Brakes and Clutches Draft is the pizza and cocktail pairing we deserved

Freni e Frizioni Draft, featuring an industrial, minimalist architecture, is divided into three rooms: an entrance hall with a drinks counter, a smaller passageway, and a very long room with a second counter and the kitchen as a backdrop. Outside, there's also a terrace for guests who prefer to sit outside, a popular spot in the summer. Wood, iron, and bold colors make this venue a distinctive and distinctive hangout in the Roman scene.

But let's get to the menu, which builds on and diversifies from the original venue, Freni e Frizioni. Opened 17 years ago in Trastevere, a location that has become a must-see for any outing in the neighborhood, this cocktail bar created by Luca Conzato, Cristian Bugiada, and Riccardo Rossi has become one of Rome's most important and popular. Freni e Frizioni Draft focuses on a more relaxed, "seated" formula while maintaining the convivial atmosphere of its original opening. The standout feature is undoubtedly the ready-to-drink draft drinks. Twelve options embody the pizza-cocktail combo that's not well-represented in the city and too often overlooked. As for beers, six draft selections from the industry certainly highlight the quality of the mixology.

As for pizza and food in general, a rather substantial menu awaits us. It also includes pizza by the slice, currently only available at lunchtime. The pizzas, both round and stuffed, are served pre-sliced ​​to make sharing easy. Matteo Carducci, whom we met in Rome at In Fucina, is behind this. From that world, he retains the sharing pizza approach, plus various similarities with the dough—typically crispy, very crispy, sometimes too crispy—with sophisticated toppings, but at much more affordable prices here, and with less pretentious combinations.

We move from the classic Margherita to filled pizzas with 5-6 different ingredients, without excessive "gourmet" formality that makes the experience cloying. In fact, this formula seems to perfectly complement the drink because it manages to lighten both the food and the drink, reestablishing the right balance on both sides.

To begin, there's a selection of plated fried foods, along with variations on supplì and classic fried food. There's also room for a few other dishes and desserts. The menu has a very didactic aesthetic, but it's decidedly wordy; spread out over multiple pages, it risks losing a comprehensive overview of the restaurant's offerings.

As for prices, pizzas range from €8 to €14, while cocktails range from €8 to €10. Inevitably, you'll leave with a slightly higher bill than at the pizzeria, which offers a €6 margherita and a €5 draft beer. Despite this, the price is decidedly affordable considering you're enjoying a cocktail and pizza together. A final word on the service, which is definitely appropriate for the setting. Young, knowledgeable, and informal.

Opinion

A new spot in town that creates an excellent pizza and cocktail pairing, uncluttered and extremely enjoyable. Finally, a place that's livening up the scene, hopefully living up to its promise.