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La Parolaccia Osteria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
La Parolaccia Osteria
8.3
Family-owned Roman osteria since 2004 serving wood-fired pizzas and homestyle pasta in a casual atmosphere decorated with Ferrari collectibles and Italian soccer memorabilia. The expansive street-side outdoor deck seats about 40 guests with umbrellas and awning coverage, creating a lively neighborhood gathering spot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cheese Wheel Pasta, Linguine with Clams and Artichokes, Wood-Fired Calzones
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Roman family recipes and theatrical cheese wheel pasta service on outdoor deck
Who should go: Families and groups seeking casual Italian comfort food
When to visit: Complimentary valet Friday-Saturday evenings; outdoor deck best spring-fall
What to order: Cheese wheel pasta tableside, wood-fired pizza, classic lasagna
Insider tip: Private lot has only 9 spaces weekdays; use complimentary valet on weekends
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot with 9 spaces (weekdays only). Complimentary valet Friday-Saturday evenings. Street parking available but competitive in residential area.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirts perfectly fine. This is neighborhood Italian, not fine dining.
Noise level: Moderately lively - outdoor deck has street noise and group conversations but you can still talk normally.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday. Outdoor deck fills up fast 6-8pm.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - typically seat immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta options, pizzas, and salads. Easy to find satisfying meal.
Vegan options: Limited - can modify some pasta dishes with marinara and vegetables, but cheese is central to their concept.
Gluten-free options: Yes - gluten-free pasta available. No GF pizza crust mentioned.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent option but not ideal. The outdoor deck is lively and casual which keeps pressure low, but street noise and family atmosphere means it's not romantic. Better for 3rd-4th dates when you want relaxed conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes - walk-ins usually fine. Weekends risky - expect 30-45 min wait prime hours (6-8pm). If you want the outdoor deck on Saturday night, definitely reserve ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly. Family-owned with casual vibe, outdoor seating means noise isn't an issue, and kids love watching the cheese wheel pasta theatrics. All ages welcome.
How's the portion size? Generous Italian-American portions. Pasta dishes easily feed two if you order apps. Plan to take home leftovers or come hungry.
Do I need to order the cheese wheel pasta? It's their signature for a reason - tableside theater and creamy execution. But if you're not into rich dishes, their wood-fired pizzas and classic lasagna are equally strong plays.
Best For
Better for: Outdoor dining experience, family gatherings, theatrical tableside service, and that neighborhood Italian comfort food vibe. You're coming for the expansive deck and casual Roman recipes, not refined technique.
Skip if: You want quiet romantic ambiance, innovative Italian cuisine, or intimate indoor setting. Also skip if you're vegan or need extensive GF options. This is traditional, lively, and unapologetically carb-forward.
La Parolaccia Osteria
8.4
Family-owned Roman osteria serving wood-fired pizzas and handmade pasta since 2004. The intimate space features rustic Italian décor and a welcoming atmosphere where the owner, Stefano from Rome, treats guests like family with authentic recipes passed down through generations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna with Meat Sauce, Tortellini alla Panna, Timballo con Carne
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Wood-fired oven pizzas and authentic Roman pasta recipes from family origins
Who should go: Date night couples and Italian food purists seeking authenticity
When to visit: Dinner time, Friday-Saturday for full valet service
What to order: Lasagna, wood-fired pizza, tortellini alla panna
Insider tip: Complimentary valet parking available Friday and Saturday evenings