EAT > Ristorante Giulio Passami L’olio, Rome

On any trip to Rome you are likely to have someone tell you about their favourite restaurant, a little place that is down a lane way, off on a quiet street far from the tourists and the piazza. Giulio Passami L’olio is one of those places, if like us you walk the cobbled streets of Rome (please wear sensible shoes) you will pass numerous restaurants on the way that all look lovely. All look perfect. All look easier to find. But keep going and you will find your self in a semi suburban area, not far from the Parrocchia di Santa Maria in Vallicella.

The Piazza’s in this area are car parks not full of tourist restaurants and while it is only a ten minute walk to the Piazza Novona or the Castel Sant Angelo, it feels like you could be in a totally different part of Rome.

Arriving there is every chance your table will be in the street, which early on might mean the occasional car or scooter gets a little close, but on a warm summer night in Roma it is the perfect place to be.

The menu is made up of the classic Italian food you crave, Prosciutto e mozzarella di bufala, zuppa di fagioli e cozze (bean soup and mussels), tonnarelli cacio e pepe al tartufo (tonnarelli pasta cheese and pepper with truffle) I have to admit I managed to eat this dish twice in one day I love it so much.

Secondi has mouth watering options such as Petto d’anatra alle prugne e cipolle di Tropea con contorno del gio (Duck breast with plums and red onions from Tropea served with the side dish of the day). Tagliata di manzo al sale rosa, rucola e pachino (sliced beef with rocket, pink salt and pachino tomatoes). Or my choice Vitello tonnato con contorno di patate al vapore (Veal in a tuna sauce served with steamed potatoes).

This is wholesome delicious food.

There is also an excellent range of salads and dolce (deserts) on offer. Prices are incredibly reasonable the Primi dishes ranged from €13 – €16 and Secondi from €15 to €25. Dolce €6-8.

WINE

There is an enormous range of reasonably priced wines and the best choice is to ask the server for a little assistance. We enjoyed a delicious Barolo at a very reasonable price.