Going to a sought-after restaurant, it's prudent to make prior reservations. Usually, it's because popular restaurants get packed with patrons, and you will be hard-pressed to find a table. But what if you were told there is a restaurant that only serves two guests per day? As absurd as it sounds, it is true. Titled as the world's smallest restaurant, this Italian culinary gem emerged in 1989, founded by three visionary restaurateurs upon the former estate of the famed poet Horace, nestled near Vacone, Italy.
Amidst an ambience steeped in antiquity and romance, the dining room's 20th-century structure exudes an ageless charm. Architectural remnants like columns and mosaic flooring offer tangible links to its storied past as the country retreat of poet Horace. The name Solo Per Due means "Just for Two" in Italian, and the restaurant serves two guests each for lunch and dinner.
Plush Interiors
The dining room is decorated opulently, which exudes a glamorous allure. A timeless Pompeiian red hue envelops the space, elegantly complemented by regal red and gold tablecloths and gleaming silver cutlery. During warmer months, patrons have the delight of alfresco dining, the option to dine beneath a vine-draped pergola while gazing upon serene olive groves and vineyard-strewn valleys.
Securing a table at this internationally acclaimed fine dining haven, scarcely spacious enough for a trio, demands some skilful manoeuvring. The owners wanted to craft an extraordinary encounter where couples would bask in royal treatment, savouring a once-in-a-lifetime repast that transcends the mundane. The charming restaurant isn't designed for corporate discussions. Rather, it beckons couples to have a cosy experience and to revel in jubilant celebrations of anniversaries, birthdays, and matrimonial proposals.
A Haven For Couples
An enchanting aura, reminiscent of fairy tales, weaves through the air, transforming evenings into dreamlike escapades. Under the gentle glow of candlelight and subdued ambience, the culinary symphony unfolds, showcasing Italian cuisine adorned with a nouveau twist. Artistic masterpieces gracing plates include heart-shaped ravioli, succulent oysters, scampi extravagantly prepared, the delicacy of carpaccio, and the exquisite finale of tiramisù, crowned with dainty white chocolate hearts.
Reserve Your Spot
Reservations, an imperative, necessitate verification a full ten days before the booked meal, solely managed through phone reservations. The importance of confirmation is underscored by the requirement for guests to reconfirm their arrival 30 minutes before the appointed time. Despite the €500 (₹44,404) price tag per couple, securing a spot becomes a competitive pursuit, with reservations often vanishing months in advance due to the the fact that only one couple each for lunch and dinner is served.
Nestled within an opulent cocoon of maximalist splendour, patrons of Solo Per Due are treated to an Italian gastronomic symphony tailored meticulously to their palates, harmoniously accompanied by precisely selected wines. A unique touch is the patron's input into the menu, reflecting the restaurant's dedication to enhancing each guest's experience. The heart-shaped dessert cake bears the names of the dining couple, while everything, from the evening's melodious soundtrack to the floral arrangements, is open to dialogue.
Welcoming guests with an aperitivo on plush crimson sofas beside a crackling fireplace cultivates an atmosphere of warmth that envelops the entire culinary journey. For those desiring an added touch of extravagance, the petite establishment extends the gesture of arranging private transportation, culminating in a splendid fireworks display that concludes the evening on a truly dazzling note.
Address: Via Villa di Orazio, 2, 02040 Vacone RI, Italy