We are on the beautiful rooftop of the Hotel Valadier, just a stone's throw from Piazza del Popolo. It is on the sixth floor that, since the end of 2023, the Moon Asian Bar, the Asian corner of the historic capital residence, has come to life. The creators describe it as a "contemporary izakaya": indeed, despite the classy environment - whereas izakayas in Japan are simple, a sort of tavern - the broad hours and the flexibility of the proposal place this venue in the right groove, with the informal and convivial spirit typical of izakayas.
Moon Asian Bar in Rome
Here you can dine from 5 PM to 1:30 AM, and the sign is one of the gourmet stops to consider when you are in the center and crave a dinner or a Japanese-style aperitif. With around a hundred seats spread across various areas, you can settle into the well-kept indoor spaces, but the advice - if the season and weather permit - is to choose one of the tables distributed outside on the two terraces, to fully enjoy a magnificent view of Rome.
The team
Daniele Lassalandra brought the project to life, with his cornerstones among Asian cuisine dishes, especially Japanese, and cocktails inspired by the Orient. However, the working team is entirely composed of young and talented women, a truly explosive mix. Magdalena Rodriguez Salas is the Bar Manager, already known to the Capital’s enthusiasts for her previous experience in Rome’s grand hotels, first among them the Hotel Vilon. Paola Guarino, a clear talent at 29 years old with various international experiences, is the Executive Chef. Eleonora Esposito is the professional and welcoming Maître de salle, a sommelier of wine and oil, and curator of the sake list.
The Moon Asian Bar’s offer and the Gyoza menu
The menu gives ample space to sushi, with dishes like nigiri with red shrimp, lime, and bottarga flakes, or the Campari Salmon uramaki with salmon, apple, candied orange zest, Campari gel, and powder. The section dedicated to hot dishes is wide and well-structured, among which we recommend the octopus yakitori, the bao stuffed with cardoncelli mushrooms, and an excellent fried mackerel served with curry mayonnaise. From 11:30 PM to 12:30 AM, the Midnight Gyoza menu is available, offering gyoza in eight variations, including meat, fish, veg, and even two sweet options. When choosing dishes with Wagyu beef, lobster, or red shrimp, the price rises accordingly.
The pairing aspect is very interesting and has caught the attention of Gambero Rosso inspectors, earning the special award for Best Mixed Drink Proposal in the Sushi 2025 guide. For mixology, you can choose from a beautiful drink list that includes several classics, but also many Asian-inspired signature cocktails created by Magdalena Rodriguez, inspired by the world of manga and always maintaining control over the alcohol content of the proposals. Among her creations is the Tsuyu, a tribute to the rainy season with Umeshu (a drink made from the maceration of Japanese plums in sake), Jasmine Verte liqueur, and pineapple and rice shrub. Also very interesting is the sake list, with several prestigious labels. The service is very well taken care of, absolutely in line with the venue, which, let us remember, is located on the top of one of the most exclusive luxury hotels in the Capital.
Moon Asian Bar - via della Fontanella, 15 – Roma - www.moonasianbar.com
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