On the terrace of the Sina Bernini Bristol, with breathtaking views of Rome, Il Vizio combines elegance, Italian cuisine and refined Japanese touches by chef Nagano Tetsuo. Between impeccable sushi and creative dishes, the gastronomic offerings are at their best when paired with fine wines in a charming setting with impeccable service. Vignadelmar tells us about it.
A rooftop in the heart of Rome
Roman catering is gradually developing not so much at the roadside as in the many city rooftops. Rooftops that are often the preserve of hotel realities that are important and that are investing heavily in quality and beauty.
Among them, right on Piazza Barberini, the Sina Bernini Bristol Hotel, on its own terrace-with spectacular views of all of monumental Rome-created Il Vizio restaurant. The restaurant, indoors and also open in winter, occupies only part of the terrace. The rest is outdoors, free, to hold parties, parties, aperitifs, with tables that, during the long and beautiful Roman summer season, easily fill up.
Italian cuisine with Japanese soul
What makes it even better and more interesting is that the kitchen is ruled by a very talented executive chef, Japanese Nagano Tetsuo, who manages to impart an oriental character to what then remains an exquisitely Italian cuisine, as well as offering, of course, splendid sushi and sashimi dishes, perfectly executed.
Great tasting and pairings
In my last visit, on the occasion of a nice tasting of the very good Tuscan winery Castello di Ama, the pairings created were perfectly centered, even for their slight exotic touch.
Before dinner aperitif, on the terrace, with various amouse bouche and the Purple Rosé 2024, Toscana Igt
An unforgettable menu
We started with a semi-territorial Tuna tartare with puntarelle and caviar; paired with Pinot Noir Il Chiuso 2022, Toscana Igt.
Then some tortelli stuffed with the delicious Japanese wagyu meat seasoned with a sukiyaki sauce. Paired with Toscana Igt Haiku 2018.
To rapturous applause was the pairing of the monumental L’apparita 2009, Toscana Igt, from magnum, with the Rollatina of mallard, foie gras, pistachio and truffle: one of the best things eaten, not only recently.
We concluded with a Millefeuille 2.0, with Vin Santo cream and salted caramel. Paired with Vin Santo del Chianti Classico Doc 2017.
Atmosphere, service and spectacular view
It is only fair to spend a few words to describe the luxurious decor, the right soft lighting, the beautiful open kitchen and, absolutely not secondary, a warm room service, of perfect and measured courtesy, led by Leonardo Callipo, director of the restaurant and very good and experienced sommelier.
An evening that closes in the sign of beauty
Once we left the hotel, just across the street, I stopped to admire the newly restored 17th-century Triton Fountain, precisely designed by Bernini. After the restoration, one can safely say that it shines, as good as new, perfectly lit. A true spectacle, a beautiful way to end an already very pleasant evening.
