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Centro Storico, Rome

Il Pagliaccio

Anthony Genovese gives Rome a compact, creative tasting room shaped by Italian produce and global memory.

4.7

FlightLogic expert score: 9.1/10 · Editorial composite rating 4.7/5 · ££££ · Creative Italian , Contemporary

Creative Roman diningSmall dining roomsTwo-star tasting menus Two MICHELIN StarsTwo MICHELIN Stars ItalyFlightLogic Gold 2026
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★★ Michelin Stars

Quick answer

Is Il Pagliaccio worth visiting? FlightLogic assigns an expert score of 9.1/10 based on editorial research. The 4.7/5 star figure is an editorial composite for guide comparison — not a verified consumer aggregate. It has 2 Michelin stars. Best for creative roman dining, small dining rooms, two-star tasting menus.

About Il Pagliaccio

Il Pagliaccio is the sharper, more intimate side of Rome fine dining. Anthony Genovese cooks from an Italian base but lets Asia, France, and his own travel history interrupt the line in useful ways: broths, spice, citrus, and clean seafood courses cut through the richer moments. The room is small and controlled, closer to a salon than a palace. Its two stars come from precision and personality, not from trying to out-grand La Pergola.

Menu highlights

  • Circus Tasting Menu €250 Creative Italian menu with international accents
  • Cappelletti with Parmigiano Broth included A pasta course showing Genovese's balance of comfort and precision
  • Pigeon with Tamarind and Spices included A richer signature-style course with global seasoning

Editorial rating breakdown

Distribution reflects FlightLogic editorial modelling for guide comparison. See published excerpts below.

Published reviews

Sorted by date (newest first). We do not reorder by rating or “helpfulness”. Review integrity policy

  1. 4.0
    Editorial sample

    The cooking is polished without feeling anonymous, especially when the kitchen leans into creative italian detail instead of luxury for its own sake. It is expensive, but the service rhythm and wine advice made the longer menu feel measured.

    — James Chen ·
  2. 5.0
    Editorial sample

    Il Pagliaccio feels completely anchored in Centro Storico: the room, pacing, and circus tasting menu all make the meal feel specific rather than imported. The strongest courses had a clear point of view and enough restraint to avoid turning dinner into a demonstration.

    — Priya Sharma ·

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How far ahead should I book Il Pagliaccio?

For prime dinner seats, book at least four to six weeks ahead; tasting counters and weekend tables usually move fastest.

Is Il Pagliaccio best for a full tasting menu?

Yes. The tasting menu is the best way to understand Genovese's Italian-global style and its shifts in seasoning.

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