If restaurants are experiences more than merely meals, then Sibilla plays in the premier league. The approach tells you everything you need to know: perched on a hillside above the river Aniene, guests know that they are set for a show. Combine a stunning location with top-notch local cooking plus a comprehensive wine list and you have a winning formula.
Sibilla’s website will inform you that a restaurant has operated on this site for over 300 years. Many celebrities have visited. However, the history stretches deeper. Sited in the centre of Sibilla’s magnificent terrace stand the remains of the Temple of Vesta, whose first iteration was erected in the 7th century BCE. It seems a fitting symbol for the restaurant since the temple was a shrine dedicated to the goddess of the hearth. Provide hospitality and warmth for guests and you will be rewarded.
This ethos is still reflected in the Sibilla vibe. The restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family for three generations, providing a sense of continuity. Regular diners are welcomed back with affection, yet newcomers embraced too. Despite being able to accommodate up to 200 covers, Sibilla feels very much like a family business. History is matched with modernity, and a décor of elegance pervades throughout. Think, an abundance of marble and parquet floors, tables topped with clothes and white napkins.
Our large group was seated on the outdoor terrace allowing for views of the temple and into the valley below. As the sun set and the lights started to twinkle, Sibilla came into its own. Even without having tried any of the food, it’s easy to understand why the crowds flock to this venue.
The culinary angle at Sibilla is focused on local and seasonal ingredients. Fish, however, does feature prominently. The grill appears central to Sibilla’s cooking technique. Being part of a group has both pros and cons. While we did not get to select from the enticing a la carte options, the range of sharing plates brought to our table allowed us to taste widely across the menu and see the kitchen’s full dexterity on display. Stand-out dishes for this reviewer included sea bass carpaccio, frito misto, artichoke, grilled lamb and tiramisu. Plaudits too to the phenomenal wine list that spanned Italy from head to toe, and at all price points too. A 2021 Barbaresco was a particular highlight.
Sibilla is roughly an hour’s journey from the centre of Rome, but one well worth making. Combine with a visit to the nearby Villa d’Este, a UNESCO Heritage Palace. Make a day of it. You will not be disappointed.