Food & Wine Names Roman God of Fire One of Summer 2026’s Most Anticipated Openings
Peter Bowden and PETERMAX Co.’s design for Roman God of Fire transforms the dining room into a richly theatrical, Roman-inspired environment. Curved upholstered banquettes and luminous marble tables encircle a central sculptural installation, while monumental wood columns, lantern-like fixtures and arched openings establish a sense of procession and ceremony. Overhead, an expansive illuminated ceiling treatment sweeps through the room like gathered fabric, giving the 8,000-square-foot restaurant the scale and drama of a contemporary cathedral. Rendering courtesy of Pretty Decent Concepts for Roman God of Fire.
Food & Wine has named Roman God of Fire in Tempe, Arizona, one of the 11 most anticipated restaurant openings of summer 2026. The national publication included the forthcoming restaurant among a select group of projects led by alumni of its influential Best New Chefs program.
Roman God of Fire brings together 2003 Food & Wine Best New Chef Scott Conant and Arizona-based Pretty Decent Concepts. Peter Bowden and PETERMAX Co. designed the immersive 8,000-square-foot interior as a journey through a heightened Roman world, incorporating statues, sweeping arches, cathedral-inspired details and a hidden cocktail chapel reached through a confessional.
Conant’s theatrical Italian menu was previewed with dishes including octopus pie, veal saltimbocca skewers and tableside clay-pot chicken. Together, the culinary program and transportive interior are designed to deliver an experience rooted in Italian tradition, generosity and spectacle.
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