Casina Valadier in Rome: Panoramic Fine Dining With Chef Massimo D’Innocenti

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 2/18/2020

Casina Valadier in Rome: Panoramic Fine Dining With Chef Massimo D’Innocenti

Built between 1816 and 1837 by Roman architect Giuseppe Valadier, the Casina Valadier has been one of the most resplendent villas in Rome representing the elegance and beauty of Neoclassism. It is located in the heart of Villa Borghese on the highest point of the Pincian Hill, in the midst of gardens, away from the bustle of the city. Throughout its 200 years of history, it has gone through different changes of hands withstanding years of decline and flourishment. Until the 1990s, it has been one of the most popular restaurants in Rome. Then in June of 2004, after going through extensive works on its Neoclassical interior of Pompeian-style paintings and frescoes, its original glory was finally reinstated.

Today, Casina Valadier is managed by the Montefusco family who are known entrepreneurs and founders of the Radio Group RDS. On the third floor of the villa, Ristorante Vista offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city through its large glass windows. It's an ambience that is uniquely treasured for the tranquility, elegance and its proximity to the central bustle of Rome at Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna. It is designed as a meeting point to enjoy the flurry of social life and on the contrary, as well as the serenity that some corners provide. Casina Valadier is the epitome of the perfect "Roman Holiday" where you can feel the charm of its history, enjoy the the splendid panorama through your own eyes, feel the warmth of its living rooms, enjoy the magic moments staying in the noble Roman villa and most especially taste the excellent traditional cuisine.

Upon entry there is the Chill Bar (open from 17:00 to 23:00, closed on Mondays) with tables and bar surrounded by the frescoed ceilings and walls. It's a place to have cocktails both before and after dinner. Outside on the same floor is Caffè del Pincio (open from 11:30 to 17:00, closed on Mondays), an informal outdoor panoramic bar with simple and healthy proposals for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. While on the upper part, the floor opens to Vista Restaurant, a refined place with a chamber of small dining rooms. Director Massimo Gallo and his staff make sure that everyone who enters Vista will have an unforgettable dining experience.

Vista Restaurant features Roman chef Massimo D'Innocenti who centers his kitchen to the gastronomic stories and search for optimum raw materials from artisan producers. He recreates Italian and Mediterranean gastronomy with special feature on Roman flavors, which depict his family's roots. He describes his kitchen with one key word: Humble. The message he wants to impart is that humility is the basis of every dish and with it, you can build something unique. The fundamental ingredients in his dishes are teamwork, love for the job and excellent products. His cuisine is very much Italian that has a clearly defined balance of very few basic ingredients. With his 30-year experience in the kitchen, he maintains a happy outlook both in life and at work which he proudly divulges. Indeed, a chef's mood replicates itself in the food that he prepares.

  The menu, with proposals of seafood and meat, is divided into Starters (€22 to €32), First Course of Pasta and Risotto (€22 to €26), Main Course (€32 to €38) and Desserts at €15. Tasting Menus for dinner are also available: Tasting 5 with five courses at €85, Tasting 7 with seven courses at €120 and Vegetarian with five courses at €75. Business Lunch proposals are also available at 2-Course Meal at €40 and 3-Course Meal at €55. The wine menu is as interesting as the food proposals. 