007 Restaurant: Casina Valadier, Rome, Italy

February 24, 2014 0 By 007 Travelers

Location: Rome, Italy
Address: Piazza Bucarest
Bond book appearance: James Bond, the Authorized Biography of 007

After a long hiatus, this chic restaurant has reopened, and once again the glitterati of Rome are flocking here for the to-die-for cocktails, the superb cuisine, and the panoramic views of Rome. Placed on the site of the ancient Collis Hortulorum, the highest point of the Pincio district, the original building dates from 1816 and was the creation of the famous architect, Giuseppe Valadier. In its heyday, this restaurant was the most fashionable place in Rome, attracting people such as King Farouk of Egypt and Pirandello, Gandhi, and Strauss.

The best of the menu is a regionally based repertoire of savory dishes with imaginative, intelligent associations of flavors. Diners take delight in jazzed-up Roman classics such as rigatoni with bacon, onions, peppers, and pecorino; or a cherry- and sesame-encrusted pork filet. Start with a duck breast carpaccio or a warm ricotta cheese round with an olive and pistachio pesto. For dessert, dare you try the fried zucchini flowers stuffed with rice and served with cinnamon ice cream?

“Bond flew from Milan to Rome to meet Prenderghast. It was Bond’s pleasure to him, especially after all the rumors he had heard of him… They walked around Rome, and Bond enjoyed the city. After taking Americano in Tre Scalinini they were hanging out at Pincio hill and ate dinner at Casa Valadier – in other words, ate very well. They drank Sambuca and Bond wanted to talk about Croxson and his report.”

John Pearson: “James Bond, the Authorized Biography of 007“