My New Favorite Rooftop Bar in Rome

For years, I told people to go to the rooftop bar at the Hotel Mediterraneo, on via Cavour, which boasts stunning views and Italo, the most charming old waiter in town.  But recently I went there, and it was CLOSED.  Now they only serve dinner up there, and it’s LOCKED the rest of the time.  There oughta be a law.

I remained inconsolable until one day I raised my eyes heavenward – most likely shaking my fist at the gods for casting me this cruel fate, or maybe to check out a bus stop sign – and I saw, high above me, like a vision, a bar.  A bar in the sky. Like a dream, it was. So, I took my friend, who was visiting and who is famous for never, ever turning down a cocktail, and up, up, up we went to the bar in the sky.

This bar is like Brett Easton Ellis and Edward Hopper had a baby. A baby made of gin and love. Oh, it is so glorious. Gentlemen, BEHOLD:

While our prosecco was pricey, for Rome, at 8 euro each, it did come with a free cocktail hour buffet. Not that any of the fabulous people sipping and texting up there have eaten it. Or anything else, ever.

I’ve been away from the States so long, I did not even realize those were cranberries. And I’m from NEW JERSEY.

I mean, come on. Look at that view. You can’t put a price on that. Unless that price is 8 euro.

At any rate – literally and conversationally – it’s ZEST bar, at the top of the Radisson on via Giolitti across from Termini. I’ll see you there!