Cabaret nights in Rome are pure theatre.

You get a reserved table, a proper three-course dinner, and the Verissima show in one smooth 2-hour block. It’s the kind of evening that feels like stepping into a retro Rome living room, just with bigger costumes and better lighting.

My favorite part is how the show mixes Broadway-style songs with short comedy beats and audience moments. The possible drawback: the schedule can feel late and slow if you’re hoping to eat and be seated for the whole show right away—doors open at 8:00 PM, while the performance starts sometime between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM.

Key things to know before you go

• Reserved table dining with a starter, main, and dessert included
• Verissima blends music, cabaret, burlesque, monologues, and comic skits
• Music picks pull from big classics in musicals and pop songs
• Drinks are extra, so plan a budget beyond the ticket price
• Night transport can be tricky, especially if you’re relying on buses late

A Vintage Cabaret Night at Ellington Club: What Your $65 Buys

For € value, this is one of the easier “book it, show up, relax” evenings in Rome. Your ticket covers entry, the show, and dinner at your table—starter, main, and dessert. That matters because cabaret can turn into a pay-for-everything situation fast. Here, you can focus on eating and watching instead of doing mental math mid-night.

This is also a clear match for people who want an Italian-style night out without trying to piece together multiple stops. You’re not hunting for nightlife venues or negotiating entrances. The venue is Ellington Club, and the format is designed for one thing: a smooth evening of performance.

A quick reality check: your ticket is $65 per person, but drinks are not included. You’ll order at your table on your own expense. If you like cocktails (and cabaret pairs nicely with them), expect the total to creep upward.

Timing: Doors at 8:00 PM, Show Starts Between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM

The biggest practical detail is timing. Club entry is allowed from 8:00 PM onward, and the show begins within a window from 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM. That means you’ll be waiting at least a bit after you arrive—usually long enough to finish dinner comfortably and let the room settle.

If you’re the type who hates waiting, plan your evening with that in mind. Build in time for a slow start. If you’re staying near the center, also consider the late-hour travel. One of the most common sources of frustration with nightlife in Rome is arriving “too early” for the show and then needing a late bus or taxi back.

Tip for pacing: eat when your starter hits the table, not when you feel hungry. Then you’ll be ready for the performance without feeling rushed, and you won’t spend the whole show looking at an empty plate.

Reserved Table + Three-Course Dinner: Easy, but Budget for Drinks

Dinner is part of the ticket: three courses—starter, main, dessert. The upside is simple. You sit. You order what’s on the menu for the courses included, and the night becomes a single plan instead of a restaurant scramble.

In the best-case scenario, the meal feels like a warm-up to the stage show: you’re fed, you’re comfortable, and the energy rises as the entertainment ramps up. In the less-perfect scenario, the dinner schedule can feel spread out if you show up right at opening and the show runs closer to the later start time. That’s not “bad,” it’s just how the evening is structured.

Also remember: servers may not speak much English. At least in one experience, communication was difficult. So if you want to order drinks, keep it simple. Point, smile, and be ready with basic phrases. You’ll get further than you expect.

The Verissima Show Format: How the Evening Flows

The show is called Verissima, and it’s designed as a classic Italian cabaret night with a retro twist. Expect a format that alternates between:

• sung musical pieces
• small monologues
• comic skits that interact with the audience

That structure is the charm. It’s not nonstop singing or nonstop comedy. Instead, the performance changes tempo like a good variety show should—music gives you drama and emotion, then the lighter bits keep everyone engaged and laughing.

The content also blends styles. The set pulls from familiar classics associated with acclaimed divas and also reaches into Broadway musical territory. There are also famous pop songs in the mix. The result is a show that feels approachable even if you don’t know the background. You’ll likely recognize more than you think once you’re hearing the melodies live.

Broadway Meets Italian Cabaret: What the Performances Feel Like

What makes Verissima work is the pacing and range. You’re watching more than one type of entertainment in a single evening: music, cabaret, and burlesque elements all show up as part of the same night. The show also layers in costume drama, with outfits that bring visual fun even when the dialogue is short.

From the strongest positive notes, the performances are the centerpiece. People praised the show as a memorable first-time burlesque experience, and others highlighted standout performers—especially a singer and a dancer. That’s a good sign for your expectations. This isn’t just “background music while you eat.” It’s performance-focused.

One caution from the less-positive side: some people felt it wasn’t a single, pure burlesque production so much as an assortment of acts (like dance, magician-style elements, and comedy). If you’re buying specifically for one genre, you might be slightly surprised by the variety format. The upside is that the night doesn’t get boring.

Costumes, Comedy, and Audience Interaction: The Secret Sauce

Cabaret is more than costumes; it’s timing and connection. Verissima includes comic beats and moments that involve the audience, which helps make the room feel less like a theatre and more like a hosted party. You’re not just watching from the dark—you’re part of the atmosphere.

Costumes are a major part of why this works in Rome. The mix of retro style, theatrical flair, and stage-ready outfits gives you visual photos and genuine “what am I looking at?” moments. Even if you’re not a big burlesque fan, the presentation is part of the show’s payoff.

Comedy matters here too. The monologues and skits aren’t filler. They help the evening feel like a story with chapters. When the music pauses, the room stays alive.

Drinks, Service, and Language: Keep Your Expectations Clear

Dinner includes the courses, but drinks are on your own expense. If you plan to drink wine, cocktails, or soft drinks, do it intentionally. Decide your budget before you sit down so you’re not shocked by the total after dessert.

Language-wise, a practical heads-up: at least one experience reported servers didn’t understand English well. That can slow things down if you want detailed recommendations or complex orders. For a smoother experience, keep drink orders simple and be patient. Visual cues and short phrases usually do the trick better than long explanations.

If you don’t speak Italian, this is still manageable. The show itself doesn’t rely on you understanding every word, because the performance is mostly music, movement, and stage business. Still, ordering might be less “effortless” than in a typical tourist restaurant.

Getting There After Dark: Plan Your Return

The venue is in Lazio, and it can be remote enough that late-night public transportation feels less pleasant. One person specifically noted the location and said getting there by night was not enjoyable and not especially secure. Another highlighted the need to leave early to catch the last bus.

So here’s the practical advice: treat your journey back as part of the plan, not an afterthought. If you’re depending on buses, check last departure times. If you’re relying on a taxi, know where you’ll be picked up after the show ends.

Also, since entry starts at 8:00 PM and the show is late, you’ll likely be heading out around the end of the evening when streets are quieter. Plan a comfortable route.

Is It Worth $65? Value Check vs. a Typical Rome Night Out

For many Rome evenings, you pay for one thing—either dinner or a show—and then add everything else. Here, your ticket includes entry, the show, and a complete three-course dinner. That structure is what makes the $65 feel more reasonable than a standard nightlife splurge.

The real “value math” depends on two choices:

1) what you order to drink

2) how badly you hate waiting for showtime

If you’re happy to sip a cocktail or two and you enjoy a variety-style performance, this is strong value for a seated evening with major stage entertainment. If you’re the type who wants a tightly timed schedule and no late waiting, you might feel the cost is less justified, especially if you had hoped for a longer show or a more single-genre burlesque focus.

And one more note: one guest reported the show was canceled without notification and was waiting for a refund. That’s not something you can predict from the booking alone, so treat any big-night plan as a “check your confirmation close to the date” situation.

Who Should Book This Cabaret Dinner Show

This experience is best for adults who want an easy, planned night of entertainment in Rome. You’ll likely enjoy it if you:

• like variety shows where music and comedy alternate
• enjoy retro costumes and theatrical stagecraft
• want a sit-down dinner that doesn’t turn into a separate plan
• are curious about burlesque without needing a specialist-level background

It’s not for kids under 6. If you’re traveling with younger kids, you’ll need another option.

Language-wise, it’s offered in Italian and English, and there’s an Italian/English greeter. That helps, especially if you want basic help at arrival.

Should You Book This Rome Cabaret Burlesque Dinner Show?

Book it if you want a seated dinner + full-stage entertainment in one package, and you’re okay with a late start. Verissima is built like a classic cabaret night: music, comedy, and audience moments wrapped into one performance.

Skip it (or at least think hard) if you strongly prefer strict timing, or if you need the show to be purely burlesque with no variety-act feel. Also keep your evening logistics in mind—late travel and last-bus worries can make the experience feel tighter than it actually is.

If you’re celebrating, this can be a fun “only-in-Rome” evening that feels special without requiring heavy planning. For $65 with dinner included, it’s a solid choice for an adult night out—just plan your return route and budget for drinks.

FAQ

What time can I enter the club?

Club entry is allowed from 8:00 PM onward.

When does the show start?

The show begins between 9:30 PM and 10:00 PM.

What’s included in the ticket price?

Your ticket includes entry, the show, and table reservation with a three-course dinner (starter, main, and dessert). Drinks are not included.

Are drinks included with dinner?

No. You’ll order food and drink at your own expense.

Is this show suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 6.

What if plans change?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s an option to reserve now and pay later.