New Museum Restaurants Open in Rome and Venice

The first edition of the Premio Visionary Places, a collaboration between Artribune and Gambero Rosso, has concluded, identifying Italy's most visionary restaurants at the intersection of gastronomy and art. The winner was Luminist at Gallerie d'Italia in Naples, part of Intesa Sanpaolo's national strategy for museum dining. In Rome, Palazzo Barberini has opened Serre Barberini, a café-restaurant in a 19th-century greenhouse in its gardens, designed by architect Francesco Azzurri. The space features restored steel-and-glass architecture with a central fountain, photovoltaic panels for energy sustainability, and furnishings inspired by late 19th-century floral-style cafés. The outdoor garden dates to the 17th century, commissioned by the nephews of Pope Urban VIII. Catering is managed by Panda Catering, offering coffee, brunch, aperitifs, and lunch. Access is free without a museum ticket. In Venice, Fondazione Querini Stampalia has launched Peace 'n' Spice, a café with Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, led by Afghan entrepreneurs Hadi Noori and Ali Khan Qalandari, previously known for African Experience and Orient Experience. The venue includes interiors by Mario Botta with contemporary tapestries by Maria Morganti (since 2017) and a garden by Carlo Scarpa. Access is free during foundation hours.