Stravinskij Bar: Rome’s inner-city oasis
The vibe is polished yet relaxed—linen jackets, low conversation, soft lighting. The Stravinskij Bar at Hotel de Russie offers old-world glamour without stiffness or performance. Named after Russian composer Igor Stravinsky, who was a frequent guest at the hotel, the bar exudes the cultural sophistication of early 20th-century Europe. Today, the venue attracts a mix of globe trotters, well-traveled locals, and serious hotel-bar devotees—visiting to enjoy flawless cocktails in a lush outdoor garden.
“Secret Garden” setting unique to Rome
Hotel de Russie calls the Stravinskij Bar an oasis in the historic heart of Rome, and it’s little wonder why—the bar sits inside the hotel’s Secret Garden. In a city where terraces are tight, this rare Roman garden bar feels like a getaway to the countryside, complete with abundant greenery, sculpted hedges, citrus trees, and trickling fountains. Visitors are apt to forget they are only steps from the bustling Spanish Steps. And if summer at Stravinskij Bar is a garden party, the cooler months are more of a cozy, fire-lit salon. This hotel bar is one of the few places in Rome where you can enjoy outdoor cocktails throughout the spring and fall, as well (with glowing heat lamps to keep you warm).
“In the heart of Rome, tucked away from the city buzz, lies our Secret Garden, whose evocative colours, scents, and sounds have served as a natural muse for artists and poets throughout history.”
Stravinkij Bar Menu
“In the heart of Rome, tucked away from the city buzz, lies our Secret Garden, whose evocative colours, scents, and sounds have served as a natural muse for artists and poets throughout history.”
Stravinkij Bar Menu
The Maestro’s cocktail menu
While the Stravinskij Bar has been a long-standing feature in Hotel de Russie, the venue was extensively renovated and reopened in 2024. To accompany its new ambiance, the bar also unveiled a new cocktail menu, designed by the Maestro himself, Salvatore Calabrese. Not only can guests enjoy the Maestro’s famous Breakfast Martini, but they can also enjoy his Negroni Svegliato. Created for Stravinkskij, the Negroni Svegliato is a mix of Calabrese’s two personal favorite beverages—the classic Negroni and an Italian Moka Coffee. The resulting cocktail is quickly becoming a classic in its own right.
The Stravinskij team is also known for nature-inspired creativity in its cocktails. Calabrese explains, “The new cocktail menu for the Stravinskij Bar was inspired by the natural aromas of the Secret Garden at Hotel de Russie. … Inspired by Stravinskij’s opera The Right of Spring, the cocktail list aims to foster a unique experience through the arts of music and mixology.” The Anima Tellus, for example, is a “journey through flavours and traditions, from Italy’s ancient grains to the sacred rituals of South America, and time-honoured Indian remedies.”
The Maestro’s cocktail menu
While the Stravinskij Bar has been a long-standing feature in Hotel de Russie, the venue was extensively renovated and reopened in 2024. To accompany its new ambiance, the bar also unveiled a new cocktail menu, designed by the Maestro himself, Salvatore Calabrese.
Not only can guests enjoy the Maestro’s famous Breakfast Martini, but they can also enjoy his Negroni Svegliato. Created for Stravinkskij, the Negroni Svegliato is a mix of Calabrese’s two personal favorite beverages—the classic Negroni and an Italian Moka Coffee. The resulting cocktail is quickly becoming a classic in its own right.
The Stravinskij team is also known for nature-inspired creativity in its cocktails. Calabrese explains, “The new cocktail menu for the Stravinskij Bar was inspired by the natural aromas of the Secret Garden at Hotel de Russie. … Inspired by Stravinskij’s opera The Right of Spring, the cocktail list aims to foster a unique experience through the arts of music and mixology.”
The Anima Tellus, for example, is a “journey through flavours and traditions, from Italy’s ancient grains to the sacred rituals of South America, and time-honoured Indian remedies.”
Immaculate classic cocktails
Calabrese isn’t the only master of mixology gracing the Stravinskij Bar—Bar Manager Mattia Capezzuoli is also renowned for his innovative cocktails and impeccable craftsmanship. Capezzuoli and his team eschew theatrics for precision and respect for tradition, which fits right in with Rome’s broader culinary culture. Stravinskij guests enjoy immaculately crafted classics, like:
- Perfectly balanced Negronis
- Crisp Martinis
- Elegant champagne cocktails
Building a name for this hotel bar
Capezzuoli’s craftsmanship hasn’t gone unnoticed—there’s no doubt Stravinskij Bar is now one of the best hotel bars in Rome. In fact, Stravinskij Bar was recently ranked number 94 out of the Top 500 Bars in the World.
“With passion, perseverance, and an extraordinary team by my side, we set out with a bold goal: to bring the Stravinskij Bar back to the excellence of its golden days and to make it known and respected around the world once again. Today, being ranked number 94 among the Top 500 Bars in the World is a milestone that fills us with immense pride. It’s proof that when hard work meets heart, dreams can truly come to life.”
Mattia Capezzuoli – Bar Manager at Hotel De Russie Rome
“With passion, perseverance, and an extraordinary team by my side, we set out with a bold goal: to bring the Stravinskij Bar back to the excellence of its golden days and to make it known and respected around the world once again. Today, being ranked number 94 among the Top 500 Bars in the World is a milestone that fills us with immense pride. It’s proof that when hard work meets heart, dreams can truly come to life.”
Mattia Capezzuoli
Bar Manager – Hotel De Russie Rome
Nicole Bump
Nicole is a seasoned content strategist and writer with 15+ years of experience turning complex ideas into compelling stories. As founder of Bump Inbound, she helps brands connect with audiences through thoughtful strategy, sharp planning, and standout writing.