The sign in the exterior of La Carbonara is quite solemn in expressing the sentiment of the establishment: “…this is no MasterChef… there is no Gordon Ramsay around … we are not a fast food shop…”. It is explicit in affirming the message that the very traditional family run osteria wants to provide freshly prepared, made-to-order, traditionally Roman meals to be savored and enjoyed slowly. The tiny place is old style, with wooden furniture and pictures adorning the walls. The tempting menu includes delicious specialties that will likely make your mouth water just by looking at it. As the name of the Osteria suggests, you should of course try some of the rigatoni alla carbonara, like we did, and crudo di parma and carciofi alla giudia completed the starters. The house specialties’ saltimboca alla romana and the bacalá (cod) sounded irresistible and did not disappoint. It was a no-dessert-thank-you kind of lunch, as we wanted to taste ice cream at nearby Fatamorgana, and we highly recommend you do the same.