Breaking from the traditional trattoria menus that dominate so much of Rome’s restaurant scene, Hotel de la Ville stands out as something entirely different. We spoke to General Manager Francesco Roccato to hear more about the hotel’s six bars and restaurants, which offer a variety of experiences from contemporary Roman dishes to ambitious international fusion cuisine.
On the ground floor of Hotel de la Ville, Italian trattoriaDa Sistina offers cappuccinos and croissants from the early hours, an all-day menu of contemporary Roman dishes and pre- and post-theatre menus for those visiting the eponymous theatre across the way. As General Manager Francesco Roccato puts it, “It’s important to cater to locals as well as visitors, with sophisticated yet simple cuisine”.
On the second floor, destination cocktail bar Julep is anything but traditional. The inspiration for this bar lies in the 13th-century Via delle Spezie (Spice Route): “Spices were brought to Rome from India, Persia etc. via Venice, and we’ve created a story around that.” Julep offers delicious, innovative cocktails such as the ‘Silk Route’ and the ‘Long Journey’ alongside a carefully-curated range of spirits, wines and herbal liqueurs.
Sharing the second floor on the courtyard side is flagship fusion restaurant Mosaico. “Here, chef Fulvio Pierangelini has created an Italian menu influenced by all the herbs, spices and flavours the ancient Romans brought back from their empire,” explains Roccato. The menu infuses local produce with culinary flourishes drawn from Africa, the Middle East and the Balkans, including za’taar, hummus and rum-marinated bananas.
Spread across the sixth and seventh-floor terraces, rooftop bar Cielo features fiery lanterns that enhance the exceptional view. “It’s a terrace where you can bring the young in spirit, and not just the jeunesse dorée,” explains Roccato. A versatile space, guests can savour small plates and a glass of wine or sangria during the day, a delicious dinner and flaming cocktails in the evening, and DJ sessions after sundown. The most unique aspect: “Italian dim sum. Typical Oriental dim sum, but filled with Italian flavours such as carbonara, or fava beans and pecorino cheese.” A far cry from your typical bowl of olives.
To find out more about the exceptional new dining destinations at Hotel de la Ville, please email reservations.delaville@roccofortehotels.com or call +39 06 32 888 880.
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