Taste of Italy: Sneak peek inside new Roman-inspired restaurant coming to Tempe
Classical Roman statues and sculptures anchor the dining room at Roman God of Fire, surrounded by curved banquettes, classical columns and a sweeping fabric canopy inspired by the shades once suspended above the Colosseum. Designed by Peter Maxwell Bowden and PETERMAX Co., the restaurant transforms Roman art and architecture into an immersive setting for contemporary Italian dining. Rendering courtesy of Pretty Decent Concepts.
Arizona’s Family offers a preview of Roman God of Fire ahead of its August 7 opening in Tempe. Developed by Pretty Decent Concepts over three years, the restaurant centers on wood-fired Italian cooking and an environment inspired by the art and architecture of Rome.
PETERMAX Co. translated that concept into a theatrical dining room populated by Roman-style sculptures, monumental columns, curved seating and a dramatic fabric canopy. The design gives guests the sense of dining within a heightened, contemporary vision of ancient Rome rather than a literal historical reproduction.
The culinary program is led by award-winning chef Scott Conant, who describes the restaurant’s approach as ingredient-focused and grounded in restraint. The menu includes seafood, grilled shrimp, supplì, rigatoni carbonara and Roman-inspired pasta, accompanied by a full cocktail program.
Together, the interior and menu connect the grandeur of Rome with the elemental character of fire-driven cooking, creating a restaurant experience in which the setting and food tell the same story.
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