TLDR: 30/40
The review below is short because there’s really not much to say about Roma. It serves tasty Italian food with slightly higher prices than necessary, just like two or three other restaurants in downtown Menlo Park.
Food Satisfaction: 7/10
Geoffrey: I ordered Linguine Carbonara, which I was surprised to find served with the egg yolk not mixed in but sitting in its spherical majesty on top of the pasta. So I stirred it in, and the amount of egg proved to be just the perfect amount, making the dish creamy without being too… eggy. That said, the bread was a little tough and not particularly savory.
Sonia: I got the Roma Fettuccine, and while the creamy garlic sauce and mini shrimp sounded appealing, I’m ashamed to say I could not take down this meal. The sauce was incredibly heavy, and I was embarrassed when the waiter came over and noticed I had barely made a dent in my bowl. I also ordered the bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the table, which is always a classic.
Atmosphere: 9/10
Geoffrey: We grabbed a table outside in the parklet, which was pleasant and not too loud. Despite being inches from passing cars, our table felt homey.
Sonia: We brought our two friends, seniors Natalie DeCherney and Lauren Mrva, and we all had a blast. I loved the outdoor seating! Even though we were secluded in the corner, we still felt as if we were part of the restaurant. The roof was stringed with lights, and green potted plants were artfully placed around the tables.
Service: 8/10
Geoffrey: The service was cordial, and I appreciated the waiter’s enthusiasm for the Linguine Carbonara.
Sonia: I had no qualms with the service at Roma. For our fellow teenagers who like to split the bill, it’s worth noting that our waiter was very patient with us while we did a four-way Apple Pay split inside the restaurant.
Value: 6/10
Geoffrey: Carbonara should not cost $26. All it is is pasta, egg, pancetta and some cheese. $26 is too pricey for one of the simplest dishes one can make.
Sonia: I paid $29 for my fettuccine, and I was distraught that so much of it ended up in my leftover box to take home. While the food is good and filling, I’m not sure it was worth nearly $30.
Uniqueness: 0/1
As stated in the TLDR, Roma is simply a nice, local upscale Italian restaurant that’s great for a filling (albeit expensive) dinner. You could get a very similar meal on the same street.
