Say you were wanting to confess your love to that special person. Say you were planning to celebrate an anniversary, a particular date, or simply longing for a dinner by candlelight in the Italian capital. Which would you choose of the most romantic restaurants in Rome?
One thing is for sure, the Eternal City has no lack of breath-taking vistas and cozy destinations where you can leave your pride at the door and give free rein to sentimental feelings.
If you are looking for a romantic dining experience in Rome but don't know where to start, take a look at these suggestions for places where good food and intimate atmosphere go hand in hand.
And if by happy circumstance at one of these establishments your table companion freely reciprocates your warm sentiments, think of us here at Fine Dining Lovers as the cupids of gastronomic pleasure.
Here are nine romantic Roman restaurants we recommend.
AROMA
There is no denying that the position of Aroma at the five-star hotel Palazzo Manfredi is one of the most unique and prestigious in the world. Aroma, a member of Relais & Châteaux, boasts one Michelin star for its restaurant guided by the chef Giuseppe Di Iorio and located on the top floor of a 17th-century palazzo with a view of the ancient Colosseum. For a more informal meal, Aroma bistro overlooking the Oppian Hill has a quick and chic menu created by the same chef, while the recently inaugurated The Court cocktail bar offers a romantic aperitivo with the breath-taking Colosseum seen from just a few meters away.
Aroma
via Labicana, 125
Website
LE ROOF
Le Roof restaurant is a perfect blend of elegance and taste – the ingredients of a charming evening for two. Chef Gaetano Costa, who has cooked for dozens of illustrious people throughout his career, has crafted an original gourmet menu based on innovative reinterpretations of Italian classics. At sunset, dining here becomes magical. Located on the seventh floor of the Grand Hotel Ritz, the majestic view overlooks Piazza Euclide in the heart of Rome's Parioli quartiere, and the Villa Glori park.
Le Roof c/o Grand Hotel Ritz
via Chelini, 41
Website
LE JARDIN DE RUSSIE
For romantic dining in Rome, try Le Jardin de Russie. Not French cuisine is served here, but delectable Italian dishes by the chef Fulvio Pierangelini, who brings local flavours to new levels of refinement. All is complemented by the ethereal atmosphere of the secret garden that thrives out back at Hotel de Russie.
Le Jardin de Russie
via del Babuino, 9
Website
PER ME
On clement days, the outdoor tables in the Roman alley of Vicolo del Malpasso are the perfect setting for a tête-à-tête dinner full of affectionate effusiveness. When the temperatures drop, a worthy alternative is found in the minimalist, elegant interior of the one-Michelin-star restaurant Per Me. Chef Giulio Terrinoni prepares gourmet dinners that are wonderfully accompanied by the profusion of romanticism found on this charming street.
Per Me
vicolo del Malpasso, 9
Website
IMÀGO
In possession of its Michelin star, this restaurant on the sixth floor of Hotel Hassler lies in the heart of the Eternal City – its panoramic view enchants lovers of all ages. Heading the kitchen since spring 2019, the new chef Andrea Antonini concocts gastronomical delight to suitably please your palate as you exchange sweet nothings with your companion.
Imàgo
piazza Trinità dei Monti, 6
Website
IL PAGLIACCIO
Looking for a romantic night out in Rome? Two-Michelin-star dining is a guaranteed way to find the right combination of intimacy and gourmet food, especially if the menu is prepared under the attentive direction of Anthony Genovese. If you feel like celebrating or want to treat yourself to a memorable evening, make reservations at Il Pagliaccio and prepare to embark on a unique gastronomical trip.
Il Pagliaccio
via dei Banchi Vecchi, 129/a
Website
ENOTECA LA TORRE
One Michelin star and the most romantic setting ever: Enoteca La Torre is the perfect answer to the question "Where to dine in Rome by candlelight?". This restaurant inside Villa Laetitia is guided by the young Neapolitan chef Domenico Stile, who has worked for an impressive roster of food masters including Gianfranco Vissani, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, Massimo Bottura and Nino di Costanzo. The atmosphere is fairy tale-like.
Enoteca La Torre
Lungotevere alle Armi, 23
Website
LA PERGOLA
The king of romantic Rome is German. His name is Heinz Beck, and his La Pergola (three Michelin stars) is the summit of refinement and romanticism. Although your wallet will be lighter, you will have enjoyed the satisfaction of dining and declaring your love in one of the best restaurants in Italy.
La Pergola
via Alberto Cadlolo, 101
Website
ADELAIDE
The new gourmet restaurant Adelaide is hosted inside Hotel Vilòn, a five-star luxury boutique hotel. Located in a former residence attached to Palazzo Borghese, Vilòn is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Adelaide is the perfect solution if you are looking for non-standard romantic dining. Its interior is the creation of one set designer, one photographer and one interior designer. The menu is by chef Gabriele Mauro, of Neapolitan origin. An intimate, relaxing cocktail can be enjoyed at In Salotto, the hotel's lounge bar.
Adelaide
via dell'Arancio, 69
Website