I will be in Rome New Year's Eve 2004 and would like a fine dining restaurant to celebrate 2005! Is their a good place to be to bring in the New Year like a Times Square in New York?

I hope that my recommendation of Vivendo - - in the hotel St. Regis - - will not be regarded as "suspect" (wink... to ira). Search on the name for a glimpse at the controversial thread that I'm referencing in my insider comments...

I'll be interested to see what other restaurants propose. I believe that Zagat rankings give the highest marks to Vivendo.

I have no personal experience (nor have I ever heard of any such a place) for public New Year's Eve festivities in Rome. That doesn't mean that they don't exist.

Best wishes,

Rex

You might want to try La Pergola. While it will be away from crowds (I also am not sure of "out-door activities in Rome on New Year's eve), it will have a great view and great food.

Friends of mine a couple of years ago had what they said was a lovely and expensive dinner in the roof-top restaurant of the hotel Eden, top of the Spanish Steps.
Others have recommended La Pergola, the restaurant in the Hilton.

Bringing your message back up "to the top" - - since this (and one other post on another forum) are your first here on Fodors.

And as a newbie, you might not know how I can tell this - - click on your own name.

Two years ago we ate at two Michelin one-stars, Il Convivio and La Rosetta. We had the ?? course tasting menu at Il Convivio which was excellent. The place itself is very formal but as two 30s/40s couples we enjoyed it. (This was the first time I'd come across the handbag stool !) The seafood at La Rosetta was very good but the restaurant is not at all smart, so maybe wouldn't offer the 'fine dining' ambience you're after. I would go back to both.