Hotel Hassler Roma Opens A Champagne Bar

Rome's Hotel Hassler Roma has added an alfresco Ruinart champagne bar to its restaurant, Palm Court Restaurant and Bar, which the hotel boasts is Rome's first champagne bar.

Adjacent to the Borghese Gardens and hidden behind ancient walls atop the Spanish Steps, Palm Court serves flutes of Ruinart brut rosé and bottles of Ruinart blanc de blancs along with a new champagne bar menu designed by chef Francesco Apreda.

The champagne menu includes small plates like salmon and radishes mille-feuille, a Roman zucchini sandwich, cubed caciotta with mustard and strawberries, and prosciutto with dried apricots and fennel.

While a new home for the champagne bar is being built — it's slated to open in July — the current garden location is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of Roman streets. Wrought-iron furniture, lush greenery and soothing piano music are the backdrop for coffee with homemade cornetti in the morning, light salad lunches, and champagne and small plates in the evening.

Lauren Mack is the Travel Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @lmack.