Since the 15th Century, the Osteria del Fico Vecchio (Old Fig Restaurant) has been owned and operated by the same family. The new generation of proprietors learns from the previous and continues to serve the authentic regional fare that has made it famous among travelers and locals alike. Located in the small village of Grottaferrata, or the Colli Albani, better known as the Colline Romane to the locals, it remains off the grid for the Kodak moment traveling crowds. This is a place that shouldn't be missed by the more attentive tourist and visitor who wants Roman hospitality and cuisine with authenticity and quality outside of the Eternal City walls.

Claudio & Gabriele

This area, just about 45 minutes south of Rome, by car, even in the worst traffic, is very popular among movie directors, stars (famous and not-so-famous), and many other people involved in the movie making business, partly due to its proximity to the Italian movie studios of Cinecittà which can be easily seen from the top of the hills. As a matter of fact, the late Federico Fellini was a regular at this popular eating place and now even James Bond (Sean Connery) makes frequent stops there while in Rome.

Claudio Ciocca, movie actor, gourmet host, storyteller, and a real local character, greets the restaurant guests with the graciousness and confidence of the host that welcomes friends coming to his house for a visit or just to see how Aunt Maria is doing.

His way of suggesting menu items and the skill with which he describes his culinary selections is never pushy, but sooo convincing, that if he tells you to taste his fresh Ricotta or to drink the Shiraz-Merlot house wine, you will always be grateful you listened to him.

Just to comment on the wine; it is amazing how that red wine, a rare find in an all-white production area can match so splendidly with anything you would eat there. It was soft, fruity - from cherry to plum, - from fig to almond, a perfectly balanced wine for the entire meal.

Finally, if he tells you to try Gnocchetti with Taleggio and Tartufo (Gnocchi with Taleggio cheese and truffles) listen to him; you may never have another chance to taste such heavenly food.