Almato – Rome

I might get cooked for this one as it doesn’t technically have a star, but I feel like a post is warranted to some degree… Almato is in the northern part of the Prati area of Rome. It’s slightly away from the hustle and bustle, and therefore probably gets slightly less foot traffic than other notable tasting menu restaurants. However, everything is immaculate. The service, the small space that’s cozy yet modern, and the food/flavors are impeccable. Everything is done to perfection. Service is Michelin quality, the wine list is great, and timing on dishes as a solo diner couldn’t have been better. A solid 2-2.5 hour dinner doing the 8 course tasting menu (more like 10-12) and a few glasses of Pinot Noir. This is fine dining in my opinion and for the value, it’s going to be hard to beat just about anywhere, yet alone the eternal city.

Here’s what I remember from most of the dishes except the first:

-Ricotta and berry reduction
-Fried quail egg
-Tomatoe with local peppers
-Octopus with octo reduction and celery three ways
-ravioli with Parmesan, sweet potato, and eggplant
-risotto, tomato crème, tomato powder, red prawn
-amberjack with tomato confit, spinach, and anchovies
-beef filet, zucchini puree, lard fried zuchini chips
-sponge cake, lemon crème and green apple fake olive
-white chocolate mouse, basil, and fresh peaches
-candied jelly, raspberry and Campari, and mini beignet