Recommended to me by a winemaker friend in Montalcino, Armando al Pantheon delivered a memorable evening that perfectly captured the essence of Roman culinary tradition. Located just steps from the iconic Pantheon, this family-run trattoria combines authentic flavors with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
After walking the historic Roman streets all day, soaking in the sights and sounds of the Eternal City, this meal was the perfect way to end the day. The evening began with starter of fried zucchini blossoms—crispy, delicate, and filled with just the right amount of savory filling. This classic Roman dish paired beautifully with the Marco Carpineti Brut, a sparkling wine made from the native Bellone grape. This wine hails from Cori, a medieval town tucked away in the hills of Lazio, about 50 kilometers outside of Rome. Despite being overlooked even by some locals, Cori offers an extraordinary terroir. Its volcanic soils, rich in tufo and calcareous materials, provide an ideal environment for cultivating grapes with minerality and complexity. The fine bubbles and vibrant acidity of the Brut complemented the light, crispy batter and subtle flavors of the blossoms, making it an unforgettable start to the meal.
For the main course, I ordered the Tagliata di Manzo, perfectly seared thin slices of beef served atop a bed of sautéed chicory. The slight bitterness of the chicory paired beautifully with the richness of the beef, which was tender and full of flavor. It was a dish that spoke of the Italian ethos—fresh, high-quality ingredients prepared simply yet masterfully. My dining companion opted for the spaghetti aglio e olio, a testament to the beauty of simplicity. The al dente pasta, lightly coated in fragrant olive oil, garlic, and a touch of parsley, was both comforting and refined.
The Marco Carpineti Brut continued to shine throughout the meal, cutting through the richness of the beef and enhancing the freshness of each bite. As the meal progressed, I decided to finish the Tagliata di Manzo with a glass of a Sicilian red, which paired nicely with the beef’s savory depth. While the red was enjoyable, the Marco Carpineti Brut remained the true star of the evening, standing out as one of the most memorable aspects of the meal.
Toward the end of the meal, as we sipped our espresso, the ambiance was momentarily disrupted by a loud table of Americans demanding pizza for their children—an odd request in a Roman trattoria. I felt bad for the server.
Luckily, this came after we had finished our incredible dishes, leaving us to reflect on the perfect pairing of food, wine, and a warm Roman evening.
This has definitely been one of the most memorable dining experiences I have had during my travels in Italy. A reservation in advance, sometimes well in advance, is a must, but it’s totally worth it.
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