Armando al Pantheon, Roman Traditional Cuisine in the Center of the City

Flip

Armando al Pantheon challenges all the clichés about the restaurants in the center of Rome. Located a minute’s walk from the glorious Pantheon, the best preserved building in Ancient Rome, Armando al Pantheon offers traditional Roman cuisine without shrillness.

This restaurant was founded by Armando Gargioli in 1961, following the advice of some business friends who advised him to take and renovate the old restaurant that was in that same place. Soon it became a meeting point of the world of culture in Rome, and among its clients were Jean Paul Sartre or Emidio Antoci. At the moment they are the children of Armando, Fabrizio and Claudio, they are the front of the familiar business and the ones that pose when celebrities come to visit, such as like Steve Martin or Maggie Gyllenhaal.

The place is cozy and although it is not very spacious, at any time it gives a feeling of claustrophobia, although listening to the conversation at the next table is practically inevitable. Paneled wood and high ceilings, windows with delicate colored glass and white tablecloths, Armando al Pantheon has long since been a secret utopia and in addition to some regular customers, there are also foreign diners who are visiting.

The menu is a tribute to traditional Roman cuisine, top quality ingredients, tradition and a serious know-how. Fresh pasta with spaghetti and garlic, oil and chili peppers, in addition to the Roman classics with amatriciana sauce (tomatoes, pecorino Romano cheese and bacon) and cacio e pepe (pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper).

The main course menu includes trippa alla romana (with tomatoes, mint and pecorino cheese), as well as pork sausages with sautéed vegetables. There are dishes that are only available in season and among them it is worth looking at the menu for the celebrated roman puntarelle (endive), which they serve with anchovy sauce, garlic and vinegar, as well with delicious artichokes hearts, served with mozzarella.

For the desserts, the classic tiramisu is spectacular, as well as the Antigua Roma cake, with ricotta cheese and strawberry jam.

Although they always leave a table available for the first to arrive when they open, it is best to book in advance since the queue, according to the staff, is constant.