Retrobottega
Via della Stelletta 4
00186 Roma RM
Italy
TripAdvisor

We decided to stray from the more traditional Roman/Italian fare visiting this fairly contemporary restaurant.  It seemed like more of a local joint, if not at least tourist free.  That seemed promising since we hadn’t had too much luck with Giolitti, which was overrun with tourists.

Our seats were at the kitchen counter so we could see all the action.  Always a plus in my book.  The counter seats were equipped with drawers containing all your dinnerware and utensils.  

Scallops pumpkin, truffle
Interesting combination of flavors and ingredients.  The truffles weren’t particularly overwhelming, nor was the pumpkin too sweet.  Good but not wow.

Lacquered Duck Breast mustard, apple
The flavor combinations were much more classic.  The duck was nicely prepared with its skin rendered crispy and a bit sweet.  The apples and mustard added contrasting zing.

Risotto radicchio, truffle
I quite enjoyed this well made risotto.  It was perfectly runny and not too heavy.  I would have appreciated a stronger truffle aroma.

Ravioli barbeque onion, scampi
The pasta was well made, but the barbecue flavor seemed a bit out of left field.

Overall, the food was well executed and definitely not your typical spaghetti-and-meatballs fare which we appreciated.  Props to them for that.  Since we weren’t particularly wowed by anything, I can’t say I’d come back.

10 – You NEED to eat here
9 – Awesome
8 – Very good
7 – Good
6 – OK
5 – Average
4 – Not bad
3 – Not good
2 – Terrible
1 – Do NOT eat here