UPDATE: Gola ai Parioli is now closed, although the dream team behind the restaurant are currently plotting a new project in Trastevere. Subscribe to the blog for all the latest updates. In the meantime, for chic Parioli dining, try Molto or Palmerie.

Gola ai Parioli – a restaurant whose name means Gluttony – has recently undergone an impressive reboot, transforming both interiors and menu into a contemporary experience with bags of wow.

It’s almost a new restaurant after all these changes, and definitely one worth trying, whether you live in north Rome or not.

Distinguished by an enthusiastic team of under-age-30 professionals – both front of house and in the kitchens – this is a vibrant choice for a laid back dinner in cute surroundings.

Gola ai Parioli - a restaurant whose name means Gluttony - has recently undergone an impressive reboot, transforming both interiors and menu.

The restaurant’s sinful theme – which was previously illustrated in a rather heavy handed way with dark red decor – has been updated with a motif of cheeky devils in neutral tones, plus a resplendent portrait of Eve chilling out.

Gola ai Parioli - a restaurant whose name means Gluttony - has recently undergone an impressive reboot, transforming both interiors and menu.

A formerly fairly standard menu following the Italian protocol of starter, first and second courses has been replaced with a fun list of casual dining options, inviting you to compile dinner from a selection of tasting plates, or dive into some hugely appetising pasta dishes, seconds and moreish desserts.

Gola ai Parioli - a restaurant whose name means Gluttony - has recently undergone an impressive reboot, transforming both interiors and menu.

We started dinner with these tasty tuna and mashed potato balls with parsley sauce, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

This was followed with a melt-in-the-mouth savoury doughnut, combining French butter, Spanish olives and garden thyme.

Gola ai Parioli - a restaurant whose name means Gluttony - has recently undergone an impressive reboot, transforming both interiors and menu.

Another tasty dish on the freestyle starter menu were these Chinese bao buns with Amatrice-style pork and pecorino cheese sauce. Just delicous!

Gola ai Parioli - a restaurant whose name means Gluttony - has recently undergone an impressive reboot, transforming both interiors and menu.

This stunning dish, dubbed tricolore, comprises an artichoke cooked sous vide with burrata and parsley sauce, dressed with tangy pappa al pomodoro. As zingy on the palate as on the eye!

Gola ai Parioli - a restaurant whose name means Gluttony - has recently undergone an impressive reboot, transforming both interiors and menu.

The menu continued to surprise and delight with this dish of marinated tuna on rice crackers, with grated boiled egg yolk, whipped mascarpone cheese and cocoa crumble.

Gola ai Parioli - a restaurant whose name means Gluttony - has recently undergone an impressive reboot, transforming both interiors and menu.

Gola’s pasta dishes are clever and tasty. This dish of ‘secret’ amatriciana is made from capellaccio ‘parcels’ filled with hidden tomato sauce, and dripping with pecorino cheese sauce and pig cheek matchsticks. Incredible.

Gola ai Parioli - a restaurant whose name means Gluttony - has recently undergone an impressive reboot, transforming both interiors and menu.

This Gola take on cacio e pepe also hides the ‘secret sauce’ inside the pasta. Simply delicious.

Gola ai Parioli - a restaurant whose name means Gluttony - has recently undergone an impressive reboot, transforming both interiors and menu.

I was tempted by this veal cheek dish on the second course menu, and it didn’t disappoint. Slow cooked with balsamic vinegar and sage, this fell apart on the plate in response to the lightest touch of the fork.

Gola ai Parioli - a restaurant whose name means Gluttony - has recently undergone an impressive reboot, transforming both interiors and menu.

Please make sure you leave room for dessert at Gola. This simple brioche bun with zabaglione cream is decadent without being over-complicated.

Gola ai Parioli - a restaurant whose name means Gluttony - has recently undergone an impressive reboot, transforming both interiors and menu.

I also got to taste this perfect lemon meringue pie, which successfully balanced sweetness with fresh, tart flavours.

Overall, the Gola experience was a fantastic one, combining wonderfully fresh, seasonal Italian ingredients with flair and originality. The prices are very competitive as well, particularly for the upmarket residential area in which it finds itself. Highly recommended!

Gola ai Parioli | Via Ruggero Fauro 2 | Rome, Italy | Tel +39 06 807 5195

Testaccina was a guest of Gola