Rome
Rome wasn't built in a day, but maybe it could have been if its builders had as much food as Phantom did at Rome in Franklin, Massachusetts.
Atmosphere(7)
The walls of both dining rooms are covered with replicas of classic Italian art as fake plants hang from the ceilings. Tables with paper place mats await as you walk from a busy lounge area.
Menu(8)
Family style Italian fare. Nothing too inventive, but plenty of pasta, chicken, veal, fish, steak, and pizza to choose from.
Portions(9)
Plates are piled high like the Leaning Tower of Piza. Even Marlin Brando would have needed a doggy-bag.
Appetizers(7)
The flavors of the roasted sweet peppers and sharp provolone cheese went well together while the Antipasto looked and tasted more like a cold cut platter with Italian dressing.
Food and Drink(8)
The homemade Spaghetti Aglio Oil with anchovies, garlic, and Romano cheese was tasty and flavorful. The fettuccini noodles served under a shrimp, lobster, and broccoli tomato pesto tasted fresh but lacked the intended pine nut flavor. Accompanying Manhattan chowder and Pasta Fagiole soups were short on taste. A bottle of Parducci Cabernet compliments both pasta dishes.
Desserts(8)
The homemade tiramisu was wonderfully rich and creamy while the apple pie with ice cream was a little bland.
Service(8)
Phantom's waitress was efficient, informative, and apologetic when entrees arrived a little late from the kitchen.
Cleanliness(8)
Phantom has nothing fowl to report. Everything seems to be in tidy shape considering the wear and tear of busy nights.
Parking(8)
East Central Street. A small parking lot fills quickly on busy nights leaving only on street parking.
Value(8)
Appetizers run between $2-$5, and entrees cost from $6-$15. A little bit of lira goes a pretty long way.
