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  • Rome, Italy & Brooklyn, New York  |  Culinary Journeys

Antica Pesa: The Restaurant — and Wine Book—We Never Forgot

One recommendation in Sorrento led to an unforgettable Roman dinner—and a wine book that followed our story all the way to Brooklyn.
  • By Cathy and John

A Recommendation We Couldn’t Ignore

It began with a recommendation from an American couple we met over lunch in Sorrento:
It began with a recommendation from an American couple we met over lunch in Sorrento:
Located along a cobblestone street in Rome’s Trastevere neighborhood, Antica Pesa has been operated by the Panella family since 1922. Its name means “ancient scales,” recalling the area’s earlier role as a papal customs post where grain was weighed and taxed. Today, the restaurant honors Roman culinary traditions while presenting them with contemporary polish.
That was a strong endorsement—but they were right.
The food immediately impressed us, especially Cathy’s Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, prepared with 36-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Simple ingredients, exceptional flavor—and proof that Roman cooking does not need to be complicated to be unforgettable.

The original Rome visit—and our first encounter with “the book.”

Then John Asked for the Wine List

Calling it a “list” was an understatement. The server returned carrying an enormous leather-bound book containing more than 1,100 labels, including bottles priced well over $1,000. We later learned that members of the staff were taking bets on whether John would ever choose one. They underestimated him. After seeing recommended bottles between $500 and $3,000 on the first page, John patiently worked through the book until he figured out how it was organized—by region, varietal and vintage. He eventually selected an excellent bottle at what we considered a fantastic price. Challenge accepted. Mission accomplished. And, perhaps, a little respect earned from the staff. We also saw a lot of “cocktails” on surrounding tables after their turn with “the book.”

John presents the winning bottle in Rome.

Years later, the legendary leather-bound wine book was still impossible to miss.

Returning to the Story

Then, in 2021, we visited the Panella family’s Brooklyn location with Cathy’s cousin Lisa. When we shared our story about John and the legendary wine book, one of the owners brought out “the book” so we could see it again. Lisa finally witnessed the famous wine book in person, and we had the rare pleasure of revisiting a favorite Roman memory thousands of miles from where it began.

John studies “the book” again in Brooklyn.

Cathy and Lisa with one of Antica Pesa’s owners during the 2021 return.

A Rome-to-New York connection, captured inside the Brooklyn location.

Practical Information
  • Locations experienced
  • Rome and Brooklyn, New York
  • Cuisine
  • Contemporary Roman
  • Best for
  • A special evening, Roman cuisine and serious wine lovers
  • Inspired Travelers Tip
  • Make Antica Pesa part of an evening exploring Trastevere, reserve well in advance, and allow plenty of time if John is choosing the wine.
  • Current update
  • Our New York experience took place at the Williamsburg, Brooklyn, location in 2021. That chapter closed in July 2026, and the restaurant announced plans to relocate. Verify the current New York location before visiting.