Dinner with a View: The Best Rooftop Restaurants in Rome

Take to the heights at the best rooftop restaurants and bars in Rome

While the Italian capital isn't the tallest city in Europe, that actually works in its favour as it boasts a number of rooftop restaurants and bars in Rome with panoramic views over the skyline. Whether you're looking to catch a breath between sightseeing with an espresso, revive yourself before dinner with aperitivo or looking for decadence with Michelin starred menus, there's a number of rooftops restaurants in Rome to add to your bucket list.

Bramante Terrace, Hotel Raphael

Looking to get away from the crowds and bustle? Head upstairs to Hotel Raphael's Bramante Terrace, where you'll be able to drink in panoramic views of the Vatican, Castel Sant'Angelo and as much of Rome as far as the eye can see. With a killer wine list, cocktails and a food menu if you're feeling peckish, it's a great place to kick back and relax at the height of sophistication. It's not super well known and the terrace is quite small, making for an intimate experience you'll be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

American Bar, Hotel Forum

Step into another time period at the American Bar, where you'll be able to unwind with views over ancient Roman landmarks like the Colosseum, Altare della Patria and of course, the Roman Forum ruins from which the hotel derives it name. You don't even need to be a hotel guest to lounge around here and it's a gorgeous place for a date night, if you're in the mood for romance.

Casina Valadier

Located atop the iconic Villa Borghese, this tranquil bar and restaurant has breathed neoclassical life into one of the Villa's historical structures and has become a must-visit spot for those on the tourist trail. The menu's worth making the trek out with recipes such as beef tartare sprinkled with comte flakes, lamb with a truffle and caprino cheese crust and mixed seafood grilled to perfection. As it's up on high, you'll be able to see all the major sights stretching out across the horizon from St Peter's Basilica to Piazza del Popolo.

Aroma

If you like the finer things in life, Aroma over at Palazzo Manfredi is one of Rome's best fine dining destinations - with a gorgeous view to boot. With a Michelin starred seven course tasting menu primed for an indulgent culinary evening, it's a surprisingly modest set-up which lets the food and the unbeatable view over the Colosseum speak for itself. Come with a hefty wallet though, dining at Aroma doesn't come cheap.

Minerva Roof Garden

Another fantastic hotel bar on the list, the Minerva Roof Garden crowns the Grand Hotel de la Minerve located in the heart of Rome. Just a stone's throw away from sights such as the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain, it serves as both a restaurant and bar when the lights go down with traditional delights and more modern choices up for grabs. It's utterly chic with white jacketed staff keeping a beady eye out for those who need a champagne top up and a stellar view of sights such as the Pantheon.