How does sipping Prosecco whilst overlooking the Trevi Fountain sound or perhaps enjoying a Bellini as you watch the sunset behind St Peter’s Basilica? Maybe a glass of wine as you adore the twinkling lights of Piazza Venezia on a dark evening in Roma?
Whether you’re looking for an aperitif on a terrace with friends, dinner with your lover and the setting sun, copious coupes of champagne on balmy rooftop decks or perhaps even looking for an intimate setting to propose to a soulmate next to Rome’s most treasured landmark – I’ve got you covered with this list of 6 rooftop bars and restaurants in Rome.
It’s so easy to get swept into the osteria’s on the vibrant streets of Rome as each waiter you pass by puts on their charm to draw you in. Of course you should experience eating on the pulsing terraces of Rome at least once but so much can be missed by not taking the opportunity to seek out higher ground. The skyline of Rome, much like most European cities, is comprised of low-rise buildings, many indistinguishable from the next with the exception of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks such as the dome of St Peter’s Basilica or Piazza Venezia.
My partner and I put together this list of rooftop restaurants and bars when we were planning our return trip to Rome in September 2021. We have visited each one, some more than once, and with my recommendations below you can expect:
Where each bar or restaurant is located
What views you can expect
Notes on the cuisine
The cost of drinks or dining
Open hours
Dress code
Read on for my list of 6 romantic rooftop bars and restaurants offering panoramic views of the city of Rome – best enjoyed at sunset.
1. Mater Terrae at Bio Hotel Raphaël
Mater Terrae is a rooftop bar and restaurant located on the 7th floor of the 5 Star Bio Hotel Raphaël. A standout feature of Mater Terrae is that the restaurant is vegan and vegetarian cuisine only. Mater Terrae prides itself on creating a menu that uses meat-free ingredients that have been sourced from independent suppliers and cultivated without pesticides to give you nourishing food that not only serves your body but the community too.
“If everyone avoided eating meat for one day a week, you can save 12 million animals and 910 square meters of forest in one year.” – Mater Terrae (based upon studies by the Italian Animal Rights Association).
If you’re not already accustomed to a vegetarian or plant-based diet then please don’t hesitate to dine here. Mater Terrae prides themselves on taking the ordinary and creating a contemporary culinary experience that tests the boundaries on how many ways the everyday vegetables we take for granted can be served. Take their Il Fiore e la Zucchina (The Flower and the Zucchini) dish for example, where courgette (zucchini) was served in four different ways within one dish: courgette flower stuffed with buffalo ricotta and fennel, a scapece-style courgette slice served on a bed of root vegetables in a tomato sauce and a tempura courgette with a, you guessed it, courgette sauce.
The rooftop bar at Mater Terrae, set one level lower than the restaurant offers views of Rome’s beautiful terracotta rooftops, whilst the restaurant, set slightly higher up offers views of both Piazza Venezia and St. Peter’s Basilica over in the Vatican City – both of which are beautifully lit at night.
Where is the rooftop bar in Rome in One Day on Netflix?
Want to know where in Rome they filmed the scene where Dexter meets is Mum at a stunning rooftop restaurant in the limited series “One Day” on Netflix?
That fabulous, Italian rooftop restaurant and bar rooftop in episode 2 of One Day is Mater Terrae. It can be found on the rooftop at Hotel Raphaël in Rome. Dexter is standing at the bar on the lower level watching his Mother flirt with a waiter at the top of the stairs of the rooftop restaurant.
PFH Top Tip: Spot some of the Bio Hotel Raphaël’s valuable collection of art throughout the hotel including Picasso ceramics in the lobby.
Location of Mater Terrae at Bio Hotel Raphaël
Mater Terrae rooftop bar and restaurant is located in the Bio Hotel Raphaël, opposite Piazza Navona, at the end with the water fountain of Neptune, Fontana di Nettuno.
The closest landmark to Mater Terrae is the Pantheon.
Largo Febo, 2, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Open hours for Mater Terrae at Bio Hotel Raphaël
Mater Terrae restaurant
Lunch: 12pm – 3pm
Dinner: 7.30pm – 11pm
Mater Terrae bar
11am – 11pm daily
Price of Mater Terrae at Bio Hotel Raphaël
€28 for antipasti
€32 – €36 for first course
€36 – €38 for main course
€16 – €22 for a cocktail
€10 – €16 for a glass of wine
€10- €18 for a glass of Prosecco/champagne
Drinks are accompanied by a seasonal selection of amuse-bouches.
Dress code for Mater Terrae at Bio Hotel Raphaël
Daytime: Casual.
Evening: Smart casual – cocktail dresses and men are required to wear trousers and shirts.
2. Adèle Mixology Lounge at Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal
Adèle Mixology Lounge is the rooftop bar within the 5 Star Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal in one of the most affluent areas of Rome. Nip up to the top floor for panoramic views of the city and one of the best spots to enjoy the sunset before heading down for an exquisite dinner in Mirabelle a few floors below.
Choose between signature cocktails or contemporary twists in some of the classics as you nibble on complimentary luxury canapés. On select evenings a DJ lights up the night as the sun goes down. Expect electric vibes and to be in the company of people you think might be famous – if only you knew more about Italian celebrities.
Location of Adèle Mixology Lounge at Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal
Adèle Mixology Lounge rooftop bar is located on the top floor of the 5 Star Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal in the Ludovisi neighbourhood of Rome.
Via di Porta Pinciana, 14, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Open hours for Adèle Mixology Lounge at Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal
5pm – 1am daily.
Price of Adèle Mixology Lounge at Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal
€25 for classic cocktails with a twist
€28 for signature cocktails
€25 – €34 for a glass of wine
€25 – €60 for a glass of champagne
Drinks are accompanied by a seasonal selection of amuse-bouches.
Dress code for Adèle Mixology Lounge at Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal
Smart casual – cocktail dresses and men are required to wear trousers and shirts. Sleeveless shirts for men will not be permitted. Men wearing jackets will comfortably fit in.
3. Mirabelle at Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal
Start your evening with a drink at Adèle Mixology Lounge, the rooftop cocktail bar located within the same hotel mentioned in number 2 on this list and follow it with a magical dining experience at Mirabelle.
“It’s a bit like the magic created by the film La Dolce Vita, we put Rome at the centre of the scene and we gather strength from her most noble spirit.” – Luca Costanzi, Manager at Mirabelle.
Mirabelle restaurant atop the Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal is without a doubt the most romantic restaurant on this list of rooftop bars and restaurants in Rome. Actually, it might be one of the most romantic restaurants I’ve ever been to. Picture cosy seating at tables on a terrace that looks out over Villa Borghese and Trinità dei Monti as the sun sets behind St. Peter’s Basilica. Tiny lamps give just enough light to make your date’s eyes sparkle but leave your table dark enough that you could believe you have the restaurant to yourself. A pianist serenades you as you enjoy as many courses as your waistline will allow, all of which can be individually accompanied by an expertly chosen wine found on the sommelier’s list, that could rival an encyclopedia.
Expect fine dining, exceptional service and a whole lot of tingly feels.
Location of Mirabelle at Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal
Mirabelle is located on the 7th floor of the 5 Star Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal in the Ludovisi neighbourhood of Rome, an area known for some of Rome’s most grand hotels frequented by some of the biggest names in Hollywood during the golden age of the silver screen.
Via di Porta Pinciana, 14, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Mirabelle is a quick walk from the centre of Rome and can be done in under half an hour, be prepared for a slight hill – the elevation rewards you in the end.
Open hours for Mirabelle at Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal
Lunch: 12.30pm – 2.30pm daily
Dinner: 7.30pm – 10.30pm daily
Price of Mirabelle at Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal
€95 for 2 courses
€120 for 3 courses – antipasti, first or second course and dessert
€130 for 3 courses – antipasti, first and second course
€145 for 4 courses
Dress code for Mirabelle at Grand Luxe Hotel Splendide Royal
Smart casual – cocktail dresses and men are required to wear trousers and shirts. Sleeveless shirts for men will not be permitted. Men wearing jackets will comfortably fit in.
4. Settimo at Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese
Settimo Roman Cuisine and Terrace is a bar and restaurant located at the top of Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese hotel. Michelin star chef, Giuseppe D’Alessio has created a contemporary Roman menu that honours the traditional cuisine of the city but with a fresh twist, each dish prepared is made with the seasonal ingredients sourced from its origin.
“Settimo avoids the cuisine’s obviousness, but it makes it distinctively Roman.” – Settimo.
Located atop the hill in the Ludovisi neighbourhood of Rome, Settimo offers panoramic views of the city including St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City.
Settimo can be enjoyed year around as in addition to the uncovered roof terrace there is an indoor restaurant where every table has a view over Rome. The restaurant is heated in winter and kept cool with air-con during the summer which is welcomed on scorching days as the restaurant has floor to ceiling windows.
Location of Settimo at Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese
Settimo is located on the 7th floor of the Sofitel hotel in the Ludovisi neighbourhood of Rome.
Via di Porta Pinciana, 14, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Settimo is located next to Mirabelle and therefore is also atop a slight hill from the city centre – something to keep in mind for choice of footwear.
Open hours for Settimo at Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese
Settimo Restaurant
Monday – Friday 5pm – 10.30pm
Weekends 5pm – 11.30pm
Settimo bar
Monday – Friday 5pm – 12.30am
Weekends 5pm – 12.30am
Price of Settimo at Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese
€15 – 18 for a cocktail
€13 – 17 for a glass of wine
€10 – 21 for a glass of Prosecco/champagne
Drinks are accompanied by an aperitif of bread and olive oil.
€17 – 26 for a first course (pasta)
€28 – 35 for a main course
Dress code for Settimo at Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese
Smart casual.
5. Garden Roof Trevi at Hotel Relais Fontana Di Trevi
Hidden in plain sight along Via del Lavatore just around the corner from the Trevi Fountain is Garden Roof Trevi bar at the top of Hotel Relais Fontana Di Trevi. The entrance to the hotel in so tightly nestled inbetween souvenir shops, a Gelateria and restaurants with terraces spilling out onto the street that no one could blame you for walking past it never knowing it was there. The only reason I knew it was is because I stayed here the last time I was in Rome.
Garden Roof Trevi bar is an uncovered terrace where three of the nine or so tables get a sneaky view of part of the Trevi Fountain. These tables can be reserved so reach out to the hotel to book one, alternatively you can arrive in the late afternoon before the evening crowd arrives.
To enjoy a drink with an unobstructed view of the Trevi Fountain take a look below at number 5.
Location of Garden Roof Trevi at Hotel Relais Fontana Di Trevi
The Garden Roof Trevi bar is located on the top floor of Hotel Relais Fontana Di Trevi on Via del Lavatore, to the left of Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio a Fontana di Trevi.
Via del Lavatore, 44, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Open hours for Garden Roof Trevi at Hotel Relais Fontana Di Trevi
Lunch until late.
Price of Garden Roof Trevi at Hotel Relais Fontana Di Trevi
€16 for a cocktail
Drinks are accompanied by an aperitif of crisps (potato chips) and peanuts.
Dress code for Garden Roof Trevi at Hotel Relais Fontana Di Trevi
Casual.
6. Terrace bar at Hotel Fontana
Hotel Fontana is the only hotel that is located directly opposite the Trevi Fountain which makes the Hotel Fontana’s terrace bar the only bar in Rome with unobstructed views of the Trevi Fountain. Enjoy a cocktail from a short list of classics, a glass of wine or Prosecco at sunset as the sun goes down and the fountain lights up. Watch as the reflection from the pools of water below dance across the fountain’s familiar faces as the ripples of water catch the light from the lamps within. Secretly observe the kisses, wishes, proposals and selfies along with the odd lover’s quarrel from above, as you would imagine the ancient Roman deities do every day.
The terrace bar at Hotel Fontana is somewhat of a hidden treasure. We stayed in Hotel Fontana for 5 days and didn’t know the breakfast room converted into a bar until half way into our stay. Operated by only one member of staff, when he’s not working the graveyard shift at reception, the opening times are unpredictable and ever changing – annoying or charming AF, you decide?… If staying in Rome I recommend popping into the hotel when visiting the Trevi Fountain to ask at reception when it will be open and if planning a visit then try and drop the hotel an email at info@hotelfontana-trevi.com.
Though the cost of drinks here at the terrace bar in Hotel Fontana aren’t as spenny as others on this list of rooftop bars and restaurants in Rome, the view does come at a cost. If you’re not staying at Hotel Fontana then there is a visitor’s fee of €20 to be able to enjoy the view of fountain from one of two tables facing it.
PFH top tip: If you want to propose to your lover in Rome and are considering popping the question at the Trevi Fountain then consider paying the €20 fee to visit the terrace bar at Hotel Fontana. It’s every bit as pretty but a little more intimate and as someone who has witnessed multiple proposals at the Trevi Fountain I can tell you intimate is something you will only get there in the wee small hours of the morning.
Drinks are accompanied by a rather large complimentary aperitif (which will help to take the edge off the €20 fee for the view) along with the most darling gift of a coin to throw into the fountain so that you may return to Rome one day.
PFH Fun Fact: Traditionally three coins must be thrown into the Trevi Fountain: the first is to return to Rome, the second is to find love and the third is to marry. Of course times have changed, along with values so I prefer to think of it as one to return to Rome, one to find self love and the third to live your life as you choose.
Location of the terrace bar at Hotel Fontana
The terrace bar at Hotel Fontana is located on the 4th floor of the hotel. As mentioned, Hotel Fontana is located opposite the Trevi Fountain.
Piazza di Trevi, 96, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Open hours for the terrace bar at Hotel Fontana
The open hours for the terrace bar at Hotel Fontana in Rome are totally dependant on who is working the desk at reception. You will need to contact the hotel to find out when they are open the week you intend on visiting.
Price of the terrace bar at Hotel Fontana
€15 – 20 for a cocktail
€15 for a glass of Prosecco
€20 fee for the view
Drinks are accompanied by an aperitif of bread sticks, crisps (potato chips), peanuts and olives.
Dress code for the terrace bar at Hotel Fontana
Casual.
Do more on & for the planet, Gabriella
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2 Responses
After planning a surprise trip to Rome for my partners 30th, I set about researching somewhere to take him for dinner. This post has been amazing in helping me book the perfect date night in Rome. I’d recommended anyone who is looking for travel insights to visit Postcards from Hawaii for beautifully presented, informative, and engaging content. Thank you! 🥰
Thank you so much Amy for this wonderful comment! I am so happy it helped you plan your date night in Rome, I hope you and your partner have a wonderful trip! Thank you for reading!!