My husband and I spent one night in Rome while we were on our honeymoon, and we ate at Pietro Valentini. Carbonara, truffle shavings, wine, a hug and a kiss from the owner — that is all I need to emphatically proclaim that I LOVEROME! Eat here, let your tastebuds explode, and then stop at Giolitti for some unreal gelato. Now you can die with a smile on your face. Bella notte!
J S.
Place rating: 2 Brighton, MA
The cheese bread was good, and that’s about where the compliments end. Our waiter came at first, took our order, brought out our bottle of wine without uncorking it, and then disappeared to play on his iPhone. Our three simple pasta dishes took nearly an hour to come out of the kitchen, without apology or explanation. The waitress who took over was pleasant and polite, but the poor service and price(15 Euro for a plate of lightly oiled fetuccini with porcini mushrooms and bacon?) make this a disappointing experience, especially given the rave reviews from others. I was not pleased.
Jill D.
Place rating: 5 Mahwah, NJ
If you want an authentic, Italian meal in Rome, Pietro Valentini is the place to go!!! The owner greeted us as if we were family when we got there, the décor of the restaurant felt like we were eating in her living room, super cozy and comfy!!! Husband is the chef, and this is the third generation of the restaurant in the family and it shows. They’re willing to please and substitute anything on the menu if necessary. The zucchini florets are too die for as is the bread basket! We all got pastas and it was so fresh, deliciously homemade and I would go back again tonight but they’re closed on Sunday’s. Please don’t pass this one up!!!
John S.
Place rating: 1 Glenelg, Australia
A recent visitor to Rome I had discovered Pietro Valentini on Unilocal and together with my family of 4, was keen to give them a try. Mindful that it was a Saturday evening, I attempted booking on their contact number 3 times during the day, with no answer. Staying near Campo dei Fiori we decided to head there on the chance of table and arrived about 8.30pm. Approaching the waiter at front of house I asked if a table was available in my best(pretty bad) Italian. His response caught be by surprise; he was was abrupt, dismissive and rude stating we’re full and turning his back to me. While outside tables were indeed full on this 30deg night, inside there appeared to be ample seating. I write this review therefore not to judge the cuisine as I had no chance to; rather it is a sad counterbalance to the positive reviews you’ll see here. Generally, Roman café, bar and ristorante staff are overwhelmingly friendly, encouraging and tolerant of their language being mangled by English speakers such as Australians. If the waiter/perhaps owner had been polite in declining us I would have happily accepted that we were out of luck, but his manner + vacant tables suggested otherwise. I hope future visitors have a better experience.
Patty C.
Place rating: 4 Mountain View, CA
Why hasn’t anyone mentioned their homemade cheese bread? It’s definitely a 5-star specialty laced with provolone and pecorino and served toasted. I would go back just for that bread! The rest of the meal was great. They heap on the truffle and the friendly service, even calling a taxi cab for us! While the white truffle risotto was solid, I think they really hit it out of the ballpark with a medium rare beef(flank steak?) grilled perfectly with tasty procini and aromatic portabello. This is a great 4.5 star that I would come back to if I am ever in Rome again and need a restaurant that will deliver great home-style Italian.(Reserving that remaining –0.5 for a restaurant that blows the roof off!)
Laura F.
Place rating: 5 East Harlem, Manhattan, NY
Wonderful Trattoria in Rome! I DEFINITELY recommend this special spot if you want an authentic italian experience. I not only had a delicious meal but also a great evening. The owner, Simone, was so sweet and very accommodating. She allowed me to sample two outrageously good dishes as I was traveling on my own. The risotto with truffles was out of this world. Not many tables. The place was quiet around 8pm when I stopped by to put my name down for a seat. By 9pm all of the tables were full. 100% worth checking out if your in Rome.
Bennie S.
Place rating: 5 Brooklyn, NY
We’ve only been once and it was great. It’s a small place on a very unassuming street(though that seems to be most of Rome). It’s known for its truffle dishes. They offer both indoor and outdoor dining. We got there when it first opened for the night so service was quick and the staff was very friendly. Then again, I think it’s a family restaurant and the«staff» was a brother/sister combo. This place was highly recommended based on their truffle dishes. They use both the oil and fresh truffles, which they grate directly onto your plate. And they’re not cheap with it either. The pasta dishes were great — the pasta was al dente and the sauces were well flavored. They gave good portions — enough to be full but not stuffed. I also had the shrimp/prawns in an orange sauce, which was simply delicious. It was a sweeter sauce and this one had no truffle oil or fresh truffle but I still loved it.
Harry S.
Place rating: 5 Duxbury, MA
Unfortunately we have only been personally to Pietro’s once, a few years ago with our family, but we still talk about that meal and the extremely warm and welcoming service frequently. Pietro’s specializes in fresh, homemade, real Italian dishes — and truffles. Pietro’s was recommended to us from our hotel concierge. The restaurant is located in a hard to find side street but the food and people could not be any more perfect. Homemade breads, pastas, sauces — everything here is excellent. When we were leaving, the family came out in the street to hug us goodbye, wish us safe travels and a speedy return. We are working on that part! We have recommended Pietro’s to many friends over the years and everyone comes back with similar stories of fantastic food, wine and an amazing experience.
Lulu_r
Place rating: 5 Frankfurt, Germany
I love this place. I came to Rome for the second time as a student at university studying Classics to see the sights. I discovered Pietro’s along with the friend I was traveling with and ended up coming back every night. Dishes I will never forget include linguine with orange and langostini, wild strawberry risotto, steak Barolo and the truly unparalleled profiteroles. The entire family are wonderfully welcoming, right down the neighbourhood tomcat ‘Bomba’ who occasionally strolls nonchalantly in. Right next door to Codognotto’s(a famous wood carver in the city) one wall of the restaurant is decked out with a bizarre, elaborate carved wooden creation that just adds to the unique charm of Pietro’s. Please please visit this restaurant I cannot recommend it highly enough. Be ready to stay late into the night chatting to the family if you hit it off too!