We always choose some place that looks really good for our last meal in Rome before heading back to the States. This year we tried something a little different, a high-end vegetarian restaurant, Mater Terrae.

Situated at the top of the Hotel Raphael near Piazza Navona, this restaurant has what are said to be wonderful views of Rome from its outdoor terraces. Alas, we were there on a cold and rainy night, so the terraces were closed and the night was… dark. No views to be had.

Like many rooftop restaurants, you have to find your way through a combination of elevators, winding corridors, and stairs. The place is very small (I counted 11 tables that night) and has a somewhat industrial feel. The chairs are on casters — like what you might find in an office. The table settings are, however, quite pretty.

The food itself was definitely “special occasion” and quite impressive, elegantly presented and often delicious. For a start, the breads are superb.

We started with a pleasant amuse bouche of a light, fried asparagus and eggplant (both delicious).  They were accompanied by a rather dry ground chickpea morsel with a mayonnaise.

We moved on to a “focaccia” that was unlike any other I’ve had before. Topped with cheese and truffle, it was almost paper thin yet intensely flavored. Our other appetizer was a crispy, asian-inspired eggplant dish that was truly delicious.

 

We moved on to a gorgeous beetroot risotto (pictured at the top of this post) and pumpkin ravioli. Both were enjoyable, but after the comparatively more intense preceding dishes, the lighter flavors presented here were harder to appreciate.

We ended with a molten chocolate cake. This dessert may be a throwback to the 1990s, but I’ve never given up on it. This edition is so good, surrounded by a perfect zabaglione, that my tenacity was redeemed.

The food was beautiful and, for the most part, very satisfying; and we were pleased to find an exquisite vegetarian experience. Indeed, the food approaches Michelin-star quality, even if the coursing could stand some editing. However, the rest of the experience is not there yet: the service needs to be more polished and attentive. The quality of the food draws me back, but it would need to be when I could enjoy what should be a lovely view!