To get the most out of Rome, ditch the tourist traps and eat at these restaurants instead

The air is filled with the scent of sun-baked stone, fresh espresso and the sweet perfume of jasmine. Vespas dart through cobbled streets and a thousand conversations fill ancient piazzas. But away from the crowds and the iconic sights that you’ve seen a thousand times, a new energy is taking hold in Rome. One that positions style and luxury at its forefront.

Rome is no longer just a place to see, it’s a place to be seen.Credit: Getty Images

For more than 2500 years, Rome has held an irresistible lure for travellers, and so it continues to this day. But while most visitors will stick to the standard tick list – such as the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican – for those who yearn for a Roman holiday that blends grandeur with a new wave of contemporary luxury, the city has evolved to accommodate. It’s no longer just a place to see, it’s a place to be seen, with a vibrant new scene that proves La Dolce Vita is very much alive and well.

And leading the charge is Soho House Rome. Tucked away in San Lorenzo — a gritty, artistic quarter that is a world apart from the Rome of marble statues and tourist crowds — the latest outlet for the renowned private club and hotel has already become a hangout for the city’s bright young things.

True to its creative ethos, the space is packed with artwork (the Soho House art collection is one of the largest private collections of its kind) with an emphasis on pieces from local-based artists. However, it’s the rooftop pool and bar that are the undeniable heart of the hotel. Here, you can spend hours soaking in the sophisticated buzz, watching the city’s stylish set mingle over expertly crafted cocktails and dishes at the in-house rooftop restaurant, Cecconi’s Terrazza. Top tip: the wood-fired pizzas and their version of the classic Roman pasta dish, cacio e pepe, are must-trys.

Closer to the main attractions of the Eternal City, Palazzo Ripetta —a 17th century former convent and girls school in the heart of the well-heeled Campo Marzio neighbourhood — is now one of the most coveted check-ins in town. Sitting on one of Rome’s oldest streets with iconic sights, including the Trevi fountain and the Pantheon, just a short walk away, the grand, five-star, privately owned Relais & Châteaux property represents a masterclass in fusing old and new. Here, a wealth of contemporary artworks pepper common areas, contrasting with the enviable period details and unique historical features, including an ancient Roman sarcophagus turned water fountain.

Loading

The best way to experience Rome is to follow the rhythm of its days, and that means beginning with a stylish aperitivo. For an evening that flows from cool drinks to unforgettable dining, kick off at Palazzo Ripetta’s rooftop bar before migrating to its restaurant, San Baylon. The signature chef’s tasting menu serves refined Italian comfort food, with ingredients sourced from local producers in and around Rome’s Lazio region.

For the ultimate culinary indulgence, however, there is only one destination: La Pergola. The city’s sole three-Michelin-starred restaurant is not just a meal, it’s a gastronomic pilgrimage. Helmed by superstar chef Heinz Beck, the restaurant has been at the pinnacle of the city’s dining scene for decades and boasts one of the most extravagant tasting menus you can find in Italy.

Push the boat out and opt for the signature 10-course tasting menu, which comes with matching wines from La Pergola’s legendary 80,000-plus bottle strong cellar, and earn future bragging rights by nabbing a table on the outdoor terrace, which offers jaw-dropping, sweeping views across the Vatican and beyond. Mama Mia!