Ciao, Bubbly friends! 💫 There’s something utterly magical about stumbling upon a timeless Roman spot that feels both intimate and legendary. That’s exactly how I felt walking into L’Antica Enoteca Ristorante – Wine Bar, a cozy hideaway just steps from the Spanish Steps. With its centuries-old stone arches, soft lighting, and wall-to-wall wine bottles, it whispered of history and hospitality in the most delicious way.
I came for the pasta. I stayed for the atmosphere. And of course, the wine. 🍝🍷
🧀 Antipasto and Focaccia: A Rustic Start
We began with the Antipasto Enoteca, a generous and flavorful board filled with cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables. It was rustic, unfussy, and deeply satisfying. The perfect pairing? Their warm focaccia with rosemary and olive oil, fresh from the oven, chewy inside and golden outside, the kind of bread you remember long after the meal ends.
🍝 A Duo of Comfort: Cacio e Pepe & Bolognese
We sampled two of Italy’s most beloved classics, and they did not disappoint. Each dish was a reminder that when it comes to Italian cuisine, quality ingredients and perfect technique are everything.
Cacio e Pepe: Creamy, bold, and delightfully peppery. The sauce was silky smooth, with the sharpness of Pecorino Romano balanced by just the right amount of black pepper. The pasta was perfectly al dente, allowing each bite to cling to the sauce like it was meant to be.
Fettuccine Bolognese: Wide ribbons of fettuccine coated in a rich, slow-cooked ragù that was meaty, savory, and full of depth. You could taste the time and care behind each spoonful, the kind of pasta that feels like a warm hug on a Roman night.
Both plates arrived piping hot and beautifully plated. No over-the-top garnishes, just honest, flavorful food prepared with love and tradition.
🍷 The Wine: A Glass of Tuscany in Rome
To accompany it all, we sipped a beautiful Morellino di Scansano, a soft and elegant red from Tuscany’s Maremma region. Made primarily from Sangiovese grapes (locally called “Morellino”), this wine offered lovely notes of ripe cherry, plum, and a subtle earthy finish with hints of Mediterranean herbs. Morellino di Scansano is known for being more approachable than some of Tuscany’s more famous reds, making it wonderfully food-friendly. It complemented everything, from the salty cheeses to the richer pastas, without ever overpowering, showcasing exactly why this DOCG wine has become such a beloved expression of southern Tuscan terroir. 🍇
🍽️ The Atmosphere: Warm, Welcoming, Wonderfully Roman
Stepping into L’Antica Enoteca feels like being invited into an old Roman friend’s home, the kind of friend who knows good wine, loves hearty food, and lights candles just because.
The interior is steeped in rustic elegance: terracotta floors echo centuries of footsteps, dark wood beams frame the ceilings, and arched wine shelves filled with dusty bottles hint at the enoteca’s long history. Tables are closely nestled but not crowded, creating a cozy intimacy perfect for conversation, whether whispered or animated with laughter.
Flickering candlelight dances across stone walls and vintage wine crates, casting a golden glow that softens the whole space. There’s always a low hum of conversation, the comforting kind, where locals discuss the day and travelers toast to new adventures.
And then there’s the staff: gracious, attentive, and effortlessly charming. They know their menu, they’ll recommend the perfect pairing, and they do it all with the ease that makes you feel at home in Rome. Whether you’re dressed up for a special occasion or wandering in after a day exploring nearby Piazza di Spagna, L’Antica Enoteca wraps you in that timeless Roman warmth, the kind that makes you linger longer than planned.
💡 If You Go…
- 📍 Address: Via della Croce, 76B, a short stroll from the Spanish Steps
- 🕰️ Hours: Usually open from midday until late evening (confirm in person or call ahead)
- 🍴 Reservations: Recommended, especially for dinner
- 🥖 Try the antipasto and focaccia, perfect with a glass of red
- 🍷 Ask your server for pairing suggestions, they know their list!
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of trendy spots in Rome, but L’Antica Enoteca offers something timeless. A place where the wine is excellent, the food is comforting, and the ambiance is steeped in tradition, without a hint of pretense.
If you’re near the Spanish Steps and craving a soulful Roman meal, head here. Come for the pasta, stay for the wine, and leave with your heart (and belly) full.
Until next time…
xoxo,
Bubbly💕
