Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara

During our trip to Italy, we really enjoyed visiting family-run businesses, and this wonderful place was one of them. My partner and I went there for dinner after a long day at the Vatican Museums. At first, I wasn’t sure how the system worked, as there were people standing at the entrance waiting (it turned out they were there for takeaway). Then I saw a handsome young chap with his right arm in a cast sitting at the front of the shop, so I went up, said Buona Sera, and asked in English how things worked. He turned out to be the owner’s son and kindly got us a table for two right away. Like usual, we had already done our homework, so we knew what was on the menu and what we wanted. The service was incredibly friendly, offered by the owner and, I guess, his brother. I just wish I could speak more Italiano so I could join in their conversation! A lovely lady who brought our dishes kindly gave us a tip: 'Not sure if you've been told. Please feel free to dress the salad with olive oil, but don’t add more salt, as there are anchovies and it’s salty enough.' Coming from Australia, where Italian cuisine is hugely popular, we already had a good idea of what to expect, but for any newcomers, such thoughtful advice would be so helpful. Also, in a city like Rome where prices can be quite high especially for tourists, this place stands out for being honest and truly committed to serving delicious food to its customers. My full respect, and Grazie Mille for the wonderful dinner!

Excellent fried fish probably the best I've had in quite a while. Smaller well run establishment. Quite busy during our visit but timely response to needs. Would recommend!

Small little place for fish and chips, unexpected in Rome but delicious. Favorite is the salad with anchovy sauce, never tasted it anywhere else… loved it more than the fish!

You weren’t expecting this. Salad with anchovies, tasty and surprisingly and so simple. The fried cod comes on a plate and you pick it up with rough paper… delicious. The fries!!!! You remember that this is what they were supposed to taste like. The waiters are rushed and fun and very, very fast. If you’re in the neighbourhood… try it. Nothing fancy but the taste and the price.

Only came for the fish and beer! What a beautiful combo. I understand why people like this spot. It's a big tucked away but well worth the walk. The kitchen is open late so you can definitely stop by early or late. The service was top notch.

A quick bite in a energetic neighborhood, the food was great, server was nice and service was quick. No fuss or frills, there were a few locals dining in as well as a few take away orders. We also ordered there house wine that was on tap. Great spot if you’re looking for some breaded fish at a more than fair price.

Definitely don’t miss this hidden gem. The menu is simple, minimalistic, and incredibly delicious. Plus, the street where the restaurant is located is absolutely charming.

Super popular place for deep fried fish. The fish is hot & quite decent. There's beer on tap. Tried their anchovies butter, but do note that they are separate, not mixed in together. Despite the crazy queue, we got seated quickly (was there before the shop opened). Staff is super friendly and helpful despite being so busy

Not a good experience overall. Person seating was rude and the fish , well , way too much batter and just no taste or flavour. Only saving grace was the attentive and very peppy waiter inside who looked like the only one actually doing anything. An expensive meal which didn't deliver on the promise.

Horrible restaurant, with very poor service, dry fish, 3/4 is a batter, with 1/4 fish, will never recommend this restaurant ever, there was no dipping sauce, we asked some olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and told them that we will pay for it, one of the waiter placed that on our table, and the other waiter came and picked it up and said this is not allowed, disgusting, completely dry bread, only words I have is "horrible"

Experienced this Fish place on a walking food tour of Trastevere. This salted cod was cooked to perfection. If in Rome you must look this place up. I would definitely recommend and look forward to returning to eat more than one piece. No sauce needed! None. Yum!

Perfect! If you're not looking for it you might miss it, and what a shame that would be!! Went back twice during our short time in Rome. Not a huge menu but you don't need it bc the Filetti de baccala by itself is flawless. The puntarelles make a nice bitter/salty compliment though.

This is a must stop when we go to Rome. The fish is so light & flaky with a "beer batter" type breading vs a bread crumb. There is no fishy taste. Their Roman salad has tender greens with a light tasty dressing. Highly recommended!!

A must visit in Rome. Try meatballs in oxtail sauce and wash it down with an Apperol spritz

So wonderful and delicious! Love this place and can't wait to go back for more! Food is excellent and service was perfecto!

Baccala We came to this quirky little restaurant on the recommendation of an Italian fellow traveller and because we were looking for a change from pizza and pasta. The fried baccala was ok but there was a lot of batter so we thought that it was expensive for what it was. The service was a little off hand with the waiters whisking your plates away just as you swallowed your last mouthful of food! It was an interesting Roman experience but the food was not remarkable!

The fish is delicious also the puntirella. It's nice to be able to get a piece of fish and walk down the street.

So simple, but so good! Fried Cod, but there is something that gives it a deeper flavor, an Umami! Traditional small Roman restaurant that serves other items. Along with great white and red house wines and a small list of Italian beers. Super friendly service in English. Great for lunch or a night cap.

Went on a recommendation from Tony Bourdain (R.I.P.), and was glad we did. It was the Italian version of "fish & chips". Excellent food, fast & friendly service. If I'm ever fortunate enough to get back to Rome, I'll definitely look for them again.

Filetti di Baccala was one of our best finds in Rome! We were referred to this restaurant by an American couple we met while vacationing in Rome. I couldn't imagine why we would want cod when we had access to the very best pasta and pizza. Boy was I surprised! This is NOT the cod we were used to in California. This cod had a beautiful, crisp and light crust and the fish was moist and full of flavor. The pieces were large and served wrapped in paper to eat while walking or on a plate for dining in. The best I have ever tasted!! The restaurant itself was fun and the staff was very nice. My only regret was that I was too full to try the anchovies.

Visited: Spring 2019 Ordered: Filetto di Baccala Thoughts: For take-out, we were directed to the back of the restaurant, where the kitchen is. There were a few people in line ahead of us, but we got served quickly. The fried cod fillet was crispy and delicious.

one of the stops for our food tour. what's cool is that there's just one item on the menu! so no need to stress on what to order haha. definitely a nice snack

Could not believe how good the cod tasted right out of the frier. I love fish n chips and the fried cod and the french fries were as good as I have tasted. So good we went back the next night for a fillet to travel wrapped in a paper towel. Service was almost immediate and friendly. If you are in the Compo di Fiori area this is a must. Enjoy.

The real name of this restaurant is "Dar Filettaro a Santa Barbara". Fried cod in and of itself is not specifically Italian per se as it's evident in a lot of countries in Europe (UK, Portugal). It's a staple of Roman Jewish cuisine and you'll see many Romans eat it around Christmas or Lent. This is also a more popular Roman street food, and lucky for me, I accidentally found this place because 1) I was tired from walking the Colosseum and Roman Forum and wanted dinner near the hotel, 2) I wanted something lighter because I had pasta earlier for lunch and most importantly, 3) I was getting pasta fatigue. This is a filettaro, which means that they specialize in one thing: fried cod. No pasta, no pizza. Just fried cod (filetto di baccalà) and maybe some antipasti or salad if you want to complement that fried cod. Do keep in mind that you're in Rome, you're not going to see any chips with your fish! Service was very friendly. While I ordered in basic Italian, the server did a good job in describing the differences between the salads. He didn't need to apologize for his limited English, I thought he did a good job with the description! For about €15 I got a simple meal that included cod, a salad and a 40cl "birra alla spina" (beer on tap!). When you've had plenty of pasta and wine for the past several days it's always nice to try something *different* and this was much appreciated. - Fried cod: This is hands down the best cod I've ever eaten (and this was considering I went to Dublin the year before). It's decently sized with good cod/batter ratio. Best eaten on the spot (don't let it get cold) and best paired with a beer. - Puntarelle (di stagione): Roman's salad with anchovies and garlic. This salad is made with a seasonal green, which is always an endive but only mildly bitter. The dressing consisted simply of anchovy paste. I was trying to be good on consuming veggies on this trip. This simple veggie salad did the trick with the salty anchovy paste acting as a dressing, though I did add a little olive oil to flavor the leaves. - Birra alla spina: The Italian standard "Birra Moretti". A light lager a bit maltier than other lagers, it complements the cod quite well. This was surprisingly one of my two favorite meals in Rome due to the perfect execution of their fried cod. I highly recommend this if you want a budget-friendly meal that isn't pizza or to-go pasta.

One of the best restaurants I've been to in Rome. Simple, affordable, and absolutely freaking delicious. Get the fried cod with some salad. ^^ This is the ultimate menu. Literally essential. AMAZING flavor.

This place is an ultimate hidden gem. Simply go for the fried cod, some white wine, and a salad. The cozy atmosphere, family-run, with the kitchen as part of the restaurant, is the whole experience. Cod fillets are wrapped in paper, and you eat them by hand. You are in the heart of Roma here! I have been here twice on two different trips to Rome, and I will return again someday.

We went on a tour to experience the special foods of Rome, there were 3 of us, the several places we visited the food was great and the service friendly until we arrived at this location. The waiters rudely stopped us from seating at any of the empty tables (only ONE was being used) so that we had to each eat a piece of cod on a stick standing (would not be a problem normally, but the entire group (again, only 3 people) is visibly elderly or having mobility issues), there were no greetings or thanks for visiting this eatery. I would not recommend this place at all for the service alone. We were then told that we were not allowed to sit because tour guides cannot sit down. Our guide was not sitting, and we paid for the food!

According to locals and experienced travelers, the best restaurants in Rome are on the side streets. On my recent trip to the Eternal City, our Italian family friend, a food and wine aficionado, who has written books on the city's history and lived there for more than 50 years, ensured that we would only dine on the most delectable cuisine in town. When he planned a meal of fried cod, I had my reservations. "No one can fry a fish like an American," I thought. As I walked towards Filetti di Baccalà, tucked away on a lovely Roman side street, I could smell the wonderfully enticing aroma of fried cod. I was salivating, and I knew I was about to enjoy a meal I would remember for a lifetime. Filetti di Baccalà is a restaurant that can best be described as "homey." It is small but not cramped; it has a television playing soccer games, and its staff (who speak in a Roman dialect) is truly happy to see its customers. The place would make a great place to film a movie. After we took a seat in the middle of the restaurant, we were given rather unnecessary menus. We knew exactly what we wanted. Other than indicating my desire for a salad and a beer, it seemed a given that fried fish...and lots of fried fish, were headed my way. As the old adage says, "When in Rome, do as the Romans." Normally, when I eat fried fish, I use a knife and fork. In Rome, I wrapped it in a paper cone and used my hands. It certainly added to the fun of eating this piping hot treat. The bitter puntarelle Roman salad perfectly complemented the baccalà. Along with a nice helping of Italian bread, they create a meal fit for a Caesar on a plebian budget. If you find yourself in the Eternal City, go where the locals go: Filetti di Baccalà. Prego (in advance)!

This is what a mom & pop restaurant looks like. Tiny place but big in ambience. They do fish and do it well. Order your filets and then choose a side dish for accompaniment. Don't forget a beer to wash it down. A local treasure!

4 stars for a piece of fried fish? We were walking around this section of Rome at night, and remembered that I had bookmarked this restaurant after hearing about it on tv. Since we were only looking for something quick, I went straight to the back of the restaurant and ordered one piece of fried fish.They already had some pieces fried, so they gave me one (4.5 euro). I was doubtful it was going to be that great since it wasn't fresh out of the fryer, but it was one of the best pieces of fried fish that I have ever had. It wasn't too greasy, and was still crispy. My wife and I shared the big piece of fish, and while walking away from the restaurant, we were already regretting that we didn't order one for each of us. If you are in the Piazza Novona area, make sure you stop by Filetti.

This was not the best fried fish I've had. It was 5eur per piece too but it's a good place to try just because it's one of "the things" to eat in Rome and very local. The salad was a must get to go along with it though, a little bitter but it was a good complement. At first I ordered the zucchini per someone else's yelp reviews, do NOT do it, it was 5 EUR for 4 pieces of fried tempura that was not so good. Overall, it was a decent experience and decent food.

Best filetti in Rome. They double fry in different temperatures to get that crispy crust! Brilliant. It's a good break if you don't want to eat more pasta or pizza, as there isn't a ton of variety of food in Rome, but can get fairly heavy, oily. They only open in the evenings though, 5-10:30pm and do takeaway. If you're in the Campo di Fiore area, it's worth a stop.

Ah, baccala! This place didn't disappoint! Grabbed two pieces to go, which were fairly inexpensive. The fish was fresh and tender. The breading light and crispy. I wish I would have tried more of their food while I was there! Highly recommend.

After hitting up the Trestavere neighborhood for some drinks, head to Filetti di Baccalà for some fried cod. If you'd like an order to go, head straight to the kitchen. Not so much on the English, but I managed to communicate that I wanted some cod and zucchini, and a few minutes and €7 later, I was holding a paper cone full of fried goodness. The breading is a bit heavier than American or UK-style fried fish, and perfectly seasoned, so there's no need for tartar sauce or malt vinegar. Both the cod and the zucchini were absolutely delicious! We were quite happy to wander through the city in the rain, munching our salty, tasty snack.

This is a little tiny shop in front of a small square adjoining a Medium church. If you dine in you talk to the guys up front but for takeaway, you actually go straight to the kitchen. 4.50 will get you a nice big piece of fried cod in a white wrapping paper. A large chunck of breaded and fried cod, salted and crunchy. Good flavor and for 4.5 €, its a good dealt

Fantastic! You must come and try for yourself especially if you want the true chaotic Roman fast-food experience. The wait increases the later it gets so arrive fairly early and you should be ok. If you plan to sit and eat, they have a nice menu offering fish and a few other delicious options. However, if you want a quick grab-n-go meal, tell the guy up front you want "take away" and he'll direct you to the back where one of the kitchen staff will you provide you with a so-hot-it'll-burn-your-mouth piece of fish. Don't dilly-around--they don't have time to wait. This place is a MUST for visits and locals alike!

While in Rome, consider stopping by this absolute gem for a some of the best fried fish you will ever try. We dropped in for takeout, which consists of skipping the front desk entirely and ordering directly from the kitchen. You'll end up with a fresh-from-the-fryer piece of golden battered fish wrapped up for convenient snacking while on the go.

This is an incredible place. It is no frills and fantastic. The primary (only) entree is the fried cod fillets. They are extraordinary. I highly recommend sampling the anchovies in some way shape or form, either with butter on bread, or as part of one of the salads. I had the insalate gallinella and it was great. The fagioli (beans) came highly recommended, but I found them to be the least interesting part of the meal. Don't miss it!

Very good price point for the meal. Although the batter was a bit on the heavy side, the taste made up for it. The anchovy paste salad was a welcome surprise. Definitely must have if you wanna get seafood in Rome without breaking the bank.

Coming here is a culinary experience not to be missed if you are in the area. Get the filetti di baccala with the side of punatarelle and you will see why it is packed with locals regularly. It's a taste and experience of authentic Rome.

Honestly, i was expecting so much more than what i received. My italian teacher had ravedddd about how great the baccala was here and with much anticipation following their vacation time in august, my classmates and i finally tried this crispy salted cod I ordered a beer, baccala and the roman salad. Beer: standard good but cheap beer in rome on tap Roman salad: rather small but flavorful and simple with some soft greens and a tart sardine dressing which was really good at contrasting against the deep fried fish! Baccala: meh... breading was overwhelming and heavy, i had to salt my fish myself despite it being claimed to be a previously salted fish, and it seemed overcooked. Ive had much better fried fish in seattle!! Maybe we caught (haha fish joke) them on a bad day but dam (haha water joke) a bit disappointed

Apparently, Filetti di Baccala is only known for one dish: their namesake, the fried cod for about 4.50 Euro a pop. If you want to grab it for takeout, just walk straight to the back and ask the chefs directly. The filetti di baccala is a deep-fried fish that comes freshly wrapped in paper--be careful biting into it right away to avoid tongue burn. The fish itself is soft, and the batter is thick and crispy. Think of it as the Italian, saltier, handheld version of fish and chips (sans chips). Hard to do much better for street food as you wander the Eternal City, I gotta say. It also tastes pretty good after you've been drinking. BTW: Anthony Bourdain recommended this hole-in-the-wall on his Rome episode of The Layover. You'll even see locals wining and dining here.

Nothing was wrong with my experience here. The people were friendly, spoke English, and allowed take away. No problems there at all. I just didn't really care for the product. I wanted to taste it since I heard it is a local specialty. It wasn't bad by any means, it just wasn't my thing. The batter is thick but is nice and crunchy. The whole thing tastes like a giant salty fish stick. Most people would like it, but I wasn't that crazy about it because I hate fish sticks. They're actually one of the only things I dislike. I love fish, but I prefer a more fresh fish flavor. I'm glad I shared it with my fiancé because I only wanted a couple of bites. I'm glad I tried it though!

This place is a good as advertised. We were in Rome for a vacation and had to stop by this place to see whats up. I can tell you that the fish was so good that I ordered one to go as we walked around the area. Worth making a trip to grab the fish.

This is a wonderful little place specialising in Roman-style fried cod, which is different from what those used to, say British or American-style fried cod. The fish pieces are not cheap, but they are big and filling and absolutely delicious with nothing else on them. They come out hot and crisp on the outside with soft fish and nicely cooked dough on the inside. They also have fired zucchini which are great, as well. They have salads, but these are the fairly typical, somewhat bland basic Italian green or mixed salads which I eat but don't generally do much for me, the only dressing being some oil and vinegar, salt and pepper. The place has a nice old charm about it inside but can be very stuffy in the summer. They have table out in front in the tiny piazza, too.

Fresh deep-fried fish fillet beloved by locals! How could you say no to this?! I love their deep fried fish and I can eat it any day. Check out this non-assuming place and be ready to chow down the hot dish on the sidewalk!

Tasty fried fish fillets. They have nice seating options in a quiet square, but it's hard to find. Worth it!

Perfectly crispy and batter coated cod fillet. I think I love it even more they don't serve any chips with the Filleti de baccala

It's been a mainstay for me since the time I lived in Rome. Always great to bring friends who are visiting for the Italian version of fish and chips w/o chips but, a selection of beautiful Puntarella salads, marinated mushrooms and potato side dishes. Please forget wine and try it with an ice cold beer. Although the vino Della Casa alla spina is excellent. A quiet hidden Piazza at the end of Campo di Fiori. Splendid!

Came here for the Roman style fried cod (5 euro a piece). It was fine - fresh and hot, but the crust-to-fish ratio was a bit too high for me, I feel like I was digging through layers of dough just to get a bite of the fish, but maybe that's what the Roman style is? I think in my old age I am just not up for a hunk of fried thing for dinner anymore - I would recommend getting a piece to go and walk around while you snack!

Delicious. I feel strange giving fried cod and nothing more 5 stars, but, hey, why not. I wish they had better hours - it is not really a place for dinner, in my opinion, yet they are not open late (which would be perfect) or for lunch - you will need to somehow fit it in as a snack before or after dinner (somehow I ate one after a marathon at Roscioli - who knew?).

A perfect break from pizza & pasta! So yummy & you can hold your filet of freaky fried fish right in your hand & nibble while browsing the fun street vendors!! A must if you're near this side of town. The breading was perfect & the fish not fishy!! Highly recommend!!

Absolutely delicious so angry I didn't get a piece to go. The salt cod is fried to perfection. The restaurant was a little off the beaten path but worth the trip.

This place does 1 thing only and does it incredibly well! Fried Cod. If you aren't a fish place this isn't the place for you. But if you are, then go there now!