In the heart of Rome, Achilli al Parlamento has been a temple of fine drinking since 1972, a Roman institution that now boasts a refined gourmet restaurant alongside the renowned wine shop with over 4,000 labels.

The story of Achilli in Parliament began in 1972 when Gianfranco Achilli, together with his wife Bianca, opened Enoteca Achilli al Parlamento in the institutional heart of Rome, halfway between the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate of the Republic. It was among the first places in Italy to serve fine labels and unique bottles alongside delicious canapés that today we would call “gourmet.”

Without betraying this precious legacy, his daughter Cinzia Achilli and her husband Daniele Tagliaferri decided in 2010 to convert a part of the sixteenth-century building that houses the restaurant, a former cellar, into a restaurant. Their goal was to allow the great wines and century-old spirits they were “collecting” year after year to be paired with more sophisticated dishes than those found in the bistro.

We want to continue to anticipate trends, such as the famous combination of canapés and fine wines created by Gianfranco Achilli, today offering refined cuisine alongside an informal wine bar formula.

Today, Achilli al Parlamento has become a gourmet destination for everyone, anytime: those who want a good glass of wine with a canapé, to shop for fine wines, or to book a lunch or dinner can visit the wine bar and bistro, while those who want to indulge in a refined tasting experience can reserve an evening in the restaurant, which boasts a solid Michelin star.

Heading the kitchen is Chef Pierluigi Gallo, born in Campania but grown up in Abruzzo. His extensive experience, including working for Niko Romito, brings new depth and flair to traditional Roman flavors. The menu features three tasting menus, including the chef’s signature dishes, such as the Senza spaghetti alle vongole (without spaghetti with clams), where dry pasta gives way to a tortello stuffed with seafood flavors, or the Risotto with butter, 30-month-aged Parmigiano Reggiano, and oxtail reduction.

Naturally, as the splendid walls lined with precious bottles reveal, each dish is enhanced by unique labels, historic vintages, and century-old spirits from around the world, almost exclusively available at Achilli.

Achilli al Parlamento also offers the opportunity to book one of six themed tasting itineraries—such as L’altro Secolo, with the chance to taste great vintages by the glass, or Francia… corta!, a selection of Champagne and Franciacorta—to discover great wines and rare labels selected from the over 4,000 national and international labels in the Roman restaurant’s cellar.

The choice is yours, then, whether to book at the bistro and wine bar, with its heated outdoor terrace, or at the restaurant, which has separate, more intimate rooms with wood-paneled walls and leather seating.

And, whatever your taste, don’t forget to try founder Gianfranco Achilli’s signature canapés with your aperitif.

The Secret

Gianfranco Achilli’s experience and passion gave rise in 1995 to the book “Le mie prime 61 Tartine” (My First 61 Tartines), 61, his age at the time, in which he recounts recipes and anecdotes about canapés, his personal history, and that of the famous Roman restaurant.

Useful Info

Achilli al Parlamento
Via dei Prefetti 15
00186 Roma
Tel. +39 06 6873446

Wine tasting: from €37
Canapés: from €3
Tasting menus: from €130, wine pairing from €80
Lunch menu
Appetizers: from €18
First courses and salads: from €12
Second courses: from €18