A friend told me about Sorpasso in Prati (the area around the Vatican) about a year ago.
It took me that long to get there and boy do we have a lot of lost time to make up for!
I first dined here at lunch a few weeks ago and finally this week went back for an aperitivo slash light dinner.
What can I say about Sorpasso other than it’s just got ‘it’. You know, the X factor. The mojo. The popular kid in school.
It’s cool, but not pretentious. The decor is understated but has style. I don’t know if you would call it cute with its provincial white touches and planter boxes or a little vintage-warehouse with its mismatched chairs and odd bits and ends. Maybe French provincial or shabby chic is the term. Whatever the label is, all I know is that after leaving I just wanted to go back!
Open from early morning through late, it’s not only the perfect place for lunch or dinner but also for an afternoon snack, an aperitif or after dinner and the full menu is available until close (about 1am).
The menu here changes daily. In true Italian style the concept is all about seasonal produce.
The entrance has a bar and a glass encased room filled with hanging prosciutto (Spanish and Italian), other local and regional salumi and cheese. The bar is adorned with glass cookie jars and cake stands.
Further back there is a seating area and of course on beautiful spring nights such as we did recently, you can sit outdoors.
Arriving to meet friends at about 9pm we waited (standing out the front with at least 30 others) with a glass of wine in hand for about an hour for a table. (Note to self – must book Sorpasso in advance!)
Here you can have cocktails served in glass jars and taglieri (platters of cold meats and/or cheese) by the chopping board.
To soak up our wine we feasted on Jamon Iberico (Spanish cured ham / prosciutto); salty cheese with pear, honey and walnuts; buffalo mozzarella and a baked (not fried) eggplant and zucchini parmigiana.
The desserts are all made in house and we opted for the mille foglie (mille feuille) with fresh strawberries and chocolate shards. I enjoyed it despite the fact it wasn’t a traditional one. The 3 types of biscotti served with my tea were also nice touch.
For just €20pp we each left with our belly (and hearts) most content and with utmost confidence I say, Sorpasso I will be back.
Sorpasso
Via Properzio 31-33
06 8902 4554
Signing off from Trastevere
Baci Maria
