I have not eaten there but I've heard only good things about
La Pergola, Hotel Hilton, via Cadlolo 101. Phone 06 35091, near Vatican. From Scala Reale Website, June 2001: "This famous opulent restaurant has probably the finest view in Rome. The magnificent décor combined with the creations of the chef…have made La Pergola one of Rome's most important restaurants."
You can see the restaurant at www.hilton.com

I am unsure of the name, but there is a well noted restaurant that overlooks the Roman Forum when it is light up at night. If you or your wife enjoy ancient history you might want to check this out.

The rooftop of the Minerva (Sp? Minerve?) hotel near the Pantheon was great for me (us, party of six) for brunch in May of last year. I'm afraid I don't know about dinner/twi-light/after dark service there (surely yes).

And the latest issue of National Geographic Traveler focuses on 12 modestly priced HOTELS "with a view" - - even though I have my copy, I haven't read it all that much, and certainly not with thoughts of restaurant service at any of them. Some may be breakfast only, since they are more modestly priced places.

But I'll take a look for you.

Best wishes,

Rex

going up, for the view

William, For a special occassion and a view you might want to try:

La Terrazza (Expensive - in Hotel Eden)
Via Ludovisi (near Via Veneto)
Roma, Italy
06/478-121 phone
One of the highest rated restaurants in Rome with a sweeping view over St. Peter’s. Also has a wonderful bar where I had drinks with my friends one evening which prompted me to return for dinner later in the week. I always like to choose one expensive restaurant in a city just to have that 4 or 5 star treatment. The view was superb, the service excellent and the food was delicious. Although expensive, I could easily return here if I wanted to celebrate a special occasion or if I was with someone (very romantic vibe here). Buon appetito!

I have to second the motion on the La Terrazza restaurant atop the Hotel Eden. Great location, great view across the city, and wonderful to have dinner as the sun is setting. The view is really magnificent. There is another good rooftop restaurant with a nice view, though, on the top of the Forum Hotel.

God morning, William can second the
rooftop ristorante of the Hotel Forum,
its been many years but it was one of
the best highlights in Rome tho we have returned many times since.
Richard of LaGrange Park, Il.

Richard,

We'll be in Rome May 11 and 12 and had planned to try to have dinner at the Forum rooftop restaurant. Do you have an idea as to whether they will have outdoor dining on the roof at that time, or does outdoor dining usually start later in the season?

Le Terazza in the Hotel Eden is one of THE hot places in Rome with a view. The food is wonderful but very modern. Reservations are hard to get on short notice so plan ahead. Very close to the Eden (continue past Ludovisi on Pinciana) is the Hotel Splendide Royal which has a similar restaurant called Mirabelle on its top floor. Slightly more traditional food, great staff, also with a spectacular view. Ask for the last table on the right, closest to the private room. It's a table for two against the window in a little alcove.
Cost is about the same-about 200 euros for two. Enjoy the celebration wherever you go!

to the top of the maitre d's list!