Last Thursday, I had dinner at Le Tre Zucche in Monteverde. Open for nearly six years, it is hands-down one of my favorite restaurants in Rome. The professional and warm service, simple and elegant décor, extensive wine list and creative regional plates can be credited to the talented duo; Fabrizio Sepe, chef and co-owner, and Federico Chessa, co-owner. Their passion can be tasted in every bite.
By 9:00pm the dining room was full. I’ve eaten here a number of times and it was time to try the tasting menu. I chose an Allegrini Valpolicella Classico 2010 to enjoy alongside dinner. Dishes included grilled polenta topped with endive, stracciata and anchovy fillets; mortadella cannolo filled with ricotta served over asparagus salad; chickpea soup with chicory and pecorino cheese meatballs; chiatarrucci pasta with meat ragù in a red wine reduction; braised beef cheek with red onions in agrodolce (sweet and sour sauce) and roman broccoli; sea salt and Amedei gianduia chocolate cake.
Every plate was well executed. The buttery stracciata, anchovy fillets, bitter endive and crisp grilled polenta were an incredible texture and flavor explosion. The mortadella cannolo packed with a creamy ricotta filling and splash of robust balsamic vinegar was divine. The handmade egg pasta with meat sauce was rich and savory. The beef cheek was perfectly cooked, succulent and tender. The pre-dessert of phyllo pastry piped full of crema di noci (hazelnut cream) topped with glazed pear trumped the main chocolate dessert.
The tasting menu (minimum of two people), ½ bottle of water, and artisan bread basket costs 35 euro per person excluding service – well worth every euro!
Via G. Mengarini 43-45 – Roma
+39 06/5560758
