Aside from the very rude booker I was forced to deal with for my large-party reservation, Puttanesca, which seems to be a popular destination for large birthday parties (I counted 6 others the night we were there), was a pleasant surprise. It could have been that they were super-attentive to us as an apology for the blunder caused by their booker! But actually, the food was pretty good. Huge appetizer portions - easily share-able for a party of 4-6 - and very tasty (calamari, tonno battuto (pounded raw tuna - delish), spiedino alla romana, carpaccio di manzo). The insalata della casa was delicious and enough for 4! For my main course, I had the venison with homemade (in house, they told us) pappardelle. The pasta was a bit undercooked and a little chewy, but the venison was rich and not gamey. Others in my party ordered the paglia e fieno, tortellini della nonna, pollo ai ferri, saltimbocca alla romana (my favorite!!) and the branzino marachiaro - all were proclaimed ""delicious"". We had a party of 14 and the service was excellent. This is a great deal for the price! Nice atmosphere/decor, but a little noisy due to the size of the dining area. I will try it again with a smaller party.
Pros: atmostphere, service, food
Cons: noise
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