From Esquilino to the World: Rome’s INEO Secures Michelin Star Under Chef Heros De Agostinis

December 3, 2025: In the heart of Rome, there is a place where every dish tells a story of roots, memories and travel. That place is INEO. Two years after opening, the fine dining restaurant at Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, led by Chef Heros De Agostinis, has been awarded its first MICHELIN Star.

Born and raised in Esquilino, one of Rome’s most historic and diverse districts, De Agostinis was inspired by its melting pot of cultures to explore the world. With INEO, located in his home neighborhood, he has now returned to his roots, channeling the spirit of Esquilino into his cuisine. At this historic crossroads of people, goods and traditions from around the globe, a border cuisine has taken root, blending European techniques with global ingredients into an unmistakably Roman identity. Shaped by years abroad, his richly layered heritage now finds expression in the distinctive fine dining vision of INEO.

“I would like to thank the MICHELIN Guide for this extraordinary recognition. It is a great honor,” says Heros De Agostinis. “I dedicate this star to my team, my family, my partner Wassiliki and to this neighborhood that inspired me to look beyond our borders. We will continue to work with even more humility, determination and the passion that has always guided us.”

Among the signature dishes that embody the philosophy of De Agostinis is maccheroncini al ferretto, rustic hollow pasta cooked in Madeira sauce and enriched with Eritrean-style beef ragù and 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano. The recipe bridges memory and mastery, symbolically uniting the two worlds most meaningful to the chef: Eritrea and Italy.

The MICHELIN Star also recognizes the work of a cohesive and talented team of 35, including the pastry program led by Daniele De Santi, the dining room managed by restaurant manager Damiano Verdone, and a wine cellar of over 900 labels curated by sommelier Federico Spagnolo.

“For INEO, this star is not a destination but the beginning of a new chapter,” says Francesco Mennella, General Manager of Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel. “It confirms that a cuisine built on authenticity, impeccable technique and a strong identity can speak to the world with clarity and emotion. A light that now shines even brighter on Rome, and on Esquilino.”

For more information about Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel, please call +39 06 489 381 or visit: www.anantara.com/en/palazzo-naiadi-rome.

Nestled in the splendor of ancient Rome, Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel – a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and the Virtuoso network – is located in the heart of Piazza della Repubblica and boasts a rich architectural heritage, including original elements commissioned by Pope Clement XI for the Vatican in 1705. Built atop the ancient Baths of Diocletian, the hotel reveals its foundations, pools and mosaics through striking glass floors. With 232 rooms and suites, the hotel is home to the INEO fine dining restaurant and the first Anantara Spa in Italy. It also features one of Rome’s largest panoramic rooftop terraces with a pool, and the celebrated SEEN by Olivier restaurant, offering a refined fusion of Mediterranean and Brazilian cuisines.

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