The setting is as simple as can be, with wooden tables and chairs on a stone floor with little more than a few shelves of wine bottles lining the walls for decor. But here, you want to concentrate and use all the senses to experience what you're putting on your palate. Giampaolo Gravina's restaurant in this artsy corner of the San Lorenzo neighborhood is popular with Romans from all over town. He works the dining room, offering suggestions from an impressive wine list, and his sister Gloria is in the kitchen turning out inventive cuisine inspired by the family's Umbrian and Sicilian roots. Dishes such as octopus salad with asparagus and carrots, and spaghetti with swordfish, tomatoes, and capers are specialties. The parmesan soufflé is a study in lightness and silky-salty. And the perfectly prepared pigeon will satisfy even the most critical foodie on an autumn night. Desserts are delicious and upscale-simple as well, making this small establishment one of the top dining deals -- and pleasurable meals -- in Rome.
Posted by Richard_from_Dallas from Dallas, Texas on 6/16/07
Great find- Small, intimate restaurant run by brother and sister- The most creative food that we experienced in Roma. Mostly italians, fyi
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