Piazza San Calisto 7a, Trastevere. Tel 06 581 5378
Average €35-55/person
Open for lunch and dinner; closed Sunday evening, Monday and the month of August.
Reservations and credit cards accepted.
Who would ever think that a place called ‘Paris’ would be one of the best classic Roman Restaurants. Just steps from Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere, Paris is a world unto itself – genteel service, flawless no-nonsense Roman specialties, great wines and an aura of the grandeur of another time, before mass tourism and its large-scale destruction of Rome’s historic center. Although Paris is a favorite of tourists and ex-pats (as well as big Roman families celebrating their meals in multi-generational style), it remains a unique experience. It costs a bit more, and its worth it.
It should go without saying that the dishes Paris is famous for can not be found better in Rome; they are simply brilliant, and include carciofi alla Giudia (fried artichoke), minestre d’arzilla (a traditional soup with skate fish), gnocchetti di patate (Roman-style potato gnocchi) and angolotti di carne (pasta from the Piedmont Region that looks like meat ravioli, but tastes better). Porcini mushrooms are a specialty and when in season can be seen billowing out of baskets inside the dining room – they are great with pasta or just grilled, and you’ll be saying Hail Marys in thanks for this wonderful fungus. Then – save room for secondi – there is a glorious selection of meat and fish dishes. Paris’s menu also includes ‘Il quinto quarto’ or traditional poor-man’s dishes such as trippa alla romana (tripe) and coda alla vaccinara (stewed oxtail). Yup, deserts are also to die for.
The great thing about Paris is that you can either sit in the air-conditioned and comfy interior or dine al fresco on the romantic and perfect for people-watching Piazza San Calisto. Either way, the staff will do whatever they can to make you and your family comfortable (how very un-Roman!). But be warned, at least one couple who has dined out there on their honeymoon has decided to stay in Rome forever…
http://www.ristoranteparis.com/