Apparently, you can have a bad meal in Rome. Actually this was likely the worst I had in my entire week in Italy. First the waiter was rude and getting annoyed with me because I didn’t know what I wanted. Then, he tried to push a pasta dish. I decided on a calzone and in the center the cheese wasn’t even melted. I tried to ask for a side of sauce and he was completely confused. My waiter was more worried about getting people in the restaurant than the customers he already had. I’m glad this was the last dinner I had in Rome and not the first. Also, every house wine I’ve had has been great. This one, not so much. Please skip this place, because there are way better places.
Lucy V.
Place rating: 5 Glendale, CA
As a picky Italian, I would absolutely recommend Gallo Matto. Reading others’ negative reviews actually got me upset. For example, the person saying that bread is always free in Italy has obviously not traveled very much. The other person knocking off a star because they charged for bottled water is also annoying, because this is the norm in Italy, in fact in much of Europe! I wish ethno-centric reviewers would not be allowed to use their own perceptions of what is «correct» in another country to knock off stars on a review. Also, the décor is in theme with the name of the restaurant, the«Crazy Rooster», so if people don’t like it, they should choose to eat somewhere else instead of knocking it, or they can sit outside. Came here for dinner one evening this past summer, after passing many other«touristy» restaurants, as this seemed to have the most authentic Italian menu. We were very happy with every dish from the free antipasto, wine, two appetizers and our two pasta dishes. The staff was extremely friendly, service was spot on, and we were served in a timely manner. Couldn’t have asked for anything more. Oh, the limoncello was great, too. Highly recommended, especially if you need to eat near the Termini area of Rome, where finding a decent«non-tourist» meal can be difficult.
Tom N.
Place rating: 1 Hickory Hills, IL
Decided to eat here with my wife for lunch. When we arrived there was one other couple eating in this restaurant. The outside of restaurant said it was air conditioned but as we sat inside we were extremely hot. We both ordered pizzas and I specifically told the waiter I didn’t want any ham. He brought us our water we ordered and some bread. My knife and fork fell on the ground close to finishing the bread so we put them to the side. 30 mins later our food had still not arrived and our water was no longer cold. The waiter comes by and tells us the chef forgot and added ham so pizza was being remade and it’d be another 3 mins. Pizza finally arrives 45 to 50 mins later. On the pizza my wife ordered the cheese wasn’t fully cooked. The waiter hands us our fork and knife back and we simply asked him for a new fork and knife and he says no. We’ve had it at this point and say the service here is unacceptable and we get up to leave. The waiter yells curse words at me. Definitely don’t recommend this place to anyone. Understandable why only one table was occupied when we got there. There was no way I was going to pay for that kinda food and service. We’ve been in Rome and have had excellent service up until our last day here.
Sameh S.
Place rating: 4 Washington, DC
We got there very late after late arrival to termini station The staff was very fun and hilarious First pizza in Rome and It was very good Wish they offered cold water from tap in stead of 3 € bottle The pizza price was very reasonable
Yasaman J.
Place rating: 1 Aliso Viejo, CA
As we were walking toward the Colosseo, we noticed that this restaurant was packed… Being around 9:30 at night we thought it would be a good stop for us to have dinner. A very nice waitress directed us to our table… As you can see from the pictures, the restaurant is filled with random items… From bird cage to plastic deer head to plastic oranges… I mean you namevit, it is in there… Soon after a short Waiter came to get our drink order… We ordered 2 wines and a bottle of water. As was expected, they brought the complimentary bread that wasn’t anything special… I mean being in Italy, you would be hoping for that perfect and fresh Italian bread… But nope not at this place! Anyways, I asked the waiter if he can bring us olive oil and balsamic vinegar… He brought Olive oil and apple cider vinegar… At this point, I was somewhat annoyed with him… He was rude indeed. After 10 mins he come back with our food and I ask him for the balsamic vinegar… When he comes back with it, he kind of slams the bottle in front of me… Not cool at all!!! As far as the food goes, my pasta was tasty. But there were literally 3 pieces of chicken in there… The menu indicated that my pasta would have FRESH Pepper but I didn’t taste any so I asked our waiter if he can grind some fresh black pepper on my pasta. And in a vey rude way he points out to the packaged peppers that were on the table saying that, that is what they have… I mean seriously, burger king even has fresh peppers for their customers!!! If I had known about thsi place, I would have not fall into the trap… I have no idea why this place was that busy… As for the waiter goes, I hope he gets in trouble because that is not how you treat your customers!!!
Erin K.
Place rating: 3 Lausanne, Switzerland
We only stopped in for drinks one night and it was fun. It wasn’t very packed but the inside décor is unique and downstairs they had someone playing piano. It was a good atmosphere for a couple drinks. The wine was just ok and the service was good. I would return for a quick drink sometime.
Katy R.
Place rating: 5 Los Angeles, CA
This place was a life saver for us! Located centrally, just a quick fifteen minute walk from Trevi Fountain, adjacent to our hotel, this gem served up perfect and simple Italian food. With outside café style seating as well as inside seating, the servers are accommodating when choosing a seat perfect for you. Specializing in chicken dishes, however not just subject to, they also serve typical dishes as well. Portions are small to moderate, nothing huge and American. Lemmonccello aperitifs are a courtesy after dinner. Staff is beyond friendly, welcoming, and funny! I will always make it a point to visit and eat here whenever Im in Italy.
Mike S.
Place rating: 2 Fort Saskatchewan, Canada
The décor is fun, the staff are super friendly but… Make no mistake, this is a tourist trap. We only had pizza. By far not the best we’ve had in Rome. Prices are a tad higher than some places even a block away. We ate here out of convenience– it was New Years Day. I don’t doubt others had a great meal but we felt the food was a bit second rate. Service and ambience was super fun though!
Jay F.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
A fun place with very friendly and accommodating staff. It can be a bit kitschy and claustrophobic but so what, make friends with the tables next to you. You’re on holiday! Have fun and pull the stick out of your a$$!
Mario S.
Place rating: 5 Pasco, WA
We came here for dinner tonight. good food, good service, cold beer! We will come back when we visit Rome again.
Tom S.
Place rating: 1 Bordentown, NJ
We came here after a trip to the colosseum as a group of four adults. The service was ok. But the food was fairly small portioned, bland, and overpriced relative to others in the area. I can’t recommend this place to others unfortunately. Walk down the street a bit to other similar establishments and better meals can be had a ~3 euros less a primi.
David L.
Place rating: 5 Houston, TX
Don’t listen to any negative reviews below, this place is f***ing epic. The décor is classic Roman, and it makes you feel as if you’re having a meal in a true Italian home. While the Pasta Gallo Matto was good, the pork sausage on my buddy’s pizza was exquisite. Unforgettable. Absolutely delicious. Don’t eat anywhere else in Rome. If you’ve gotta eat, think Gallo Matto.
Conrad H.
Place rating: 3 Hamburg, Germany
Well what to say about this restaurant. The décor and is very interessting and a little bit kitschy like an very big eyecatcher, so we decided to walk in. our hotel was nearby this place. after we got our table, the waiter was quite nice and friendly, but the communication in english wasn´t that easy. and it was a little bit to loud for a dinner, if you want to have a romantic atmosphere. we ordered our meal(my girlfriend took noodles and i took this gnocci) and maybe after 10 minutes we got it. the food was okay, but not the best. the portions were normal size. although the waiter was friendly at the first moment, later it seems he didn´t care much about us. the customers come and go and it was fast money for them… we had to ask 3 times for the bill and waited around 20min to get it together with this kind of greenlemon(?) drink for free. due to this extraordinary décor and the central position i give 3 stars, but it´s a kind of «tourism trap».
Wendi G.
Place rating: 4 Atlanta, GA
The older reviews don’t match the current service. OK — yes it is kitschy and there is all kinds of crazy décor but the service was charming and we had a very good meal! Don’t just walk by but give it a try. We did not have the piano player but that would add to the fun. Our meal was very reasonable and we really enjoyed the team at Gallo Matto. We started with a wonderful salad and antipasto. We had a grilled artichokes, spaghetti with marinara, osso bucco and the ravioli with marinara. The four large raviolis were homemade and had fresh ricotta cheese filling. They were the best I have ever tasted. The waiter was really good and charmed my 10 year old niece. He ended our meal with a free glass of limoncello. A nice dinner stop if you are touring Rome and not too far from the Coliseum.
Arturo F.
Place rating: 1 San Francisco, CA
I’m giving Gallo Matto 1 star for credit card fraud. Come here if you want chicken and your money stolen.
Lissete D.
Place rating: 2 Miami, FL
Definitely a tourist trap. Kitschy décor with a guy playing American tunes on the piano. Service was extremely slow and not very helpful. We wanted pizza but were informed that they didn’t have pizza that night. Whaaaat??? After about 25 minutes, our food came out. One item at a time, with the side dish arriving after we finished our meal! The food was meh and not memorable in the least. So unremarkable that I don’t even remember what we ordered. Their house wine was not bad though. Price for 2 with ½ bottle house wine came out to 22 €, so the price is not bad.