Antico Arco, Rome, Italy

Almost every review I've read about Antico Arco were positive. Many saying this was the best restaurant in Rome. And, even Batali mentioning on his site that this is one of his faves.

We had the tasting menu and it was okay. Not bad, but not great. Nothing to rave about except for the amatriciana. Most dishes came out at room temperature as if the food was prepared earlier and sitting under a heat lamp that wasn't very hot. The service was completely off. I felt like we were being rushed until the restaurant got busy and service slowed down.. which I was extremely grateful for. I was annoyed when the waiter kept walking back and forth checking if we were done with our plates. But they only did that after sending out the next course when we just served 5 minutes prior. The waiters noticed the error before reaching our table, but still.. I know they weren't going to refire a new plate for us.

Onto the more positive.. The amatriciana. HOLY MOLY! Seriously, this pasta dish was unlike any amatriciana I've ever had. One bite and oh my god! The smoke! The pork! I was in heaven. If they served this on their a la carte menu, get multiple orders of it and stuff your face. I would. And this would be the only reason I would go back.

Here's a look at the tasting menu..

Crispy Buffalo Mozzarella, Grey Mullet Dried Eggs and Confit Tomato

Small Anchovies and Burrata Cheese Pie with Zucchini Flowers

Home-made Green Tagliolini with Red Mullets and Saffron Sauce

Small Macaroni with Amatriciana Sauce

Crispy Suckling Pig in a Sweet and Sour Sauce, Fennel and Citrus Souffle

Selection of Cheese and Compotes

"Pasticciotto" with Raspberry

Homemade Fresh Strawberry Sorbet

The tasting menu was 70 euros per person. Not quite worth it in my opinion. The food was good, but not very exciting. But the amatriciana made the entire meal worthwhile. They need to work out the service issues with the wait staff and timing issues in the kitchen. At the end of the night, we laid down 250 euros for the entire meal. For that kind of money, it should've been better.


Antico Arco
Piazzale Aurelio 7, Rome
Tel: 06 58 15 274