Restaurant | Location

Iris Ristorante is housed in the 15th-century Palazzo Soave, which stands just outside Verona’s Roman walls, near the historic Ponte Navi bridge over the River Adige. On the corner of Stradone San Fermo and Via Leoni, just a few steps from Piazza Erbe and the Arena and along what was once the cardo of the ancient Roman city, a new hub of taste and hospitality is taking shape, surrounded by Romanesque vestiges, archaeological excavations from the Roman era, original statuary and frescoes by the great painter Dorigny.

Iris Ristorante in Palazzo Soave is part of the recovery and redevelopment plan for one of the most prestigious buildings in the city centre, which had been abandoned for decades. This ambitious project has been implemented by the Soave Property Group, headed by entrepreneur Bruno Soave, the man behind some of the most important operations for enhancing historical assets in the Verona area, networked and integrated thanks to the vision of a highly experienced manager-patron.

The restoration work by the Merlini architectural firm involved the entire building, with the aim of completely restoring it. The criterion followed for all works was that of minimum intervention, using a workforce specialised in architectural heritage conservation and aided by specific top-quality materials. The building has regained the nobility and flavour of times gone by, enhanced by new angled lighting that makes it visible even in the evening shadows and shows its close harmonious relationship with the church of San Fermo.

The modern and refined design of the interior – with the large Villari chandeliers, the finely decorated glasses and decanters bearing the Riedel brand, the Jacques Pregay, Costa Verde, Degrenne and Royal ceramics – is striking in its contrast with the 15th-century location in which the frescoed walls stand as witnesses to the history of one of the most prestigious palazzos in central Verona.