Mangia Monday at Il Margutta in Rome

Il Margutta (Via Margutta 118, Rome) is not where the tourists go in Rome, which makes me very happy.  It’s a vegan – vegetarian restaurant, off the beaten path, in the artsy district of Via Margutta.

A friend had suggested I try it because it was within walking distance of my hotel and I am all about convenience after a fun but tiring day of shooting photos around the Eternal City.  The restaurant is decorated in cozy, warm shades of reds, ochres and yellows, the colors which therapists say are welcoming and warm the appetite.

I started with a Campari spritzer.  While I perused the menu, the chef offered a complimentary starter of risotto con pomodori with asparagus mousse and green beans.

My entree was Risotto with Zucchini flowers, courgettes, saffron and provola cheese.  I can’t get enough risotta when I am in Italy.  This one was incredible and I was so stuffed that I didn’t have room for dessert.

There had been a glitch in my dinner plans for the evening and the waitress, Alessandra, was well aware of my annoyance level at the companion who never arrived.  She joked with me and made what could have been a frustrating night, quite enjoyable for this solo diner.  There are two components to a good restaurant – great food and a wonderful staff which makes you feel at ease.  Il Margutta is one restaurant in Rome which has both.