Via Giulia in Rome has a unique Renaissance charm, despite the surrounding traffic and bustling tourists. The newly rebranded Giulia Urban Retreat, formerly Giulia Restaurant, nestled along the Tiber in one of Rome's most iconic locations, is a refined urban retreat which blends authentic pleasure with contemporary comfort. Here, hospitality, fine dining, and elegance come together to offer a smooth, all-encompassing getaway. The famous Via Guilia in Rome has there been since 1508. Commissioned by Pope Julius II and designed by Donato Bramante, it has served as a route for Roman nobles and Tuscan bankers. Once a financial hub with grand palaces, churches, and artisan workshops, it is still one of the capital's most prestigious streets.
Today, shops and a few renovated hotels line the street, along with a restaurant of the same name that opened in 2017. Giulia occupies the ground floor of Palazzo Pateras, built in 1924 by architect Marcello Piacentini at the street entrance. The previous business primarily operated as a fine-dining restaurant, featuring renowned chefs such as Pierluigi Gallo and Alessandro Borgo. Recently, a group of five partners in their thirties, already involved in the restaurant, hotel, and film industries, has taken over. Giulia is now a lively destination for diners and guests, featuring four suites connected to the restaurant and accessible from Lungotevere dei Tebaldi. The Guilia Suites are a celebration of relaxation and elegance, thoughtfully designed with all the comforts of contemporary style with designer furniture and artwork. From the windows and private terraces, you can admire the timeless beauty of Rome. For the ultimate indulgence, each suite features a private spa tub on its exclusive terrace.
The experience can be personalised through private dining, with kitchen staff finishing dishes in your room. Guests can enjoy food and drinks at the restaurant and cocktail bar. "We're not celebrity chefs, but cooks dedicated to Roman cuisine," says Simone Di Maria, the 43-year-old chef at Giulia Urban Retreat, who emphasises traditional Roman dishes. The seasonal menu includes options like puntarelle with sea urchins (€17), broccoli risotto with arzilla and bottarga, Monograno Felicetti spaghetti with stracciatella and red shrimp tartare (€24), and beef cheek with creamed potatoes and lime salt (€28), along with seasonal porcini mushroom variations. Even the desserts have a homemade feel, yet they are quite technical, showcasing reinterpretations of tiramisu and a local ricotta and sour cherry tart. You can also visit the cocktail bar before or after dinner, which features a wine list of 100 labels from natural winemakers and niche wineries, as well as classic-inspired cocktails and premium spirits. The bar's offerings interact with the restaurant, providing specially designed pairings for the dishes.
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