Terrazza Borromini

Terrazza Borromini looks straight down on Piazza Navona, one of the most celebrated squares in Rome. From its terraces, Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers sits just below, and the dome and bell towers of Sant'Agnese in Agone, the church designed by Francesco Borromini that gives the venue its name, seem almost within reach. It is one of the few places where you can see the square from above while eating or drinking.

The venue works on two levels. The restaurant on the lower terrace serves an à la carte menu based on Mediterranean tradition, using seasonal ingredients from across Italy, for lunch and dinner. On the rooftop above, La Grande Bellezza, named after Paolo Sorrentino's film set in Rome, serves gourmet tapas, grilled dishes and sharing plates alongside original and classic cocktails, from 12:00 until late evening. It suits everything from a long lunch to a sunset aperitivo or drinks after dinner.

Sunset is the moment to aim for, when the light turns the domes and rooftops of the centre gold, and tables at that time are in high demand. Reserve in advance through the booking button on the website, by phone on +39 06 6821 5459 or +39 391 311 4523, or by email, and mention if you would like a table on the edge of the terrace. Outside the busiest hours, an afternoon drink is a quieter way to enjoy the view.

The venue also hosts private events, from intimate receptions to larger parties, and the team helps plan spaces and menus. It suits couples celebrating a special occasion, friends meeting for an aperitivo and visitors who want a memorable view of the centre. Prices reflect the location and are higher than at street-level bars, but you are paying for one of the best outlooks over Piazza Navona.

The entrance is on Via di Santa Maria dell'Anima 30, a narrow street that runs along the western side of the piazza, behind Sant'Agnese. Buses stop on Corso del Rinascimento, a couple of minutes away, and the Pantheon, Campo de' Fiori and the bars of Via della Pace, including Bar del Fico, are all within a short walk. After dark, walk down into the square to see the fountains lit up.