Hotel de Rome, a Rocco Forte hotel in Berlin’s Mitte district, has announced the opening of Chiaro restaurant.

Helmed by chef Tim Mälzer, Chiaro presents a lively culinary experience rooted in Italian and Japanese cuisine. The chef has given each dish own personal touch, creating Italian specialties refined with Japanese umami and served in a relaxed style.

The menu includes intricately meat and fish dishes such as Katsu Sando – beef tartare with tramezzini and Japanese Tonkatsu sauce – Lamb Ossobuco and Melon Toro with wasabi and tuna belly, as well vegetarian dishes such as Smoked Gnocchi.

Interiors have been transformed with a contemporary, urban look. Muted, dark colours meet carefully selected accents in an elegant setting. Works of art, textiles and plants have also been integrated with sophisticated lighting to complete the design.

“In the last year and a half in particular, personal get-togethers with friends, family and partners have become even more important to all of us,” comments Gordon Debus, General Manager of the Hotel de Rome. “This is exactly what we are focusing on with Chiaro. Now that our rooftop terrace has become very well established locally, we would also like to inspire Berlin guests to visit our new restaurant with our new concept, which combines indulgence, art and design in a relaxed and urban atmosphere and reflects the lifestyle of the vibrant capital. I am grateful to have Tim as a partner by my side. He has a unique way of combining Italian cuisine with typical Japanese umami – and is rumoured to be ‘the best Italian chef outside of Italy’.”

Tim Mälzer adds: “At first glance, this might strike you as unusual that I should choose a luxury hotel, but the unexpected combination generates excitement. The Rocco Forte brand and I share a passion for gastronomy, have a close connection to Italy and inspire people with new and unique experiences, so we have a lot in common.”