Dining Above Rome: Hotel Eden’s Rooftop Restaurants
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Hotel Eden, near the Spanish Steps, is home to two rooftop restaurants with spectacular views of Rome that are worth experiencing. At Il Giardino Ristorante, where I dined, I enjoyed Italian cuisine and a sunset over the Eternal City, making for a memorable dinner.
Hotel Eden first opened its doors in 1889, when hotelier Francesco Nistelweck transformed an existing mansion into a luxury hotel with 63 rooms. As Rome grew into an international destination, the hotel attracted travelers looking for a refined stay in the heart of the city. Its location near the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese placed it within easy reach of many of Rome's most celebrated sights, while its reputation for elegant hospitality continued to grow.
In 1902, another floor was added to the hotel, along with the terrace that would eventually become one of its most distinctive features. The terrace was originally far less glamorous than it is today: it was used to hang sheets, towels and the hotel's embroidered tablecloths. Over the decades, Hotel Eden became a favorite among prominent visitors, including royalty, artists and international figures. The property today is part of Dorchester Collection and combines its historic Roman character with contemporary luxury.
Two Restaurants Above the City
The hotel's top floor is home to two distinct dining experiences: La Terrazza and Il Giardino Ristorante. Both offer spectacular views of Rome, but the atmosphere and culinary approach are quite different.
La Terrazza is the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Executive Chef Salvatore Bianco. Awarded its first Michelin star in 2025, the restaurant takes a sophisticated, creative approach to Italian cuisine, with tasting menus built around unexpected combinations, seasonal ingredients and modern techniques.
Chef Salvatore Bianco, Photo/Hotel Eden
Il Giardino Ristorante, where I dined, is more relaxed while maintaining the elegance you would expect from Hotel Eden. Its menu celebrates Italian cooking with a contemporary Mediterranean influence, including pasta, seafood, meat, pizza and focaccia. It is also the restaurant where the panoramic setting becomes particularly important. Located on the sixth floor, the restaurant has sweeping views across Rome, making the city almost another course.
Dinner with a Roman Sunset
If you are planning to dine at Il Giardino Ristorante, time your reservation for sunset. I was there in June, when the evenings are long, and watching the sun go down over Rome while having dinner was spectacular.
As the light changed, the city's rooftops, domes and historic buildings took on different shades, creating a constantly changing backdrop throughout the meal. In a way, the shifting sunset light and spectacular views paired beautifully with the food, much like a well-chosen wine.
For the best experience, check the sunset time for the date of your visit and book your table accordingly. I recommend arriving slightly before sunset so you can enjoy the transition from daylight into Rome's evening glow.
Dinner at Il Giardino
The menu at Il Giardino Ristorante is served for both lunch and dinner, offering plenty of flexibility depending on your plans in Rome. The cuisine combines Italian tradition with contemporary Mediterranean influences, while emphasizing seasonal ingredients and local flavors.
I started with two dishes that particularly stood out. The Aubergine Parmigiana is an Italian classic and one of my favorites. I also loved the Red Prawns Carpaccio with citrus fruit, a lighter and more delicate starter.
For my main course, I chose the Spaghetti “Caramella” with tomato sauce. The dish is a great example of how a familiar Italian staple can be transformed through technique and presentation while keeping the tomato at the center.
I also had the catch of the day, served with Swiss chard with lemon and roasted potatoes.
There are plenty of other dishes worth considering. The mixed pasta with mussels and yellow cherry tomatoes combines seafood with the sweetness of tomatoes, while the selection of pizzas and focaccias offers a more casual alternative.
Good to Know
Il Giardino Ristorante doesn't feel overly formal. You can enjoy beautifully prepared Italian food while taking your time, having a glass of wine and enjoying the beautiful view.
Request a table with a view and make your reservation around sunset. In June, the timing can make the difference between simply having dinner in Rome and watching Rome put on a show while you eat.
Restaurant DetaILS
Hotel Eden, Dorchester Collection
Via Ludovisi 4900187 Rome, Italy+39 06 478 121
La Terrazza
Cuisine: Contemporary Italian fine dining
Michelin: One Michelin star
Location: Sixth floor of
Hotel EdenPhone: +39 06 4781 2752
Website: La Terrazza
Il Giardino Ristorante
Cuisine: Italian and Mediterranean cuisine
Location: Sixth floor of Hotel Eden
Phone: +39 06 4781 2761
Website: Il Giardino Ristorante