonello Colonna, who moved from his hometown of Labico a few years ago into spectacular quarters in the Palazzo delle Esposizione (there is a buffet lunch place on the lower floor but I'm talking about the gourmet restaurant upstairs).

[letahaa]

Thanks! Il Pagliaccio looks amazing. I emailed them about a reservation a couple of days ago, but they have not responded. Did you call or email them for a reservation?

[zerlina]

Mbfant lives in Rome and presumably phoned. Italians in general do not respond to emails with the speed common in North America. You might also look in your Spam folder; many ISPs route emails from .it domains there (and some even delete them).

Oops: I just noticed that Il Pagliaccio now has a .com domain, so that last part probably wouldn't apply.

[jen kalb]

If you are uncomfortable calling or waiting for an answer, you can ask your hotel in Rome to make the reservation for you. You dont say when you are going - it doesnt need to be done months ahead of time.

[letahaa]

Thanks. We are going in about a month. I've checked my spam folder, and nothing was there. I'll probably call this weekend. Thanks again.

[slcbuongustai]

I noticed letahaa is calling for reservations a month in advance. How far in advance does one need to call for reservations at Agata e Romeo, Il Convivio, or Il Pagliaccio? Or restaurants or tratterie at a lower tier? Another related question. I read on Chowhound how time of day and time of reservation can make a difference in eating experiences....i.e. lunch for restaurants like Gino or booking earlier in the evening (around 20:00) rather than at the busiest period at another restaurant or tratteria (maybe Antico Arco). Any general suggestions? A specific questions on time of reservations: If you want to eat lunch at Agata e Romeo (guide listed lunch served 12:30-14:30 or 19:30-22:30), how late in these periods is a reservation advisable?

[mbfant]

8 pm is always safe. Earlier you will find mainly tourists, after 8.30 you may find a crowd.. Likewise for lunch 1 pm, and a bit earlier and up to 1.30 is fine.

The only restaurant in Rome you really have to reserve for weeks ahead is la Pergola. For most of the others, for a weeknight, a couple of days is usually enough, more for a weekend. Just reserve as soon as you know what you want, and have a backup. It is ridiculous to reserve trattorie more than a couple of days ahead unless you have special circumstances (a birthday, a large group). Antico Arco definitely loses it when crowded.

[slcbuongustai]

Thanks for the info and the help.