Statues and opulence abound at this new Valley restaurant. Take a peek.
A gallery of illuminated classical sculptures cuts through the center of Roman God of Fire’s dining room, transforming the restaurant into an immersive journey through Roman art and architecture. A rearing horse anchors the composition amid busts and statues, while curved leather banquettes, amber lamps, monumental columns and a dark coffered ceiling give the room its theatrical sense of ceremony. Designed by Peter Maxwell Bowden and PETERMAX Co. Image courtesy of Phoenix New Times.
Phoenix New Times offers an extensive first look inside Roman God of Fire, the new Tempe restaurant from Pretty Decent Concepts and chef Scott Conant. Conceived as a celebration of Roman art, architecture and culinary tradition, the restaurant pairs an immersive interior with a menu shaped by both ancient and contemporary Rome.
PETERMAX Co. translated that narrative into a richly detailed environment intended to transport guests. A halo of fabric around the dining room recalls the shades once stretched over the Colosseum, while a central gallery of classical sculptures culminates in a rearing horse. Monumental columns, arched openings, tiered candlelight and reproductions of ancient artworks turn the dining room into something closer to a living Roman fantasia than a conventional Italian restaurant.
The bar features ornate woodwork and a flowing countertop inspired by a Roman piazza. Elsewhere, a commissioned plaster mural depicts an Italian landscape, the host stand incorporates references to Catholic cathedrals and the Vatican, and an elaborate shared vanity extends the visual language into the restroom. Even with this abundance of detail, intimate booths, marble-topped tables and warm lighting keep the experience grounded in hospitality.
The kitchen places fire at the center of the concept. A stone oven and oak-fired grill frame the kitchen entrance, supporting a menu of handmade pasta, grilled meats, fritto misto and Roman-style flatbreads developed by Conant. The restaurant also contains Mea Culpa, a concealed modern cocktail lounge planned as a separate experience within the larger project.
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