A table above Lake Albano offers a persuasive reason to leave Rome for lunch. At Pagnanelli in Castel Gandolfo, the view gives the visit its first impression, while the kitchen and cellars provide enough interest to make an afternoon of it.

The restaurant's history reaches back to 1882, and its identity has grown around hospitality, Italian cooking and wine. Seafood is an important part of the offer, with seasonal dishes providing other directions through the menu. Let the current selection guide the meal rather than arriving with an order borrowed from an older visit.

The cellars are a second destination within the same address. Carved into volcanic rock, they give the wine collection a setting that adds its own sense of discovery. Ask whether a visit can be arranged, especially if the bottles are part of what brings you here.

Pagnanelli suits a weekend escape, an anniversary lunch or a gathering with friends who appreciate a long table and a view. Request a lake-facing setting when booking and allow time for the journey. The return to Rome need not be the next thought after dessert. Some afternoons are better spent letting the water below keep your attention a little longer.

Pagnanelli
Via Antonio Gramsci 4, 00073 Castel Gandolfo (RM)
Telephone: 06 9360004
Official website & reservations