Il Pagliaccio

Il Pagliaccio is a two-Michelin-star restaurant on the quiet Via dei Banchi Vecchi in Rome's historic centre, where chef Anthony Genovese presents some of the most personal and well-travelled cooking in the city. Genovese, of Calabrian heritage and shaped by years working across Asia and Europe, weaves those influences into a contemporary Italian cuisine marked by precise technique, unexpected aromatics and a refined balance of flavours. The format is tasting-menu led, with multi-course degustations—a shorter menu of around six courses and a longer grand dégustation—that change with the seasons and showcase intricate, beautifully plated dishes, while à la carte choices are also available. The dining room is small, intimate and understated, its muted contemporary décor keeping attention firmly on the plate, and service is polished, knowledgeable and attentive without stiffness. The atmosphere is calm and quiet, suited to a serious gastronomic occasion rather than a casual meal, and smart attire is appropriate. The wine pairings and cellar are thoughtfully assembled to complement the food's complexity. Given the limited number of covers and the kitchen's standing, reservations are essential and best made well ahead, especially for the few lunch services offered Friday and Saturday alongside the regular dinners Tuesday to Saturday. Prices reflect the two-star level, with the six-course menu around €160 and the grand dégustation near €195 before wine—substantial, but more accessible than the very top tier of Italian fine dining for cooking of this ambition. Its central location within walking distance of Piazza Navona and Campo de' Fiori makes it a destination address for a special evening in Rome.