For most ordinary Singaporeans, a trip to Rome would be an adventure of a lifetime. Unfortunately, with such an adventure inevitably comes a large gaping hole in your pocket, no thanks to exorbitant flight ticket prices, expensive hotel stays, and ridiculous travel expenses that will make your jaw drop.
For the rest of us earning average salaries, getting a feel of Italy’s capital doesn’t have to remain a pipe dream – there’s a Rome-themed restaurant located in the middle of Bangkok!
Photos don’t do justice to the beauty of this place
We were excited when we discovered The Rome, as going there presents a perfect opportunity take pretty pictures and trick our friends back home into thinking we’re in Rome when we’re actually in the tourist-friendly city of Bangkok, enjoying the tropical weather and spending peanuts!
Is this actually Bangkok, Thailand, or some exotic island in Europe?
The Rome was an hour’s drive away from the city centre, and we reached just in time to see the beautiful sun setting behind the brand new colosseum. With the gentle evening breeze glazing past our hair, the view was magical.
The Rome gives off a super romantic vibe, and it surprised us to find out that booking the restaurant for a wedding shoot costs only S$200! The restaurant is also open for booking for special occasions such as birthday parties or various anniversaries.
The Great Gatsby film set, or The Rome?
With the restaurant occupying a ridiculously large floorspace, there are ample seats to choose from, with wooden chairs, bean bags, or even a cosy little corner in the middle of the artificial lake where you can enjoy a drink.
And I don’t say this about many restaurants, but you should take every opportunity to visit The Rome’s washroom. With grand chairs lining the marbled entrance and graceful Roman statues looking into the distance, taking a trip to relieve yourself is in itself an experience.
With togas-clad gladiators lining the walls, we could not keep our eyes off the intricate artistry of this place.
It was so beautiful that we could have taken numerous toilet selfies and photos and no one would have realised the pictures were taken in a toilet.
We expected The Rome to serve exotic Roman European-styled delicacies, but were surprised with the Thai-Western cuisine on the menu.
Spicy Papaya Salad with Mixed Seafood (฿180)
Some of our favourites include the Spicy Papaya Salad with Mixed Seafood (฿180) and the Curry Steamed with Mixed Seafood (฿220), served in a whole coconut filled to the brim with fresh seafood.
Curry steamed with fresh seafood.
Spaghetti Squid Ink with Crispy Bacon and Chilli (฿250)
Do not be fooled by the dark exterior of the Spaghetti Squid Ink with Crispy Bacon and Chilli (฿250). The fish roe sprinkling on the top of the spaghetti adds a welcome balance to the otherwise-warm dish.
Check out the grilled windows on the left of the washroom, that’s where you’ll find lots of sweet treats!
Verdict:
The Rome’s IG-worthiness itself is worth travelling an hour from the city centre for, and the food served matches up to the high standards you’d expect when you see this place for yourself.
Say hi to the big boss of The Rome!
Overall rating: 8/10
The Rome
Address: Petchkasem Road 77/2 alley, Nongkhangphoo, Nongkham, Bangkok
Phone: +66 2 444 1088
Opening hours: 5 – 11.30PM
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