Ritorno al Passato is a charming restaurant nestled in the heart of Rome, just steps away from the iconic Pantheon. Guests rave about the late-night dining options, making it a perfect spot for an evening escape. Madeline Jones highlights the delightful fried anchovies and the pasta with speck and artichoke, complemented by excellent service and stunning views. Adam agrees, praising the vibrant outdoor seating where talented street performers create a lively atmosphere.
The food consistently impresses patrons, with Michael Key noting standout dishes like penne arrabbiata enriched with sausage and fettuccine Alfredo that exceeds expectations. Laura Chiriac calls it the best lasagna she's ever had, alongside an amazing cacio e pepe. Yet, not all experiences are flawless. While Team Shadowclaw enjoyed the food and ambiance, they encountered subpar service, reminding us that consistency is key. Overall, Ritorno al Passato's combination of exceptional dishes and prime location make it a must-visit for both locals and tourists alike.
Amenities and More
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers kerbside pickup
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has gender-neutral toilets
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Paid Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Quiet
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Pets
Dogs allowed
Photos
Reviews For Ritorno al Passato
Madeline Jones
Jul 7,2025
We had a late dinner and drinks here and it was great! They are open late and still serve food and it was all very good! We got the fried anchovies, pasta with speck and artichoke, and a Roman style artichoke. The service was great, the drinks and wine were good, and the dinner views are unmatched- I definitely recommend!
Adam
Jul 2,2025
I don’t understand why the reviews on this are so low. A lovely restaurant with really helpful staff and good food! The seating outside gives you a nice view of the Pantheon and we were entertained by a very funny Mime and an excellent guitarist who were performing on the square. Prices are what you would expect for a capital city restaurant - but not horrendous. There was a good mix of locals and tourists there. If sitting outside between Jan - Mar I’d say have a coat/jumper. They do have plenty of heaters so you definitely won’t freeze. We will 100% be going back here on our next trip to Rome.
Michael Key
Jun 20,2025
I've eaten at Ritorno al Passato a few times now. We always love their pasta. I had the penne with arrabbiata sauce. I had them add sausage which was fantastic. My wife had fettuccine Alfredo with chicken added. It vastly superior to the same dish served last night at another restaurant with a 4.5 rating. The chicken were good size and moist. The wine was very nice. Of course, the view of the Pantheon made the ambience incredible. This restaurant deserves a higher rating. Check out my profile for more great eateries and craft cocktail bars. -VanPort Insider
Laura Chiriac
May 30,2025
I don’t know why that score, but the food and everything was not 5, was 10! Highly recommend it! Very delicious food, best lasagna I ate in my life. Also cacio e pepe was amazing! You should try it!
Team Shadowclaw
May 24,2025
Hey, I want to rate this place today: Food: / Drinks: / Location: / Service: 5 / Atmosphere: 9 / Price performance: 7 / Conclusion: We were here and it's a nice little restaurant at the Pantheon. Very tasty food and drinks. Cool atmosphere, nice Italian flow. Unfortunately the waiters were overwhelmed, service was almost non-existent and very rude. The waiter simply deducted an additional 50% tip without asking us and was so bold as to ask for an extra tip, but he didn't get a cent of tip and had to give the 50% tip back. The waiters definitely need some training on manners. But otherwise cool place, was very tasty and pleasant. Pesto pizza is best.
Desislava Mihaylova
May 16,2025
The place is just next to the Pantheon and the obelisk. The atmosphere is so Italian. The service is really friendly and makes you feel special. And don't forget to try the lasagna!
Viktoria “Vicky”
Apr 17,2025
This places deserve higher ratings. I have been multiple times here for drinks and dinner. Everytime the staff was nice and welcoming towards us. Once the waiter even gave us a hug cause he remembered us from previous visits. The view is everything! The food is great and its never late or ealry per bere un aperol
David Arnold
Mar 31,2025
I was really surprised to see how low their review score is, our experience does not represent that low score. We had 5 nights in Rome and ate here on 4 of those (once we found it, we kept going back). The staff were so friendly, helpful and kind, they were all lovely. Plus, the main reason, the food was superb!
Reviews For Ritorno al Passato