Public Service Announcement: If you find yourself hungry in Italy, you need to make your way to CiPASSO in Rome.
For me, eating is more than just a necessity; it’s a love language that bridges cultures and connects people in ways words often cannot. Food, or more specifically, shared meals, is how we learn about each other’s stories, traditions, and values. So it should come as no surprise that food was part of what I was most excited about during my return to Rome.
Most of the meals had been organised by my love, but I was tasked with finding one restaurant. The brief given? Indulgent Italian food.
Easy, right? I mean, we’re in Rome. How hard could it be? Turns out, very hard when you get analysis paralysis and are easily overwhelmed by too many options. But still, I persisted, turning to my foodie friends, favourite blogs, and good old social media, looking for places to dine at. But most options were either closed, not quite what we were looking for, or fully booked—fair considering it was the August bank holiday weekend.
I was about to give up on my search when I was playing around on Google Maps looking at Gelaterias and stumbled across (literally—it was an accidental click) a place called CiPASSO.
I won’t lie, the reviews instantly piqued my interest. Over 3,700 reviews and a 4.8 out of 5-star rating. Pretty impressive. And with one look at the menu, I was sold—it was everything we wanted.
The catch? The only table available was at 10:15 pm—and I’m an “eat before 8:30 pm” kind of girl.
But do you know what I did? I got over myself and booked it. Because when in Rome…
CiPASSO was founded by Aurica Danalachi and Oleg Grossu in 2018, who combined their passion and determination to turn their dream into reality. A dream many people got behind because within three months CiPASSO reached the top spot on TripAdvisor among over 10,000 restaurants in Rome!
Located in Via Metastasio, it’s a short walk from the river Tiber—and was only 10 minutes from my hotel—providing a perfect opportunity to take a pre-dinner stroll with my love and enjoy the 34°C heat that Rome was experiencing.
We arrived slightly early, and while our table was being prepared, we stood outside watching the buzz of plates and conversations around us. Soon, we were led to a cosy table towards the back, framed by a rustic wine rack and a charming brick archway.
It was still quite busy considering it was a late (by my standards) sitting, but the soft lighting, wooden tables, and a gentle hum of conversation set the perfect mood for the evening. We ordered our drinks—a Primitivo Rose for me, which was something I hadn’t tried before, but considering Primitivo was the first red wine I liked, I was keen to try. A great decision as it was delicious. So much so that I ended up drinking it throughout the night.
The menu at CiPASSO is contemporary Roman cuisine with a touch of flair, meaning there are an abundance of options to choose from—but their team is more than happy to guide you through the options (and how much to order!)
To start, we chose the Cacio e Pepe Crostini with walnuts and pears—rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
Next, we shared a decadent black truffle pasta, which they plated individually for us—a thoughtful touch as most restaurants put a sharing plate in the middle of the table with two side plates.
For mains, we went with two standout dishes: La Rana Nel Bosco (monkfish) and Maialino Alla Cacciatora (baby pig). Both were exceptional.
And, of course, I couldn’t resist finishing with a tiramisu—a classic that did not disappoint.
Each and every dish was generous in portion, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavour. The food at CiPASSO is indulgent and memorable, the kind that reminds you why Rome is a culinary capital.
If you were in London, you’d pay twice the price for half the portion size and still think it was worth it.
The team at CiPASSO were wonderful throughout—attentive when needed and leaving us to chat away in private otherwise. But what truly impressed me was their booking and communication system.
As someone who optimises customer journeys for a living, I notice a lot of small details, and CiPASSO’s booking process was seamless from start to finish. Their messaging system delivered all the right information at just the right time, with regular updates and quick responses to any queries. It was genuinely the best booking experience I’ve ever had at a restaurant.
For me, everything about CiPASSO is a 10/10. From the warm atmosphere and exceptional service to the indulgent dishes. So, if you’re planning a trip to Rome, make sure to book a table at CiPASSO. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveller, or just someone who appreciates a great dining experience, you’ll leave with a full stomach and a big smile!
You can find more information about CiPASSO and book your table on their website: https://www.cipassoitalia.it/?lang=en
Or if you fancy exploring Rome in a different way, why not check out a food tour?
