La Nicchia Cafe

It was time for our Italian Cooking Class! My son and I took the Metro, got off at Cipro and walked to La Nicchia Cafe. Our host greeted us. She had us go around and introduce ourselves, say where we were from and what we like to cook. There were 17 of us. We went inside where we sat at tables of 4. We had Prosecco and learned you drink Prosecco with appetizers because the bubbles don't fill you up. We were taught when you toast, you say "Chin chin", that's the sound of glasses clinking so hard that some of your drink goes into the other persons and theirs goes into yours so you know your drink is safe! Plus you look at thr other person in their eyes as you say, "Chin chin!" We were served plates with artichokes, sun dried tomatoes, breads and 2 kinds of pestos. Pesto means to mash up, so there can be a variety of pestos to eat! We had Parmigiano Reggiano and learned about it's history. I don't know if I'll ever buy regular Parmesan cheese again! She taught us about balsamic vinegar, it should be thick with no added sugar. There was an one hundred year old bottle there for $1k! We learned about truffles too, and truffle dogs. I had no idea how expensive truffles really are. The host was quizzing us and I answered most of the questions. She called me her favorite student. Lol. They refilled our Prosecco a few times. We all were having such a great time! I gained so much knowledge. Then it was time to walk over to the next restaurant, Il Segreto. Highly recommend this place and the cooking class.

I would rate this place 6 stars if I could. We popped in after walking the Vatican for a quick coffee but ended up staying for a full tasting menu. It’s obvious that the owner is passionate about quality ingredients. He very generously offered a sampling of pestos, a truffle parmigiana spread, pecorino in truffle-infused honey, and the piece de résistance: sliced parmigiana with the most delicious balsamic vinegar I’ve ever tasted. Not only was the coffee excellent, the food was top-notch and prepared by a lovely woman who described each ingredient. When I asked for milk for my coffee, the owner thoughtfully steamed the milk first. The staff here are as wonderful as the coffee and food; do yourself a favour and stop by when you’re in the area.

Great people behind the counter. I love the service and the delicious food. The ingredients they use are pure Italian and they give extra attention to what they offer. This is pure quality. I think this place is very underrated. I am going to visit this place every time I am in Rome.

Amazing, the staff are ever so lovely easy to speak to. Learn all about the culture we felt in safe hands! Also very generous with the drinks and food! We loved it! We would love to come back :)

If I could give more stars, I would! The food is absolutely outstanding. Everything is made fresh, from top notch quality ingredients. This place is a hidden gem! The service is amazing. This place is run by extremely nice, professional and communicative sisters who make you feel welcomed. The cherry on top is that you can buy their pestos and other products! Btw, the paninis are HUGE!