Description: One of the funnest things we did in Rome was pick up an inexpensive water colour sketch for 10 Euro that I liked by an artist in the Piazza Navona and then seek out the scene depicted. The piece showed laundry strung up by a lamp-post on Via Scala.
Consulting a map, we learned
Via Scala is in the Trastervere section of the city, so we walked across the river, onto the
Isola Tiberina, and took a proper wander through a myriad of Italian neighborhoods.
In one piazza, we paused for a few minutes to watch a scene of people walking around a fountain because they were being filmed for a movie!
Once on the proper street, we discovered several restaurants and chose
Ristorante Pizzeria La Scala across from a lovely church called the
Santa Maria Della Scala. Next to this church, a man was sitting on the steps of a school and playing an accordian. We were in the shade, and a nice breeze was going through. Fresh roses were on every table. The atmosphere was lovely.
How was the restaurant?Really good. My son's margherita pizza was only 6 Euros, cheaper than any he'd ordered closer to major sites. My husband said his linguini was exceptional. I have to say my risotto con funghi chiodin, asparagi e ricotta salata (risotto with honey mushrooms, asparagus, and salty ricotta) was only okay, but I still liked it. After the praises for the food from the rest of my family, I wish I'd tried the home-made ravioli instead.
When I went to use the restroom, I noticed the inside of the restaurant was dimly lit. The artwork was a little bit tacky, but the red bricks fit my idea of a pizzeria.
How was the service? This was also quick and efficient. Our waiter spoke enough English for us to order easily. We got the bill as soon as we were finished.
Any other good points?You have a couple of different choices for where you can pick up a gelato cone after you're finished with your main meal. There's a place across from the church where we grabbed dessert.
Bottom line?Off the beaten path---but not in an insane way---we enjoyed this restaurant and being away from most of the tourist crowds.
Enjoy!
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