IMÀGO

In the world of haute cuisine, there are restaurants where people go for the food, and there are places where they go for the atmosphere. IMÀGO a one-Michelin-starred panoramic restaurant located on the sixth floor of the legendary five-star Hassler Roma hotel is one of those rare places where both of these elements achieve a perfect, harmonious balance.

Perched at the very top of the Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti), IMÀGO offers guests not just a dinner, but a cinematic experience that immerses them in the history, culture, and flavors of Rome.

History and Heritage: A Restaurant with a View Across the Centuries

IMÀGO’s history is inextricably linked to the Hassler Roma hotel itself, which has been owned by the SwissWirth hotel dynasty since the 1920s. Overall, the Hassler’s rooftop has always been a special magnet for the world’s aristocracy, politicians, Hollywood stars, and artists. At various times, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, the Kennedys, and other iconic figures of the 20th century have relaxed here.

In 1956, Rome’s first panoramic restaurant, the Roof Restaurant Hassler, opened here. It was a revolutionary concept for its time: combining classic European service with magnificent views of the historic center. In 2006, following a major renovation and conceptual overhaul, the restaurant was reborn under the new name IMÀGO (which translates from Latin as “image,” “imagination,” or “reflection”).

The restaurant quickly won critical acclaim and has consistently maintained its Michelin star, remaining one of Italy’s most prestigious gastronomic destinations.

Panorama: Rome at a Glance

The main architectural and visual feature of IMÀGO is the enormous floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that frame the dining room.

From their tables, guests can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Eternal City:

St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican: In the evening, Michelangelo’s dome is illuminated by a soft golden light.

The Pantheon and historic rooftops: An endless sea of tiled roofs, bell towers, and domes of Roman churches.

Church of Trinità dei Monti: Located literally right next to the hotel, it creates a sense of immediate proximity to the architectural heritage of the Renaissance.

The Gardens of Villa Borghese: a lush green space that contrasts with the warm shades of ochre and terracotta found on Rome’s facades.

Tip for visitors: The best time to reserve a table is 30–40 minutes before sunset. You’ll be able to see Rome change colors from soft pink and gold at sunset to a deep velvety blue with thousands of evening lights.

Interior and Atmosphere

IMÀGO’s interior design is crafted not to distract from the main backdrop the city itself but rather to highlight it:

Mirrored elements: Strategically placed mirrored panels reflect the cityscape, creating the illusion that you’re floating above the rooftops of Rome, no matter where your table is located.

Lighting: Soft, focused, and intimate. It makes the space cozy and secluded without causing glare on the glass of the panoramic windows.

Textiles and Details: Fine dark wood parquet flooring, snow-white tablecloths, exquisite porcelain tableware, and classic crystal glasses create an atmosphere of timeless luxury.

Culinary Philosophy: Chef Andrea Antonini’s Signature Approach

Since 2019, the kitchen at IMÀGO has been led by Chef Andrea Antonini —a young and talented Roman who returned to his hometown after gaining experience at the world’s leading haute cuisine restaurants (notably the three-Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca in Spain and Arzak in the Basque Country).

Antonini has brought to the restaurant a fresh, avant-garde, yet deeply respectful approach to the Italian culinary tradition.

Key principles of IMÀGO’s cuisine:

1. A modern reinterpretation of Roman classics: The chef takes traditional recipes from Lazio and other regions of Italy (carbonara, cacio e pepe, seafood dishes) and transforms them into new textures, temperatures, and presentation styles, while preserving their authentic flavor profiles.
2. Seasonality and ingredient quality: The menu changes in accordance with micro-seasons. The restaurant uses farm-fresh produce from the Lazio region, fresh seafood from the Tyrrhenian coast, wild herbs, and local cheeses.
3. Visual Aesthetics and the Element of Surprise: Each dish is a work of contemporary culinary art. The presentation is often accompanied by interactive elements from the waitstaff and chefs, creating a theatrical experience.

Menu and Tasting Menus

The restaurant offers several conceptual tasting menus, as well as the option to choose à la carte dishes.

Seasonal tasting menu: emphasizes “here and now” ingredients from spring Sardinian asparagus to fall white truffles and wild mushrooms.

Desserts at IMÀGO are an exquisite conclusion to a gastronomic journey, where the art of pastry-making meets avant-garde design. Chef Andrea Antonini creates sweet dishes without excessive sugar, focusing on the interplay of contrasting textures, fresh seasonal fruits, wild berries, wild herbs, and local cheeses. Each dessert is presented as a minimalist sculpture, surprising with its balance of flavors, lightness, and elegant visual presentation.

Wine Pairing: The restaurant’s sommelier offers a custom-selected wine pairing for each course, allowing guests to discover new flavor nuances.

Enoteca: An Exclusive Wine Collection

The wine list at IMÀGO and the Hassler Hotel is one of the most extensive in Rome, featuring over 1,500 labels.

The hotel’s cellars house:

• The finest Tuscan and Piedmontese vintages: Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino, as well as legendary Super Tuscan wines (Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Tignanello).
• French classics: outstanding wines from Bordeaux and Burgundy, as well as rare vintage Champagnes.
• Small biodynamic and indigenous producers: a collection of rare wines from small family-run wineries in Italy that are hard to find on the open market.

Conclusion

IMÀGO at the Hassler is more than just a dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s an opportunity to see Rome in all its splendor from a bird’s-eye view, experience the highest standards of Italian hospitality, and savor cuisine that combines a deep respect for the past with a bold vision for the future.

For those seeking unforgettable experiences in Italy’s capital, a visit to IMÀGO will be one of the highlights of their trip to Rome.

Information

Address: Piazza Trinità dei Monti 6, 00187 Rome (6th floor of the Hassler Roma Hotel) | Hours: Dinner: 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM (we recommend checking the official website for the most up-to-date schedule)