Acquolina, the gourmet restaurant located within boutique hotel The Pavilions Rome, The First Arte, has been awarded a second Michelin star – one of only four new additions to the two-star category in the Michelin Guide Italy 2023.
Celebrating the very best of the country’s gastronomy, the latest Michelin Guide Italy was unveiled at a ceremony in Franciacorta, Lombardy earlier this week. Explaining Acquolina’s elevation to two-star status, the 2023 edition praises chef Daniele Lippi for delivering “cuisine in which technique and imagination glorify products in a way that is never ordinary, but which avoids pointless extravagance. Three tasting menus present different visions of the chef's culinary style, dominated by the Mediterranean, with its products, aromas and traditions.”
Born in 1990, Lippi began his professional evolution with the Troiani brothers at Rome’s one Michelin-starred Il Convivio, before honing his technique and enhancing his knowledge in the stellar kitchins of Piazza Duomo, Pavillion Ledoyen in Paris, and Barcelona’s Lasarte. Achieving a second star in the Michelin Guide - the most coveted award for restaurateurs and chefs – represents the accomplishment of a longstanding shared goal for the restaurant’s owners and team, and confirms Acquolina as one of the leading restaurants in the Capitoline landscape. An elegant environment where the artwork adorning the walls of the dining room reflects a modern, contemporary kitchen, Acquolina pushes culinary boundaries while remaining true to their roots. As Chef Lippi puts it, “Life means looking beyond appearances” – an emblematic mantra and philosophy that he always applies to his dishes.
Acquolina has evolved to become a unique brand encompassing the prestigious restaurants, Acquaroof Terrazza Molinari; Velo Pasticceria; and ALTO. The Acquolino team is led by restaurant manager Benito Cascone, maître d’ Andrea Menichelli, head sommelier Francesco Aldieri and bar manager Carlos Soriano. The team is completed by the group general manager, Andrea La Caita, a graduate in international relations with extensive Michelin star experience taking in Il Vesta and La Sibilla in Tivoli, Relais del cavaliere De Cecco, and most recently Li Somari Trattoria Fuori Porta.
Reflecting on the accolade, Chef Lippi commented, “This recognition is the result of the work of the whole team. We all worked with one goal, with passion and professionalism. We are honoured to have taken the second Michelin star. it is a memorable day." An emotional La Caita added, “This very important milestone is the result of work done with the extraordinary dedication of the whole team. But it is also a dream that we would have loved to share with our friend and chef Alessandro Narducci, who passed away prematurely in 2018. This day and this award are for him.”
Awarded its first Michelin star in 2009, Acquolina finds its home within The Pavilions Rome, The First Arte hotel - part of The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts’ unique tripartite deconstructed urban resort experience in the Eternal City, collectively dubbed The First Hotels and also comprising sister hotels The First Dolce and new addition The First Musica. Together, the three hotels take guests on a sensational journey of sights, tastes and sounds, the impressive collection of artworks exhibited at The First Arte; to the beautiful music filling the rooms and social spaces at The First Musica; to the delicious desserts of The First Dolce’s VELO restaurant and Chef Lippi’s famous tasting menus at Acquolina.
Accommation at The Pavilions Rome, The First Arte starts from €500 per room per night, including breakfast and VAT. Tasting menus at Acquolina start from €140 per person (excluding beverages and service). The First Arte also offers a Sparkling New Year’s Eve package for two from €1,890 including two nights’ accommodation for two adults sharing; luxury daily buffet breakfast; dinner for two at two Michelin-starred Acquolina on New Year’s Eve, including a welcome glass of Champagne; afterparty at the hotel’s panoramic AcquaRoof bar with fireworks, DJ set and Champagne toast; a bottle of Italian sparkling wine and seasonal gift in-room; and VAT. Valid for stays between 30 December 2022 – 2 January 2023. For further information and reservations, please visit www.pavilionshotels.com/rome/thefirstarte or email reservations.arte@thefirsthotel.com.
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Step into one of The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts' properties and experience luxury and immersive locales like no other. Every hotel is a sophisticated, private haven in which to relax, play or find adventure. Following an ethos that it's not just where guests want to go, but how they want to feel, The Pavilions is known for offering its signature Curated Journeys travel service to its guests. These innovative travel itineraries – curated by local insiders, unique to each property and designed to encompass an emotive experience, from romance to adventure to feeling good – put the bespoke into a luxury holiday. Whether the foodie-themed "Like a Chef" journey in Rome, a romantic "Just the Two of Us" adventure in Thailand, or the "Like a Boss" Madrid itinerary that turns business travel on its head, each Curated Journey connects guests with a range of experts in each of its destinations whose passion and talents open the door to unique experiences.
Headquartered in Hong Kong, The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts is one of the fastest-growing boutique hotel groups in the region. With their boutique size and thoughtful design philosophy, The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts offer secluded spaces with attentive service, even in the busiest of cities. The hotels are distinctly individual and unique, yet all are underpinned by the core values of building meaningful connections in unrivalled locations, a mindful respect for privacy and service beyond expectations.
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