Maud

Maud in Rome is bar, art gallery, and restaurant all rolled into one sleek, glamorous package. Located not two steps from the Coliseum down a charming street in the Celio quarter, Maud has a vivacious buzz that attracts artistic types and social butterflies. They adore the minimalist chic with a playful edge - everything at eye level is whiter than white, from the witty button-tufted high-backed banquettes and bar to the walls, highly-style light fittings and scribble place settings. The pale and interesting tones make a perfect backdrop to the changing array of modern art and the vibrant people adorning the venue. The menu is turbo-charged, innovative Italian (though Thursday is sushi night) with dishes like Iberian prosciutto with melon in port in a parmesan basket, tagliatelle in Chianti sauce with salsiccia and fennel, fillet of Argentinean steak in Barolo and pecorino sauce with sautéed potatoes, and ginger millefeuille with hot chocolate sauce. Interestingly, the water menu is even more international than the wine list, and both are worth exploration. This intriguing restaurant with its serious party ambience would be a very cool, in-the-know location for corporate or private entertaining.