Despite rumors, there's no plan for a restaurant on the roof of St. Peter's -- just an expansion of the visitable area and of existing modest refreshments.
St. Peter's Basilica in Rome will not have a “bistro” on its roof. Rather, its current “simple and appropriate” refreshment area is set to be expanded. This was clarified by the Petrine basilica in a statement released on January 29, 2026, following articles published in the Italian press and relayed in media outlets in other countries.
The pope's basilica is responding to rumors about the “supposed opening of a bistro” on its terrace, which circulated on Thursday and the following days. The communications department acknowledges that a “project to expand the terrace area accessible to pilgrims is under consideration.”
