After visiting the Vatican, we wanted a peaceful place to enjoy an authentic Italian meal. Il Ristorante Piacere Molise was the answer to our prayers. The family-run, restaurant serves simple, traditional dishes and was only three blocks from the Vatican. Chef/owner Franco Ricci, his beautiful wife Angela and their son Mauro created a memorable dining experience.

We arrived early in the lunch hour, rang a door bell at the entrance to the restaurant and were greeted by Mauro. He ushered us into the cozy dining room like we were family. Wine and bread were soon on the table. We took a while to select our dishes because everything looked so good – but Mauro never made us feel rushed.

Each dish we ordered tasted just as we hoped it would. The calamari arrosto (delicately grilled squid on a bed of arugula), the orecchiette pietrabbondante (chicory, sausage & truffle pasta), and the wilted arugula & beef salad with shaved parmigiana cheese were dishes worth returning for…and we did return a week later with the rest of the family.

Mauro’s traditional tiramisu, rumored to be the best in Roma, was perfection. On our second visit, we were treated to a strawberry version that was equally delectable! The family agreed that the dishes at Piacere Molise were among the most deliciously authentic in Roma, and worthy of lofty praise. Alora!