There are a lot of exclusive, bucket-list-worthy restaurants boasting scenic views and bespoke, seasonal menus. That’s especially true in and around Rome, where there’s no shortage of worthy places to dine. But even the chicest spots can’t hold a candle to one particular restaurant found an hour outside of the Eternal City. And while its stature looms large over the dining scene, its mysterious owners boast that it also just happens to be the world’s smallest fine dining establishment.
That’s the story of Solo Per Due, whose name says it all when translated from Italian: “just for two.” Though the structure that houses the tiny dining room is of 20th-century origin, the grounds are awash in a sense of history and romance. That may have something to do with its history as the country estate of the poet Horace many centuries ago, as evidenced by the columns and mosaic floors that can still be seen when one takes a pre- or post-meal stroll.
Securing a table at a world-renowned establishment that can’t even accommodate a party of three requires jumping through a few hoops. Reservations—which can only be made by phone—are strictly required and must be confirmed 10 days before the scheduled meal. In fact, confirmation is so important that guests have to call 30 minutes before their scheduled arrival to announce that they’re on their way. With only one seating a night, bookings often fill up months in advance, even at a price tag of €500 ($540) per couple.