John L.
Yelp
After one tourist trap after another, we decided to find a place where there seemed to be more locals than tourists. Although this place was close to the Spanish Steps, there was very little map-wielding, vacation garbed (you know, big hats, cargo pants and sandals) tourists to be seen.
We went to all of those cheesy restaurants before, and the wifey and I were sick of the food that was meant for foreigners to feel comfortable. It doesn't scream of "Ciao! Viva Italia!" nor does is give off the impression that you shouldn't set foot into this place.
Don't expect "awesome service" because, well, you're in Rome. You shouldn't expect immediate service like in Manhattan or SF because, when in Rome, you have to take it slow. Take it easy. You are on vacation, not some business itinerary with deadlines.
Well, we were seated outside, and ordered lots of wine, heck, after all, it's a L'enoteca. The wine was awesome, but is there really any "bad" wine in Italy?
Then, the pasta came out. O M G. I don't care what other people may say, that this pasta is just "ok" or that was "mediocre" at best, but when I ate their home-made pasta I said " what the hell was I eating all of my life?" It wasn't the pasta I was "used to" but in a very very great way. Heck, I am not set in my ways. But for those who are set in their ways, this may not be that great.
Ok, so you mean to tell me, after shelling out what could possibly buy a couple of Ferrari's over a lifetime at these "Italian" restaurants in San Francisco was just a marketing ploy? Sorry to use this Shawshank Redemption reference so loosely, but after crawling through miles of crap, I came out clean on the other side. (or something to that effect).
Even if that wasn't the best pasta on my trip to Italy, it certainly was my best introduction to a beautiful country.