Check dates, menus and availability

From the end of Arvit to the table

Arvit, also known as Ma’ariv, is the Jewish evening prayer service. On Friday evening it forms part of the beginning of Shabbat for those attending communal prayer. Because religious times follow sunset, the schedule changes throughout the year.

At BellaCarne, dinner begins when Arvit ends. Guests should not expect the same clock time every Friday: rely on the date selected during booking and the instructions in the confirmation email.

The restaurant meal and the synagogue service are separate. You do not need to have attended Arvit to book dinner, and a BellaCarne reservation does not include synagogue admission. Anyone wishing to attend prayers should separately check the procedures published by the Jewish Community of Rome.

Booking and arrival

Why do you book and pay before Shabbat?

Observant guests do not carry out ordinary commercial transactions during Shabbat. BellaCarne therefore uses advance online booking and payment.

The process is straightforward: select a date, enter the number of adults and children, choose any available extras and complete payment. Your place is confirmed only when the email reaches the address provided during booking.

Payment methods and amendment or cancellation terms may be updated. Read the latest information on BellaCarne’s official Shabbat booking page before purchasing.

Arriving at BellaCarne

BellaCarne is at Via del Portico d’Ottavia 51, in the heart of Rome’s Jewish Quarter. On the evening of your booking, have the date, party size and confirmation instructions clear.

Do not rely on the previous week’s start time: service follows the conclusion of Arvit and can shift with the season. Arriving according to the instructions received helps the restaurant welcome guests and coordinate the meal with the timing of the evening.

Raise allergies or specific dietary requirements in advance and ask whether they can be accommodated. Do not wait until arrival, because the Shabbat meal is prepared around set menus.

Atmosphere and duration

An atmosphere unlike an ordinary Friday-night booking

In general, Friday-night dinner is one of the central moments of Shabbat: families and guests gather at the table in a festive, unhurried setting. Kiddush over wine and a blessing over bread are among the best-known customs, but prayers, songs and their sequence vary between communities and households.

BellaCarne offers a kosher restaurant meal, not an exact recreation of a private family dinner. The shared element is time around the table: a slower rhythm, several courses and the company of people gathered for Shabbat.

Guest accounts displayed by BellaCarne describe generous portions, helpful service and diners from several countries. The atmosphere can therefore feel both family-friendly and international, while naturally differing from one Friday to another.

How long does dinner last?

There is no universal duration for a Shabbat dinner. At home, it may continue through conversation, singing and several courses; in a restaurant, timing depends on the actual start and the flow of service.

BellaCarne currently gives an approximate duration of one hour from the end of Arvit. Treat this as an estimate rather than a guaranteed finishing time: both the start and the meal itself can vary. Avoid scheduling a tightly timed commitment immediately afterwards.

Menus and families

What is on the menu?

BellaCarne serves a fixed-price kosher menu inspired by Roman-Jewish cuisine. The published offering includes several courses together with challah, house wine and water. Selected extra dishes may also be available during booking.

The booking page presents three main options:

• a classic menu with a complete sequence of courses;
• a vegetarian menu, whose ingredients should be checked if you have specific requirements;
• a Kids menu for children under 10.

Dishes, ingredients, prices and extras may change. This article does not replace the current menu: consult the offering available for your chosen date before booking. “Vegetarian” does not automatically mean vegan, gluten-free or free from a particular allergen.

A Shabbat dinner for families

The booking form lets guests specify adults and children, while the Kids menu makes the experience suitable for family groups. Younger diners can join the same evening with a dedicated meal option.

A children’s menu does not automatically imply the availability of high chairs, stroller space or other facilities. If one of these is essential for your family, confirm it directly before completing the reservation.

Frequently asked questions

What time does dinner start?

After Arvit ends. The time changes during the year, so check your selected date and confirmation email.

Do I have to attend Arvit?

No. The religious service and restaurant dinner are separate. A BellaCarne reservation covers the meal only.

Can I pay at the table?

No. BellaCarne’s Shabbat dinner requires advance online booking and payment. Your place is confirmed after the email is received.

How long does dinner take?

BellaCarne states approximately one hour, but this is an estimate; the start and pace of service can vary.

Are vegetarian and children’s menus available?

Yes. The booking page lists vegetarian and Kids options. Confirm ingredients and specific dietary requirements before paying.

Experience Shabbat dinner in Rome’s Jewish Quarter

Use BellaCarne’s official landing page to view current dates, menus, prices, booking terms and available extras.

Book your Shabbat dinner at BellaCarne

Sources and further reading

• BellaCarne – Shabbat booking, menu and terms
• Jewish Community of Rome – official visitor information
• My Jewish Learning – Friday-night customs
• Sefaria – introduction to Arvit

The post What to expect at a Shabbat dinner in Rome appeared first on BellaCarne.

The restriction imposed on the Jews included some which regarded the health sector; the density of the population in such a restricted area, and the fact that they were so near to the Tiber river did not create ideal hygiene conditions. Nevertheless, the Jewish community was able to maintain sanitary conditions similar to those of the rest of the population because even though they were not allowed to build hospitals, they had a good attitude towards medical care. A few years later, the first Jewish Charity was created, aimed to provide health care to the Jews who had been excluded from public hospitals.

The work of medical care and shelter to sick and elderly people had been carried out by Jewish fraternities and associations until about the end of the nineteenth century, when permission was finally granted for the establishment of a Jewish hospital near the Isola Tiberina.

These were the first steps towards the creation of what will later become Rome’s Israelite Hospital. In 1911 it was finally opened thanks to the work of Pellegrino Ascarelli and Angelo Tagliacozzo, as well as the donations of many benefactors. Over the years the hospital has expanded and took an important role in Rome’s health system.

Israelite Hospital Today.

The Israelite Hospital in Rome is an important point of reference for the health of Rome. It is part of the health care system of the Lazio region and makes a million a year on health care for every type of disease. In particular, it has been recognized for its excellence in geriatrics and hand surgery.

While the first structure was opened on the Tiber Island, there are now three different locations. The Israelite Hospital in Rome now offers over 120 beds and home care to about 80 patients suffering from cancer.

Within the hospital every citizen is taken care of equally, regardless of race or religion; but it is particularly important for the Jewish community since all of the Jewish precepts are respected within the hospital walls. Among these are a series of dietary laws, such as the mixing of milk and meat during meals, eating pork, and consuming unleavened products during Passover. The application of Jewish laws within the hospital allows Jewish patients to feel at ease without the fear of breaking their religious precepts.
The Jewish dietary laws are applied to all meals distributed in the hospital, even to those destined to non-Jews. The precepts of Judaism are based on eating in a healthy manner and, according to many schools of dietetics, is correct from a nutritional standpoint; for example avoiding mixing dairy and meat facilitates proper digestion and, according to some, it also helps you stay in shape. The hospital is available for appointment bookings on Sundays, a very practical option for those who have difficulty travelling to the hospital on weekdays. But be sure to always check the hospital’s calendar to be certain it isn’t closed for a Jewish holiday!

If you happen to be admitted (we hope not) to the hospital and don’t want to give up BellaCarne’s kosher cuisine…please always keep in mind that our Menu is available for take out!

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1. Because it’s a Home for over 800 types of precious fabrics from all over Europe

An incredible collection which includes precious velvet decorated with gold, to extraordinary french textiles from the ‘700’s. The collection was born when all the textiles from Rome’s ‘Cinque Sinagoghe’ and ‘Scole’ of the ghetto were brought together in one place. This was 5 different sinagogues all reunited in one building: the Cinque Scole. Because of the law, Jews were not allowed to build more than one sinagogue, and so they decided to open five different ones in one single building, which was later demolished when today’s major Temple was inaugurated. During the XIX century many Jews bought precious second-hand fabrics, which the women later adapted and modified for their community’s necessities. Thanks to this hard work, we can now admire an incredible collection.

museoebraico.roma.it

2) Because it’s a beautiful Exibition Area

A place where you will be able to admire much more than just precious fabrics: 400 liturgical silverware pieces and marbles from the ‘600’s and ‘800’s; scrolls, incunabula (the first modern books not written by hand, ut by machine), and some prints where you will be able to see the censorship imposed by the Tribunal of Inquisition.

3) Because it offers an exceptional path between past and future.

Immagine tratta dal sito www.artribune.com

Great attention has been given to the selection and placement of the objects, so the visitor feels they are actually talking to him/her; it is not, a random series of beautiful objects, but a true educational program that fits the findings in a wider dimension, which allows the visitor to understand the history, customs and meanings of Jewish culture.

During your visit at the Jewish museum you will be able to explore all aspects of Jewish culture, both public and private, any curiosities you might have and facts that have remain unkown to most. It is interesting to see the sections which describe the tragic life of those Jews who lived before and during Second World War.

4) Because it is in the Centre of Rome.

Overlooking the Tiber Island and right next to the Portico d’Ottavia, the Jewish Museum of Rome is located in one of the most beautiful areas of the city. And if you feel like you are getting hungry, we are located just 50 metres away, ready to serve you some authentic kosher cuisine!

5) Because it is open on both Sunday and Monday.

Most museums choose to close on Mondays, but not this one. In order to observe Sabbath the Jewish Museum is closed on Saturday. Even though audio-guides are helpful and clear, you should try and make an appointment with one of the guides of the museum, who have a wonderful knowledge about the museum and everything inside it. Rememeber to check the museum’s website to make sure it is open during your trip to Rome!

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Cosmopolitan Ostia

The excavations of Ostia Antica have brought to light much of the city (which extended over 69 hectares) and witnessed an immediate multi-ethnic and cosmopolitan city . Travel and trade, goods and people, a city that was the backdrop to the meeting of different cultures and races. Ostia turned out to be the scene of many different religions. Startng from the gods of the Roman Pantheon, to the Egyptians (Isis) and Persians (Mithras), up to the Jewish ones, the excavations of Ostia Antica tell us the story of each one of these places of worship. In 1961, under the direction of Maria Floriani Squarciapino , Superintendent of the Archaeological Superintendency of Ostia, the oldest synagogue in the Meditteranean was brought to light.

M. Floriani Squarciapino illustra al Re Gustavo Adolfo di Sezia lo scavo della Sinagoga di Ostia antica

Ostia’s Synagogue

It is in 1961 that the oldest synagogue in the Meditteranean was brought to light, giving us evidence of the ancient Jewish community of Ostia. Synagogue as a translation of the ancient greek “place where you are together “, an essential community center for Judaism in which worship, studying, reading and teaching of the Torah all came together.

The construction of the Synagogue of Ostia dates from the middle of the first century AD, probably contemporary with the necessity to meet the needs of the Jewish population, which increased as a result of the construction of the port wanted by the Emperor Claudius ( 41-54 AD ) and the trade that ensued.

The synagogue overlooks the beach, and is formed by a large room with a pulpit for the readings of the law facing east -west; the shrine of the Torah is preceded by columns that carry the lintel depiction of the seven-branched candlestick. Neighboring is the utility room with the oven for the preparation of unleavened bread.

Over the centuries, it has been enlarged (Plant in the upper left corner) and it arrived at its form today (Plant at the bottom right).  To have a viewing of the Jewish memorabilia and symbols extracted during excavations, just arrange a visit to Rome’s Jewish Museum. Here is the information to visit the excavations of Ostia: Ostia Antica – Via dei Romagnoli, 717 – tel. 06 / 56.35.80.99 – Admission: € 8 full – € 4 reduced – Closed on Monday – Website: www.ostiaantica.net Email: ssba-rm.osan@beniculturali.it

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Passover commences on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Nisan and lasts for either seven days (in Israel) or eight days (in the diaspora). In the northern hemisphere Passover takes place in spring as the Torah prescribes it; it is one of the most widely observed Jewish holidays.

As mentioned before, Pesach or Passover is a festivity which takes place in more than one day. The day before Pesach is the day of the ‘first-born’, which remembers all those first-born Jews saved during the last plague inflicted by the Egyptians.
During the solemn days of the festivity, it is prohibited to perform any kind of work, while during the rest, most activities remain open for half of the day.

During Passover, it is prohibited to eat products which contain yeat, while it is permitted to eat matza’. It is not obligatory to consume matza’, but is is completely prohibited to consume products wich contain yeast (chamez). It is also prohibited to drink beer, since it contains yeast.

Homes have to be completely cleaned out of any substance or food item that may contain yeast (chamez). Each house if deeply cleaned, this is why many call it ‘spring cleaning’, to indicate a rigorous cleaning of one’s home. This process starts in the rooms where you wouldn’t expect to find any of these products (like the bedroom), moving towards the dining room and the kitchen. At the end of this cleaning process, the adults of the house create a sort of ‘treasure hunt’ for the children, hiding 10 crumbs of bread around the house for the kids to find. Once they have been found, the crumbs are burned.

During Passover a special set of dishes, pots, and cutlery is used; an alternative is to ‘kosherize’ (to make them suitable for the festivity) plates and pots with a specific wash and to keep away all that cannot be washed. All the food containing yeast and the utensils which are not kosher, must be sold to someone who is not Jewish. Usually this is a symbolic act, and everything that has been sold is bought back straight after the festivity.

Israel as a country sells all of its chamez items to another state as a symbolic act, buying it back right after the holiday.

During the first evening of Pesach, a dinner called Seder takes place, during which the various phases of the Exodus are read aloud. The needy are invited, especially those who do not have a family, to participate in the dinner where unleavened bread, wine and bitter herbs are served.

The unleavened bread and bitter herbs are a symbol of the sacrifices which a soul must make for G-d.

Even though meals are made up of unleavened bread, it is a joyous festivity, filled with songs and sweets (with no yeast).

At the end of the Passover festivities, women buy some flower and make special pancakes with yeast and covered with honey.

Our restaurant is open for Pesach (19 and 20 April 2019): discover more about the menu.

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When buying the meat, make sure it is a pink color, elastic and quite soft (but no too soft).

This recipe requires you to boil the meat. Before boiling it, rub the meat with some salt, this will take out any excess impurities, then rinse with tap water. Place the tongue in fresh water, between 3 and 12 hours, changing the water frequently.

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You should try this recipe if you follow a josher diet, but also if you want to try and make a lighter version and more easily digestible of the traditional Carbonara.

This recipes requires the use of chitarrini, also known as tonnarelli, a fresh pasta shape very similar to thick spaghetti. Fresh pasta allows the condiment to be completely absorbed. Pork pancetta is here replaced with beef cheek, easily found in most kosher butchers.

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There are many possible ways to marinate the chicken, we especially love this recipe with barbecue sauce, because it gives the meat a slightly smoky flavor.

The preparation is quick, but the wings need some time to marinate. If you are planning to serve them for lunch, you should set them to marinate early in the morning, if your would like to serve them for dinner, the you can set them around lunch time.

The trick is to let them sit for the longest time possible! The following recipe includes pre-made barbecue sauce, but you are more than welcome to make your own sauce for an even better flavor!

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So here is our challenge: to serve our customers the best kosher Carbonara in Rome. A Carbonara free of pancetta and pecorino, but still able to create an explosion of flavors for our guest’s tasting buds, without revolutionizing the original Carbonara flavor, and without destroying BellaCarne’s name, now one of the most sought-after restaurants in Rome. Our experiment resulted in an immediate success: food critics and experts welcomed our pork free Carbonara with great enthusiasm. Today, our Tonnarelli alla Carbonara, is one of the most popular items on our menu: but how did we get to this point?

Beef Cheek, first of All.

Let’s start from the basics: in order to respect the rules regarding pure and impure animals, we have to exclude pork pancetta from our recipe. A massive problem for many, but not for us. The restaurant’s owners. Alberto and Alessandra Ouzana, are professionals when it comes to kosher meats. We have Alberto Ouazana to thank for the invention of kosher bresaola (a type of cured meat), unseen in the kosher meat market until 15 years ago!

In other words, we have been producing kosher meats for a very long time: we understand the product and know how to age it in the right way. Our goal with the beef cheek meat, was to create a flavor very similar to the pork pancetta, in order to serve a Carbonara free of pork, but still very similar to the original version.

So here are some of Mr. Alberto Ouzana’s secrets, and remember: at BellaCarne you will be able to taste a delicious kosher Amatriciana pasta as well!

Kosher Pecorino Cheese

Now we must talk about the cheese issue. Jewish cuisine requires kosher cheese, wich means it is subject to a strict rabbi supervision, to ensure it is a product made from vegetable curds. This happens because milk products and meat cannot be mixed together.
We were able to solve this issue easily: BellaCarne is supervised by Rome’s Rabbi, and is the only restaurant in Rome’s jewish ghetto that follows the ‘Bishul Israel”: the cooking and preparation of all food is always supervised by a higher figure in the Jewish community.

Pork Free Carbonara, where can I find it?

Hopefully we were able to make you curious! Now all that is left to do is to try our recipe and make your own version at home, or come try at BellaCarne, where you will be able to to try the best version in Rome, come see us!

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