Sofitel Rome Unveils Its Festive Table: A Blend of Italian and French Elegance

As the holiday season draws near, Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese has unveiled a sneak peek of its highly anticipated Christmas and New Year’s menus. The exclusive preview, held at the hotel’s Settimo Roman Cuisine & Terrace, introduced a festive dining experience that seamlessly combines the best of Italian and French gastronomy, crafted by Chef Giuseppe D’Alessio.

Located in the heart of Rome, with stunning views of Villa Medici and the Borghese Gardens, Sofitel Rome is renowned for its unique blend of French Art de Vivre and Italian style. This fusion is reflected in the holiday menus, which focus on high-quality seasonal ingredients, merging Italian culinary traditions with a touch of French influence to create a truly memorable dining experience.

Perched on the 7th floor, Settimo Roman Cuisine & Terrace offers panoramic views of the Eternal City, providing the perfect backdrop for holiday celebrations. From December through the New Year, Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese invites guests to experience the magic of the season at Settimo, where the warmth of Italian tradition meets the sophistication of French cuisine. These festive menus are a celebration of culinary craftsmanship and holiday spirit, making Settimo a must-visit destination for those seeking a refined and festive dining experience in the heart of Rome.

Festive Menus for Christmas and New Year's Eve: A Creative Fusion of Italian and French Flavors

Chef Giuseppe D'Alessio has crafted exquisite menus for both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, blending the best of Italian and French culinary traditions. Settimo has something for everyone, including special creations for children and vegetarians, ensuring all guests can enjoy the festive experience.

Top: Oysters alla Puttanesca   Bottom: Panettone with Foie Gras and Sarawak Pepper

The Christmas Eve menu opens with inventive appetizers such as panettone with gorgonzola and fruit mostarda, and panettone with foie gras and Sarawak pepper, offering a creative twist on traditional holiday flavors. The meal continues with refined dishes like red shrimp carpaccio from Mazara del Vallo, paired with fennel and seaweed dressing. For pasta lovers, the indulgent pumpkin fondue-stuffed triangles, enhanced with thyme, lemon, buffalo blue cheese sauce, and topped with freshly shaved black truffle, are a highlight. The main courses feature duck breast with mandarin gel, coconut crumble, salad, and purple potato purée, alongside sole and lobster bites served on a creamy potato mousse with spinach bon bon and white truffle. Vegetarians can enjoy dishes such as the crispy organic egg with black truffle, eggplant arancini filled with smoked provola and Valrhona dark chocolate, bigoli pasta with white truffle, and a crispy vegetable bundle with black truffle and a variety of sauces.

Top: Veal Fillet from the Apennines,Stuffed with Prawns and Asetra Cavi   Bottom: Seafood Risotto

For New Year's Eve, Chef D'Alessio presents a luxurious menu, starting with oysters alla puttanesca with black truffle and translucent langoustine. Other highlights include scallop carpaccio with seaweed mayonnaise, finger lime, and crispy ginger, followed by a rich seafood risotto with oyster foam and white truffle. The main course features the indulgent veal fillet from the Apennines, stuffed with prawns and Asetra caviar, served with a bisque reduction and Jerusalem artichoke cream. Vegetarian options include potato rösti with pumpkin cream, and the flavorful San Massimo Reserve risotto with white truffle.

Top: Red Shrimp Carpaccio from Mazara del Vallo with Fennel and Seaweed Dressing   Bottom: Beef Tartare with Truffles

 

 

Desserts and Drinks: A Festive Twist

No holiday feast would be complete without dessert, and Chef D'Alessio offers a creative take on the classic Bûche de Noël, transforming it into a delightful tiramisu. For those who prefer to stay away from alcohol but still want to enjoy the flavors of a cocktail, the festive “Settimo Red” mocktail, crafted by Bar and Restaurant Manager Dima Ciocia, is a refreshing, non-alcoholic option made with red fruits, lemon juice, pineapple, and cranberry. This mocktail offers the perfect balance of flavor for guests looking to enjoy a sophisticated drink without alcohol.

Bûche de Noël

To elevate the festive experience, Settimo Roman Cuisine & Terrace offers a range of specially curated aperitifs and wine pairings. Handpicked selections of Italian and French wines complement each dish, adding the perfect celebratory touch to the holiday season. For reservations and more details on the upcoming holiday menus, guests are encouraged to contact Settimo Roman Cuisine & Terrace at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese.

About Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese

Located in the heart of Rome and overlooking Villa Medici, Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese is housed in a recently renovated 19th-century Roman palace, redesigned by renowned architect Jean Philippe Nuel. The hotel combines the elegance of Italy’s Dolce Vita with the French Art de Vivre, offering guests a unique, immersive experience. Just steps from major Roman attractions, Sofitel features 78 rooms and suites, Settimo Roman Cuisine & Terrace, meeting and event spaces, and a fitness center. 

Note: Unwatermaked photos are by Pablo Deteresa

Settimo Roman Cuisine & Terrace

Address: Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese - Via Lombardia 47, 00187 Rome, Italy
Tel: +39 06 478021
Website: https://www.sofitelrome.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SettimoRestaurant