Almatò

The 42 Best Restaurants in Rome

"Chef Tommaso Venuti may be lauded for his culinary prowess, but he’s also a dab hand at design, having studied architecture at university. His minimalist style is reflected in Almato, which he helped design. The space itself is pared back, with plenty of pale wood, blue steel, and sharp lines. Lighting is soft and the message is clear: you’re here for the food. With seating for just 28 people in the working-class district of Prati, this fine dining establishment is consistently packed, delighting a local, mostly Italian crowd who are excited to try Chef Tommaso Venuti’s boundary-pushing, multi-course land-to-sea menu.. The a la carte menu focuses on a land to sea journey, starting with appetizers such as scampi, radicchio and roots or foie gras, chestnuts, and red berries. The pastas include daikon tagliolini, but don’t leave without trying the standout risotto with orange zest and bitter Modica chocolate. The mains include creative combinations that work surprisingly well, such as the prettily plated duck, purple potatoes and lavender, and the lobster and artichoke, which is infused with rum. Alongside the a la carte menu, there are 5 (€75), 7 (€100) and 9 (€120) course tasting menus that change monthly." - Maresa Manara