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Rome: Sora Margherita

Piazza delle Cinque Scole, 30 , Phone: 06 687 42 16

Closing day: Monday

Reviewed by: Tuula M from France, review #3458

When: 2010

Dining at Sora Margherita is an unforgettable experience in the Jewish Ghetto. Enjoy traditional favorites as well as a few surprises on their fixed-menu fare.

Colorful Sora Margherita in Rome, photo by photo: Tuula Mattson

Take a wrong turn and you could miss this food gem tucked away in the Jewish Ghetto. While the flaming red curtains certainly draw attention to this restaurant-cum-cultural society, it took three separate recommendations & trusted local advice to have our first dining experience at Sora Margherita. First, be prepared to wait if you want a table for lunch (they do take dinner reservations) as we strolled up at 11:45 & returned at 12:30 for the first round of service - a good move considering we heard rumors of two-hour waits at peak times (ie. arrive early!).

You will be asked to fill-out a 'membership card' at the start of your meal for the Sora Margherita Cultural Society (we're guessing for tax purposes as many cafes have the distinction of "book bars" which somehow gives them the right to sell alcohol if they have a few Italio Calvino's lining the walls), and you may or may not receive a menu. In our case, a confident and efficient woman arrived to announce, "Who's having artichokes?". Yes, we were. "And what about mozzarella?" Non. "And do you like cacio e pepe?" Yes. "And what about agnolotti?" Yes, ok. "And how about some chicken?". Well, yes senora, but maybe that's too much food. "Don't worry, I'll take care of you...".

She was gone in a swish in a third attempt to take the order for a group of flustered tourists clearly confused about the lack of a menu and unable to accept our server's "suggestions". This attitude certainly doesn't jive with the energetic vibe of Sora Margherita. Ultimately the staff are there to ensure their solidly Roman fare is enjoyed by all, but this is also a no-mess-around type of place where timing is key with the next batch of diners waiting impatiently on the other side of those fuzzy curtains.

Indeed we felt like we were dining in a Roman friend's salon, especially after our server complimented us on finishing our artichokes ("Bravi!") & deftly divided our pasta dishes at the table so we could, in fact, manage the over-sized portions. Even though you may likely be scolded for not finishing your food (I hid a portion of my artichoke under a napkin after another patron was lectured on the virtues of eating the stem), we did feel warmly taken care of and Sora Margherita ranks near the top of truly Roman experiences.

Lunch price for two people (including wine & bottled water): €24.00.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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Rome: Sora Margherita

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