Ai Balestrari a Porta Pia












SINCE 1862 TYPICAL ROMAN CUISINE. Service charge € 2.00 per person.
Via Alessandria, 150, 00198 Roma RM, Italy
Mixed Lazio cheeses
Misto formaggi laziali
mixed cheeses from lazio
A selection of typical cheeses from the Lazio region. Flavors range from sweet to spicy, with different textures. Usually served as a starter to share.
Beans with pork rind
Fagioli con cotiche
beans with pork rind
A rustic and hearty stew of beans and pork rind. It has a rich and savory flavor, typical of Roman 'cucina povera' (poor cuisine). Eaten hot, often accompanied by crusty bread.
Cured ham
Prosciutto crudo
slices of raw ham
Thin slices of Italian cured ham. It has a salty and delicate flavor with a soft texture. Perfect as a light starter.
Buffalo mozzarella (160gr)
Mozzarella di bufala (160gr)
cheese with buffalo milk
Fresh stretched-curd cheese made from buffalo milk. It has a soft and elastic texture and a rich, milky flavor. Served fresh, often whole.
Ham and melon
Prosciutto e melone
ham and melon
A classic Italian combination of salty cured ham and sweet melon. Offers a refreshing contrast of flavors and textures. Ideal on hot days.
Cured ham and buffalo mozzarella
Prosciutto crudo e mozzarella di bufala
slices of cured ham and buffalo mozzarella
A dish that combines the saltiness of cured ham with the creaminess of buffalo mozzarella. A rich and complete starter. Enjoy by alternating the two ingredients.
Bresaola carpaccio with rocket and parmesan shavings
Carpaccio di bresaola con rughetta e scaglie di parmigiano
thin slices of air-dried beef fillet with rocket and shavings of parmesan cheese
Very thin slices of aged beef served with fresh rocket and shavings of Parmigiano cheese. Light, flavorful, and slightly peppery thanks to the rocket.
Balestrari platter
Tagliere Balestrari
the Balestrari board, meat cuts, cheeses from lazio
A mixed platter of local cured meats and cheeses. Offers a variety of traditional flavors. Ideal for sharing.
Large Balestrari platter
Gran tagliere Balestrari
large Balestrari board, meat cuts, cheeses from lazio
A larger version of the mixed platter, with an abundant selection of Lazio cured meats and cheeses. Perfect for groups or those who want to taste a bit of everything.
Mixed appetizer for two people
Antipasto misto per due persone
mixed appetizer for two people. croquettes, zucchini flowers, bruschetta with tomatoes, bruschetta with an artichoke and olive paste
An assortment of hot and cold starters designed for two people. Includes Roman fried items and mixed bruschetta. A great way to start the meal with variety.
Mixed appetizer for two people (Balestrari board)
Antipasto misto per due persone (Balestrari board)
mixed appetizer for two people: Balestrari board, buffalo mozzarella, meatballs, tripe, offal, beans with pork
A very rich and complete starter for two, including cured meats, cheeses, and hot dishes of Roman tradition like tripe and meatballs. A true journey through local flavors.
Supplì - croquettes (1 pcs)
Supplì - croquettes (1 pcs)
rice croquettes with mozzarella, tomato and meat sauce
Rice croquette with tomato and a heart of melted mozzarella, breaded and fried. Crispy outside and soft inside. The quintessential Roman street food.
Zucchini flower - zucchini flowers (1 pcs)
Fiore di zucca - zucchini flowers (1 pcs)
(zucchini flowers in a batter of anchovies and mozzarella)
Zucchini flower stuffed with mozzarella and anchovies, battered and fried. A Roman classic that combines the delicacy of the flower with the decisive flavor of anchovies.
Potato croquettes - potatoes croquettes * (3 pcs)
Crocchette di patate - potatoes croquettes * (3 pcs)
Soft potato puree balls, breaded and fried until golden. Simple and tasty, with a soft interior.
Ascolana olives - Ascoli olives * (4 pcs)
Olive all'ascolana - Ascoli olives * (4 pcs)
(olives stuffed with meat)
Green olives stuffed with seasoned minced meat, breaded and fried. A flavorful and crispy appetizer.
Battered sage - battered sage
Salvia pastellata - battered sage
(sage leaves in batter)
Fresh sage leaves coated in a light batter and fried. Crispy and aromatic, served as a delightful appetizer.
Eggplant meatballs - aubergines meatballs* (3 pcs)
Polpettine di melanzane - aubergines meatballs* (3 pcs)
Soft meatballs made from eggplant, fried. Flavorful and vegetarian, with a tender texture.
Fried potatoes - fried potatoes*
Patate fritte - fried potatoes*
Classic French fries, golden and crispy. The universal side dish or snack.
Balestrari Fried - fried Balestrari (7 pcs)
Fritto Balestrari - fried Balestrari (7 pcs)
(croquettes, flower, aubergines patty, Ascoli olive, croquette)
A mix of hot and cold fried specialties from the house. Includes Roman fried items and mixed bruschetta. A perfect way to start the meal with variety.
Simple bruschetta
Bruschetta semplice
simple bruschetta with garlic, olive oil and salt
Toasted slice of homemade bread, rubbed with garlic and dressed with extra virgin olive oil and salt. Simple and fragrant.
Tomato bruschetta
Bruschetta al pomodoro
bruschetta with tomato
Toasted bread topped with diced fresh tomatoes, oil, salt, and basil. Fresh and flavorful.
Bruschetta with olive cream
Bruschetta alla crema di olive
bruschetta with an olive paste
Toasted bread spread with a rich black olive cream. An intense and savory flavor.
Bruschetta with artichoke cream
Bruschetta alla crema di carciofi
bruschetta with an artichoke paste
Toasted bread topped with a delicate artichoke cream. Soft and slightly sweet flavor.
Crostini - crostini toasts
Crostini - crostini toasts
(ham or anchovies or mushroom)
Small toasted bread bites with various toppings such as ham, anchovies, or mushrooms. Often served warm with melted cheese.
Spaghetti, bucatini, penne, rigatoni. ("De Cecco" / surcharge of € 1.00 for egg pasta and fresh gnocchi)
Arrabbiata
L'arrabbiata
tomato sauce, chilli, garlic, parsley
Pasta dressed with a spicy tomato sauce, garlic, and parsley. A simple dish but with a decisive and fiery taste.
With tomato and basil sauce
Alla salsa di pomodoro e basilico
tomato sauce, basil
The classic pasta with tomato sauce and fresh basil. A symbol of Italian cuisine, light and fragrant.
Cacio e Pepe
Il cacio e pepe
pecorino parmesan and pepper
A pillar of Roman cuisine. Pasta tossed with Pecorino Romano cheese and abundant black pepper. Creamy and spicy.
Gricia
La gricia
bacon, cheek bacon, pecorino cheese and pepper
Often called 'white Amatriciana'. Pasta with crispy guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. Savory and rich.
Carbonara
La carbonara
bacon, egg, pecorino cheese and pepper
Famous Roman dish with eggs, guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. The sauce is creamy due to the emulsification of the raw egg with cheese and cooking water.
Amatriciana
L'amatriciana
bacon, tomato sauce, pecorino cheese
Pasta with tomato sauce, crispy guanciale, and Pecorino cheese. A perfect balance between the sweetness of the tomato and the saltiness of the pork.
With meat sauce
Al ragù
tomato sauce, minced meat
Pasta dressed with a rich minced meat sauce cooked slowly in tomato sauce. Hearty and homemade.
With oxtail sauce
Al sugo di coda alla vaccinara
tomato sauce, ox tail and pecorino cheese
Pasta dressed with the sauce from the oxtail stew. A very intense and rich flavor, typical of the Roman 'quinto quarto' (fifth quarter) tradition.
AND ALSO...
Pasta and beans
La pasta e fagioli
soup with beans
Thick soup of short pasta and beans. A warm and comforting dish, perfect for cold days.
Pasta and chickpeas
La pasta e ceci
soup with chickpeas
Traditional pasta and chickpea soup, often flavored with rosemary. Creamy and nutritious.
With spare ribs and sausage sauce
Al sugo di spuntature e salsiccia
tomato sauce, spare ribs and pork sausage
Pasta with a very rich tomato sauce, cooked with pork ribs and sausage. Intense meat flavor.
AND ALSO...
Alla Balestrari
Alla Balestrari
anchovies, black olives, fresh tomato, basil and capers
Pasta dressed with a Mediterranean mix of anchovies, black olives, cherry tomatoes, basil, and capers. Savory and aromatic.
Raw style with hot pasta
Alla crudaiola con pasta calda
fresh tomato, basil and savoury ricotta
Pasta served hot but dressed with raw ingredients: fresh tomato, basil, and salted ricotta. Fresh and light.
With fresh tomatoes
Al pomodorino fresco
with fresh tomatoes
Simple pasta with a light sauce of fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed in a pan. Sweet and simple.
Grilled scamorza cheese
Scamorza ai ferri
grilled scamorza cheese
Scamorza cheese cooked on the grill until it becomes stringy and slightly golden. Smoked flavor and chewy texture.
Grilled scamorza cheese with cured ham
Scamorza ai ferri con prosciutto crudo
grilled scamorza cheese with cured ham
Grilled scamorza cheese served with slices of cured ham. The heat of the cheese enhances the flavor of the ham.
Roman-style tripe
Trippa alla romana
roman style tripe (tomato sauce, beef stomach, pecorino cheese, mint)
Tripe (beef stomach) stewed for a long time in tomato sauce with Roman mint and Pecorino cheese. A historic dish, tender and very aromatic.
Lamb offal with onions
La coratella con cipolle
offal with onions (lamb entrails, onions)
Lamb offal (lung, heart, liver) sautéed in a pan with plenty of onion. Strong and rustic flavor.
Lamb shoulder
Spalla d'abbacchio
shoulder of lamb alla cacciatora or with mint and pecorino cheese (lamb in wine or mint and tomato and pecorino cheese)
Lamb shoulder cooked traditionally. Hunter-style (with vinegar, rosemary, and garlic) or with mint and cheese.
Saltimbocca alla romana
Saltimbocca alla romana
slice of veal, sage, flour, cured ham
Veal slices garnished with cured ham and sage, cooked in white wine and butter. Tender and flavorful.
Veal escalope with lemon or white wine sauce
Scaloppine al limone o sfumate al vino
veal escalope with lemon or a splash of wine (floured slice of veal)
Floured veal slices sautéed, served with a lemon sauce (fresh and tangy) or white wine sauce (aromatic).
Oxtail stew
La coda alla vaccinara
tomato sauce and ox tail
Oxtail stewed slowly with tomato, celery, and spices. The meat becomes very tender and falls off the bone.
Beef strips sautéed with wine
Gli straccetti sfumati al vino
small pieces of beef, a splash of wine
Thin strips of beef quickly sautéed in a pan and deglazed with wine. A simple and quick dish.
Beef strips with rocket, cherry tomatoes, and grana cheese shavings
Gli straccetti con rughetta pomodorini e scaglie di grana
beef strips with rocket, cherry tomatoes and flakes of grana cheese
Beef strips sautéed and served with fresh rocket, cherry tomatoes, and parmesan flakes. A fresh and complete second course.
Grilled steak
Bistecca ai ferri
grilled steak
Grilled beef steak. Simple, juicy, and flavorful.
Grilled chicken breast
Petto di pollo grigliato
grilled chicken breast
Grilled chicken breast, light and healthy. Often served with lemon.
AND ALSO
Spare ribs and sausages
Spuntature e salsicce
tomato sauce, spare ribs and pork sausage
Pork ribs and sausages stewed in tomato sauce. A rich second course with meat and sauce.
Roman-style meatballs in sauce
Polpette alla romana al sugo
tomato sauce, minced meat
Meatballs cooked in tomato sauce. Soft and tasty, a classic comfort food.
Jewish-style artichoke (1 pcs)
Carciofo alla giudia (1 pcs)
fried artichoke
Whole artichoke cleaned and fried twice in boiling oil. It becomes crispy like a potato chip, especially the outer leaves.
Sautéed or country-style chicory
Cicoria ripassata o all'agro
stir-fried or country-style chicory
Leafy green vegetable with a bitter taste. 'Ripassata' means sautéed in a pan with garlic and chili; 'all'agro' means boiled and dressed with lemon and oil.
Sautéed or country-style Roman broccoli
Broccoletti ripassati o all'agro
stir-fried or country-style broccoli
Roman broccoli served sautéed (flavorful) or boiled (light).
Black cabbage with sautéed potatoes
Cavolo nero con patate ripassate
black cabbage with stir fried
Black cabbage and potatoes sautéed together in a pan. A flavorful winter side dish.
Baked or fried potatoes
Patate al forno o fritte
potatoes
Potatoes served roasted with aromatic herbs or crispy fried.
Puntarelle with anchovies
Puntarelle con alici
raw chicory hearts with anchovies
Catalonian chicory sprouts served raw in a salad, dressed with a sauce of anchovies, garlic, and vinegar. Very fresh and crunchy.
Mixed raw vegetable platter with pinzimonio sauce
Cazzimperio misto ortaggi crudi con salsa di pinzimonio
raw vegetables with a sauce of oil, salt and pepper
Fresh raw vegetables (celery, carrots, fennel) served with a small bowl of oil, salt, and pepper for dipping. Light and healthy.
Mixed green salad
Insalata mista verde
mixed salad green
Salad of only mixed green leaves. Simple and light.
Rocket and cherry tomato salad
Insalata rughetta e pomodorini
rocket and tomato salad
Spicy rocket salad and sweet cherry tomatoes.
Spring salad
Insalata primavera
rocket, cherry tomatoes and mozzarella
Fresh salad with rocket, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls.
Balestrari Salad
Insalata Balestrari
green mixed salad, shavings of parmesan cheese, diced cured ham, raw mushrooms
Rich mixed salad with parmesan shavings, diced cured ham, and raw mushrooms. Hearty.
Capricious large salad
Insalatona capricciosa
mixed salad, tomatoes, black olives, corn, carrots, fennel, egg, sausage
Large mixed salad with many ingredients including hard-boiled eggs, wurstel, corn, and olives. A complete meal.
Caprese
Caprese
sliced tomato and mozzarella
Fresh tomato and sliced mozzarella salad, dressed with basil and oil. The colors of the Italian flag.
Caprese with cured ham
Caprese con prosciutto crudo
sliced tomato and mozzarella, cured ham, basil
The classic Caprese salad enhanced with slices of cured ham.
Focaccia
Focaccia
white base
Simple white pizza seasoned only with oil, salt, and rosemary. Crispy and flavorful.
Marinara
Marinara
tomato, garlic and oregano
Classic red pizza without cheese, with tomato, garlic, and oregano.
Margherita
Margherita
tomato and mozzarella
The most famous pizza: tomato, mozzarella, and basil.
Napoli
Napoli
tomato, mozzarella and anchovies
Pizza with tomato, mozzarella, and salted anchovy fillets.
Calzone
Calzone
egg, mozzarella and ham
Folded pizza half-moon stuffed with mozzarella, cooked ham, and egg.
Ai Balestrari
Ai Balestrari
mozzarella, fresh tomato and basil
White pizza with mozzarella, slices of fresh tomato, and basil.
Mushrooms
Funghi
mozzarella, tomato and mushrooms
Classic pizza with champignon mushrooms.
Wurstel
Wurstel
mozzarella, tomato and wurstel
Pizza loved by children with slices of wurstel.
Four cheeses
Quattro formaggi
mozzarella, gorgonzola, provola and parmesan
Rich white pizza with a mix of four melted cheeses.
Vegetables
Verdura
mozzarella, zucchini, eggplant and peppers
Vegetarian pizza with mixed grilled vegetables.
Ham
Prosciutto
mozzarella, tomato and cured ham
Margherita pizza topped with slices of cured ham after cooking.
Norcina
Norcina
mozzarella, tomato, mushrooms and sausage
Flavorful pizza with crumbled sausage and mushrooms.
Radicchio and speck
Radicchio e speck
mozzarella, radicchio and speck
White pizza with bitter radicchio and smoked speck.
Zucchini flowers
Fiori di zucca
mozzarella, zucchini flowers and anchovies
Typical Roman white pizza with zucchini flowers and anchovies.
Capricciosa
Capricciosa
mozzarella, tomato, cured ham, egg, mushrooms and artichoke hearts
Rich pizza with a bit of everything: ham, mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and egg.
Bresaola and rocket
Bresaola e rughetta
mozzarella, bresaola, rocket and grana shavings
Fresh pizza with bresaola, rocket, and parmesan added raw.
Mushrooms and ham
Funghi e prosciutto
mozzarella, tomato, mushrooms and ham
Classic combination of cooked ham and mushrooms.
Buffalo mozzarella and Pachino tomatoes
Bufala e pachino
buffalo mozzarella and Pachino tomatoes
High-quality pizza with buffalo mozzarella and cherry tomatoes.
Peroni
Peroni
Clear and refreshing Italian lager beer.
Peroni Gran Riserva Rossa
Peroni Gran Riserva Rossa
Red double malt beer with an intense and caramelized flavor.
Peroni Gran Riserva Doppio Malto
Peroni Gran Riserva Doppio Malto
Bottle 0.50 lt
Full-bodied and alcoholic beer, Bock style.
Peroni Gran Riserva Bianca
Peroni Gran Riserva Bianca
Bottle 0.50 lt
Weiss beer, cloudy and fruity.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro
Peroni Nastro Azzurro
Bottle 0.33 lt
Italian premium lager, dry taste.
Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%
Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0%
Bottle 0.33 lt
Alcohol-free version of Nastro Azzurro.
St Stefanus
St Stefanus
Bottle 0.75 lt
Belgian abbey beer, blonde and unfiltered.
Kozel Lager
Kozel Lager
Bottle 0.33 lt
Czech lager beer, balanced taste.
House Wine (1/4 lt)
Vino della Casa (1/4 lt)
1/4 lt House Red or White
House wine served in a small carafe.
House Wine (1/2 lt)
Vino della Casa (1/2 lt)
1/2 lt House Red or White
House wine served in a medium carafe.
House Wine (1 lt)
Vino della Casa (1 lt)
1 lt House Red or White
House wine served in a large carafe.
House Red Bottle 0.75 lt
Bottiglia 0,75 lt della Casa Rosso
House red wine by the bottle.
FRUIT AND ICE CREAM
Melon
Melone
melon
Slices of fresh, sweet, and juicy melon.
Pineapple
Ananas
pineapple
Fresh pineapple slices.
Watermelon
Cocomero
watermelon
Slice of fresh and thirst-quenching watermelon.
Tart
Crostata
cherry tart, ricotta and chocolate tart
Traditional shortcrust pastry tart. Filled with sour cherry jam (wild sour cherries) or ricotta and chocolate cream.
Tiramisu or Panna cotta
Tiramisù o Panna cotta
Classic spoon desserts: Coffee Tiramisu or soft Panna Cotta.
Artisanal truffles and ice creams
Tartufi e gelati artigianali
home-made truffles and ice-cream
Artisanal ice cream or ice cream truffle (ice cream ball covered in cocoa).
Dessert of the day
Dolce del giorno
dessert of the day (ask the waiter)
Chef's special dish that varies daily.
Small mineral water
Acqua minerale piccola
Small bottled water.
Large mineral water
Acqua minerale grande
Large bottled water (usually 0.75L or 1L).
Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite 0.33lt
Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite 0,33lt
Sparkling drinks in bottle or can (33cl).
Coffee
Caffè
Italian espresso coffee.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino
Espresso with foamed milk.
Limoncello, Amaro di Roma
Limoncello, Amaro di Roma
Local digestive liquors. Lemon Limoncello or herbal amaro.
Branded Amari
Amari di marca
A selection of famous Italian and international digestive liquors.
Selection of famous Italian and international digestive liquors.
Grappas and distillates
Grappe e distillati
Ballantines, J&B, Vecchia Romagna, Cognac Stravecchio, Grappa stravecchia 18mesi, Vodka Absolut, Pampero Blanco.
Standard grappas and distillates.
Special or barrel-aged grappas and distillates
Grappe e distillati speciali o barricate
Bayles, Jack Daniel's, Grappa903 barrique, Glen Grant.
Aged or superior quality distillates.
Absinthe and fine liquors
Assenzio e liquori pregiati
High-proof or particularly fine liquors.
Vin santo with cantucci and small ring cakes
Vin santo con cantucci e ciambelline
Sweet dessert wine served with dry almond biscuits and small ring cakes for dipping.
Contains Dairy
Peanut Allergy
Contains Fish
Contains Shellfish
Gluten Free
Vegan Options
Need dietary or allergy information?
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Via Alessandria, 150, 00198 Roma RM, Italy
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