In Rome, the Parioli restaurant that has become a brand (and where the rotisserie is a ritual)

In Rome, and in major cities, restaurants open and close at lightning speed, and celebrating nearly twenty years of distinguished service is tantamount to a restaurant earning the title of "historic." We're talking about Molto in Parioli, not just an elegant and refined establishment, but a true cross-sectional brand, built with passion and savoir-faire by entrepreneurial brothers Marco and Lorenzo Bassetti, who have brought all their expertise to the table.

A somewhat posh place, yes. But that doesn't discourage us, because there's a lot to tell, beyond appearances. Behind the restaurant, in fact, lies a larger project that has evolved over time, a solid reality born in 2006 that now encompasses everything from cuisine to numerous services and events.

And then, the paradox that says it all: at the heart of the gastronomic offering is the rotisserie—the symbol of rotisserie—taking center stage in an environment where you'd expect anything but rotisserie chicken. If only it weren't perfectly in keeping with the house philosophy: doing simple things, but doing them well.

Molto's rotisserie in Rome, the pop heart of a chic restaurant.

Molto's rotisserie isn't just a nostalgic quirk: it's a statement of style. Chicken, pork, duck, rabbit, pigeon... the meat slowly rotates over an open fire, just like in a neighborhood rotisserie. Except here, we're seated on raffia chairs, with oak floors and an impressive wine list. Rural simplicity and a refined dining room atmosphere: this is the perfect combination, a restaurant that's been a hit for nearly twenty years. Because, yes, Molto has never been stuffy. And even though the tables are elegantly set and the ambiance seems to have been plucked from an issue of AD, the starting point remains the same: Italian cuisine, crafted with care, time, and respect.

What to eat at Molto Ristorante in Rome

Today, Molto is a place of hospitality in all its forms: a restaurant, catering, delivery, a craft store, and even a farm. The kitchen is the heart of the business, but around it lies a much larger structure, built consistently over the years. At its core is a short supply chain, with vegetables and legumes sourced from the Bassetti family farm near Lake Bracciano. The menu, designed and created by chef Giovanni Fella (who has been with the business since the beginning), changes regularly but remains faithful to a clear philosophy: quality ingredients, artisanal preparation. Then there's fresh pasta, bread, homemade desserts, and a wine list with over 100 Italian labels (designed by Marco Bassetti, including Molto's signature Verdicchio and Pinot Noir) and a section dedicated to Champagne.

On the menu, therefore, there is nothing particularly elaborate. At the moment we can find courgette flowers in tempura with Paestum buffalo mozzarella and roasted tomatoes (18 euros) and fresh snapper carpaccio with lime and basil (24). There is also a nod to Roman tradition with rigatoni all'amatriciana, with Cinta Senese bacon and pecorino di fossa (20), and water and flour carbonara (20). Worth trying are the excellent Gragnano spaghettoni with Amalfi lemon, homemade butter and bottarga. And also, Chianina fillet with potatoes, cardoncelli mushrooms and béarnaise sauce (35), and Catalan-style prawns (32), in addition to the large 'from our garden' section and the selection of cured meats and cheeses from the counter.

With over 300 square meters of indoor and outdoor dining space surrounded by greenery, Molto is open for lunch, aperitifs, and dinner. On Sundays, another of this restaurant's traditions takes center stage: brunch, all Italian. Starting at 12:30, a rich buffet of express dishes awaits, including garden vegetable soups, traditional desserts, delicatessen items, and select meats.

A brand, not just a restaurant

As we've said, Molto is many things. Like the Molto a Casa Tua formula, a service that was a real lifesaver during lockdown. A stylish delivery service, offering ready-made dishes as well as flowers, table settings, and service, for those who wanted to eat well without setting foot outside. And it remained even afterward, becoming a habit for many local residents. Some call it home delivery, but it's more of a ritual than an order. Added to this is Molto Ricevimenti, which extends the brand's hospitality concept outside the restaurant walls, hosting events and ceremonies in villas and palaces.

There's more. As the brand evolves, MoltoCollectibles is also worth mentioning, a sort of domestic extension of the home's taste: furniture, seating, mirrors, lamps. Vintage pieces, limited editions, and creations made in collaboration with trusted Italian artisans, the platform (with plenty of physical exhibition space) offers a small collection of beautiful things, all speaking the same language.

Molto Ristorante. Viale Parioli 122, Rome. Tel. 06 8082900. Website.