Porca Vacca in San Lorenzo, Rome

This restaurant should be classified under the T-Boning in Roma post. The name means "pig cow" and when shouted in the Italian language, the conditions of usage are similar to the American "Dammit!" or the British "Bollocks!". My reaction after eating there was quite the opposite, as it is by far the best steak house I have ever been to here in the EC (Eternal City, in case you were wondering). The wooden interior reminds me of a rustic Texan outpost, not like I have ever been to one. The only thing distinguishing it from Texas is the Italian flag instead of the set of bull horns over the front door. The staff is helpful and efficient, and they will help you work your way through understanding the various cuts and provenances of the steaks. In the back of the restaurant next to the fire pit is a huge showcase where the massive hunks of steak are proudly on display. The steak is served several ways: tagliata semplice (a mid-sized cut with no condiment), tagliata con condimento (a mid-sized slab with choices of toppings including mushrooms, thinly-sliced lard, and rocket, cherry tomato, and parmigiano shavings), or, alla Fiorentina (Florentine style, meaning that it is cut very thick and cooked bloody rare with no condiment other than salt and pepper). They boast several nationalities of beef, including Italian, Chianina (famous Tuscan cow), Danish, Irish, and Argentinian. I opted for the Danish (fatty on the outside and tender on the inside) smothered with thin slices of lardo di Colonnata. Ah, rare steak wrapped in lard, my arteries were thrilled afterwards. My dining partners opted for the leaner Argentinian topped with rocket leaves, cherry tomatoes, and parmigiano shavings. All were of utmost quality, not to mention quantity. Best of all, the steak is served on cast iron dishes which keep them sizzling while you eat them. Ragazzi... it doesn't get much better than that.

Porca Vacca
via dei Sabelli, 99 (San Lorenzo, near the Cinema Tibur)
00185 Roma
tel. 0644361167
closed Mondays
€ 25 per person (starter, wine & water included)
Highly recommended!