Frezza

The food was just average, and €10 for an Aperol Spritz seemed far too much. They didn’t even bring bread, unlike every other Italian restaurant I’ve visited during my two weeks here. The place is tucked into a cute little side street near the center, so at first I thought I’d found a hidden gem, but the atmosphere was cold and lifeless. It was completely empty when I arrived, yet the staff made me feel like I was bothering them. Nobody smiled or showed any warmth. At the counter, the girl finished something on her phone while I waited, though there was no one else around, then took my payment without any friendliness. It all felt like being in a funeral home.

The staff were good, but the flavors and ingredients need work. It was my first dish in Italy, and I came away disappointed. The €10 salad scored 2/10, with an unripe tomato. Carbonara was 7/10, though the pasta wasn’t homemade. Cacio e pepe was 3/10 and tasted very mediocre. The full pasta portions were €15 each. I wouldn’t recommend it.

A quiet street, reasonable prices, and very friendly, kind staff. The food was excellent, and half portions are available too.

It’s a little beyond the tourist area, but well worth going. The atmosphere felt authentic, the service was amazing, and the food was cooked perfectly. A really lovely, authentic experience. Definitely recommend!