GIGGETTO AL PORTICO D'OTTAVIA

Peggior cena aziendale di sempre. Ci sistemano in una saletta e chiedendo la possibilità di unire i tavoli ci viene risposto in malo modo che non era possibile (nella sala eravamo solo noi). La cena si conclude con il responsabile che ci manda a quel paese per aver chiesto se era possibile lasciare la mancia al cameriere pagando un importo maggiore del conto già abbastanza importante.

Ottimo cibo, personale gentile

Non consigliato. Abbiamo ordinato dei fiori di zucca, sono arrivati freddi e rinsecchiti. Supplì freddo crocchette di baccalà con frittura pesante. Poi abbiamo ordinato delle paste. L'amatriciana deve essere al dente ma non tanto da perdere i denti entro la fine della serata. Per la Gricia pepe e pecorino non pervenuti, era una pasta al parmigiano con 4 pezzi di pancetta. La pancetta era buona comunque. Tutto questo per un prezzo molto alto rispetto a ciò che abbiamo mangiato. Uno squilibrio assoluto tra la qualità e il prezzo. È la seconda volta che vado, ma dopo la seconda possibilità è definitivo, non tornerò più e non lo consiglio a nessuno.

We just walked in and didn't know anything about this restaurant and I'm super glad we did. Usually I look at reviews first and if I did that then I wouldn't have eaten here but it ended up being one of our favourite meals.

The place is big on artichokes and although I usually avoid them they way they do it is pretty good. I still wouldn't eat one by myself but it was enjoyable.

Tip: do the carbonara with the SHORT pasta.... excellent.
I had the lamb and our waiter said it's best eaten by using fingers.... so I did. Also excellent.
Our waiter was excellent, spoke good English and gave us good tips for spending time in Rome. I wish I remembered his name so I could give him some credit. He helped us make decisions on what to eat and told us to trust him and we did and enjoyed it.

I was expecting something jewish but it's still "roman food" and still typical. If what you'll see elsewhere.

We loved it and it was probably better that we didn't have any expectations, that way we can be more objective.
I don't know why the reviews are not better. But I do note that in recent times there's an overwhelming amount of 5 star reviews which is consistent with our experience. In my opinion most of the complaints would either be subjective based on home country based norms or just ignorance.
Eg the cover charge was NOT included on the bill (it's common that restaurants force you to pay a tip in the form.of a cover charge) and so we gave him a tip in cash and paid the bill by card. This way we know it goes to him. Some people complain about this.... they're probably the same people who pay 25% tip for virtually no service in America and 20% tip for terrible service. Tipping in Rome directly to the waiter means you don't pay as half much.

And I don't understand any complaint about it being touristy.... makes no sense. It's a touristy city. I can't see how good food is touristy and it's proper good food, like very well home made food. Maybe telling me I can eat with my fingers is touristy, maybe giving tourist advice is touristy, maybe suggesting things on the menu based on working there for years is touristy..... or maybe it's really good service that I liked and others don't.

You be the judge

Food was good, although expensive compared to other similar restaurants.

Seems aimed towards tourists.

Service wasn't great and waiter said to leave a cash tip when we asked for the bill.