---
title: "Il Pagliaccio - Rome's Creative Two-Star Counterpoint"
description: "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…"
url: https://flightlogic.co.uk/restaurants/il-pagliaccio/
source: FlightLogic (flightlogic.co.uk)
licence: "Content © Elite Digital AI Solutions Ltd. Cite the URL above and the page author."
---

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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.

FlightLogic expert score: **9.1/10** · Editorial composite rating 4.7/5 · ££££ · [Creative Italian](https://flightlogic.co.uk/restaurants/cuisine/creative-italian/) , [Contemporary](https://flightlogic.co.uk/restaurants/cuisine/contemporary/)

Illustration: FlightLogic AI-generated cuisine impression — not a photograph of the restaurant.

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*

Rating transparency

**FlightLogic expert score: 9.1/10.** Star ratings on this page are editorial composites from named FlightLogic research — not aggregated consumer submissions — unless individually marked as verified below. [How we verify reviews](https://flightlogic.co.uk/review-integrity/)

Star rating is a FlightLogic editorial composite for guide purposes. Individual excerpts below are editorial samples unless marked with transaction or geolocation verification.

## 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](https://flightlogic.co.uk/review-integrity/)

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 · 22 May 2026
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 · 14 March 2026

## Submit a verified dining review

Consumer reviews require on-site geolocation verification or transaction proof before publication. See our [review integrity policy](https://flightlogic.co.uk/review-integrity/).

### 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.

## Visit info

### Hours

**Monday**

Closed

**Tuesday**

18:00-22:00

**Wednesday**

18:00-22:00

**Thursday**

18:00-22:00

**Friday**

12:00-14:00, 18:00-22:30

**Saturday**

12:00-14:00, 18:00-22:30

**Sunday**

Closed

### Features

- Reservations accepted
- Wheelchair accessible

Last updated: 28 June 2026

## Location

## More in Rome