Il Segreto - Italian restaurant near the Vatican

Saw the great reviews and dishes and were very happy with our choice.
When we arrived, we sat outdoors which was fine until a couple arrived sitting directly behind us and proceeded to chain smoke.
I'm very sensitive, so I asked our waitress if there was any chance we could move inside.
The entire wait staff seemed to spring into action to find a spot for us inside.
It was great because we had a view into the open kitchen.
There was a food tour and a wine tour in the dining room, so the atmosphere was fun and lively.
Our food seemed to take a while to arrive, but different waiters stopped by to check on us and assure us it was arriving.
We were very happy with our dishes.
The cost was reasonable for the portions and the atmosphere.

I recently ate at Il Segreto during my very first trip to Italy.
As I knew it was important to order the correct food by region, I tried the carbonara.
It was by far the best carbonara that I've ever had.
I also got the steak with pepper sauce, and it was perfectly cooked, flavorful, and a large portion.
The hospitality was amazing (coming from a Mississippian), and the ambiance was perfect outside (though the inside looked very nice as well).
Definitely will come back as soon as I can!

The service was excellent, contrary to some other reviews.
We dined early around 7 PM when the restaurant was quiet, with only 2-3 tables occupied.
Our server, likely the owner, was welcoming and attentive, promptly offering water, guiding us through the menu, and even gifting us a small appetizer. We ordered the steak with truffle sauce and the octopus, along with grilled vegetables.
The vegetables were a bit bland and dry, and the steak, ordered medium rare, came out slightly tough.
However, the octopus was a highlight, with its sauce and mashed potatoes perfectly balanced with a hint of lemon. After the meal, it took some time to get the bill, and the prices felt a bit high for the portion sizes.