Where Pizza Meets Cocktails in Rome: VICO and Salotto 42 Redefine the Pizza Experience

Posted by Rowena Dumlao Rowena Dumlao - Giardina 1/17/2025

Where Pizza Meets Cocktails in Rome: VICO and Salotto 42 Redefine the Pizza Experience

Beer has long been the classic pairing with pizza in Italy, but over time, wine has emerged as the choice for those seeking a more refined and nuanced experience. VICO Pizza&Wine takes this evolution even further, introducing an innovative concept that blends gourmet pizza with the artistry of mixology. In collaboration with Salotto 42, a renowned destination for creative cocktails just steps away, VICO redefines the dining experience with its Pizza Lounge, where classic flavors are elevated through innovative craftsmanship in a captivating setting.

VICO’s playful side shines every Thursday with ‘O cuoppo & Co., a sophisticated nod to Neapolitan street food, featuring cones of fried delicacies like crocchè, mini supplì, and pasta frittatine. This creative twist on classic flavors adds a unique dimension to the dining experience, making VICO a must-visit destination in Rome. Guests can enjoy aperitifs, lunch, or indulge in after-dinner drinks, with Thursdays offering DJ sets, signature cocktails, and an expansive dessert menu, ensuring a vibrant and unforgettable visit.

The by-the-glass wine selection is thoughtfully curated for streamlined pairings, while the eclectic cocktail list, crafted by Salotto 42 and expertly led by Vincenzo Mangiola (on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays) and Valentina Vari, highlights premium spirits and all-natural ingredients. With many house-made preparations, these inventive beverages perfectly complement the cuisine, delivering an exceptional dining experience.

VICO Pizza & Wine: Tradition Reimagined

Located at Piazza Rondanini 47, VICO Pizza&Wine is the creation of Antonio Palumbo, a member of the esteemed De Angelis family, known for their luxury hospitality ventures like J.K. Place Capri and La Residenza. Housed in a magnificent 16th-century Renaissance building, VICO was conceived as a modern reinterpretation of the traditional Italian pizzeria. Antonio envisioned a space where high-quality ingredients, expert craftsmanship, and warm hospitality come together to offer an unforgettable dining experience.

Antonio Palumbo

Renovated by Studio Rpm Project under Roberto Antonbenedetto, VICO’s design marries historical splendor with contemporary elegance. The space features 170 square meters of lacquered Sicilian cart-style wood paneling, designed by Ernesto Basile in 1908, a striking Art Nouveau chandelier, and vibrant wallpaper inspired by the alleys of Naples. The wood-fired oven, handcrafted by Vietri artisans, showcases a mosaic dome reflecting Amalfi Coast patterns, while custom Villeroy & Boch plates featuring the red ladybug “coccipizza” symbolize good luck and Neapolitan hospitality.

The team of pizza chefs, led by Ciro De Vincenzo (not pictured)

As Antonio Palumbo explains: “At VICO, the values of good wishes and Neapolitan hospitality blend with the traditional and pop approach to pizza, a synthesis of simplicity and excellence. Informal elegance, to put it in two words. VICO has a different pace compared to traditional or even modern pizzerias. It is a new concept, combining top-quality ingredients, a chic ambiance, and warm, casual service, a mix of food, environment, and hospitality that makes the experience unforgettable.”

The Menu: Creations by Talented Pizza Chefs

VICO’s menu is led by the talented pizzaiolo Ciro De Vincenzo, trained under the legendary Enzo Coccia. With 21 pizzas on offer, the menu ranges from classics like the Diavola to innovative creations like the Genovese with tuna and the Siciliana, showcasing Ciro’s mastery of dough-making. His process, which includes precise hydration and 24-hour temperature-controlled leavening, ensures a pizza with a golden crust that is both tender and aromatic. Seasonal variations keep the offerings dynamic, while fried delights like Piscitielli and Montanarine add a playful nod to Neapolitan street food.

The dessert menu, crafted by rising pastry star Sofia, mentored by world pastry champion Ciro Chiummo, offers indulgent options like the whimsical Coccinella and the classic Delizia al Limone. Complementing the menu is an extensive wine list of over 100 labels and a cocktail program curated by Salotto 42, providing expertly paired drinks to elevate the dining experience. At VICO, every dish, drink, and detail comes together to create a memorable journey through Italian culinary artistry.