Da Cesare al Pellegrino - Review - Regola - Rome - The Infatuation

"Cesare Al Pellegrino is the younger sibling of Da Cesare Al Casaletto—an institution that’s been whipping up classic Roman dishes for over 50 years. At Pellegrino, this tradition continues with dishes like rigatoni con coda alla vaccinara, where succulent, slow-braised beef arrives submerged in rich and tangy tomato stew. After trying the dish, it’s impossible not to crave—so be ready to explain to your butcher back home why you suddenly need to buy oxtail every week. Their spaghetti, swimming in a pool of white-wine infused, puréed leeks and topped with veal sweetbreads, is also excellent. And even though they're mostly known for pasta, not ordering the picchiapò—long-simmered, shredded beef in a sweet and slightly spicy tomato and caramelized onion sauce—would be a bigger mistake than waiting in line for the Vatican on an empty stomach. Lunch is the move here: their floor-to-ceiling windows allow ample sunshine to flood in while you’re flooding your body with pasta." - Annie Replogle