Welcome to Pizzeria da Baffetto
Okay…I’ve been absent from the blog for a while now. It’s not that I haven’t had plenty to write about – I have. But for whatever reason, I got out of the habit. But I am back. What brings me back you ask? Easy. Food.
A year ago I want to Rome for the first time. I loved every second of it. So before heading back to Vancouver from Istanbul – for good – I made sure I went back to Rome for a few days. I know there are a lot of places I have yet to visit that I am sure I will love, but I had to get some more time in Rome. And a trip to Rome had to include a return to Pizzeria da Baffetto.
I knew what to expect this time – a busy little restaurant, filled with both locals and tourists, and likely being sat at a table with strangers. The owner is working the crowd and making sure everyone is having fun and great pizza. And there’s a line-up – there’s always a line-up. It’s one of the few places in Rome (okay, maybe the ONLY place in Rome) where coming to dine on your own is actually a plus. When the waiters come out to see how many are in each group, they get to me, I say “solo uno”, and they grab my hand and pull me in immediately. No wait for this party of one.
Last summer I got really lucky and was sat right by where all the pizza making happens. This year I was sat upstairs at a long table, between two groups of two. A local father and son on my left, and a couple from San Francisco on my right. I ordered my insalatta mista, pizza con prosciutto, and vino blanco, then sat back and watched those around me devour their pizza. It was the first visit to Baffetto’s for the couple on my right and knowing what they were in store for, I sat back to watch their reaction as they took their first bite. A chorus of “oooohs” and “aahhhhs” and “wow this pizza is great” ensued. Worth the wait, it is always worth the wait.
So when in Rome, treat yourself. Go to the original Baffetto’s location, just off Piazza Navona. Whether you prefer a margarita pizza or one with all the trimmings – you will not regret it.
As much as they are known for their pizza, I will say they make a damn fine salad as well.
And there she is, my pizza. Essentially margarita pizza with some prosciutto on top. DELICIOUS!
At this point I’m wishing I hadn’t had such a huge lunch. How am I going to finish this? I can’t let it go to waste…
Oh the last bite… It’s bittersweet. I’m stuffed so I’m happy it’s the last bite – but it’s so good….I just want to keep tasting it…
Oh come on now, there’s always room for a little dessert. Dessert has its own compartment in my stomach. Besides, it’s a little lemon sorbet, served in a frozen hollowed out lemon!
And that is that. Another fine dinner at Baffetto’s. Now it’s time for a walk to la Fontana di Trevi – best seen at night, and a good way to walk off all that pizza!
Pizzeria da Baffetto’s – so good it warranted its own 2nd post!
lisezfaire 