Nestled in the hip zone of Prati, a bustling neighborhood full of Italian professionals and local residents, and not far from the Vatican walls, is a lovely little unassuming restaurant named 3 Quarti. Meaning three quarters, the name is obviously being modest because there is nothing incomplete about this little eatery.

Seventh generation Roman, owner, Francesco Ermini, has created a hip, fresh environment with great indoor lighting and plenty of natural light and views of the surrounding neighborhood’s streets and trees. My wife and I enjoy this restaurant for both lunch and dinner and particularly appreciate that it is a cozy, medium-sized eatery with a modern feel while still reminding us that we are in the eternal city. Little touches, such as original Etruscan ceilings and other nods to Italy’s architectural history give this place an elegant and grounded vibe.

The menu is fantastic, laced with traditional Roman dishes as well as new twists on classic flavors. My wife feels that this restaurant serves the “best” Ceasar salad in Rome, which is saying something, since despite what you might expect, Ceasar salad is not common on every menu in Rome. I prefer their tonno (tuna) salad, which is perfectly balanced and generously proportioned.

Other personal favorites are the lightly fried vegetables, cacio e pepe, eggplant parmegiano, fettuccine pecorino, and various carpacci. Regardless of your personal menu choices, you won’t get a bad dish. Everything here has proven to be exceptional, with modest prices and excellent friendly service. In fact, like most places in Rome, if you come back a second time, they will remember you and make you feel like family. Oh, and the dessert list is one of the longest I’ve seen on a menu in Rome, so save a little room.

3Quarti is located at Via attilio Regolo, 21. Rome, Italy.

06 4547 8764