Admit it: you, too, probably have that prejudice. The one that makes you think that in order to eat fish cooked as God intended, with dishes that are as beautiful to look at as they are good to eat, you have to go downtown, to Ponte Milvio or to the usual neighborhoods of “Roma bene.”
I bet if I told you that one of the most innovative, elegant and surprising gastronomic experiences in the Capital awaits you in the suburbs, you would find it hard to believe.
Yet, you must prepare to think again. There is a place where Roman tradition is twisted with class, where you can eat a “Sampietrino” (yes, you read that right) and where an ice cream becomes a savory appetizer.
We are not in Trastevere or even in Prati. Are you ready to be amazed? Welcome to Torrevecchia.
Osteria Moderna 7e10: when suburbia beats downtown.
As soon as you arrive at number 901 Via di Torrevecchia and step onto the terrace on the second floor, you immediately understand that this is not the usual place you expect in the area.
Forget the traffic chaos: here you enter a bubble of tranquility. Osteria Moderna 7e10 welcomes you with an atmosphere that instantly wins you over: warm lights, a spacious covered terrace perfect in any season, and an open kitchen that lets you peek at the magic as it happens.
The name, 7e10, is the promise they make you as soon as you sit down.
Here you find the perfect balance between two souls: an elegant setting but where you feel immediately at home (without that smell under your nose of some starred establishments), and a cuisine that can be as reassuring as grandma’s but as modern and creative as an international chef’s.
It is the ideal place if you are looking for that rare mix of professionalism and human warmth: the staff pampers you, advises you and makes you feel like the guest of honor.
The menu that blows your mind: from “Sampietrino” to sea bass ice cream
But it’s when you open the menu that the real fun begins. If you think you’ll find the usual mundane courses, you’re sadly mistaken. Fish is a religion here, but the liturgy is completely new.
You absolutely must try their latest culinary provocation: the “Crunchy Ice Cream.” Visually, it’s ice cream on a stick, but at the first bite your brain will go haywire (in a good way!): it’s sea bass with panko breadcrumbs, hazelnut crumbs and black cherry sauce. A sweet-savory game that will leave you speechless.
And if you love Rome, you won’t be able to resist their iconic dish: theHomage to Rome.
You’ll see a real Sampietrino arrive at your table, identical to the ones you walk on downtown, but made of codfish mantecato on tomato cream and crispy potatoes.
It is a dish you must photograph before you devour it.
Dreamy crudes and entrees that leave you speechless
If you’re a seafood purist, you’ll find bread for your teeth here. The quality of the raw material is embarrassing (in a good way, of course). The Mazara del Vallo red shrimp tartare with Jerusalem artichoke cream and sea pear is pure poetry, as are the Tacos with salmon tartare and guacamole, perfect if you want to start with something fancy and modern.
On pasta dishes, prepare for bold flavors. Spaghetto ajo, ojo and chili on red shrimp carpaccio is a sensory experience: the heat of the pasta slightly cooks the raw shrimp as you eat it, creating a contrast of temperatures and textures that will make you close your eyes in pleasure.
And if you prefer something more enveloping, the “7e10” with pistachio cream and grits, sea bass and sun-dried tomatoes will soon become your favorite dish.
Why you need to make reservations now (before you run out of room)
It’s not just the food that makes this place special, it’s the complete experience. Whether you’re looking for the right place for a romantic dinner to impress your partner, or a cozy spot for an evening with family or friends, you won’t go wrong here.
Desserts, then, are the final coup de grace: don’t leave the table without sinking your teaspoon into the “Porcino” or their scenic chocolate sphere.
You leave here with a full belly and the knowledge that you’ve uncovered a true hidden gem, a place that proves that excellence doesn’t need an address in the historic center.
How to get to 7e10 (and some practical info):
- Location: Via di Torrevecchia 901, Rome (Torrevecchia/Primavalle area).
- Location: First floor with covered terrace (heated in winter, cool in summer).
- What to absolutely order: Crudi, Tacos with salmon tartare, guacamole, crispy onion and teriyaki sauce, Roasted octopus, with creamed potatoes and berries.
- Our advice: Word is spreading fast. Make reservations early, especially if you want to secure a table on the weekend or on the terrace.