Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Reviews --> Ristorante Roma

Ristorante Roma
A visit to Rome via Carmel

Wine Guy Tom Landshof discovered this new restaurant in downtown Carmel and was so reminded of his last trip to Italy that he had to write a review!

I hesitate to write about this new family-run Italian restaurant in Carmel, wanting it keep it for myself. However, judging by the crowd there on a snowy Saturday night (1/18/14), I think the word is out. Featuring the cuisine of Rome, the executive chef and owner, Lucio Romani, is from Rome, Italy and is committed to homemade sauces and making each course to order.

We have been there twice in just the last two weeks and have been impressed both times. On our first visit I had the tortellini boscaiola, a cheese tortellini with sausage and a Parmigiano cream sauce and Suzanne had a lobster ravioli. Both were simply outstanding. On our subsequent visit we had one of the best beef carpaccio appetizers that we have ever had, followed by spaghetti carbonara and cannelloni stuffed with ricotta cheese, shrimp and scallops in a vodka sauce. The pasta was cooked just right, the portions were not daunting and everything was delicious. Appetizers and salads range from $4.50 to $11 and entrees $11 to $26.

The wine list was designed by Michel Pascal, an owner of Carroll Wine & Spirits, one of the state's best boutique wine distributors. The wine prices were very fair, at just below twice retail, and the selection was very good. One night we had a Nebbiolo by Paolo Scavino for $49 and the second time a Sangiovese-Merlot blend, Tolaini Al Passo also for $49. And, there are also a number of quite drinkable selections on the list at $21 to $35 a bottle.

The service was just right with no long waits and no feeling of being rushed. The décor is what you would expect from a trattoria in Rome, cozy and warm. There is a remarkable mural on one wall created from photographs taken near the Coliseum in Rome. Roma may be a little hard to find. It is tucked away in the back corner of the Monon Center in Carmel across from the Methodist church on Rangeline Road. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

Ristorante Roma

620 S. Rangeline Rd.
Carmel, IN 46032
(317) 848-4600
http://www.ristoranteromaindy.com/

January 29, 2014