Want to relax with your BFFs and forget the world for a while? Or perhaps you’re after a family dinner spot offering something for everyone? Or maybe you need a fancy location for your next business lunch? Chiaro restaurant at Hotel de Rome might just do the trick. Under the “culinary patronage” of chef Tim Mälzer, you’ll find Italian classics with Japanese influences and space for large gatherings in the truest sense of the word: the restaurant’s large round tables and cozy sofas invite you to exchange ideas and get together. More intimate seating is also offered, though if you really want to go all out you can rent the Club Room, which seats 24 people. Speaking of going all out: no matter the time of day or who you’re with there’s a lot on offer at Chiaro: refreshing starters, main courses with fresh twists and classic desserts. You won’t have to contend with experimental hors d’oeuvres, but there are still culinary discoveries to be made. How about rock oysters with shallot-ginger vinaigrette? Or (and?) burrata with tomato dashi and a prawn carpaccio served with lime cress. You could eat your way through the starters and go straight to dessert and it would be the perfect meal. But then you’d miss the Italo highlight: Colatura di Alici con Caviale di ‘Chiaro’ – linguine with Colatura di Alici fish sauce and caviar.

You’ll find other variations on pasta and fish in the expansive menu, a document that really makes you feel spoilt for choice. This largesse is fitting: after all, you’re in the Hotel de Rome and everything here is a bit bigger. “Grandezza” is what you’d call it, from the building itself (wow) with its grand entrance and marble decor to the staff serving you. It makes for an experience that’s an exotic break from everyday Berlin life. Among the venerable old buildings, Chiaro really makes its mark: small emoji-like patches decorate the sofas, bringing a tongue-in-cheek design twist. There are also pinches of humor in the dessert menu, with the likes of spaghetti ice cream to finish up your meal. A visit to Chiaro really is a short break – even if you don’t stay the night.
 
Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Nina Trippel & Chiaro

Chiaro, Behrenstr.37, 10117 Berlin–Mitte; map
Mon–Fri 12–15h & 18–22h, Sat & Sun 18–22h

@chiaro_berlin
@hotelderome