Giano

Tucked inside the stylish W hotel in Rome’s upscale Ludovisi neighborhood, Giano offers a refined Italian dining experience that manages to feel both luxurious and surprisingly accessible. The swanky dining room, complete with plush velvet chairs and sofas, sets the stage for what might be one of the best lunch deals in the Eternal City: a prix-fixe menu that delivers far more than its price suggests.

The experience begins before you even order, with a complimentary bread basket that could satisfy most appetites on its own. Imagine housemade focaccia with the perfect crispy exterior, artisan wheat bread from the legendary Antico Forno Roscioli, and flavorful breadsticks, all served alongside whipped ricotta drizzled with olive oil and dusted with ground capers. It’s the kind of generous touch that signals you’re in good hands.

The star of the show, however, is the spaghetto taratatà. This dish embodies everything great about Italian cooking: perfectly al dente house-made pasta bathed in a punchy combination of lemon, garlic, olive oil, and chili flakes. Crowned with toasted breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, tuna bottarga, and silky grouper carpaccio that tastes like it was plucked straight from Sicilian waters, it’s a dish worth crossing the city for.

Whether you’re looking to impress visiting parents, enjoy an elegant date night, or simply treat yourself to a sophisticated lunch in beautiful surroundings, Giano delivers on all fronts. The outdoor seating makes it particularly appealing during Rome’s warmer months, offering a refined escape from the bustling streets below.