A spire of fresh artichokes outside Il Giardino Romano. Inside, they were prepared to perfection.
ROME, Italy – After a leisurely morning of fountain-spotting and shopping, the family was famished, so we decided to try Il Giardano Romano in Roma’s Jewish Ghetto, which specializes in Jewish Roman cuisine. Travel reviewers and foodies gave it high marks. As we approached the restaurant, we were greeted warmly at the door by our waiter George, who ushered us to the cozy dining room of wood-beamed ceilings and exposed brick walls.
We decided to start with some traditional Jewish-Roman appetizers, and since there were eight of us, they adjusted the order so we could have a bit of each. We were presented with an assortment of deep-fried goodies including their specialty – lightly seasoned, flattened, baby artichokes. The offering also included zucchini flowers with anchovies; stuffed, green olives; and balls of mozzarella cheese all with a crust of finely ground corn meal. We devoured them – the artichokes were especially tasty.
Il Giardino featured traditional pasta, meat & fish dishes. Our favorites included the filetto al pepe verde – the fork-tender beef was topped with a creamy, lemon-butter sauce and green peppercorns; the gnocchi al pesto with basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and pecorino cheese; and the trippa alla romana – tripe slow-cooked with herbs and tomatoes (mom’s choice). She loved it so much, she looked for it at every other Roma restaurant we visited.
Service at the ristorante was friendly and attentive – George even helped mom down the stairs and out of the restaurant after our meal. Gotta love that Roman hospitality! Note: There are some really cool Roman ruins next to the restaurant to wander around in after your meal…
RISTORANTE IL GIARDINO ROMANO
Via del Portico d’Ottavia 18
www.ilgiardinoromano.it
I’m so envious! The food looks divine in Italy! Maybe one day when the boys are done being “edumacted,” Barry and I will have the luxury of traveling abroad. Mahalo for sharing!