Canto Restaurant in Rome, offering seafood cuisine and live music

Canto Ristorante in Rome. Prati continues to churn out new things. This isn't a formal opening (though there's no shortage of those!), but rather a change and renovation. We're talking about the now-former Bar Bistrot Sargenti, which since February has been transformed into Canto Ristorante, located at number 32 Circonvallazione Clodia. Originally a bar, pastry shop, and bistro, it opened in 2016 by Carlo Sergenti, a longtime bar and restaurant owner, and was then handed over to his daughter Greta a few years later. Today, the restaurant is undergoing a makeover, becoming a fully-fledged restaurant, and Carlo is back at the helm, accompanied by Antonello Barani, a friend and new collaborator.

The environment

Canto Ristorante is a 140-square-meter venue that seats 52 inside and 40 outside. And for those looking for a wow factor, there's a natural underground cave (with an additional 30 seats). This space is perfect for private events or special dinners, currently undergoing renovations but soon ready to welcome guests.

The dining room is managed by manager Luis Maldonato, along with three young staff, under the supervision of Restaurant Manager Marco Verdenelli.

The menu

The new Canto has changed its menu from lunch to dinner. It starts with a quicker menu, featuring salads, poke, cured meats, and cheeses.

For dinner, the menu is more structured and focuses on seafood dishes, which change with the seasons. Chef Khan Jahis, born in 1987, has experience at several different Roman restaurants, from the two-Michelin-starred Acquolina to T Bar in Ostiense.

Browsing the menu we find carpaccio, raw fish and tartare, but also tastings of hot appetizers (19 euros). Italian tradition in the first courses with scialatielli water and flour with razor clams, yellow Campanian cherry tomatoes, lime zest and mint (17) or the Gragnano spaghetti from “Canto” with calamari, mussels and clams (17).

Among the second courses, sea bream in crazy water (29) and sliced ​​amberjack on a bed of citrus fruits (23).

The desserts (€7-9) deserve a special mention, as they're made in Canto's kitchen but are crafted by the restaurant's in-house pastry shop. They offer a wide range of traditional treats, including tiramisu, custard cream puffs, mille-feuille with zabaglione Chantilly cream and dark chocolate shavings, and a shortcrust pastry tart with seasonal fruit.

The wine list features around 65 labels: national references, with a prevalence of whites and sparkling wines, as well as a small selection of natural wines.

Music, dinner shows and cocktail bar

At Canto Ristorante, you can dine to the rhythm of music. Twice a week (Wednesdays and Friday/Saturdays), guests can enjoy dinner shows and live music. There's also a cocktail bar, both for after-dinner drinks and for those who want to experience a food and cocktail pairing. Aperitivo is also available daily from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Canto. Circonvallazione Clodia 34, Rome. Tel. 06 39722322. Website. Facebook. Instagram.