Terrazza Mirador: Summer Menu by Chef Koji Nakai

Imagine taking a summer vacation to the Balearic Island without ever leaving Rome.

At Terrazza Mirador, that dreamy escape becomes reality.

Tucked away in the lush grounds of the Gran Meliá Rome, a five-star hotel surrounded by the Janiculum Hill, the Vatican, and Castel Sant’Angelo, this open-air lounge is a hidden slice of paradise. With palm trees swaying and bougainvillea blooming around you, it’s easy to forget you’re still in the Eternal City.

Here, the buzz of the city melts away. The relaxed vibe of the Balearic Islands is in the air, making it the perfect spot to unwind with an aperitivo or linger over dinner as you watch the sun dip behind Rome’s rooftops.

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The seasonal menu at Terrazza Mirador is overseen by none other than Chef Koji Nakai, a Japanese chef who’s been making waves in Rome’s dining scene.

Nakai runs two popular restaurants in the city. At Nakai, his modern Japanese spot near the Vatican, you’ll find inventive dishes like takoyaki and uramaki rolls. Japanese techniques seamlessly blended with Italian ingredients. It’s become a favorite for locals and tourists alike. And this year, he added a new concept: the Kiwami Room, a space dedicated to omakase tasting courses, offering guests a more intimate and elevated experience.

His second restaurant, Ie Koji (which translates to “Koji’s Home”), brings a completely different vibe. It’s a cozy, casual izakaya-style spot, rooted in the comfort of Japanese home cooking. Some of the recipes come straight from Nakai’s grandmother, and there’s a heartwarming sense of nostalgia in every bite. Locals come here not just for the food, but for that familiar, homey feeling it brings.

What unites both restaurants, despite their different styles, is Nakai’s signature philosophy.

Connecting Japanese and Italian cultures through everyday food. His dishes reflect a deep love for humble, home-cooked meals and a genuine respect for seasonal Italian ingredients.

Want More from Nakai? Check Out the Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nakairoma/

Chef Nakai’s Instagram is just as joyful and creative as his cooking.

He shares Japanese ingredients and traditions with a playful, curious energy that makes you want to explore more. If you're a fan of Japanese food and culture, his account is a must-follow.

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The 2025 summer theme at Terrazza Mirador takes you on a flavorful journey through the four Balearic Islands, Ibiza, Formentera, Mallorca, and Menorca.

Each island has inspired a different tasting course on the menu, so as you work your way through the dishes, it’s like sailing from one sun-soaked Mediterranean island to the next without ever leaving your seat.

Not in the mood for a full tasting? No problem.

The à la carte and aperitivo menus are just as exciting and approachable, offering small plates and bites with a Japanese twist, think edamame or a juicy Wagyu katsu sandwich. Whether you're in the mood for just a drink and a snack or a full-blown dinner, there’s something to match your vibe.

Japanese nostalgia meets Mediterranean sunshine, chef Nakai’s creations at Terrazza Mirador have a unique personality. They mix the vibrant energy of the Western Mediterranean with subtle notes of nostalgic Japanese comfort. It’s modern fusion done right, not bound by tradition, but always respectful of it.

There’s playfulness in every dish, and just enough surprise to keep you smiling. Paired with the resort-like openness of the terrace, this menu feels lighthearted yet thoughtful, elevated  but never stiff.

That’s the true charm of Terrazza Mirador, a place that feels a little special, but never pretentious.

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Wagyu Katsu Sandwich

Crispy on the outside, incredibly juicy on the inside. This sandwich layers perfectly fried Wagyu beef katsu with crunchy shredded cabbage, finished with Otafuku sauce (a sweet-savory condiment beloved in Osaka’s street food scene) and a rich Japanese-style mayo.

It’s nostalgic, playful, and deeply satisfying, a love letter to Japan’s bold, sauce-loving food culture with Nakai’s signature twist.

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Japanese-Style Tacos

These bite-sized beauties are a crowd favorite.

Toppings like fried shrimp, yuzu mayo, salmon tartare, and avocado cream sit delicately on top of shrimp-flavored, cloud-like crispy chips. They’re small enough to eat in one bite, big enough to make you crave another and perfect for sharing over cocktails and good conversation.

And the à la carte menu doesn’t stop there. You’ll find popular street food-inspired items like gyoza and bao buns, alongside more substantial meat and seafood dishes. There’s also a generous selection of vegetarian-friendly options, so no matter who you’re with, everyone will feel welcome.

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Sushi

One of the highlights of the menu is the premium sushi platter, which brings together the best of both worlds:

classic nigiri made with crowd-pleasers like tuna and salmon, and inventive uramaki (inside-out rolls) that fuse Japanese technique with Italian ingredients.

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Veggie Uramaki Roll

This roll might be vegetarian, but it’s anything but basic.

You’ve got crispy vegetable tempura for crunch, creamy burrata cheese for richness, sweet-and-tangy cherry tomato confit, and a drizzle of savory teriyaki sauce to tie it all together.

From the first bite, the mix of textures and flavors keeps you coming back for more.

And yes, this one pairs beautifully with wine.

Surprisingly hearty and full of umami, it’s a fantastic choice not just for vegetarians, but for anyone looking to try something a little different and seriously delicious.

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‍Thick-Cut Amberjack Tataki

Thick slices of amberjack (kanpachi) are lightly seared on the outside, while the center stays beautifully rare. The contrast of smoky char and delicate fish flavor is spot on. It’s served whole, so you cut into it with a knife and fork something that might surprise you, especially when the knife glides through like butter.

Each bite is a flavorful blend of ponzu and basil oil.

To finish, a hint of elderflower aroma gives the dish an elegant lift, adding a floral note that’s both modern and quietly nods to traditional Japanese cuisine. Pair it with a crisp, chilled white wine and you’re in heaven.

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Grilled Octopus with Japanese-Style Hummus

Tender, chargrilled octopus gets a fresh twist here, served with a creamy, Japanese-inspired hummus and a light yogurt sauce. Add in the savory depth of sun-dried tomatoes and olive paste, and you’ve got a dish that builds flavor with every bite.

It’s rich, layered, and full of Mediterranean warmth with just enough of that umami-packed Japanese touch.

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Terrazza Mirador brings in Italian gelato artisan Cristian Monaco to craft a lineup of special sweet treats for the summer.

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Dubai Chocolate Stick

Imagine this: velvety dark chocolate mousse, intense yet smooth, paired with roasted pistachio cream and wrapped in a crisp kataifi pastry (those delicate golden strands you often see in Mediterranean sweets).

Every bite is a mix of textures silky, crunchy, rich and it all works together in perfect harmony.

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The Chocolate Sphere

Shaped like a perfect little globe, this dessert is for grown-ups with a sweet tooth. The outer shell is infused with the heady aroma of rum, giving it a sophisticated edge. Crack it open, and inside you’ll find a gooey, dark chocolate brownie with nutty hazelnut notes that add depth and balance.

It’s elegant, indulgent, and the perfect ending to a sunset dinner on the terrace.

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Created by mixologist Simone Melora, the cocktail list at Terrazza Mirador is just as thoughtful and creative as the food. Inspired by the Balearic Islands, each drink is designed to complement the menu while blending Mediterranean sunshine with subtle Japanese flavors.

You can literally taste the breeze and brightness of summer with a surprise or two in every sip.

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Misha

A wild combination that somehow just works.

This drink blends Vida mezcal with wasabi, white chocolate, and ginger. Yes, really. It’s smoky, sweet, spicy, and completely unforgettable.

Every element hits a different note, and together they dance across your palate in perfect chaos.

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Tommy Can’t Fail

Tropical, bold, and full of character.

This one mixes Cazadores tequila and St-Germain with lime, spicy mango, and a touch of coriander. It's like a heatwave in a glass with a surprisingly elegant finish.

A punch of flavor, then a whisper of herbs and citrus that lingers just long enough to make you want another sip.

Of course, if you’re in the mood for something a bit more familiar, there’s a solid lineup of summer classics too.

Think Hugo Spritz with St-Germain, a tart Tommy’s Margarita, a refreshing Paloma, or a crisp Mojito, each one perfect for sipping on the terrace as the sky turns gold.

Whether it’s pre-dinner, mid-course, or as a nightcap, these cocktails are more than just drinks.

They’re part of the experience, little moments of surprise that make your evening even more memorable.

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With its elegant Japanese fusion cuisine, refined desserts, and perfect-for-summer cocktails, Terrazza Mirador brings together the best of everything, flavor, atmosphere, and that unmistakable holiday feeling.

Whether you're planning a romantic sunset dinner or a lively night out with friends, this stunning terrace is the place to be. Surrounded by palms and bougainvillea, under a sky full of stars, it’s easy to forget you’re in the center of Rome.

Just sit back, sip something special, and let the evening carry you away like a mini vacation to the Balearic Islands, no passport required.

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