From the moment you walk in, you can tell Perpetual is different. They even state that in their sub-name, ‘Ristorazione Differente’. And not just because the interior design is impressively stunning with evocative mood lighting. Nor because the gourmet menu is a spread of on-point contemporary dishes invented by Romanian chef and Italy transplant, Cesare Predescu (in consultation with Michelin Star chef Paolo Cappuccio) and meticulously executed by a team of young chefs including Gennaro Pernice. What makes it special is the service. On arrival, you’re invited straight into the kitchen to meet the team and see the gleaming facilities. Then in one of the dining halls, a hidden pastry kitchen is revealed. Try the white asparagus served with cream of toasted almonds and bean shoots to start, tortelli pasta with scampi in the middle and poached salt cod to finish. The finale of a classic tiramisu’ is a nice bookend. If you’d like to leave the meal up to the chefs, go for their eleven-course tasting menu at 85 euro. For an additional 45 euro you get wine pairings and at lunch, you can dine on three courses for 30 euro. Entree and first courses are around 20 euro and main courses, 30 euro. Open Monday-Friday for lunch from 12:30-15:30 and dinner from 19:30-midnight. Open Saturday for dinner only from 19:30-midnight. Closed Sunday. METRO: Colosseo.