Located on the sixth floor of Hotel Eden, it’s a restaurant where you can gaze on the Eternal City

As you walk into the Hotel Eden, a Dorchester Collection hotel in Rome, you notice the ornate lobby. Small yet quaint, it’s inviting and familial. My purpose this visit was to dine at Il Giardino Ristorante. With a new executive chef and the renowned views of the Eternal City that I’ve been hearing about over the past months, I made my way up to the 6th floor, stopping first on the 5th floor to wash my hands before dinner. Instead of taking the elevator one floor up- if you opt to wash your hands, take the scenic view, the stairs, and walk past the black and white images of Hollywood actors.

The hostess greets you and directs you to the dining room. The first thing you notice as you walk to your seat are the stunning views of Rome, and they’re even more mesmerizing as you’re seated. Serving an all-day menu, the waiter brings a drinks menu and snacks of olives, potato chips, and smoked almonds are placed before you. The mocktails are just as tasty as the cocktails.

The menu palette is Mediterranean with classical Italian and Roman inspiration.  Salvatore Bianco was appointed Executive Chef in April of 2024. With a resume that spans Italy, Bianco has worked previously in Rome and Naples, bringing a wealth of knowledge with him to Il Giardino Ristorante.

Appetizers: bar snack, welcome treat, limoncello spritz cocktail, and a selection of cheese and meats | Photo Credit: Seele Magazine

Start off with an appetizer from the Delicatessen section of the menu. The roasted octopus and crispy aubergine (eggplant) hits the spot if you’re wanting something with seafood flair. I go weak at the knees for artichokes, so I opted for the Roman-style artichoke. Lacking some saltiness, it pairs nicely with its light sauce of olive oil. But, the selection of cold cuts with cheese is also a good option, for those who love a good mortadella or prosciutto.

Roman-style artichoke, beef fillet, and roasted seabass | Photo Credit: Seele Magazine

There’s a selection of pasta, of which the waiter will bring out from the pan it was cooked in and serve it on a plate in front of you. There’s also a selection of tomato based and non-tomato-based pizzas. Or, you can choose meat and fish dishes from roasted seabass with fennel and citrus salad, slow-roasted guinea fowl with chiodini mushroom and sour-sweet endive. If you’re in a beef mood, the beef ribs with friggitelli peppers is an option, but it’s an option for two. An option for one is a beef fillet, which can be served with a choice of sides: buttered spinach, mashed potatoes, green or mixed salad, or chicory with extra virgin olive oil.

One of the best touches is that the wait staff is friendly and take the time to get to know guests, making light conversation and taking note of special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays. For dessert, and you must save room for dessert, the strawberry mousse and basil biscuit wins. It’s the right parts strawberry to basil and the flavors are quite the surprise. Tiramisu, almond brittle with raspberry and hibiscus flower compote, a selection of fruit, and ice creams/sorbets are also offered.

My best experience with the restaurant and hotel is that when problems arise they find solutions and make things right. Do keep in mind that Rome’s Metro system closes at 9pm, something I wasn’t aware of when visiting, and if you get caught in this while dining, your way home is via taxi.

A restaurant with captivating views of Rome, Mediterranean culinary faire, and a quaint ambience makes Il Giardino Ristorante one of the best places to visit in the Eternal City.