A green terrace and Mediterranean cuisine: the new direction of a restaurant in northern Rome

Naos in Rome, until now known primarily as a nightclub, is undergoing a makeover: a green terrace and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine for the Ponte Milvio establishment.

Ponte Milvio has long been one of the capital's most popular evening hotspots: a bustling area dominated by cocktail bars, trendy venues, and a vibrant nightlife. Naos, which opened in 2022, has found its place in this vibrant neighborhood. Over the years, it has primarily become known as a nightclub, though it has always offered dinner options. Today, it's shifting its focus to become a full-fledged restaurant, thanks to a new dining concept and the reopening of its large terrace in summer 2025.

Hanging gardens and design for the Naos terrace

After three years in business, Naos is bringing forward its transformation, originally scheduled for September, and kicking off the summer season with a new look: the terrace serves as a testing ground, ahead of a full relaunch expected in the fall. The venue, overlooking the local market, spans 1,000 square meters, half of which is outdoors, overlooking Corso Francia. The designer spaces, crafted with materials such as concrete and travertine, are designed to host aperitifs, dinner, and after-dinner drinks in a modular and refined setting, with hanging gardens, brick sofas, and architectural aviaries that lend rhythm and movement.

Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 7pm to 2am, the terrace also hosts DJ sets and can be reserved for private events.

Naos's new Mediterranean cuisine in Rome

The change is primarily evident in the kitchen. Chef Fabrizio Cervellieri (formerly at the helm of Aede in Rome) is responsible for the new menu, acting as a consultant. He worked on developing the menu and training the team. The starting point is the restaurant's Greek roots, also reflected in its name, Naòs, "the sacred space of light", but the journey extends across the entire Mediterranean basin: from Italy to Greece, passing through Spain, the Middle East, and South Africa.

The menu in this first summer phase gives space above all to vegetables and fish, with dishes such as Israeli hummus with sweet and sour peppers and sumac (8 euros), caponata with toasted pine nuts (8), amberjack carpaccio with coconut milk and lemongrass (14) and pink prawn with Greek yogurt buttermilk, cucumber and dill (14). There is no shortage of more structured preparations such as the seafood ragù crepe with bisque mayonnaise (14), lamb with smoked butter potato and candied lemon (20) or grilled octopus with chorizo ​​(21).

The menu is available à la carte or in two tasting menus, with four or six courses (€40 and €60). The wine list could be improved, including Italian and French sparkling wines, whites, reds, and a few rosés.

Cocktails between myth and modernity at Naos in Rome

The liquid side of things is handled by bartender Luca Leone, who creates Archè, a drinks list inspired by the idea of ​​"original principle." The cocktails (€15, €10 for non-alcoholic drinks) combine Hellenistic influences, Mediterranean ingredients, and contemporary techniques. Drinks on the menu include the fresh and citrusy "Yali" and the more structured "Theros," with warm spices and summery aromas.

Naos. Via Torrita Tiberina 6, Rome. Tel. 06 55267830. Website: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM.