Sat Sandhu
Google
Tucked away in a quieter corner just steps from the ever-bustling Campo de’ Fiori, La Quercia offers a rare kind of Roman dining experience: one that is at once elevated and utterly unpretentious. Recommended by a trusted friend, I arrived at lunchtime after failing to secure a dinner reservation—a testament, no doubt, to its growing word-of-mouth reputation.
From the moment I stepped inside (or rather outside), I was met with a sense of warm hospitality. The staff greeted me promptly, striking that delicate balance between attentive and unobtrusive. The space itself mirrors the tone of the service—intimate, refined without pretense, and seemingly miles away from the clamor of the nearby piazza.
To start, I opted for the croquettes, which arrived golden and crisp, with a texture that somehow achieved both a delicate crunch and an airy interior. The interplay of lemon, cream, and fish was a masterstroke—each element adding depth without overwhelming. The acidity, in particular, was beautifully restrained, brightening the dish and leaving a lingering freshness on the palate.
For the main, I turned to a Roman classic: Amatriciana. Here, La Quercia does not attempt to reinvent, but rather to perfect. The pasta was expertly cooked, the sauce a beautiful harmony of ripe tomato, savory guanciale, and a subtle sharpness from the pecorino. It was balanced, soulful, and deeply satisfying—executed with quiet confidence.
Dessert came in the form of their house tiramisu, a unique interpretation that still held tightly to the essence of its origins. It was light, yet indulgent, and subtly layered in its flavors—an homage rather than a reinvention.
Each course was accompanied by wine, expertly recommended by the host. The pairings complemented the dishes effortlessly, adding another layer of pleasure to an already delightful experience.
La Quercia is a restaurant that understands the value of restraint, of simplicity done well. It is not flashy, nor does it need to be. Every detail—from the food to the service—feels considered and gracefully executed. It is, in a word, satisfying. I cannot wait to return.