Naples is a city known for its culinary scene, often coined as the birthplace of classic Neapolitan pizza. But this vibrant city’s food scene also extends beyond street food, offering some exceptional fine dining spots that take you on a culinary journey. The multi-course experience at Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse inside ROMEO Napoli merges contemporary innovations with traditional French cuisine for an experience beyond your average fine dining restaurant.
Located on the 9th floor of the ROMEO Napoli hotel with an incredible view of Mount Vesuvius in the background, this Alain Ducasse tasting experience set the tone for a luxurious stay in Naples that stole the show. If you’re looking for an elevated stay in Naples, here’s the spot to stay in style.
Multi-course tasting at Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse
My experience at this restaurant was my first-ever time dining at an Alain Ducasse restaurant. As a chef who’s earned more Michelin stars than any other living chef, it’s expected that Ducasse holds high standards for his restaurants. The service at this restaurant is an experience all in itself, offering one-on-one attention that makes you feel as if your table is the only table in the restaurant.
The modern, upscale atmosphere with Mount Vesuvius as the backdrop started the tasting experience off right — but naturally, the food stole the show. It’s easy to get stuffed quickly here, but don’t forget to save room for my personal favorite dessert: Chocolate soufflè crafted by Alain Ducasse Manufacture in Paris, accompanied by Madagascar sorbet. It’s melt-in-your-mouth good (and so good I forced myself to eat it when I definitely wasn’t hungry).
Every course of this multi-course experience told a story, blending concepts from both French and Italian cuisine. From the aperitivo to the local buffalo fillet and every course in between, each offering reminded me that cooking (and fine cuisine like this) is truly an art. The meal included several bread courses as well as a special digestif and palate-cleansing tea from the chef. While I’ve done my best to depict the experience at this exceptional restaurant, I almost feel as if it’s one of those “it’s too good to describe” moments that you just need to live yourself to truly understand.
Drinks and appetizers at La Terrazza Krug Bar
ROMEO Napoli’s stylish atmosphere extends beyond just Alain Ducasse’s restaurant, with little touches that set this hotel apart from other hotels in Naples. One aspect I loved was the La Terrazza Lounge Bar, located on the tenth floor of the hotel. Located adjacent to the stunning rooftop infinity pool, this bar is the perfect way to start a luxurious evening for pre-dinner drinks or to visit after dinner for a nightcap.
Small bites and drinks
This contemporary bar, exclusive to hotel guests, felt super luxe when I visited for an aperitivo before my dinner reservation. In a partnership with Krug, guests can enjoy a solid selection of champagnes, as well as a great selection of specialty cocktails. Though upscale, this spot still had fun cocktails, like the delicious ‘Tutti I Frutti’ cocktail.
I also loved how this bar found a way to make classic small bites, like sliders, in a way that felt elevated, such as the Nerano Sliders. These mini sliders are inspired by a classic Italian pasta dish from the Amalfi Coast that is made with zucchini, creating a taste I’ve never experienced in a burger before. My only regret is filling up on these before heading into a multi-course dinner at Il Ristorante Alain Ducasse. When you order 3 courses there, don’t forget about all the other add-ons too, like aperitivo and multi-bread courses (turning a 3-course meal into a 6+ course meal).
Design & Atmosphere at ROMEO Napoli, an SLH hotel
The atmosphere and style at ROMEO Napoli feel almost like you’re not in Naples at all. From the moment you step into the hotel lobby, this hotel’s unique design is notable, blending both modern art and vintage concepts. This luxury independent boutique hotel is now a part of Hilton’s Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) partnership, allowing Hilton members to book stays here with Hilton Honors points. This unique partnership allows Hilton members to book stays here while still retaining the feeling of an independent boutique hotel. As you step into the hotel, the lobby feels unique and upscale, not like the feeling you’d expect from mass hotel chains.
Little touches that make the stay
Small touches in the guest rooms at ROMEO Napoli made the stay feel luxurious, with integrated features designed to improve comfort for an optimal stay. The tech-savvy features of the room (such as adjustable lighting from the bedside) stood out, along with small touches like calls from the front desk to check if we needed anything. Meanwhile, little touches in the bathroom, like Bottega Veneta soaps, shampoos, and conditioners, feel like the treat you want when staying at a luxury hotel.
