Italy has always been known for its quality food, vast restaurants, and hotels throughout its cities. Rome specifically, as caput mundi, holds some of the most popular, elegant, and renowned hotels and restaurants in the world. One in particular caught our attention and our appetite: the Majestic Hotel, located in Via Vittorio Veneto 50, 00187.
The first time I entered the spectacular hotel, I had lunch with the owners: Gianluca, Andrea, and Nicola Violante. The room was a festivity of white and cream colors, with an elegant chandelier on top of the full buffet table. The restaurant is bright and quiet, thanks to the location. When spring comes and the sun comes up, do not worry; the Majestic has a terrace where you can enjoy the high quality food with your sunglasses on in the heart of Rome. While eating a delicious plate of eggs and asparagus, I listened to the hotel’s story. I got caught up into the classy atmosphere the restaurant emanates and discovered a little about the hotel itself.
The Majestic Hotel is the oldest hotel set in Via Veneto, going back to1889. Its location is a strategic one; it is walking distance from all sights, including the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Del Popolo, Villa Borghese, and so on. The hotel gives off an aura of elegance and luxury, with its classic, refined style that radiates Rome’s everlasting magnificence. The inn holds 98 rooms, which are incomparable to most of the hotels in the city. The hospitality and service are impeccable, always ready to help guests with anything they need.
As much as the hotel leaves you stunned, the restaurant is just as noteworthy. Also known as “Massimo Riccioli Ristorante Bistrot”, it is led by the able hands of the famous 30-year-old Sicilian chef Massimo Riccioli; known internationally as not only a great chef, but also as an event planner and restaurant consultant. Though Riccioli is Sicilian, he has a softer approach to food and does not enter into the stereotypical Sicilian cuisine. Growing up, Riccioli has always been surrounded by the ‘cultura del mare’, and its products. In fact, his father used to go directly to the boats that provided him with fresh fish; and the son has always had a specific mission to introduce great fish to both Romans and visitors.
“Più che amore per il pesce, il mio è integralismo ittico.”
– Massimo Riccioli
Massimo Riccioli is the owner of two renowned restaurants: La Rosetta and Riccioli Cafè. Inherited from his father and keeping the food traditional, yet modern; La Rosetta has been one of the most famous fish restaurants in Rome for years.
At the Majestic Hotel the atmosphere is a little different from his restaurants. Surprisingly the prices at the Hotel’s restaurant are not as high as expected. For years, the Majestic Hotel has been a classy, relevant, high-quality hotel, and even though it does shout opulence, the restaurant prices are affordable. The chef also offers a “complete packet”, from breakfast to dinner, including lunch and an aperitif based on oysters and champagne; something that is lacking in the majority of restaurants around the world.
