Spotlight of the Month - Food & Dining: Ristorante Atlas Coelestis in Rome

Ristorante Atlas Coelestis or Atlas for short – was created by husband-and-wife team Cristiano Iacobelli and Cristina Morgia back in 1999, with the restaurant really taking shape in 2001.

The original location was on the outskirts of Rome almost in the bosco (woods) in a massive space adorned with constellations in which the restaurant was named. But after Covid, the couple chose to downsize their digs to a smaller, more intimate setting moving closer to Rome city center. Now in the Prati area not far from the Lungotevere and Lepanto Metro Station A, Atlas is accessible to all. But despite the different address, the heart of the restaurant has remained unchanged.

A dining experience that combines quality and comfort

The Space & Setting: This tiny gem of a restaurant surprisingly has ample seating - with 20 seats externally and 30 internally. Atlas’ small bi-level dining room features an open kitchen so you can witness where the magic happens from a few select tables, or if you prefer to dine alfresco, they have outdoor seating in the form of a cute sidewalk patio.

Decorations are more earth-toned and focused rather than the expansive celestial sky which took center stage at the previous location. Simple, minimal and elegant with a cozy atmosphere and warm ambience, Atlas is refined without feeling stuffy. With terra hues and trinkets throughout the restaurant i.e. vines, twigs etc. Atlas exudes warmth in all forms. The space and those working within it make you feel as comfortable as can be, in order to enjoy their carefully prepared plates at ease. 

The hospitality and service are wonderful – lying somewhere between familiar and formal (also genuinely kind and friendly) with an extra element of “accoglienza” - a word in Italian to describe the warm welcome and reception that a host conjures for their guests. A level a care and conviviality that makes you feel even more at home.  As do the people.

The team is more like a family – with some of the staff beginning with the restaurant’s first opening.  The two owners flow in and out of their designated rooms and roles - with Chef Cristiano coming out of the kitchen to meet his patrons personally and host Cristina (who has the sweetest disposition) moving about the place and always checking in – “simple” efforts that make guests feel as if they were dining in someone’s home. 

“Vita Cultura Cibo Vino” (Life Culture Food Wine)

The Concept: Atlas Coelestis (the famous 1729 celestial atlas created by the English astronomer John Flamsteed) was the inspiration for the restaurant – a subject which fascinated Chef Cristiano. But astronomy aside, Atlas shapes its own special separate universe revolving around sustainability, simplicity, research, raw materials, and passion. 

The Food & Drink: Chef Cristiano’s cooking methods combine traditional and modern. Always staying true to its roots, this is gourmet cuisine that is authentic.

"In the kitchen there is no identity without research, thought and creativity. 

In the kitchen there is no ultimate goal, which is pleasure without substance, flavor and simplicity. 

For the kitchen there will be no future without roots, knowledge and innovation. The kitchen itself does not exist without feeling, material and tradition. Driven by these fundamental values, 

Our passion has allowed us, in over 20 years of activity to overcome difficult moments with experience, commitment and dedication. The world has changed in the meantime 

But we continue, with confidence and courage, to build tomorrow" - Chef Cristiano

Innovative plates sometimes paired with the most unusual ingredients, together to create the most extraordinary balance. Flavors that are as bold and surprising as they are harmonious. One standout dish for me was the fassona carpaccio wrapped around a homemade Russian (“Olivier”) salad...

Sophisticated dishes designed for all palates – that look and taste more like a fine dining establishment. Yet a meal here feels more like your favorite neighborhood eatery. There is a homey environment/vibe that can be found here – even if you aren’t one of Atlas’ loyal regulars.

At the heart of Atlas Restaurant is constant experimentation and expansion as well as research -collaborating with experts in raw materials from lands near and far – from farmers, fishers, millers, and butchers to breweries, wineries, distilleries. They produce their own bread and grissini (breadsticks) plus homemade pastas, pastries and other sweets. And their drink menu consists not only of great wine but also craft beers, cocktails and artisanal spirits.

Did I mention they had also had a bartender who serves up some great signature cocktails?!

25 years later and still going strong, Atlas Restaurant in Rome is not just a labor of love but a testament to how staying true to your passion and working from a place of good intentions (and also from the heart) no matter how difficult that road may be, is the best kind of success story to me.