Trattoria Vaticano Giggi

We had dinner in Giggi’s Trattoria, as our BnB was located nearby and reviews of this Trattoria were quite good. Furthermore, I thought that this place is interesting, as the Trattoria seems to be operated by a guy who is/​was an actor. By this reason, the business card of the restaurant proudly states «Luigi Tondinelli, Actor and Grand Chef». Priceless! Unfortunately, the «famous» Giggi was not in the restaurant when we were there, which was a pity.
I personally thought that this restaurant was the most pleasant one we visited in Rome, as the staff was friendly, quick and non-​obtrusive. I also had the impression that locals go there for dinner. However, the location itself is nothing special. I’d describe it as a small, simple, down to earth and very Italian restaurant.
The food we ordered was good but nothing «extraordinary». We shared starters (10 EUR), mixed sausages, olive oil and fresh bread, which all were good. The pasta dishes, bucatini all’amatriciana and spaghetti alla carbonara (each 8,50 EUR) were really nice. As main dish we tried saltimbocca alla romana and pollo alla romana (9,50 EUR /​8,50 EUR + 8 EUR for supplements). I liked the chicken much. My girlfriend was not too super happy with the saltimbocca (as the sauce was a little gluey) and her potatoes. One thing you should not order is the house wine (around 12 EUR). This stuff is pretty nasty. I cannot understand that a restaurant serves such stuff.
After this menu, we were very well-​fed but we did not «explode». I’d say, sharing an entire menu — which is *very* advisable in many Italian restaurants — is no must here, as the portions are not tall. By this reason I also think, that the Trattoria is a good bit on the expensive side. We consumed 70 EUR that night.
Conclusion: Difficult! Without thinking about the 70 EUR, I’d give 4 stars. Considering the price and the fact that there wasn’t the tiniest goody on the house (a grappa for instance), I am a little disappointed. By this reason I am also not sure, whether to recommend the restaurant or not.

Amazing! We loved the Eggplant Parmesuan, the Lentil Soup (pictured) and the Spaghetti Carbonara (also pictures)
Don’t miss this gem!

Unassuming from the outside, décor is a little dated, but pleasantly surprised with the food. Menu caters to tradition roman dishes. I ordered the roman style chicken, which was falling off the bone delicious. Didn’t leave a drop of sauce. Staff are incredibly helpful, sincerely cheerful and make you feel like one of the family. Prices are very reasonable.

Wir sind mehr zufällig hier gelandet, da wir im Hotel orange wohnen, wollten wir in unserem Veedel was essen! Wir sind begeistert. Typisch italienisch oder römisch eher! Das essen ist lecker, einfach und frisch! Gigi, der Patrone, ist ganz zauberhaft. Sehr um das wohl seiner Gäste bemüht! Die Speisen sind lecker, der Wein auch und alles für kleines Geld! Was wir ganz toll fanden, der Laden ist voll mit Italienern und hier und da ein paar Touristen! Ein Geheimtipp für fie Mittagszeit!

Sehr gutes Essen (wir hatten frische Pasta, eine Art Kartoffelkuchen zuvor, Tiramisu, Cola und Wein) und überaus freundliche Bewirtung. Ausgesprochen günstig und von Römern frequentiert. Nicht besonders groß, in warmen Tönen gehaltene Einrichtung. Der bärenhafte Gigi wacht souverän über das Wohl seiner Gäste. Wohlbehütet, genährt und zufrieden gingen wir leichten Herzens in die Nacht. Wir kommen wieder.

Mehr ein Imbiß, denn ein Restaurant (kein Faßbier, keine Kaffeemaschine, keine Pizza: ok).
Freundliche Bedienung.
Es gibt viele, im Einzelnen ganz günstige, Kleinigkeiten, die man aber erst zu einem gesamten Menü zusammenstellen muß/​darf, damit man satt wird.
Gerade das macht Spaß.