Art meets appetite! On my recent holiday trip to Rome I was thrilled to visit the hottest new concept cafe launched by fine porcelain house, Ginori 1735, which has opened its first boutique and restaurant at Hotel de la Ville.  Fantastico! A fabulous feast for the eyes and palate with decadent tablescapes that change for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Café Ginori opened on December 8th, featuring a boutique and menu designed by Chef and Creative Director of Food for Rocco Forte Hotels, Fulvio Pierangelini. Café Ginori seamlessly blends the art of pottery, hospitality, and cuisine, offering an exceptional experience to be discovered…

Bold yet refined, playful yet sophisticated: Upon entering Café Ginori at Hotel de la Ville, guests are first greeted by the expertly curated boutique, where they can explore the pottery’s refined creations. Each unique collectible piece offers the opportunity to take home the unparalleled craftsmanship of Ginori 1735. Crafted by Chef Pierangelini, the gastronomic experience perfectly complements the porcelain collections that reflect the essence and style of Ginori 1735: Oriente Italiano (Italian Orient), Il Viaggio di Nettuno (Journey of Neptune), and Labirinto (Labyrinth).

Reflecting the atmosphere of Ginori 1735’s flagship boutiques, the fabrics and furnishings – from Maison’s “Domus” home decor collection create an elegant backdrop for Café Ginori at Hotel de la Ville. The pottery’s iconic patterns are paired in stylish and refined combinations and the brand’s icons become part of the Roman Café Ginori décor: from the “Oriente Italiano” wallpaper to the embroidered fabrics used on cushions, upholstery, and chairs.

Specialties of Chef Pierangelini’s dishes include scampi with caramelized Sciacca mango, artichokes, and Asetra caviar; cacio e pepe with lobster; and caesar salad with crispy chicken and seasonal truffles, and Dim Sum a Roma (above) which was my favorite appetizer. Café Ginori at Hotel de la Ville welcomes guests daily, from 10:30AM to 10:30PM, and offers a diverse culinary experience with three distinct menus: an all-day menu available until 7:00 PM, and a lunch and dinner menu, both enriched by daily specials that enhance the seasonality of local ingredients.

Drawing from Ginori’s handcrafted aesthetic, born from almost three centuries of effortlessly bridging design and daily life, the all day dining concept brings a dynamic twist to classic Italian cuisine artfully plated on Ginori’s signature tableware, bring colour, character, and joy to every course.

Hotel de la Ville opened in 2019 and stands as Rocco Forte Hotels’ Roman address on Via Sistina, alongside the renowned Hotel de Russie on Via del Babuino. The iconic 18th-century palace, perched atop the Trinità dei Monti, underwent a complete renovation under the guidance of architect Tommaso Ziffer and Olga Polizzi, the company’s Director of Design. Hotel de la Ville offers a contemporary cultural insight to the Grand Tour period in Europe, paying homage to the historic journeys of European aristocrats and nobles across the continent.

Rome’s bold new dining experience is a creative feast for eyes and taste. Experience the art of plating at Cafè Ginori on Via Sistina and take home a piece from the Ginori flagship boutique. Café Ginori is ‘the’ place to meet, play, dine, shop, and be inspired. Visit HERE for more details.