La Pergola - Cavalieri Hilton, Rome

We visited Rome over the last May Bank Holiday weekend, a gift from my parents for my 40th birthday. As a surprise, my wife booked us a table for two at La Pergola, nestled up in the hills over looking Rome. La Pergola is the only three Michelin star restaurant in Rome, run by German chef Heinz Beck. It's situated on the ninth floor of the Rome Cavalieri Hilton.

Our table was booked for 8pm, probably early by Italian standards and we arrived slightly early. We were greeted by a couple of very pleasant staff who you almost looked straight past having caught the most magnificent of views across Rome, including the likes of St Peter's Basilica and The Colosseum.

We were lead to our table, a table with equally magnificent views of Rome and presented with the menu and a glass of champagne. We already knew we were going to order the tasting menu, although they have two options. The six course tasting menu or the nine course menu - not wanting to miss out on anything, we elected for the nine course menu as follows:

1. Composition of Lobster, peas and curry flavoured popped rice.
2. Terrine of Rabbit with artichoke foam and sweet and sour vegetables.
3. Fagotelli "La Pergola"
4. Squid and Scorpion fish confit in olive oil, with grilled vegetables and basil sauce.
5. Black Cod with marinated Anchovy's vinaigrette and sweet chilli pepper.
6. Escalope of Duck Foie Gras with a mushroom and cereal consomme.
7. Liquorice flavoured shoulder of Iberian Suckling Pig with herb potatoes and Taggiasca olive sauce.
8. A fine selection of cheese from the trolley
9. Grand Desert

We also ordered a bottle of Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Olmi 2004, followed by a glass of Muffato 2005 to go with our desert.

Conclusion: This is one of the finest restaurants that I've ever visited, although a large part of that has to be put down to the location and view over Rome. Rome is a beautiful place and for those lucky enough to eat at La Pergola it will only enhance your experience. A truly fantastic restaurant with amazing and interesting food and marvelous service. Well done Mr Beck!!