Il Sorpasso is a restaurant and wine bar in Rome’s Prati district, on Via Properzio, a short walk from the Vatican. Come for Italian and regional dishes, then linger over a glass of wine and a board of cured meats or cheeses. The menu ranges from handmade pasta and creative takes on classics to lighter plates, with Filetto di Manzo among the dishes to look for. Inside, rustic details meet a contemporary bar; outdoor tables give you another way to settle in for lunch or aperitivo.
A wine bar with a full menu
Il Sorpasso brings together a restaurant, wine bar and counter for cured meats and cheeses in Prati. The address is Via Properzio, 31/33, between the Vatican area and Metro Ottaviano. It works for lunch, dinner or a drink and a small plate, so you can fit it around sightseeing without committing to a formal, long meal.
The menu draws on Italian regional cooking, including dishes associated with Tuscany and Puglia, alongside Roman and more contemporary ideas. You can build a meal around a pasta dish or main, or keep things simple with a board of cheeses and cured meats. For an aperitivo, pair a plate from the charcuterie counter with a glass of wine or a cocktail.
What to order
The cured-meat and cheese selection is a natural starting point. A mixed board lets you sample several products, and the menu includes options such as prosciutto and carpaccio. For a more substantial meal, look for handmade pasta. Orecchiette and pappardelle are among the listed choices, while reported pasta dishes include ragu and ravioli.
The kitchen also serves creative versions of familiar Italian dishes. Filetto di Manzo is a standout main to consider, and the menu includes salads as well as pasta and meat. If you want something sweet afterwards, cannoli are listed. The menu can change, so check the current choices when you arrive.
The room and the pace
The setting mixes rustic and contemporary details, with vaulted ceilings, wine barrels, a marble-topped bar and a counter displaying cheeses and hanging cured meats. Seating is available inside and outside. The mood can shift over the course of the day: an earlier meal is a calmer choice, while the evening brings a livelier crowd and the restaurant can become full.
Service includes explanations of menu items, which can help if you are choosing among the regional dishes or the wines. If you are visiting with a group, plan to arrive with time to spare; a wait is possible when the tables are busy. For a quieter stop, come earlier and consider ordering a small plate with a drink rather than waiting for a full dinner table.
A stop near the Vatican
The location makes Il Sorpasso an easy option after time around the Vatican or St Peter’s Basilica. It is close enough for a meal or aperitivo before heading back into Prati, and its all-day format also suits a coffee or a lighter lunch. The choice between a board and a full meal gives you flexibility if you are fitting the stop between visits.
For outdoor dining, ask about a table outside when you arrive. Heaters are available in cooler weather, though seating depends on availability. If you would rather avoid the busiest stretch, aim for an earlier visit instead of arriving at peak dinner time.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Il Sorpasso in Rome?
It is at Via Properzio, 31/33, in the Prati district, a short walk from the Vatican area and Metro Ottaviano.
What should I order at Il Sorpasso?
Try a cured-meat or cheese selection, handmade pasta such as orecchiette or pappardelle, or Filetto di Manzo. Cannoli are listed for dessert.
Can you sit outside at Il Sorpasso?
Yes, outdoor seating is available. Heaters are provided in cooler weather, but tables depend on availability.
When is a good time to visit Il Sorpasso?
Go early, particularly for dinner, because the restaurant can fill up quickly.
