Rome on top: A rooftop tour of the city

Overlooking the Vatican, this Roman rooftop restaurant is located on the top floor of the Hotel Atlante Star. Aside from offering panoramic views of one of the world’s most famous buildings, Terrazza Les Étoiles utilises homegrown ingredients and that famous Italian style to serve up food so good that it would make even the most ardent atheist reconsider their beliefs. Meals can be paired with some of the best wines that Italy has to offer, and if you don’t fancy eating, the rooftop bar is considered one of the best in Rome for cocktails; their Negroni is a favourite, although if you prefer your cocktails a little less boozy, there’s still plenty on offer.

Set amidst stunning greenery and with sweeping views over the rooftops of the Italian capital, this rooftop restaurant and bar is part of the Hotel Raphael, which has been delivering the highest levels of service for over half a century. Mater Terrae is fairly unique in terms of the menu, too: meals here are a wholly vegetarian and vegan affair, and although they do not define themselves as an eco-hotel, their philosophy lends itself to those who are keen to live a green life, both in terms of food and how the hotel and restaurant have been constructed. Freshness, great recipes, and high-quality ingredients are the order of the day, something embodied by their pasta dish La Norma, a refined yet rich version of an Italian classic.

Many consider this gem to be the best spot in a city packed to the brim with outstanding hospitality venues, and it’s for good reason. This Roman rooftop bar and restaurant overlooks the Pantheon and offers views of numerous other stunning churches whilst delivering a top-quality dining experience to those who manage to nab a seat. It also happens to be a stone’s throw from the Spanish steps and Trevi Fountain, so is an ideal place to come and recharge after a heavy day of sightseeing. The Il Riso Vialone Nano (risotto with lemon and seafood) is a delicious treat, especially when paired with some of the local white wines. As always, if you just want something delicious to sip on, the bar is open to customers, and in the summer months extends to a massive terrace with sweeping views of the Eternal city.

This rooftop bar and restaurant is one of a few that overlook the Colosseum, but that fact isn’t even the best thing about it. Michelin starred, delivering on flavour and class, and intimate without being cloying, Aroma is a must visit on any culinary trip to the Italian capital. The outdoor terrace offers great views of where the gladiators used to battle, and the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whilst visiting at night for sunset is an incredible experience, it’s highly recommended to nab a spot for breakfast, although the view is inspiring at any time of day. If you do go later in the day, the tasting menu offers the best of Italian cuisine.

This rooftop bar and restaurant is one of a few that overlook the Colosseum, but that fact isn’t even the best thing about it. Michelin starred, delivering on flavour and class, and intimate without being cloying, Aroma is a must visit on any culinary trip to the Italian capital. The outdoor terrace offers great views of where the gladiators used to battle, and the restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Whilst visiting at night for sunset is an incredible experience, it’s highly recommended to nab a spot for breakfast, although the view is inspiring at any time of day. If you do go later in the day, the tasting menu offers the best of Italian cuisine.

Situated on the top floor of the Hotel Forum, this charming rooftop bar in Rome overlooks the former heart of the Roman Empire, The Forum. Top quality service combines with an outstanding drinks menu, offering everything from espressos to Long Islands. Aperitivo hour is a must here, with the bartenders and servers happy to suggest items that might fit your mood. It’s the sort of bar that would have inspired the passionate rhetoric that The Forum was famous for; once you’ve been, you’ll be raving about it for years after. The recent history is interesting, too; the hotel has been visited by the Dalai Lama and Jackie Kennedy. Their whisky menu is particularly wide ranging, which offers some diversity in a country where other drinks are usually preferred.

Situated on the top floor of the Hotel Forum, this charming rooftop bar in Rome overlooks the former heart of the Roman Empire, The Forum. Top quality service combines with an outstanding drinks menu, offering everything from espressos to Long Islands. Aperitivo hour is a must here, with the bartenders and servers happy to suggest items that might fit your mood. It’s the sort of bar that would have inspired the passionate rhetoric that The Forum was famous for; once you’ve been, you’ll be raving about it for years after. The recent history is interesting, too; the hotel has been visited by the Dalai Lama and Jackie Kennedy. Their whisky menu is particularly wide ranging, which offers some diversity in a country where other drinks are usually preferred.