Sorelle Giordano - Roma

We got off the Rome Metro at the Giullio Agricola station on our way to Aqueduct park and we walked by the Sorelle Giordano which at first glance looked like a great place to get some coffee and danish like pastries. About one hour later because it was a very cold January in Rome we came back for the cappuccino and a quick snack. While they have a wide selection of pastries what we really noticed was they have cafeteria style display of meats and vegetables also that you can order and pay for by weight. One person behind the counter spoke some English so we pointed at what we wanted and then indicated more or less which they then put on a paper wrapper which they weighted. The scale kept a running total which you then take to the cashier to pay for. They heat it up and find a table and eat. They also have a good selection of wines and a full bar. They had very tasty veal, lasagna, beef and veal balls, pork, baked chicken parts and chicken in different preparations as well as pastas, different styles of green beans, broccoli, egg plant, cabbage, beans and other items. The second day we went to the Appian way which is one of the first and most important roads in ancient Rome and walked through the Villa Dei Quintilli. When we finished walking across the very large field we noticed that we could walk through Viale Appio Claudio and this would take us back to Aqueduct Park right near the Sorelle Giordano for dinner again. This time some of the meats and vegetables had changed and I got their lasagna and veal meat balls with a nice wine sauce and a mix of vegetables. I had two cappuccinos but this time with a shot of Baileys Irish for a 1 Euro up charge and it was very good. We decided to come back the third night because the food and its variety were very good and by this time the staff knew us and we told them we would be heading back home the next day. The three times we were in the restaurant we were the only non-Italians in the place. This is off of the beaten path and it is surrounded by apartments for the working Italians a number with children and babies. Several tables had eclectic groups of friends. There is covered outdoor seating but it was 30 degrees F with the wind blowing so you wanted a seat away from the sliding glass doors.

We made a reservation for this restaurant using TheFork because it offered 50% off the entire meal so we suspect that was why our experience was so bad. Our appetizer was brought out on time but that was all, after that they basically stuffed us with bread for about an hour after we ordered until we just had to leave. The last round of bread wasn't even warm. The pithy excuse we were offered was that ONE of their chefs was off sick even though people who arrived after us received their entrées on time. They just didn't want to serve us, not even half a portion since we were paying half off which would have been better than what they put us through.

Got off at the Metro stop Giulio Agricola. On the way to the Roman Aqueduct we saw this better-than-cafeteria style place in the middle of a quiet neighborhood. Offers a clean, welcoming place to sit and delicious, fresh food: pizza by the kilo, octopus salad, various vegetarian and meat salads, breaded chicken cutlets, wine, coffee, pastries, tiramisu, etc. Not the kind of thing you find in the touristy areas. Does better than getting the job done when you're hungry.

If you're looking for a quick Snack, something to grab for an exciting day in rome, this is the Spot! Really good Pizza, Cappuccino and other goodies. All is fresh and very yummy!

My group happened on this place when returning from the Parco Aqueduct. It was busy with locals getting lunch and it is easy to see why it is popular. There was a large selection of ready made dishes, pizza, vegetables, and desserts. We tried a variety of items and all were fresh and very tasty and the ladies who work the counter are truly special.