It’s no secret that the Eternal City has much to offer in terms of fine dining. Historically accustomed to welcome throngs of pilgrims, navigated travellers and its gourmand citizens alike, Rome boasts an astounding number of casual eateries that showcase world-known hearty and offal-forward cookery traditions. It is, however, the astonishing number of haute cuisine establishments, which constantly deliver quality experiences, that catch the attention of today’s food connoisseurs. Not only do the gourmet dining gems, that the cradle of modern civilisation proudly displays in its crown, put out exceptional culinary brilliance, but many of them also possess the most splendid historical interiors and stunning views over the city from the heights of terraces and rooftop verandas.
These are opulent upscale venues for romantic dinners, once-in-a-lifetime celebrations and unsurpassed luxury meals. Food and ambiance combine to deliver the best possible way to both see and taste the true essence of Italy’s capital, through supremely executed dishes that often look back to tradition and territory, with the changing seasons and top-quality ingredients guiding the menus. Don’t let the ruins fool you into expecting to find pompous and aged baroque in the city’s luxe dining style. Rome’s contemporary food scene is far from pretentious and condescending: the grandeur is eclectic and modern. The manic search for quality ingredients, and perfection of technique have risen the majority of the city’s luxury dining establishments to Michelin stardom, giving us diners tastes of acclaimed and extraordinary, innovative Mediterranean, traditional Roman and international cuisines.
Creative dishes are constantly underpinned by stellar products, used masterfully by young, enthusiastic chefs with adventurous and passionate approaches to food. These are artists whose research and study of the history of food is millimetric; artisans who carefully acknowledge the past and carve it into something delightfully contemporary and beautiful to look at. A true festival for the eyes, as well as the taste buds. Exclusive gourmet restaurants in Rome are complemented by spectacular wine cellars, each containing an impressive number of bottles, from aged to contemporary vintages, spanning continents and winemaking philosophies —whatever best complements the dishes on the menu. We have singled out four of the best food experiences to be had in the city, but do consider tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, wishing for many returns in order to enjoy the many fine-dining restaurants and gourmet experiences that Rome prides itself on.
La Pergola at the Rome Cavalieri
At night, looking out from candlelit tables of La Pergola, Rome twinkles below like a blanket of constellations. The menu of three-Michelin-starred La Pergola is masterfully designed by executive chef Heinz Beck — at the helm since 1994 — and impeccably executed by his loyal team. Menus change monthly, with highlights such as scallop carpaccio served on black corn and amaranth grain and drizzled with ginger-infused olive oil; spaghetti with scorpion fish, zucchini and bell peppers; or squab and foie gras crépinette with mustard sauce. The mouth-watering dessert selection, and extensive wine list of over 60,000 bottles, is nothing short of perfection. The location competes with the victuals: an 18th-century bronze candelabra, a rare Aubusson tapestry, a wonderful collection of hand-blown Emile Gallé glass, precious Sèvres porcelains and a 17th century Celadron vase adorned with a different floral composition daily. Adjoining is a Cigar Lounge where guests can enjoy Havanas while swirling vintage liqueurs.
Tel: +39 06 35 091
www.romecavalieri.com
Imàgo
The panoramic windows of the Hassler Roma hotel’s sixth-floor dining room provide guests with 360-degree views that scope from Michelangelo’s Campidoglio, by way of the Pantheon, to the lush Borghese gardens. If the stunning panorama wasn’t enough, it’s impossible to resist the taste, texture, and aroma of Chef Francesco Apreda’s interpretation of regional Italian classics blended with wise fusion cuisine. Tasting menu stalwarts include aged Parmigiano ravioli in chilled tuna broth, double malt and a seven-spice blend. The veal sweetbreads steeped in Teriyaki sauce, paired with grilled artichokes and leeks contend the gold with the voluptuous sea bass fillet baked in a lemongrass and sea salt crust, drizzled in fluid bouillabaisse, with sautéed broccolini. Apreda’s striking creations also include venison cooked in a wine with a blackberry, porcini and chestnut envelope. Sensational decor completes the award-winning experience: sleek marble floors with antique wooden inlay, mirrored tables and Venetian blown glass.
Tel: +39 06 699 340
www.imagorestaurant.com
Il Pagliaccio
You'll find only eleven intimate tables here, in a location characterised by elegance and sobriety. The dining is refined, unique and unmistakable: understated and brilliantly showcasing local products. Sweet and buttery beef bone marrow tucked into ravioli pockets along with earthy escargot and beetroot is all about sophisticated contrast, and constitute a hallmark of charming chef/owner Anthony Genovese’s art. His French upbringing permeates his creations, which are cheerful, palatable, at times child-like — and presented flawlessly in his two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Tasting menus lead diners along a sensory extravaganza, that may feature oysters with oxtail, camomile, green apple, kimchi and espresso froth; or the mighty pork neck and Jerusalem artichoke, flecked with Ceylon tea gel, ground hazelnuts and dinosaur kale. Alsace native Marion Lichtle is the illuminated pâtissière responsible for the enchanting sweet temptations, such as the whimsical hazelnut and persimmon bonbon with single malt chestnut gelato.
Tel: +39 06 6880 9595
www.ristoranteilpagliaccio.com
Aroma
Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio’s Michelin cuisine — a refined ode to the Mediterranean Sea and the culture it spins — competes with the beauty of the rooftop garden dining space where it can be enjoyed year-round. Panoramic views of the Colosseum and Emperor Nero’s gardens are the romantic backdrop to luxurious meals. The seafood sourced at a renowned fishmonger established in Rome in 1894, delivers the catch twice daily. The pasta is homemade, as are the six different types of bread, focaccia, and breadsticks. Meat-lovers will only sink their teeth in succulent Tuscan Chianina and Argentine Kobe. The tasting menu is a sensory journey along Di Iorio’s seasonal picks. Think: ravioli filled with creamy white truffle risotto served on pureed radicchio and liquid parsley chlorophyll, followed by thyme-infused roast rack and leg of lamb with pink peppercorns. The 400-label wine cellar focuses strictly on Italian and French bottles.
Tel: +39 06 7759 1380
www.aromarestaurant.it