Alberto Ciarla

Alberto Ciarla review

The reputation of this restaurant is stuck in the same 1960s time warp as the decor. But Alberto Ciarla is still one of Rome's best fish restaurants - and a meal here is not prohibitively expensive, especially if you opt for one of the taster menus (from €50 up). A trademark dish like spigola con le erbe (sea bass with herbs) strikes the right balance between art and nature, while a primo of pasta e fagioli ai frutti di mare (pasta and beans with seafood) is strong, decisive and very Roman. The menu is a triumph of dolce vita typography, the overriding mood one of charmingly courteous camp. As this guide went to press, Alberto Ciarla was in the midst of opening a winebar next door (12.30-2.30pm, 7.30pm-midnight Mon-Sat).