If you find yourself longing for a peaceful, elegant view over the dramatic skylines of Rome, enjoying simple yet elegant Italian cuisine, look no further than the The Dorchester Collection’s Hotel Eden, and their impressive restaurant Il Giardino.
The hotel itself sits unassumingly on a quiet street, yet conveniently in the heart of the city, and on entering you are greeted with all the luxurious decor you would expect from a Dorchester Collection, yet still intimate and welcoming. A quick elevator ride to the roof, the Il Giardino restaurant and bar has two very juxtaposed areas – a moody, sexy bar and lounge with deep hues and light furnishing, leading to an airy modern rooftop conservatory, with simple design that does its best not to distract from the floor-to-ceiling windows offering an unparalleled view of the city.
The cuisine comprises beautifully-presented Italian staples, with a focus on simplicity and wellness. Executive Chef Fabio Ciervo, recently recognized with a Michelin star for his efforts at the property’s sister restaurant La Terrazza, describes his guiding principles as “innovation, wellbeing, ingredients, taste and art.” His Masters degree in nutrition is evident in the dishes he creates, and no doubt attractive to the modern wellness tourist, who still wants a taste of Rome.
With dishes to suit every palate, stand out choices include the Courgette Blossoms stuffed with Ricotta, Fresh Fish Carpaccio, Marinated Artichoke and Baccalà Cod, and of course a Tiramisu – the sumptuous end to unwinding your evening in the bar, with a classic cocktail, soft live music and a stunning Roman backdrop.
Article & photos by Darren Darnborough.
Additional photos courtesy of Hotel Eden.