James Bond returns to the big screen with the 24th installment of the 007 series in Spectre hitting theaters this month. You’ll see plenty of the City of Seven Hills with the Vatican, the Colosseum and Ponte Sisto playing prominent backdrops in Bond’s search for the elusive Spectre. But any secret agent worth his salt keeps his most cherished places close to his well-tailored vest.
Here’s where Bond, James Bond would go in Rome-with or without a license to kill.
House of Brioni, Via Barberini, 79
The house of Brioni celebrates 20 years as Bond’s tailor this year. Bespoke suits passing through 220 sets of hands before delivery. Suits start at 3,000 Euro, but money is no object when you are on her majesty’s secret service. Bond always has a few in need of mending because, let’s face it, diamonds are forever, but Brioni suits aren’t bulletproof.
Stravinskij Bar, Via Del Babuino, 9
A good stiff drink is a necessity. When it comes to martinis, James’ penchant for the vodka variety and not the gin version can complicate things a Roma. But if he’s willing to live and let die, the Stravinskij Bar in Hotel Russie’s Piazzetta Valadier, is the ideal elegant haunt for James to hole up and enjoy the perfect shaken, not stirred, concoction… or three.
La Terrasse Cuisine & Lounge, Via Lombardia, 47
On more than one occasion Bond has shared a drink with a gorgeous woman with a stunning view behind. When in Rome that rooftop is the five-star Sofitel hotel’s La Terrasse Cuisine and Lounge. Located by Villa Borghese Park, the restaurant and bar offer unmatched views of Rome. More than a few women have walked away from here telling tales about the spy who loved them.
Jerry Thomas Project, Vicolo Cellini, 30
When you’re an international spy, dodging the odd assassin often includes going to a bar where nobody knows your name. Located down a nondescript alley off Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, this speakeasy requires a password to get in, only takes cash and reservations are required. Consider it James’ own “quantum of solace.”
