ROM

The story

ROM Roses: A Michelin-Recommended Restaurant on the Costa Brava

A Name Rooted in the Land

On the seafront of Roses, with the Bay of Roses stretching out before it, ROM is a restaurant that takes its name from the mountain that rises behind it: Puig ROM. The choice was deliberate. As manager Fausto Rom explains, “Our land, our gastronomy, our history and our name are all interlinked.” That connection to the Empordà region defines everything here.

Family, Tradition, and the Three Secret Ingredients

ROM is a family affair. Fausto’s grandparents, Carmen and Josep, founded Hostal Rom nearly 70 years ago. His mother, María José, later refurbished the old pension, running it with care. Today, Fausto and his brother carry that warmth forward, insisting that the most important investment is in people. The result is a service that feels both professional and personal.

The restaurant’s philosophy is simple: three ingredients matter most. First, the land and sea of Empordà. Pastry chef Albert Lorenzo puts it plainly: “Giving prominence to the local and natural ingredients is not an option for us.” The kitchen selects produce meticulously each day, balancing them in inventive, delicious ways. Second, the guest – treated with the same kindness that has been passed down through generations. And third, the chemistry that happens when those two meet.

Two Spaces, Two Experiences

ROM offers two distinct settings. On the ground floor, ROM Taberna serves a “Carta Marinera” – a menu of seafood and regional recipes, ideal for a relaxed meal. Upstairs, ROM Restaurante provides panoramic views over the bay, where guests can enjoy a gastronomic tasting menu. The Michelin guide has recommended ROM, recognizing the quality and consistency of the cooking.

Customer reviews highlight dishes such as tuna tartare, cod fritters, pork rind chips with berries, and a spectacular paella. The wine list is extensive, and the team is quick to offer thoughtful pairings.

A Place of the Present

ROM is not a restaurant that looks backward. It respects its roots – the mountain, the family, the local produce – but the cooking feels distinctly modern. The setting, with ocean views and outdoor seating, makes it a destination for both lunch and dinner. Whether you choose the lively taberna or the refined upstairs dining room, the thread is the same: a deep respect for the Empordà and the people who come to share it.