Hotel Hassler is one of Rome's most prestigious hotels, and it's played host to some names like John F. Kennedy, Federico Fellini, Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn.
The hotel is to Rome what perhaps The Ritz is to Paris or The Plaza is to New York.
An air of old-world class and sophistication, it's fitting that it also boasts one of Rome's most lauded Michelin-starred restaurants: Imàgo.
Imàgo's penne all'Arrabbiata will take you on a journey to Mumbai — Photo courtesy of HeartRome
Imàgo is more than an award-winning restaurant; it's a culinary journey and an ode to the extensive international travels of Executive Chef Francesco Apreda.
Apreda is young – by Michelin standards – and hails from Napoli. His travels and life have taken him to London, Tokyo and even Australia, and this influence can be seen and felt in his art.
In 2009, Imàgo was awarded one star by the coveted Michelin guide, and excellence is at the forefront of everything they do.
While the a la carte menu is impressive, the best way to enjoy Apreda's culinary prowess is to experience one of his tasting menus. There are two to choose from, and with each you'll experience the true essence of the chef's philosophy.
The Signature Dishes Tasting Menu features nine of the chef's signature plates and costs €140.
The Flavors of a Journey honors Apreda's travels. Each course will take you on a journey through London, Tokyo, Mumbai, Rome, Naples and New York. This 6-course menu is priced at €130, and the Vegetarian Tasting Menu goes for €120.
Each carefully and meticulously created dish will leave you speechless, from the Mumbai spiced penne all'Arrabbiata with fresh yoghurt to cool the palate to hints of Roman cuisine with a risotto Cacio e Pepe (pecorino and pepper) and a New York-inspired cheesecake with local berries and sour apple sorbet.
The wait staff bring spice jars to your table at the beginning of each course to heighten the sensory journey.
All meals at Imàgo start off with a selection of delicious amuse bouches and snacks from the chef, including a delicious buffalo mozzarella spread and breadsticks, crumbed quail egg with truffle and mini fried and stuffed zucchini flowers.
Tasting menus don't include wine, but the sommelier is on hand to help select some to match your meal or to pair a wine to each course for you from an extensive list of local and international labels.
Add to this a prized location in Piazza Trinità dei Monti – atop the Spanish Steps, with views of all of Rome – and Imàgo is what fine dining dreams are made of.