La Roma Restaurant Review – Classic and Flavourful Italian Cuisine in Little Italy – Average EV Score: 5.9/10
Reviewed by Tastes of Ottawa
Each dish is rated using our EV Score (Enjoyment-to-Value Score), based on enjoyment, price paid, and benchmark pricing.
Table of Contents
La Roma Restaurant Overview
430 Preston St, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N4
La Roma is located right in the heart of Ottawa’s Little Italy. It’s an area lined with Italian restaurants and cafés, which makes it a competitive spot for any restaurant to stand out. We decided to stop in for lunch on a Friday, and surprisingly, the place wasn’t very busy at all. Including our table, there were only three occupied tables in the dining room. This might have been because of the time of day, but it did make the space feel a bit quiet for a Friday lunch rush.
The atmosphere inside was nice, leaning toward the darker side with a more ambient, moody feel. It works well for a dinner date or evening out, but during the day it gave the restaurant a subdued tone. The décor and setting are still inviting, and it’s clear that the restaurant aims for a slightly upscale, classic Italian dining experience.
Parking was a bit of a hassle. You’ll need to rely on street parking, which in Little Italy can sometimes be tricky depending on the time of day. There is a parking lot directly behind the restaurant, but unfortunately, it’s not for patrons, which makes things a little less convenient.
The service, however, was a highlight. Our server was very nice, attentive, and made the experience pleasant even though the food itself had some ups and downs. It’s the kind of service that leaves a positive impression even if not every dish delivers. While La Roma did some things well, Ottawa has no shortage of Italian restaurants, and given the location, I’d probably prioritize trying other spots in the neighbourhood before coming back here.
Deep Fried Zucchini
Description: Lightly breaded and fried zucchini.
😋 Enjoyment: 6.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $16
🎯 Benchmark Price: $16
📊 EV Score: 6.5/10
🔁 Order Again?: Maybe.
The deep fried zucchini was a nice start to the meal. What really stood out was the breading — it was impressively light and crispy, holding onto the zucchini without breaking apart. A lot of fried vegetable dishes end up with soggy or separated batter, but this one held its form well. Flavour-wise, it was decent and enjoyable, but not necessarily a must-order dish.
Calamari
Description: Lightly battered calamari with dipping sauce.
😋 Enjoyment: 6/10
💰 Price Paid: $18
🎯 Benchmark Price: $18
📊 EV Score: 6/10
🔁 Order Again?: No.
The calamari was disappointing. While the batter was light, it didn’t have the crispiness that makes calamari really shine. It also felt underseasoned, lacking the punch of spices or herbs that could have elevated it. Not the worst calamari, but definitely not memorable compared to other Italian restaurants in Ottawa.
Strozzapreti Con Gamberetti
Ingredients: Shrimp, zucchini, roasted red pepper pesto, fresh herbs.
😋 Enjoyment: 7/10
💰 Price Paid: $25
🎯 Benchmark Price: $22
📊 EV Score: 6.2/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
This was one of the best dishes we tried. The roasted red pepper pesto sauce was creamy and flavourful without being too heavy, and it paired really well with the pasta. The shrimp was perfectly cooked, tender, and juicy. The zucchini mixed in added a nice softness and balance to the dish. It was a bit pricier than expected for the pasta. Altogether, this was a well-executed pasta plate that felt worth ordering again.
Gnocchi
Ingredients: Potato dumplings, tomato sauce, basil.
😋 Enjoyment: 5.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $25
🎯 Benchmark Price: $22
📊 EV Score: 4.8/10
🔁 Order Again?: No.
The gnocchi was basic and underwhelming, especially given its higher price point. With just dumplings, tomato sauce, and basil, it felt like it was missing depth. The sauce itself was decent, but the gnocchi texture didn’t quite hit the mark — it needed a little more lightness or chew to stand out. It also felt overpriced for something so simple and lacking any protein.
Penne Arrabbiata
Ingredients: Penne pasta, tomato-based sauce, Italian sausage.
😋 Enjoyment: 6.5/10
💰 Price Paid: $22
🎯 Benchmark Price: $22
📊 EV Score: 6.5/10
🔁 Order Again?: Yes.
This dish was fairly good. The penne noodles were cooked al dente, which gave them the right bite. The Italian sausage mixed in was tender and flavourful, and the sauce had a nice kick without being overpowering. A decent pasta dish overall, but not something that made a lasting impression compared to the shrimp pasta.
Pollo Parmigiano Panini
Ingredients: Chicken cutlet, tomato sauce, mozzarella, parmigiano cheese.
😋 Enjoyment: 6/10
💰 Price Paid: $19
🎯 Benchmark Price: $18
📊 EV Score: 5.7/10
🔁 Order Again?: No.
This panini had potential but ultimately fell short. The chicken itself was good — tender and moist. Unfortunately, the fries on the side were undercooked, and you could still taste the rawness inside. The bread for the sandwich wasn’t as crispy or toasted as I would’ve liked, leaving the texture feeling a little soft. While the flavours were fine, the execution didn’t fully land.
Would Return?
Maybe. While La Roma had some enjoyable dishes — particularly the Strozzapreti Con Gamberetti — the experience as a whole didn’t wow me compared to other Italian options nearby. The service was very good, and the atmosphere was pleasant, but between the inconsistent dishes and the parking inconvenience, there are plenty of other Italian restaurants in Little Italy that I’d be more eager to try first. It’s also pricier than I would have expected for the dishes they offered. That said, if someone suggested La Roma for a dinner outing, I wouldn’t be opposed to going back, especially to order the shrimp pasta again.