In a city that reveres food, a delicious meal in a good restaurant is something to be expected – but few establishments can impress as Aroma Restaurant does.  Located on the top floor of the exquisite five star hotel, Palazzo Manfredi, Aroma Restaurant capitalises on its unbelievable location and dedication to excellent service, resulting in a heightened dining experience.  On a recent visit to the Enteral City, The Luxury Travel Guide team were lucky enough to be invited to lunch at Aroma Restaurant – and rest assured that the ensuing experience remains a highlight of the entire trip.
 
The hotel is located within tantalising proximity of The Colosseum, the city’s most celebrated landmark.  However, this stunning backdrop could not be truly appreciated until we had ascended to the hotel’s roof top terrace, passed through cool and shady corridors and stepped into the sun-drenched stetting of Aroma Restaurant – there, spread out before us, proudly sat the ancient beacon, serving not only as the undisputed emblem of Rome, but reminding guests of the wonderful experience that was about to begin.
 
The restaurant itself was bathed in a cool breeze and offered a quiet and intimate setting; floating high above the busy streets below (an oasis in a sea of tourists) guests can fully immerse themselves in an exquisite dining experience.  Employing a soft palette of colours, fine linen tablecloths and simple yet elegant floral centrepieces, Aroma effortlessly exudes luxury without distracting from the view.  Like the other guests enjoying lunch around us, we were offered highly personal service from the professional and friendly staff, who were happy to provide their recommendations and insights.  Upon being seated, we were offered sparkling wine and a choice of still or sparkling water –and every time we drained a glass (temperatures that beautiful day soared to 32˚) they were refilled almost instantly. 
 
When we could finally tear our eyes away from the view, we were instantly captivated by the innovative menu.  Led by renowned head chef Giuseppe Di lorio, Aroma provides a classic taste of Italy, enhanced by a modern twist and an impeccable attention to detail.  An emphasis is placed on local delicacies; dishes are flavoured with herbs that are grown on the terrace balcony, whilst a delightful basket of warm breads was complimented by olive oil from the region.  As tempting as it was to feast on the choice of six breads offered (the focaccia was a particular highlight) we managed to resist and save our appetites for what was to follow.  Accompanied by an extensive and high quality wine list, the menu offers light starters, a traditional pasta course and both fish and meat courses; the medallion of sea bass was beautifully presented, whilst the fillet of Chianina beef in a red wine reduction was tender and perfectly cooked, proving that Aroma provides an enticing introduction to the best of Mediterranean cuisine.  However, the lunch tasting menu, featuring seven decadent courses (including Chianina beef tartar, skate fish ravioli and a black cherry and peanut surprise) allows guests to spend two hours indulging in a journey that will tantalise the taste buds.  Finally, the exciting dessert menu, offering inventive and exceptionally well presented treats such as soft lime meringue with cucumber granita and green apple sorbet, and rhubarb jelly with strawberry water-ice and yoghurt ice cream, provided a fresh burst of sweetness, the perfect way to finish off such a high quality meal.  (Demonstrating the pasty chef’s dedication to quality and authentic flavours, choices from the soufflé dessert menu must be ordered at the same time as mains.)
 
Although we lingered over coffee and wine, it felt like all too soon our experience was over.  Taking one final glimpse at the stunning view, we left Aroma Restaurant assured of the knowledge that it is certainly one of Rome’s finest dining experiences, and already eagerly awaiting our next visit. 

A lunch tasting menu at Palazzo Manfredi’s Aroma Restaurant, costs from €125 / £99 per person (excluding wine) for seven courses. 

For further details on Palazzo Manfredi please visit www.palazzomanfredi.com or contact at 0039 0677 591 38006.  

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