markwill12

I'm looking for a special place for the evening of our 25th wedding anniversary. We will be in Rome as part of a 2 1/2 week Paris -> Rome -> Tuscany -> Paris trip. My criteria are fantastic food, a very special view and a budget of, say, $400.

The view is an important part. I'm looking for something, given the occasion, that is very, very memorable.

Any suggestions?

Thanks.

fmpden

I know a couple of really nice restaurants in Rome but none with a view. Most are set in old building and sometimes in the basement. You might look at some of the high end hotels that have roof top restaurants.

ekscrunchy

You are limiting yourself very much in the quest for a view. You will pay much more for the view and, as almost always in urban settings, not always receive the best food for the price.

Can you not have drinks with a view and then dine at a non-view restaurant?

markwill12

Thank you for the responses. Can I clarify what you mean about the extra cost for the view? Are you just saying that if I want a great view I will pay more for that (I'd fully expect that and I am prepared to do so, if it's truly special)? Or are you being a bit more specific and saying that such an experience would cost much more than $400?

I have never been to Rome so really don't understand how "view worthy" it is but every major city I've visited has had some opportunity for great views and, at a price, there are restaurants to take advantage of that. The two responses I've received so far would seem to suggest that the "great view" criteria is a little more difficult to address in Rome. Am I reading that correctly?

Mark

jamikins

Many cities offer great views because their buildings are very tall...Rome buildings aren't that tall in the centre. I think they meant you will pay for the view (at probably a hotel restaurant) and probably get ok food rather than paying for great food but no view...

jamikins

This may help

http://dinewithaview.com/view-restaurant-Rome.htm

Rome doesn't have the tall buildings some cities have with spectacular views...I think people mean you can find places with a decent view but the food will be average and you pay a lot due to the view, rather than paying for great old with no view.

markwill12

Thank you, Jamikins. Much appreciated.

markwill12

By the way, I am guessing Florence would be a little more "view worthy", right? We have a single night there at the end of the Tuscany part of our trip so I will be researching that too.

jamikins

Hmmm not sure about that...the buildings there are not very tall either! The medieval layout of these old towns was not made for great views.

In Florence you may want to take a taxi up above to the town above,..I can't remember e name but will look at a map. You will get nicer views there...

HappyTrvlr

We celebrated a special birthday in Rome at Michelin starred Imago at the top of the Hotel Hassler. Views of the flood lit anitquites spread out in the city below made for a very special evening. The Hassler is located at the top of the Spanish Steps.

jamikins

You may want to check these out but I have no idea if the good is decent

http://www.hotelbaglioni.it/florence...-florence.html

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTop...e_Tuscany.html

kybourbon

If you scroll down this link, there are pics/descriptions of the various rooftop restaurants in Rome (some of the info may have come from jamikins website link?).

http://www.roninrome.com/%20shopping...urants-in-rome

>>>Are you just saying that if I want a great view I will pay more for that (I'd fully expect that and I am prepared to do so, if it's truly special)?<<<

If you sit inside, you may pay one price, if you sit outside with a view including ground level (piazza view), a different price is often the norm (perhaps not in the higher end, but is true of many restaurants in Rome). Even buying coffee somewhere, paying and standing at the counter is cheaper than sitting at a table (another price) or outside (a higher price).

Pepper_von_snoot

The garden restaurant of the Hotel de Russie has a a marvelous view of the Borghese Gardens.

There is a restaurant on the V. de Trinita dei Monti between Pincio Balcony and the Hassler Hotel that has a fabulous view of Rome.

This restaurant is not a fancy place, however, although you do see well-heeled Romans having lunch here, their cars/drivers waiting for them at the curb outside.

I will try to remember the name and report back.

There is a small restaurant with outside seating across from the Hassler and right next to the Spanish Steps. You could dine here, then walk along the V.Trinita dei Monti to the Pincio Balcony for the best views in all of Rome.

Thin

Elizabeth_S

Jamikins -- Fiesole?

markwill12

HappyTrvlr - that looks very promising on first glance Thank you.

Jamkinins - thanks again.

Kybourbon, thanks for the comments. Yes, I am aware of the potential to pay extra for a view. Given the occasion, I have no problem whatsoever with that. If I can't justify a little extra for our 25th wedding anniversary....

Thanks all for the suggestions. I am getting more optimistic now that there's a good option somewhere in Rome.

sandralist

I'm surprised so many people equate a "view" with tall buildings. The views in Florence and Venice are some of the most iconic in all of Italy -- Europe, really! -- and places with a view of St Peter's in Rome, or a beautiful fountain or piazza are highly prized.

While I consider a view to be open to more possibilities than looking down, everybody is entitled to their own idea of what's romantic, and here are some other people's lists for Rome:

http://blog.forbestravelguide.com/ro...ic-restaurants

http://www.eatingitalyfoodtours.com/...laces-in-rome/

http://www.theamericanmag.com/articl...le=2749&p=full

Pepper_von_snoot

The restaurant on the V. Trinita dei Monti is Ciampini Ristorante.

You can see photos and reviews at Trip Advisor.

Thin

sandralist

(As for my list, the Bramante Terrace atop the Raphael Hotel might be my pick, especially with a room to go with it

http://www.raphaelhotel.com/the-terr...el-in-rome.htm

sandralist

markwill12,

I really think most of these comments about no tall buildings means no views or paying more to sit outdoors are really not applicable to your situation. Thousands of honeymooners, lovers and people celebrating weddings and anniversaries descend on Rome every year and dine in romantic restaurants with views -- rooftop views, piazza views, view of ancient ruins, views of magnificent churches, views of fountains and angels on high. There are just loads of romantic and memorable views for you to choose from.

markwill12

Sandalist, I am so pleased to read your comments. I must admit that I was kind of confused and a little disappointed that the preference for a view at a great restaurant was potentially problematic in Rome. Having never been there I really didn't have a lot to go on but your comments and some others (since the suggestion I am limiting our options greatly by wanting a view) have renewed my excitement to find such a place.

Thanks again.