Rome Cavalieri is a Waldorf Astoria Hotel located on Rome’s highest mountain, Monte Mario. The hotel is famous for its spectacular views of Rome, especially at sunset and during the golden hour. La Pergola is the first Rome restaurant to receive three Michelin stars. Rome’s Best Tasting Menu, created by Chef Heinz Beck, showcases his artistic talent. This menu reflects the hotel’s dedication to art with its many public galleries.
No matter which direction I turn inside Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria HotelThe feeling of awe was overwhelming. The magnificence is reflected in the art that decorates the walls. A rare triptych of Giovanni Battista Tiepolo hangs in our lobby. The magnificence is palpable on the balconies of the hotel, which look out over Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Rome’s only three Michelin star-rated restaurant can be found here. La Pergola.
La Pergola represents more than the crown jewel for the hotel, it also represents the city. The restaurant has recently been renovated and reopened last year with an interior that pays homage the grand city where it calls home.
The new design, executed by Paris-based Studio Jouin Manku, cleverly tells the story of Rome—think terracotta hues that mirror the city’s rooftops, crystal chandeliers that allude to Roman rainfall, and a bar carved from travertine, the stone used for the Coliseum and so many Ancient Roman icons. You can tell that the design has unexpected elements, which serve as an appetizer to the dining experience. The Atelier Montex wall nook, featuring the designs of Heinz Beck’s favorite flowers and herbs, is my personal favorite.
La Pergola has a vast collection of more than 60,000 wine bottles. The cellar contains ultra-rare vintages. The wines are available in a 10-course tasting menu, which includes five wines (1200 euros for a couple), shortened seven-courses with four wines (1000 euros per couple), and à la carte. Premium beverages can also be found on a global water list, which includes mineral and bottled water from all over the world.
There are many different kinds of flock to Rome to get lost in its maze of frenetic trattorias, chef Beck provides a radically different approach to Italian cuisine—save for his signature dish, the Faggotelli La Pergola, an inverted version of Rome’s classic carbonara, where pouches of handmade pasta are filled with the cheesy, peppery sauce, creating a flavorful explosion with each bite.
Beck’s methods are often scientific, balancing flavor with chemical precision—so much so that his work is cited in Italian academia. The Bavarian chef’s main focus is on health and balance. His risotto for example is made without solid cheese or milk, but its creamy consistency is created through technique.
The meal starts with a series of artfully prepared small plates, a moment that sets the tone between the chef and patron. The tasting menu features local ingredients like Alba white truffles and Mediterranean red shrimp. When the final espresso hits the lips and the hands reach the drawers of the fantastic biscuit cabinet, it will be clear why La Pergola holds on to their Three Michelin Stars.
La Pergola may be the Rome Cavalieri’s most cherished work of artwork, but it is certainly not alone. The walls of the grand halls and suites are decorated with over 1,000 original art pieces from the hotel’s private collection. Public galleries are a great way to spend time before or after dinner. Expect to see paintings from the 17th century, like “Judith with Holofernes’ Head.” The Kiss marble statues,” The collection contains tapestries, including “The Triumph of Mars,” as well as the true treasure of the collection: the Tiepolo triptych.
Rome Cavalieri’s Tiepolo Bar is the perfect place for a nightcap. This bar is always alive with a live piano, and you can enjoy Tiepolo’s masterpieces from a front-row seat. The Art Collection craft cocktail menu draws inspiration from the hotel’s art collection. “Each drink is a liquid interpretation of an iconic work of art, crafted to evoke emotions and inspiration—just as a great artist does with their brush,” writes Angelo Severini, the chief mixologist. Drinks such as “A…Dollar”, which are found in the penthouse, represent the hotel’s private Andy Warhol “Dollar Signs” collection.
Rome Cavalieri is a lavish hotel with many amenities. However, the most memorable moments are those that occur outside. Atop Monte Mario (Rome’s highest mountain), the 15 acres of the hotel provide panoramic views of Rome. It is a reminder of both the magnificence of Rome and its stories.
