Press

Explore our history; as written through the eyes of authors, journalists & writers

"Francesco Panella, along with his brothers Simone and Lorenzo, exported Roman cuisine from the Italian capital’s historic Antica Pesa restaurant to the Big Apple."
La Cucina Italiana
La Cucina ItalianaFrom Rome to New York: Round Trip
"Antica Pesa awarded as "Best Roman Cuisine in the World" in 2020. Rome, the capital of the world for hospitality and combining cultural traditions; it is this common thread that unites all the flavors and pleasures of Rome which Antica Pesa honors. "
La Repubblica
La RepubblicaRome, Capital of Good Taste
"It’s the first stateside outpost of a 91-year-old hot spot of the same name, located in Rome’s Trastevere district. It’s been run by the Panella family for four generations, and it’s brought an incongruous bit of continental grandeur to an otherwise mellow block of Berry Street."
New York Post
New York PostLa Dolce Brooklyn
"The brothers Simone and Francesco Panella - the first a sensible chef, the second an extroverted head of the house - want Antica Pesa not to be only a restaurant for super celebrities (who are welcome, certainly) but one of the temples of Roman cuisine."
Il Giornale
Il GiornaleAntica Pesa Roman Cuisine Taken Very Seriously
"Francesco Panella, is practically the Italian ambassador to Brooklyn. Mr. Panella and his brothers run Antica Pesa, the Williamsburg branch of the Rome establishment that has been in their family since 1922."
New York Times
New York TimesThe Brooklyn Brand Goes Global
"Typical Roman dishes made from carefully selected ingredients grace the menu of this restaurant, which is housed in a grain storehouse that once belonged to the neighbouring Papal State. Large paintings by contemporary artists hang on the walls and there is a small lounge with a fireplace near the entrance."
Michelin
MichelinMichelin Guide Lazio
Previous
Next

Discover our 100+ year history

REMEMBER OUR NOTEABLE MOMENTS EVENTS AWARDS

1870
The first documentation of Antica Pesa as an osteria serving meals written in "Il volontario di Pio IX" by Antonmaria Bonetti
1870s
The first photo ever taken at Antica Pesa Roma
1901
Photo taken of the Garibaldini from the garden of Antica Pesa Roma
1928
Anita Pasquetti marries Nicola Panella, then together they take over the management of the tavern.
1930
The logo of Antica Pesa from 1922-1950, as seen on a postcard
1930
Our famous dish Spaghetti Poverella, which over the years becomes "Carbonara" as seen on the back of a postcard
1943
During WWII Antica Pesa closes & can only serve wine, owner Nicola Panella with group of local poets.
1949
Photo of the Circolo degli Smaniosi, founded by grandfather Nicola Panella, taken at Antica Pesa Roma
1950's
A card of poetry written on the postcards for Antica Pesa
1952
Antica Pesa's dining room was built, pictured here with Nonna Anita
1950's
The logo of Antica Pesa as seen on a postcard
1956
The team of Antica Pesa enjoying a pre shift before service
1956
Author Pier Paolo Pasolini includes Antica Pesa in his novel "Ragazzi di Vita"
1960's
Anthony Quinn & his wife at Antica Pesa Rome
1960's
Poetry written on the postcards for Antica Pesa
1960's
Pietro Panella begins working at Antica Pesa, pictured here with a group of friends in the dining room
1960's
Pietro Panella began to renovate Antica Pesa by transforming the dining room and the former bocce court into an outdoor garden for dining
1963
Alberto Sordi enjoying an evening in the newly renovated garden at Antica Pesa, which began to be well known as a place to see & be seen during the era of Dolce Vita
1970's
Pietro Panella with sons Simone & Lorenzo alongside the truck used to collect local produce from the vendors
1970's
Poetry written on the postcards for Antica Pesa
1971
Starting in 1971, Antica Pesa Roma began transforming the dining room by inviting local artists to paint murals on the wall Marcello Avenali is the first artist to paint on one of the Pesa walls. Pictured here are Pietro & his son Simone Panella in the transformed dining room.
1970's
The logo of Antica Pesa during the 1970's, as seen on a postcard
1979
Pietro Panella began to creatively expand his family's restaurant in the industry and quickly became contagious as a popular dining spot for the political, artistic, cultural icons of the time. Pietro Panella pictured here with Renato Guttuso at Antica Pesa.
1982
President Sandro Pertini enjoys Antica Pesa for lunch with King Juan Carlos on an official visit to Italy.
1980's
The logo of Antica Pesa during the 1980's, as seen on a postcard
1986
Sandro Pertini celebrates his 90th birthday in the garden of Antica Pesa alongside Pietro Panella
1989
Keith Haring designs art during a memorable lunch with Francis Ford Coppola for The Godfather 3 from an old Antica Pesa Postcard as a gift to Francesco Panella, for the next generation of Antica Pesa's ownership.
1990
Pietro Panella with Jacques Chirac
1990
During the World Cup Football Final Pietro Panella and his son Francesco Panella pictured with Alberto di Monaco
1990's
Beginning in the 1990's the next generation (Simone, Francesco, & Lorenzo) began to take their family traditions into the new era with innovative ideas as the new ownership.
2005
Dinner Party in Moscow catered by Antica Pesa promoted by the President Provincia di Roma Enrico Gasbarra attended by Ennio Morricone, pianist Nicola Piovane & Mayor Yury Luzhkov to promote Federico Fellini & the city of Roma
2005
Dinner Party catered by Antica Pesa at Palazzo della Provincia di Roma hosted by president of Provincia di Roma with guest appearance by Liza Minnelli
2006
Sofia Loren leaving dinner at Antica Pesa Rome
2006
Simone Panella participated and spoke in Salone del Gusto di Torino, the largest international event dedicated to good, clean and fair food.
2006
Antica Pesa hosts dinner for the Tribeca Film Festival in Soho, New York
2006
Dinner Party catered by Antica Pesa to celebrate the Italian Citizenship for Robert De Niro in Piazza di Spagna during the first edition of the Rome Film Festival, commissioned by the then mayor Walter Veltroni
2008
Antica Pesa's Chef Simone Panella creates a Christmas menu for Air Dolomiti
2008
Antica Pesa & The Panella Family featured for traditional roman cuisine revisited with innovation in piece for Il Messaggero
2009
Francesco Panella Awarded “Cavaliere del Commercio” by Mayor of Rome, Mr. Gianni Alemanno
2010
Antica Pesa's Wine Cellar is awarded Cellar of the Year for The restaurants of Italy 2010 awards by The Espresso Guides
2010
Dinner party hosted for Gucci at Antica Pesa Rome
2010
Premiere of NINE at Antica Pesa Roma
2010-2021
Antica Pesa featured annually in Michelin Guide
2011
Simone & Francesco Panella Awarded “Cavaliere del Lavoro” Knight of the Italian Order of Merit for Work by President of the Italian Republic Mr. Giorgio Napolitano from the Quirinal Palace in Rome.
2011
The Panella Family awarded for charity activity by Children for Peace
2011
Awarded as “National Excellence” by Gambero Rosso celebrating the 25th anniversary
2012
Antica Pesa Brooklyn hosts a private dinner for Mayor Bloomberg & Rupert Murdoch ahead of their new opening
2012
Antica Pesa Brooklyn opens and is granted proclamation from Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz
2012
Roberta Armani hosts dinner for Armani at Antica Pesa Roma alongside Tina Turner & Milla Jovovich
2013
Madonna enjoys a girls night out & dines at Antica Pesa Rome alongside her daughter Lourdes
2013
Morgan Freeman steps out for an evening in Williamsburg at Antica Pesa Brooklyn
2014
Mick Jagger dines at Antica Pesa Rome
2015
Daniel Craig leaving dinner at Antica Pesa Rome
2015-2018
Pop up Restaurant Antica Pesa Doha in Qatar for 3 years to critical acclaim
2015
Italian icons & legendary performers Biagio Antonacci, Laura Pausini & Jovanotti at Antica Pesa Brooklyn
2016
Francesco Panella awarded for Italian Excellence
2017
Robert De Niro & Sylvester Stallone at Antica Pesa Rome with Francesco Panella
2018
Elton John celebrates his 71st birthday at Antica Pesa Rome
2018
Vatican Charity Concert to benefit the homeless conducted by Ennio Morricone, Francesco Panella recognized by Papa Francesco (Pope Francis) for his charitable efforts in assisting the concert
2018
Bono Vox enjoys an evening dinner at Antica Pesa Brooklyn
2019
Gambero Rosso names Antica Pesa as one of the Top Italian Restaurants
2020
Antica Pesa receives award for "Best Roman Cuisine in the World" by La Repubblica
2020
Francesco Panella alongside restaurateurs during the pandemic
2020
Antica Pesa begins collaboration with John Cabot University, and creates The Hospitality for the Future
2020
Antica Pesa & The Panella Family featured in the first issue of La Cucina Italiana USA
2021
The newest pop-up location, Antica Pesa Mare located on the island of Cavallo, France opens
2021
Antica Pesa launches a forest of 1000 trees in six countries called “Antica Pesa Forest”

Delve into our literature