There are meals that feed you, and then there are meals that romance you. Our Roman escapade at Ottimo, ITC Royal Bengal was firmly the latter. A lush, elegant affair that felt like slipping into an old-world Italian postcard with gilded edges. From the moment, we stepped into the restaurant’s posh, marble-draped interiors where every corner whispers of Italian aristocracy, we knew we were in for a delectable treat. And Ottimo delivered, course after sumptuous course. As part of their Roman food celebration running all through July, Ottimo takes you on a decadent journey through the heart of the Eternal City—one forkful at a time. The menu is rich, soulful, and reverent, blending ancient Roman flavours with modern elegance.
We began with a warm basket of fresh bread paired with herb-infused butters (if you skip on this, you’re missing out)—an unassuming pleasure that set the tone for the meal: honest, generous, and delicious. The Bruschetta arrived next, beautifully topped with sundried tomatoes, Roman artichokes, peppery arugula, and shavings of Parmigiano Reggiano. Bright, fresh, and packed with flavour, it was a perfect overture.
However, the true comfort star of the night was the Polpette al sugo—succulent chicken meatballs swimming in a basil-rich tomato sauce, served with crispy ciabatta. Tender, nostalgic, and deeply satisfying, it was the kind of dish that tastes like Nonna’s on a lazy afternoon. We highly recommend.
We then surrendered ourselves to the silky pastas. Our favourite? The Cacio e Pepe, laced with the hush of truffle oil. Sublime—silky, sharp, and expertly tossed to that elusive creamy perfection. The Carbonara was equally memorable: rich but not heavy, the guanciale crisped to a dream, every bite a warm embrace. We couldn’t help but ask for seconds.
We also tried their Roman-style pizzas that are thin, light, and beautifully balanced. The Pepperoni Pizza topped with arugula and olive oil was bold and peppery, with just enough bite. For mains, we gorged on the Parmigiano Risotto, paired with the Pollo Saltimbocca. It was creamy, umami-rich, and meltingly good; the kind of risotto that stays with you long after the meal had ended.
We rounded off with the Chocolate Cannoli, that was filled with a decadent ricotta and mascarpone cream, with a scoop of hazelnut gelato that tasted like something you’d find in a tiny Roman gelateria at dusk. It was the perfect end to an afternoon that felt part fantasy, part feast.
Ottimo’s Roman celebration this July is a beautiful homage to Italian culinary tradition—one that doesn’t just serve you food, but tells you a story. A story of trattorias and palazzos, of shared bread and stolen bites, of timeless dishes served with the grace of now. If you’re in Kolkata this month, book a table at Ottimo. Wear something nice. Bring someone you love and prepare to fall in love—with Rome, all over again.
Images: ITC Royal Bengal
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