Bonnie Carroll's Life Bites - Travel Adventures

A delightful surprise while visiting Rome during my birthday week was a special lunch with two dear Roman friends who whisked me away to the top of the Atlante Star Hotel to an amazing restaurant-bar, located walking distance from the Vatican in Prati district. The 360-degree view from the rooftop of Terrazza Les Etoiles was spectacular, on the left was the exquisite Vatican and, on the right, the Castle Sant’ Angelo.

The staff at Les etoiles were charming; Italian’s are always charming and never rushed us as we sipped wine and perused the menu for something we liked. This dream dining venue is owned and operated by the second generation Menucci family, brothers Federico, Roberto and Francesca. This luncheon was one of those special situations you wanted to continue in forever, an unexpected but longed-for reunion that could only be too short no matter what the circumstances.

The Gastronome-Pranzo (lunch) menu items I selected were carpaccio di spagnola, a sea bass carpaccio on crunchy salad and mango sauce that was simply outstanding, and my entrée selection was carbonara pasta with prawns, rich cheese, cherry tomatoes and saffron that was rich and so delicious. Grazie Miele to Chef William Anzidi. The tiramisu and dark chocolate dessert is a specialty at this venue in heaven. The wine list was impressive and filled with fine French, and Italian wines from every region in Italy.

It was so comforting savoring this fine Italian lunch as we talked of so many happy occasions, and shared memories, and many new experiences we had been going through, how Covid played a serious role in people’s lives in Italy, as well as America, and it was good to know we had all survived it, and we were so grateful we were all alive and striving to be our best version.

Too quickly I had to leave to catch my Viking bus back to the Jupiter ship I was cruising on through the Mediterranean, but before leaving we climbed up to the very top level of Les Etoiles to take photos on the rooftop, which is seen above in the photo. I loved the food, hospitality and divine location of this beautiful eatery, which was three floors of the hotel with a rooftop area filled with white covered fabric chairs and balconies filled with colorful flowers surrounding the dining area. The enclosed restaurant-bar, surrounded with an open patio view on the second level, and a magical formal dining room on the first level, where a baby grand piano stood, and I assume musicians entertain guests for romantic evening dinner enjoyment.

Reuniting with people you love is so precious and this was an amazing three hours for me in Rome with dear friends. I hope to return to this chic and cozy restaurant bar, where everywhere you look your eyes are filled with the beauty and light of Roma. I would love to spend more time with friends on my next visit.

I truly enjoyed sharing this delightful experience with you my readers and hope you might make a reservation at Terrassa Les etoiles where you can savor the finest Italian cuisine on your next Roman holiday. Ciao Bella!

Contact +39.06686386 or info@terrazzalesitoiles.com to make a reservation. Restaurant hours are Mon-Sun 12.30-15.00 Rooftop Bar Mon – Sun 10.00 – 24.00. Atlante Star Hotel.