We’re excited about autumn for so many reasons: crips mornings, wool scarves, falling leaves, roasted chestnuts, soup, porcini… The list goes on.
But with the season’s bounty comes also a number of exciting new openings around town. In Rome alone we’re looking forward to visiting many cool new places that are opening, plus some others that have gotten a complete makeover.
Let’s start our list of new Rome openings with Pantaleo. This cocktail bar, wine cave and restaurant is the centro storico‘s brand new addition. All day long the staff at Pantaleo mixes killer Martinis, whips up delicious ceviche and other raw dishes, cooks a handful of creative dishes, and pours wines from its extensive wine cellar. Located in a small square at a stone’s throw from Piazza Navona, Pantaleo promises to become a centro storico must.
Lovers of Puglia and its stellar cuisine should not miss out on Orecchietteria Banfi. The brand new regional cuisine restaurant in Prati is owned by Lino Banfi, a popular Seventies and Eighties comedian from Puglia. On the menu of course orecchiette with cime di rape and other regional specialties such as panzerotti, friselle and assorted cheese and cured meat grazing boards. The decor is informal and there are lots of Banfi film memorabilia. The informal vibe is complemented by compostable flatware and no table service: customers are handed a small device that notifies them when their food is ready in the kitchen.
In Pigneto, the owner of one of our favorite wine bars is opening a new seafood restaurant called La Santeria di Mare. The large space features a lush garden for relaxed outdoor seating, and the menu includes fresh oysters, fritti and a sensational selection of biodynamic sparkling wines.
Giuseppe Di Iorio, chef of luxury Michelin star Aroma Restaurant has curated the menu and coordinated the launch of Doppio, a new fine dining spot located in Trastevere. The menu features creative preparations that employ only local Lazio ingredients. Think veal liver with scallions, green beans and tzatziki mousse; or slow cooked duck in toasted barley broth, served with sautéed vegetables and coffee foam. Fish lovers should not forego the sesame coated sea bass served with scallop buttered Brussels sprouts.
In Parioli, the historic 80 year-old Enoteca Bulzoni wine merchant will finally re-open its doors to the public on October 12 after a 6-month overhaul. Stay tuned for our full coverage of the grand opening at the press inauguration this week!
