Our neighborhood Monti keeps getting better and better. Yes, I’m sad that many of the small artisans shops that were here when we first moved in have closed, but that’s happening not only all over Rome, but all over the world. Sad but true.
But at least for now, most of the newer places that have taken their place are small, low key shops and restaurants. Lots of second hand clothes stores, quirky jewelry designers, and funky shoe stores.
One of the newer restaurants to open is Broccoletti, on Via Urbana. Located at n. 104, this space has had a varied past over the last 15 years. It was a weird Mexican place when I first moved here, but that gave way to a series of restaurants that included a Pugliese one that didn’t last very long. I’m hoping that Broccoletti will make it, since it could very well turn into my regular spot.
It’s extremely low key, with a very casual vibe. The owner, Fabrizio, was wearing shorts one of the nights we were there, which I loved. They also have a few outdoor tables, which is hard to find these days. Also, the produce is all organic, the meat is free range and the fish wild.
If I tell you the food was like something I would make at home, I’m saying this in the best possible way. So often, when I go to a new trattoria these days I end up thinking “Well, I could have made this better myself.” Everything we had was clean and fresh tasting, correctly cooked and seasoned and just a bit different from the normal Roman trattoria fare to make it exciting.
Domenico ordered paccheri con cernia, which was perfectly al dente and bathed in a light sauce with chunks of barely cooked tomatoes and tender cernia. Annette ordered the fettucine alle vongole which was loaded with clams and with just enough juice to keep it all moist. And the slow cooked guinea hen which I ordered probably looks like the most boring thing on menu, but was excellent and came with a tangle of beans.
I forgot to mention the tartare of sea bream which we got for the table. Seasoned with chives and fresh ginger, and just enough fruity olive oil and crunch sea salt.
And the bread. Did I mention the bread and focaccia are made every morning? It was so good that I ended up wrapping the leftover slice in a napkin to take home the next day for breakfast.
People always ask me if I sometimes choose not to write about a place, because then it just becomes hard to book a table if it becomes too popular. I seriously considered giving this one a pass for just this reason. I wanted to keep it all for myself. It’s that good.
Aren’t you happy I decided to share?
Broccoletti
Via Urbana 104
+39.06.474.2772
For more information on dining in Rome, please download my app, Eat Italy, available on iTunes.
We visited Broccoletti on our recent trip & loved it. We had an amazing pasta dish of salty ricotta & asparagus – absolutely delicious. Also liked that wines from Villa Simone were available.
Thanks a lot for sharing this little with us. Lucky enough, my wife and I will be staying at Raffaello Hotel on the same street in two weeks from now. We’ll sure go.
Your blog is amazing!
Merci beaucoup!
Stephan Gagne
Ottawa, Canada
Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you for the “heads up” on this scrumptious new restaurant. I hope you know what a big help you are to travelers who come to Rome where there are so many wonderful restaurants, it is difficult to find the new ones, not yet published in books. Maybe, I too, will see you at Broccoletti in a couple of weeks. Grazie mille, Judy
Thank you!!!
I enjoy your blog very much. In your description of the pasta dish, paccheri con cernia, you noted the barely cooked tomatoes and cernia. I would like to duplicate the dish as best I can. Were the tomatoes fresh or canned? What is the hint of green I see? Basil? Were there any other flavors? I assume the tomatoes were sauted in olive oil with the cernia. Was there any garlic or shallots or red or white onions? Also, if I can’t find cernia (grouper), what would be a good fish substitute. Thank you.
I haven’t tried this yet, but I believe it was made with peeled, fresh San Marzano tomatoes. The green is basil and yes, there was garlic.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
Michael
Hello Elizabeth, I just discovered your blog, it was a really good surprise and good lecture. I’m going to Italy next month, I would like to know 5 places to eat that I can not miss!
In Florence, I already decided: Trattoria Sostanza, Trattoria Ruggero, Sesto, La Proscuitteria and Antica Macelaria Falorni.
I will be very please with your answer,
xoxo from Brazil, Maria
It’s hard to choose just five places in Rome. My list of favorites change all the time. I’d suggest you download my app, Eat Italy, and start from there. Lately though, my faves would include Perilli, Marzapane, Broccoletti, Armando al Pantheon