The best brunch in Rome is at Hotel Locarno – read on to find out why this is my favourite luxury weekend brunch in Rome, and how you can try their bottomless brunch!
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a review of 15+ breakfast spots in Rome, follow this link.
Hotel Locarno, an independent five star hotel in Rome, is favoured by actors, film directors and fashion icons in the know. Just think that the likes of Christian Louboutin, Roman Coppola and Lucio Dalla all chose the Locarno when visiting Rome. Why is it preferred by such an elite crowd of guests?
Perhaps it’s the attention to detail at Hotel Locarno in Rome, including the kindness of the personnel, many of whom have jobs for life. Perhaps its the history of this charming property, founded by a noble Swiss family at the start of the last century. With just 55 rooms, and some charming public spaces, Hotel Locarno also has a well-appointed bar, and restaurant run by chef Domenico Smargiassi.
Needless to say, Hotel Locarno in Rome is also loved by Romans in the know, who drop in for an aperitivo, a coffee during the day, or a glass of wine on a balmy afternoon. With some lovely outdoor spaces – including a chic courtyard and sun-drenched roof terrace, Hotel Locarno is the ultimate address for day visitors too.
Best brunch in Rome
All these qualities add to the mystique of Hotel Locarno, but they’re not the only reason I’m calling the Hotel Locarno brunch the best brunch in Rome. The price point, the comfort, and the incredible menu all make it the best brunch in Rome as far as I am concerned!
Known as the ‘Bloody Brunch’, the bottomless brunch at Hotel Locarno includes bottomless bloody marys in the fixed price brunch, set at €55 per person. That price includes two full brunch courses plus as many vodka, gin or fernet-based bloody marys that you can drink. If you don’t like bloody marys, you can request a glass of wine or cocktail instead, but they won’t be served in a bottomless formula.
Alternatively, just go with the a la carte menu if you’re a little less hungry – although the bottomless bloody mary brunch really impresses with its value for money.
Bottomless bloody mary brunch Rome
Why is the bottomless bloody mary brunch at Hotel Locarno the best brunch in Rome? Well, a single bloody mary is priced at €20, while a plate of Eggs Benedict royale, with smoked salmon, is €24. So if you order a la carte, you have already reached €44 just with those two dishes. That makes the bottomless bloody mary brunch better value, as it includes two dishes plus endless bloody marys for €55.
What is the food like at the Hotel Locarno brunch? Delicious. with an international twist. My favourite dishes include the aforementioned Eggs Benedict, the Maritozzo with scrambled eggs and mushrooms (€24) and the breadcrumbed biryani (€28) made from delicate Indian spices and served with a yoghurt sauce. You can also order dishes such as Caesar salad (€24) or French toast with fruits of the forest (€20) if you have a sweet tooth.
If you prefer more of a lunch-style feel to your brunch, there are some exquisite antipasti dishes, pasta and even second courses of meat and fish.
Whatever you do, leave some room for a dessert – the New York style cheesecake with fruits of the forest sauce is sublime!
In good weather, expect to take brunch on the Hotel Locarno rooftop; this moves to the inner courtyard or indoor restaurant in cooler weather. Bon appetit!
Hotel Locarno – Via della Penna, 22 – Rome – : 0039 (0)6 361 0841
Testaccina was a guest of Hotel Locarno
