Argot Prati in Rome, the downtown venue challenges the virus with its cuisine, bringing cocktails to your home
The Center's exclusive lounge, renowned among cocktail lovers, is splitting and reinventing itself, while maintaining a solid visual and conceptual identity. Argot Prati opened last September and is the result of a courageous decision to invest in the sector most impacted by the government's anti-Covid measures.
The vision of three partners and former Giuda Ballerino chefs Andrea Quaranta and Matteo Colelli is to create a glamorous bistro menu that caters to the diverse needs of diners throughout the day, culminating in a gourmet dinner. All this is complemented by the blended creations of bar manager Daniele De Angelis, who developed his drink list in collaboration with the two chefs. At least until the first government restrictions.
Cocktail pairing in delivery
To accommodate the evening closure, a temporary formula has been developed with dishes more suitable for delivery. The offerings range from healthy bowls (8 euros) to gourmet burgers (9 euros), including lamb and duck, and fried dishes such as Kataifi prawns with orange and carrot jam (6 euros). Naturally, it will also be possible to order the cocktails that have made Argot famous. For the occasion, a more streamlined drinks list is offered, with six classic mixed drinks (5 euros) and six signature cocktails (6 euros). The latter are dedicated to Rome's bridges, cementing the continuity, not only in concept, between the new venue and the speakeasy on Via dei Cappellari, located across the Tiber. The drinks are prepared and delivered vacuum-packed to ensure their freshness and safety.
The goal is a strong symbiosis between the kitchen and the bar, which is fully expressed in cocktail pairing: the combination of food and mixed drinks. This approach isn't always common in Italy, but it's quite popular abroad. Very few establishments, especially in Rome, dedicate themselves to this type of pairing, except for a few Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels. This is also a cultural challenge, given Italy's strong winemaking tradition.
Lunch on the terrace
At Argot Prati, you can still have lunch, at least until the next Prime Ministerial Decree. The restaurant is a multipurpose space spread over two levels, with a dining room dominated by the bar, the true heart of the place, and a spacious terrace upstairs. All in true Argot style: a warm, 1930s atmosphere with soft lighting and retro furnishings.
The lunch menu, in addition to bowls (€10), features unconventional and carefully presented dishes. From fermented chickpea, beetroot, and wild garlic hummus (€11) to entrees like fusilli amatriciana with octopus and escarole, to salmon with pappa al pomodoro and kimchi (€15). Desserts and appetizers are accompanied by a specially crafted mini drink, completing the tasting experience. For those who aren't a fan of mixed drinks, the menu offers a good selection of wines and craft beers.
Argot Prati. Via Alessandro Farnese 2, Rome. Tel. 06 3230829. Website. Facebook page.