March 2008
We were staying at the Albani & asked for a dinner recommendation. The concierge suggested La Balestra & phoned to reserve a table for us. Good thing he did, as people without reservations were being turned away. La Balestra was just around the corner from our hotel. They attract many local residents & foreign diplomats. Deservedly so, because the meal was very worthwhile. I had risotto to start, followed by grilled lamb (served "ben cotto", well done, as ordered).
La Balestra is situated far from the center of Rome, near the northeast corner of Villa Borghese. However, if you're staying on that side of town, it's a good choice.

We ate here our first evening in Rome. As we sat we had friends who were traveling with us wander in and join us. Our table for two ended up expanding to a table for eight! Our waiter, I think the owner, took it all in stride, and let us, the first to arrive, hang around until the latecomers were done.

We ordered a bottle of red wine. We had olive brochette to start (it was one large slice, which Mark and I cut and shared and was just delicious. Mark had veal, scallopinied and rolled around mozzarella that was then baked. He also had asparagus. I had risotto with mushrooms and a mixed salad. It was 9pm when they finally showed up to the restaurant. We ate dessert largely to hang out with friends. I had creme caramel and Mark can't remember what he had for dessert. But it was quite delicious.