Tucked inside the Gran Hotel Via Veneto is the Michelin starred Magnolia. Who am I a mere mortal to review a restaurant bestowed a star by the Michelin gods you may ask? Without commuting gastronomic blasphemy I shall attempt to answer that question.
There are two entrances to the restaurant, one through the hotel and one by the street. Take the separate entrance by the street. It assists you in your gastronomical journey as you are transported to what is a theater of art for food.
The chef, Franco Madama, is Rome's Alan Duquesne; actually better as I told him. You have the option of dining on a set menu of 120 per person or a la carte. The courses are divided between "art plates" and regular servings. I chose from each. My antipasto was the Gran Riffelsso an octopus in creamy chocolate sauce. My wife had the Muschio. The former reminds the chef of spring in his hometown and the latter is inspired by the hills of his hometown. I could smell the truffles from 2 feet away. For my first plate I had the spaghetti a la carbonara; perhaps the best I have ever had in my life. For the final plate I had the octopus. The chef gave us complimentary desserts. The food's presentation was bar none. It was perhaps one of the finest meals I have had.
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