Spices in Conversation
Four exclusive dining events blending haute cuisine, spices, and signature mixology at Idylio by Apreda
About Spices in Conversation
Spices take center stage in the heart of Rome
Spices in Conversation is the new series of dining events conceived by chef Francesco Apreda for the Idylio restaurant—a Michelin-starred venue inside The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, located on Piazza dei Caprettari in the heart of Rome. From June to November 2026, four exclusive evenings will transform spices into the common thread of a dialogue between haute cuisine and signature mixology.
The philosophy of Francesco Apreda
A native of Naples, Apreda worked in London, Tokyo, and Mumbai before arriving in Rome, where he made spices the hallmark of his culinary style. His dishes blend oriental intensity with Mediterranean tradition, creating a balance that serves as both a narrative tool and a signature ingredient. With Spices in Conversation, this exploration moves beyond the standard menu, becoming an opportunity for exchange with some of the most compelling names in the contemporary scene.
Four collaborative evenings
Each event features the resident chef joined by a special guest, with tasting menus built around the encounter between signature dishes, cocktails, and aromas. The series ranges from the Mexican-inspired mixology of Cristian Bugiada to the two-Michelin-starred cuisine of Giuseppe Iannotti, through the cocktails of Patrick Pistolesi’s award-winning Drink Kong, and concluding with a grand finale featuring Matteo Metullio of Harry's Piccolo in Trieste.
An experience in the Historic Center
The setting is the refined Idylio, just steps from the Pantheon, in one of the most evocative corners of the capital. These dinners are designed as intimate, meticulously curated experiences—from the welcome to the service—confirming Rome and the Lazio region as a premier stage for Italian fine dining.
Why attend
- A unique format combining Michelin-starred cuisine and creative mixology
- Renowned national and international guests at every event
- Tasting menus with pairings specifically designed around spices
- An exceptional location in the heart of Rome, between the Pantheon and Piazza Navona
Spices in Conversation — edition 2026
The 2026 series consists of four appointments between June and November, hosted by the Michelin-starred Idylio restaurant in Rome's historic center. The evenings of June 18 and July 15 opened the calendar with Cristian Bugiada and two-Michelin-starred chef Giuseppe Iannotti; the program continues on September 30 with Patrick Pistolesi of Drink Kong and concludes on November 4 with Matteo Metullio of Harry's Piccolo. Each dinner is a tasting journey built around spices, with pairings between dishes and signature mixology.
Programme Spices in Conversation 2026
The Spices in Conversation 2026 series is divided into four dining events, each conceived as a unique collaborative tasting journey, with dedicated pairings between signature cuisine, cocktails, and spice research.
- June 18, 2026 — with Cristian Bugiada (La Punta Expendio de Agave): agaves, spirits, and Mexican-inspired mixology in dialogue with the chef's dishes, from the "Mumbai Arrabiata Penne" paired with a tropical Negroni to the "Eucalyptus-glazed pork."
- July 15, 2026 — with Giuseppe Iannotti, two-Michelin-starred chef of Krèsios in Telese Terme: a menu ranging from beef and amberjack carpaccio to grilled monkfish, ending with a lychee and violet dessert, with wine pairings by the Bellavista winery.
- September 30, 2026 — with Patrick Pistolesi, owner of Drink Kong in Rome, one of Italy's most celebrated cocktail bars.
- November 4, 2026 — grand finale with Matteo Metullio, chef of Harry's Piccolo in Trieste.
Highlights Spices in Conversation 2026
- Four spice-themed dining events at a Michelin-starred restaurant
- Dialogue between fine dining and signature mixology
- Special guests from the Italian and international culinary scene
- Exclusive setting in the heart of the historic center, steps from the Pantheon
Prices Spices in Conversation 2026
Practical information — Spices in Conversation
Location
Idylio by Apreda, The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel, Piazza dei Caprettari 56/60, 00186 Rome (RM).
How to get there
The restaurant is located in the historic center, a short distance from the Pantheon and Piazza Navona. By train, from Roma Termini station, you can reach the area via Metro Line A (Barberini or Spagna stops) or by buses heading toward Largo di Torre Argentina. The area is a restricted traffic zone (ZTL): we recommend using public transport.
Reservations
Dinner by reservation only; service begins at 7:30 PM. For information and bookings, call +39 06 8780 7080.
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Where does it take place — Spices in Conversation
Idylio by Apreda - The Pantheon Iconic Rome Hotel
Piazza dei Caprettari 56/60, 00186 Roma