Flavio al Velavevodetto
Flavio al Velavevodetto is a great find in the busy Testaccio district, a classy and relaxed venue offering terrific seafood, typical Roman dishes, and pizza.
You know you’re in for something special when you arrive at Velavevodetto: the tables are arranged al fresco, between an elegant enclosed courtyard and a first-floor covered terrace. There’s plenty of space too. The staff strike the right blend of informality and professionalism, and the menu is based on traditional Roman cuisine.
The kitchen is run ex-Da Felice chef Flavio De Maio; before his recent arrival the restaurant was simply known as Ristorante Velavevodetto.
The quality of the food and dishes on offer make it hard to skip courses: Complimentary antipasto arrives when you do, in the shape of delicately seasoned bruschetta. Primi include a homemade fettuccine with fresh moscardini, and the signature ravioli alla Velavevodetto, stuffed with ricotta and spinach, and served lukewarm in a tomato sauce with roman herbs. Secondi include some terrific mixed dishes: the selection of meats (involtini, meatball, and coda) come in a tasty sugo, or the frittura di paranza offers a lightly battered combination of fish, prawns, and squid in generous portions. If you’ve room for dessert, the home-made semifreddo is topped only by the tiramisu. Judging by the watermelon we tried on our last visit, they know how to select their fresh fruit too.
Dinner here costs from €30 a head plus wine, of which there’s an extensive list. It’s a great venue for a romantic dinner for two, or an evening with a small group of friends.