Ristorante Il Tempio di Iside — Restaurant in Rome

Elegance and Flavor in the Heart of Rome: Il Tempio di Iside

In the landscape of fine dining in Rome, Il Tempio di Iside stands out as a true sanctuary of seafood and refined flavors. Stepping inside feels like entering a timeless haven, where exposed brick walls, elegant arches, and soft lighting create the perfect balance between intimacy and sophistication.

The menu is a love letter to the sea: top-tier raw seafood, impeccably executed tartares, and the freshest catch, showcasing a passion for tradition and quality. Every dish is a masterpiece of precision, with an obsessive focus on premium ingredients. The shellfish and salt-baked fish are absolute must-tries.

Service is flawless, with attentive and knowledgeable staff guiding guests through an impeccable gastronomic journey. The owners are the heart and soul of the place, always present, deeply passionate, and eager to share the stories behind every ingredient with infectious enthusiasm.

However, there are a couple of drawbacks. Parking in the area is a nightmare, something to consider before heading out. But the real challenge? The price. Excellence comes at a cost, but here it borders on extravagance, making it an experience reserved for those willing to indulge.

The verdict? A well-earned four stars: Il Tempio di Iside is a dream destination for seafood lovers and fine dining connoisseurs, just be prepared for a bill that makes...

Il Tempio di Iside

What a disappointment!! On so many levels!!

We arrived at 7:35 for our 7:30 reservation. There was one couple already seated in their main floor entry level dining room. We were escorted to the downstairs dining room which has low ceilings and a dark ambiance. It felt like a dungeon. We rejected that and told the escort we wanted to sit in the main dining room, and then we selected our table.

My wife and I each ordered mixed salad and seafood risotto. Both were poor quality.

The salad was 65% iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and arugula (rocket lettuce) on top. How does a restaurant at this level serve iceberg lettuce??

The seafood risotto was no better. A plate of rice, with 6 clams, 3 mussels, and 1 shrimp (see attached photo, which is nothing like the one on their website!!). Where was the octopus (per the menu) and why so little shellfish??

Service was intermittent and slow. Not once did waiter come to fill our wine or water glass.

This restaurant does NOT cater to tourists, as further evidenced by the regular attention to other "locals" tables.

We've been in Rome for 10 days thus far, and this was the least attentive and poorest example of "finer dining" we've...

Our favorite dining experience during our 6 days in Rome! We went for Easter lunch (as they were closed for dinner service for a few days), and we really felt like we were dining among the locals. Everyone was chatting amongst themselves and with other tables, and all we heard was Italian (which was very unusual and unlike mostly anywhere else).

One of very friendly jolly gentleman (manager? owner?) was walking around, speaking to guests and pouring olive oil over everything! Yummmmm

The food was also excellent (in both presentation and taste) and very good value for what you get. They were very good about accommodating a gluten allergy and brought bread out in a separate package.

Service was excellent! In true Italian hospitality, our table neighbor poured us half of his wine (and we were communicating via hand gestures 🤌).

The restaurant itself is absolutely stunning as well. They gave us the option to sit downstairs or upstairs, and we chose downstairs (you feel like you’re in a wine cave). Both floors have their own charm. Also, don’t miss going to the bathroom.

It’s a little off the beaten path, but don’t hesitate, just go! Highly...