I am a very big lover of all things Italian, especially their food. When I started this European journey, I was so pleased when owner Ines Di Lelio invited to me to come in and try my most favorite pasta – Fettuccine Alfredo, in the restaurant where it was originated in. Wow, what an amazing offer. But what I did not know was how elegant and charming this Italian staple would be. My favorite Fettuccine Alfredo was from a longtime San Franciso establishment called North Beach Restaurant. But there is something very different and spectacular about the cheese that they use in Rome. I think because it doesn’t have to travel and it is made in Italy is just tastes so much richer, creamier and better. The fettuccine at Il Vero Alfredo was – hands down – amazing, the best. I will always be in awe of whatever it was that they did to their dish that was so different from anything I have ever tried back in the States.
Their History and Some Fun Facts:
It all began when his wife Inés gave birth to their firstborn son. The woman was very weak after giving birth to little Alfred II, and her husband, worried about her health, did everything he could to help her regain her strength with healthy and nutritious food. It was then that the idea arose for the dish that would later become famous throughout the world. With his own hands, he prepared fettuccine made with semolina and seasoned with fresh butter and Parmesan cheese. Then, he prayed to Saint Anne (patron saint of women in childbirth) and served the dish to Agnes, saying, “If you don’t like it, I’ll eat it myself!” Not only did she eat them with gusto, but she even suggested that he add them to the menu of his small restaurant. In Alfredo’s life, these two “simultaneous births”—his son and the “blondes,” as he affectionately called his fettuccine—became the cornerstone of his worldwide fame. His tireless work, coupled with great enthusiasm, attracted customers from all over the globe.
Years passed and then came the war, which marked a turning point in Alfredo’s life. Alfredo, I decided to retire from the stage, leaving the position to his worthy heir, Armando, as Alfredo II, at the establishment on Via della Scrofa. Thanks to the experience he had gained over time alongside his father and his undeniable charisma, he always greeted his customers with a splendid smile that appeared beneath his mustache “in the style of Umberto,” the same one that would later become the symbol of “Alfredo.”
The restaurant at Augusto Imperatore Square, 30. In 1950, Alfredo I decided to take the reins again and opened a new restaurant at Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 30, where the family tradition continues today, first with his son Armando, who left the premises on Via della Scrofa, and later with his son Alfredo III and his sister Inés Di Lelio. From father to son, from son to grandson, the Alfredo family became a true dynasty. Alfredo III, heir to the talent of his grandfather and father, has the merit of having worthily continued the path laid by his predecessors, taking the name of this historic restaurant throughout the world.
The Gold Cutlery:
Gift to Alfredo Di Lelio from Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford. Another decisive milestone in his successful and fulfilling career was his encounter with Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford, the two famous American silent film actors. After enjoying his succulent and original dishes during their honeymoon in Rome at his restaurant on Via della Scrofa, which opened in 1914, they presented him with two gold utensils in recognition of his warm and friendly hospitality. The set consisted of a solid gold fork and spoon engraved with the inscription: “To Alfredo, the King of the Noodles.” This inscription was read by all the illustrious figures who had the honor of savoring his magnificent fettuccine with these utensils fit for a “king of taste at the table.”
Here’s What I Tried:
Starter:
Assoluto di Gambero, Carpaccio di Gambero rosso di Mazara del vallo in purezza, Mazara del vallo, red prawn carpaccio. Red prawns are a delicacy in the Mediterranean. The first time I had it was in Cinque Terre, and then I was just in heaven. It is served raw and the shrimps are delicate and so fresh; it is a great way to start my incredible tasting.
Beef Carpaccio Manzo, Rucola e Grana, Carpaccio di manzo Angus, servito con scaglie di grana, and rucola e citronette. Beef Carpaccio, Angus, served with parmesan flakes, rocket salad, and citronette. The delicious, cured beef and the arugula salad with the parmesan cheese, is for sure a must have.
Gran Frito Alfredo with 1 Suppli, 1 Fried Mozzarella, 1 Courgette Fower with Battered vegetables, according to season. The flavors are very subtle and the breading is so light and fully, another stellar dish.
Caprese Shot, with Pomodoro Marinato Tomato and mozzarella millefeuille, basil pesto, taralli, and a cold shot of tomato cream. The presentation is really what this dish is all about. The tomatoes and cheese are stacked high with a very wonderful pesto sauce, just spectacular.
Fettuccine Alfredo, this is the star of this show. They do table side service and their signature dish, and it is just the best. Trust me on this and try it. You know what they say, “When in Rome”. Well, this is just what you want to sink your tastebuds into in this fabulous city.
Prosecco – Osservatorio Del Reasolo Prosecco Superiore Docg. A great way to start my culinary journey, bubbly, effervescent, hits all the right notes.
Chardonnay – Cantina Tramin – Kellerei Glarea – 2024. This wine went so great with the Fettuccine, it has the very thing you would want in an Italian Chardonnay.
Dessert:
Gelati Vanilla, their gelato did not disappoint, rich, creamy, just what the doctor ordered.
Mango Ciocclato e Cocco Cremoso ai Mango Cioccolato Fondente e Salsa ai Latteai Cocco. Their presentation in all of their dishes is just amazing. A perfect way to end my glorious meal.
Alfredo Di Lelio, when he was just a child, had a great desire to work and a great passion for the culinary arts, which led him to success and worldwide fame, starting with a small family restaurant in Piazza Rosa, next to the current Colonna Gallery, and the rest is history. Such an historic place, just walking inside makes you nostalgic for real Italian cuisine. So many photos of celebrities that have frequented this establishment. The décor is very elegant; you can tell much thought was worked into every detail.
At Il Vero Alfredo people are proud of the work they do, and they convey it to you with simplicity and love. Their staff is very accommodating. I truly enjoyed a unique culinary experience at the historic restaurant where the original Fettuccine Alfredo was born. Simple ingredients, absolute quality, authentic hospitality: Italian cuisine like you’ve never tasted before.
For the most outstanding dinner this is the place to be. This would be my go-to restaurant when I am in the eternal city. I have been reviewing now since 2011, but what makes my job so fun is to be surprised like what I was offered at Il Vero Alfredo. Elegant, classy, and the best Italian flavors ever, I am officially spoiled! For now, I can only dream about how my taste buds were treated to one of the most wonderfully impressive Italian dining experiences. Until next time, Ciao!
Il Vero Alfredo
Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 30, 00186
Rome Italy
- Some Content Was Taken Off Of Their Website.
