I’m always on the lookout for new restaurants, especially fish restaurants. We’ve written a number of restaurants that have fish and seafood prominantly on their menu, but when is fish ever enough, especially in summer?
My neighborhood is a quiet one, even quieter as local residents take to their summer homes on the coast for vacation. We who work through summer and stay in the city benefit from perks such as increased parking choices, emptier streets and al fresco dining.
In this post I listed the food shops and botteghe that I visit daily during my passeggiata, I’m happy to announce that there is one more venue to update that fortunate list.
Enzo Auletta owned a fantastic little restaurant on the island of Ponza. A few months ago he re-opened Trattoria Fauro effectively “saving” an old neighborhood restaurant that had been closed for several years. The place he has now is unique, and it’s due to become one of Rome’s dining magnets.
A dinghy hangs from the ceiling, the walls are painted forest green and a large round porthole opens onto the kitchen from the main dining room. The tables are vintage antique market finds and a chalkboard lists the fresh catch of the day. Dishes feature only wild-caught local and seasonal fish and seafood. The prime quality ingredients are sourced at a small fishmonger in Piazza delle Coppelle, who happens to be the chef’s brother. The relaxed atmosphere and Enzo’s charm do the rest.
I am now a regular. I even celebrated my big milestone birthday at Trattoria Fauro for dinner. The tables outside recreate a small corner of island life, complete with flickering candles, boating elements and striped tablecloths. The crudo offer is on point, the spaghetti with clams are a must and the Neapolitan desserts, like Pastiera and Torta Caprese, are homemade.
I always have the octopus and potato salad to start, and enjoy tasting anything new on the menu. The fish meatballs are delicious (and dangerous, I could order dozens at a time). The entrees change continuously according to market availability, but if you happen on a day when the chef bakes pezzogna with fresh herbs and potatoes, order it!
Prices including wine are surprisingly contained. The staff that helps Enzo is courteous and efficient, and there’s discounted parking for customers in a lot nearby.
Trattoria Fauro
Via Ruggero Fauro 42
Tel. +39 06 69324156
Open Mon-Sat for lunch and dinner.
You’re killing me here.
Hi! I hope you’re planning your next Italy trip…