Milea art & food — Restaurant in Rome

During our recent trip to Rome, we stumbled upon an absolute gem tucked away in the vibrant, bohemian heart of Trastevere. Known for its gritty charm, graffiti-streaked walls, and lively atmosphere, Trastevere can sometimes feel like a maze of culture, with bars and restaurants bursting at the seams with life. Yet amidst this energetic chaos, we found a perfect retreat: the Milea cocktail bar helmed by the brilliant sommelier Ferdinando Milea.

Finding the right place for a simple drink in Rome can be a challenge, but Ferdinando’s bar stands out as a haven of creativity and relaxation. In fact, we were so impressed that we ended up returning three nights in a row! Each visit felt like a new adventure, with Ferdinando surprising us with fresh, inventive cocktails that pushed the boundaries of mixology. His skills? Nothing short of genius.

The moment you walk in, you feel like you've discovered a secret bohemian getaway. Every drink feels like an art piece, perfectly crafted with bold flavors and an expert touch. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just someone looking for a unique experience, this is the spot to be.

Pull up a chair, let the eclectic art on the walls draw you in, and dive into a few of his inspired cocktails. Be sure to pair them with some of the food offerings—small, yet perfectly curated bites that complement the drinks in a way only a master could envision. This isn’t just a bar, it’s a hidden masterpiece in the heart...

I was feeling adventurous, so I decided to try one of their "signature" cocktails—their "Lavander Sour" (presumably a typo for lavender?). There were so many things wrong:

The cocktail called for egg white, which must be very well shaken in order to achieve the intended silky texture and rich froth. This cocktail was very poorly shaken, which led to a weird, almost smoothie-like texture. It was not strained well. Both my wife (who also tried it) and I found ourselves spitting out passion fruit seeds. There was some other flavor in the drink, I can't quite pinpoint what it was, but it tasted stale.

Despite wanting to give it a chance, this cocktail was just undrinkable—it did not taste fresh, well-balanced, nor carefully crafted. When I shared my dissatisfaction with the server, the response was awkward. I ordered another cocktail instead, and even though it was better, it didn't exactly blow my mind either.

On a brighter note, my wife enjoyed her cocktail, and the complimentary snacks were a nice touch. However, the disappointment continued when I noticed I was charged for the pricier original drink, not the one I actually consumed.

Despite the positive aspects, Milea fell short of expectations. Sadly, I can't give a thumbs-up or recommend it based on...

Because this is a bar and not a restaurant, I marked five stars for food, but the bar deserves 10 stars for the drinks they serve and the staff they hire. Drinks were not an option on the list from Google.

We are constantly traveling to all of the major cities in North America and Europe, and North Africa and this is easily the best bar we have encountered in any of the cities.

Their drink menu is extensive, complex, and inventive. The selection of top shelf alcohol is the best and most comprehensive we have seen. The mixologists are so talented they can make you any drink you crave or give you a drink that specifically fits your desires of the moment.

The atmosphere is conducive to both romance or friendly banter or both. The seating is eclectic and comfortable with the required touch of decaying elegance. The artwork on the walls changes frequently, but it speaks with emotion and beauty. This is a bar for you, regardless of your age.

This would become my go-to bar if it were located in any city...