7. Sabatini

hmmm...I wonder how the maps work on this site since if you followed the map, you'd end up 50 miles away from this restaurant in Civitavecchia. The address is, however, correct. Very good food. Gorgeous view of Santa Maria in Trastevere with free entertainment in the piazza late in the evening if you can see past the audience gathering in front of the restaurant. Oh, and the reason this place is so famous is the film director, Fellini, used to hang out here decades ago. The problem is you have to pay for all that, especially the latter. Go once to say you've been, enjoy, then try other places that have food just as good for much better prices.

A year ago my wife and I ate at Sabatinis in Rome and had a memorable meal. We were so impressed we were eager to share our experience with a friend when visiting Rome this year. To say we were disappointed would be an understatement. Except for the wine which was exceptional, the meal was below mediocre. The artichoke was slimey. The baby lamb was over cooked and the dessert was lackluster. The capucino was delivered with a label for instant coffee in the saucer! As for4 the service, I have had better at a McDonalds. And all for a mere 239 Euros! It will be a decade before I venture over the threshold again. In contrast, the following night we had an excellent meal at a small family resaurant one block of the Via Veneta at a third the price. We will go back next year for sure.

My then girlfriend, now wife, and I went to Rome for a vacation. I had been hearing about Sabatini's since childhood, as my Mother and Father ate there on their honeymoon! Needless to say the piazza was fantastic and the food better. I had never had carbonara, but I can guarantee that I will always look for carbonara that will rival Sabatini's! I will make it a point to return to Sabatini's each time we return to Rome. Americans will be a little uneasy with the time necessary to complete this meal, but relax and enjoy the full Roman experience. Allot at least 2 hours for the meal, if not longer.