It’s often touted as Rome’s most prestigious eatery, the town’s only 3-Star Michelin as of print located of the main lobby of what could be the world’s best Hilton hotel, albeit now branded Waldorf Astoria. Perched in a picturesque dining room surrounded in glass with views of the city below, fine paintings like a rare Aubusson tapestry and Sèvres porcelain with hand-blown glass by Emile Galle are yours at least temporarily during the course of a three-hour of so meal. At the center of the room is an imposing 17th century Celadron vase that features a new floral composition created by the hotel’s master florist daily amongst 18th century bronze candelabras that extend onto a candlelit terrace that is picture perfect most summer nights.
The Food
Executive Chef at La Pergola since 1994, Heinz Beck leads one of the world’s most-touted dining experiences beginning with a seasonally rotating menu of appetizers like duck terrine with smoked apples, crispy bread cannoli with sea bass pr carpaccio of red shrimp with tomato mousse. First courses include deep-fried zucchini flowers with caviar, spaghetti with limey white shrimp, and tangerine risotto with scampi. Main course includes black cod on chickpea puree, turbot with shrimp on cuttlefish ink or duck liver escalope with crisp pigeon that’s not for the gourmet novice.
Last Word
Adjoining La Pergola is a private Cigar Lounge for restaurant guests with vintage liqueur and collection of Oriental paintings.
