One of my favorite areas to eat out in Rome is hands down Trastevere! The food is really good and affordable, and most of the restaurants have a fun, quaint atmosphere. I've tried out many restaurants in Trastevere, but one of my favorite restaurants I've been to is Hostaria da Tony's! I've been there twice now and had amazing experiences both times! From the outside, the restaurant does not look like much. It appears rather small, has some tables outside with checkered tablecloths, and the inside almost looks like a fish/meat market at first (check out the picture.) However, once you step inside you realize that the restaurant is actually quite large, with seating in multiple rooms. One of the best things about Tony's is the atmosphere! The restaurant looks straight out of an old Italian film with the checkered tablecloths and walls lined with pictures of the "regular customers" and Tony, the owner. Also, Tony himself makes the experience ten times greater! He is the nicest, friendliest Italian man and jokes around with all of us every time we're there. He has one of those really inviting and fun personalities that makes you want to keep returning to the restaurant. He also often gives tables free focaccia bread or desserts to try out! However, even beyond the fun service and atmosphere, the food at Tony's is great! The first time I went, I ordered the tomato bruschetta and rigatoni cacio e pepe. The bruschetta was really good and unique. It was unlike any other bruschetta I've had thus far. The bread was perfectly toasted and topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and finely chopped celery. The finely chopped celery added an extra crunch to the bruschetta that I loved! The rigatoni cacio e pepe was also amazing! It's one of my favorite pasta dishes that I've had in Italy so far. First of all, the portion is huge! When I go to restaurants, I usually just order a first plate of pasta, rather than a first and second plate, so I really appreciated the hearty portion. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente and coated with a creamy, cheesy sauce that had a bit of a kick from the pepper. The ingredients were simple, but perfectly proportioned and fresh. For dessert, Tony gave us free lemon sorbet for dessert, which was perfectly sweet and refreshing! The second time I went to Tony's I decided to try the salmon bruschetta and chicken parmesan. The salmon bruschetta was once again really unique and delicious! The bread was coated with a white, creamy sauce, which seemed to have a cream cheese flavor, and then smoked salmon was on top. The smoked salmon was so fresh! I also absolutely loved the chicken parmesan! Perhaps a reason that Hostaria da Tony's appeals so much to American students is because it is slightly Americanized. I haven't seen chicken parmesan offered at any other restaurants, and loved the familiar American dish with an Italian spin! Contrary to American chicken parmesan, the chicken was sliced extremely thin and coated with a fresh tomato sauce and heavily coated with melted cheese. The restaurant also gives free pitchers of water- which all us Americans love! Moreover, this is a restaurant that I recommend to anyone in Italy if you're looking for good, affordable food in a fun atmosphere! Its especially a great place for American students to go in order to get an Italian dining experience with some American comforts.
Chicken Parmesan
Fresh Meat Used
Free Lemon Sorbet Dessert
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