Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Lodge, sits on Rome’s highest hill, Monte Mario. The property famously boasts a few of Rome’s greatest views, significantly throughout sundown and golden hour. Apart from this spectacular vantage level, the resort’s star is undeniably La Pergola, Rome’s first three Michelin star restaurant. Chef Heinz Beck showcases his artistry by way of Rome’s greatest tasting menu, which mirrors the resort’s dedication to artwork by way of its intensive on-site public galleries.
Regardless of the place I turned inside Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Lodge, I couldn’t escape the sensation of magnificence. It seeps by way of the tremendous artwork on the partitions, just like the uncommon triptych by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo that hangs within the foyer. It is palpable from the resort’s balconies that peer over Rome’s iconic landmarks. The magnificence may even be skilled by way of style, as it’s residence to Rome’s first three Michelin star restaurant, La Pergola.
La Pergola is extra than simply the jewel within the resort’s crown, it’s that to the town as properly. The restaurant not too long ago underwent a full renovation and reopened its doorways final 12 months, revealing an inside that pays homage to the grand metropolis it calls residence.
The brand new design, executed by Paris-based Studio Jouin Manku, cleverly tells the story of Rome—suppose terracotta hues that mirror the town’s rooftops, crystal chandeliers that allude to Roman rainfall, and a bar carved from travertine, the stone used for the Coliseum and so many Historic Roman icons. Upon additional inspection, you’ll be able to see the design is laced with sudden moments that function an amuse-bouche to the eating expertise. My private favourite is the masterfully embroidered wall nook by Atelier Montex, which showcases designs of chef Heinz Beck’s most treasured flowers and herbs.
The huge library of wine at La Pergola consists of greater than 60,000 bottles, together with ultra-rare vintages within the cellar. These wines may be explored by way of the total 10-course expertise with 5 wines (1,200 euros per couple), the abbreviated seven-course menu with 4 wines (1,000 euros per couple), or you’ll be able to select to order a la carte and drink by the glass. The premium beverage choices trickle into a world water menu, the place each mineral and bottled waters from world wide may be discovered.
Whereas many flock to Rome to get misplaced in its maze of frenetic trattorias, chef Beck supplies a radically totally different method to Italian delicacies—save for his signature dish, the Faggotelli La Pergola, an inverted model of Rome’s traditional carbonara, the place pouches of handmade pasta are crammed with the tacky, peppery sauce, making a flavorful explosion with every chunk.
Beck’s strategies are sometimes scientific, balancing taste with chemical precision—a lot in order that his work is cited in Italian academia. Most essential to the Bavarian-born chef is specializing in stability and well being. His risotto, as an example, is made with none milk or strong cheese, its indulgent creaminess created reasonably by way of approach.
The meal begins with a slew of inventive small plates ready tableside, an intimate, tone-setting second between chef and patron. The tasting menu is a tour of native components comparable to Alba white truffles, Mediterranean purple shrimp, and Italian veal. As the ultimate espresso hits your lips and your arms discover the drawers of a implausible biscuit cupboard, you will perceive how La Pergola has saved a agency grip on its Three Michelin Stars.
Whereas La Pergola is a gastronome’s most prized murals at Rome Cavalieri, it actually has its competitors. The resort’s non-public artwork assortment of over 1,000 unique items adorn the partitions of its grand hallways, foyer, and suites. The general public galleries make for an ideal second pre- or post-dinner. Anticipate finding Seventeenth-century work, comparable to “Judith with the Head of Holofernes,” marble statues like “The Kiss,” tapestries together with “The Triumph of Mars,” and the gathering’s true treasure, the aforementioned triptych by Tiepolo.
A nightcap is greatest served at Rome Cavalieri’s Tiepolo Bar, which is usually delivered to life with each a reside piano and a entrance row seat to Tiepolo’s masterpieces. The craft cocktail menu, referred to as The Artwork Assortment, attracts upon the resort’s numerous artwork items for inspiration. “Every drink is a liquid interpretation of an iconic murals, crafted to evoke feelings and inspiration—simply as a terrific artist does with their brush,” writes Angelo Severini, the chief mixologist. Drinks like “A…Greenback” characterize the resort’s non-public Andy Warhol “Greenback Indicators” assortment, which may be discovered within the penthouse suite.
Whereas it’s simple to get misplaced in Rome Cavalieri’s lavish facilities, a few of its most memorable moments come from exterior. Positioned atop Monte Mario, Rome’s highest hill, the resort’s 15 acres present sweeping views of the Everlasting Metropolis, a reminder that it’s each a spectator to Rome’s magnificence and the keeper of a few of its best tales.