Dinner plus burlesque in Rome feels like magic. I love the reserved table setup at Ellington Club, where your three-course dinner is handled while you get comfortable. I also love how the Verissima show blends Italian cabaret with Broadway-style favorites, switching between sung performances and playful, audience-friendly comedy.

One thing to plan for is the timing window: you can enter from 8:00pm, but the show starts sometime between 9:30pm and 10:00pm. Drinks are extra, and if you’re relying on late transport, it’s worth building in extra time to avoid a rushed exit.

Key things to know before you go

• Reserved seating and dinner first: you’re not hunting around the room while dinner service is happening
• Verissima show timing: expect the start to land between 9:30pm and 10:00pm
• A mix of styles: cabaret, burlesque-style performance, comedy skits, and musical numbers
• Famous song repertoire: classics drawn from acclaimed diva hits and Broadway musicals
• Drinks are on you: the dinner package is included, but cocktails cost extra
• Good for a night out mood: not ideal if you want a short, tightly scheduled evening

A vintage cabaret night at Ellington Club

If you want a Rome evening that feels more like a movie set than a checklist, this is the kind of plan that delivers. Ellington Club is built for an old-school night out: you grab your reserved table, settle in, and let the room do the rest.

What I like most is that you’re not choosing between food and a show. The experience is structured so you can eat first (starter, main, dessert) and then focus on the stage once the entertainment takes over. You’ll also be watching a performance called Verissima, positioned as a quintessential Italian cabaret night—Italian variety energy with a retro look and a Broadway-adjacent playlist.

This is also a good option if your day already included the “big sights.” You’re basically buying time to rest your feet and still feel you had a real Roman night, not just a dinner reservation.

Timing you can actually plan around (8:00pm entry, show 9:30–10:00pm)

The schedule is where you can either relax or get impatient. Here’s the practical version:

• Club entry is allowed from 8:00pm onward
• The show starts at a time between 9:30pm and 10:00pm

That last part matters. You could arrive early, eat, and then wait a bit for the first performance. Or you could time it closer to show start. Either way, you’ll want to think of the evening as a block, not a quick two-hour event with a fixed start.

I’d especially avoid stacking other plans right before the show. Even people who know how these evenings run can feel a little stalled if they’re also trying to catch a late bus. If you’re heading out after the performance, plan your ride home with extra buffer so you’re not sprinting.

What’s included in the three-course dinner (and what costs extra)

The price is $65 per person, and the package covers more than a typical “just tickets” deal. Included is entry, the show, table reservation, and a three-course dinner: starter, main, dessert.

What’s not included is drinks. So yes, you can order cocktails and beverages, but you should treat that as extra spending, not something baked into the ticket.

Here’s the value logic you can use to decide if this fits your budget:

• If you’d pay a similar amount just for an entertainment ticket, dinner included makes this easier to justify.
• If you plan to drink heavily, the total can climb fast since only food is covered.

Also, the dinner rhythm can run earlier or later depending on how the night is paced. I’d come hungry, not “snack-only hungry.” And if you’re sensitive to waiting, keep your expectations flexible.

The Verissima show format: songs plus comic bits

This is not a one-note burlesque performance. The Verissima show is built like variety entertainment, where different segments trade places on stage.

You can expect:

• Sung musical pieces that draw from famous material (including musicals and pop classics)
• Small monologues and comic skits that add pacing
• Moments where performers interact with the audience

That structure is a big part of why people enjoy the show, even if their tastes vary. If you love the musical numbers, you’ll get them. If you prefer a lighter comedy tone, the stage has that too.

One practical takeaway: don’t assume it will feel like a single continuous act with the same vibe the whole time. The show moves around, so settling in for the full arc is part of the experience.

Music and costumes: classic diva energy meets Broadway flavor

The stage program is designed around recognizable favorites. The repertoire re-proposes great classics associated with acclaimed divas, and it also pulls from major Broadway musical material.

In plain terms, you’re likely to get songs you recognize, which helps even if you’re not a hardcore cabaret fan. And the costumes are part of the appeal. You’ll see the colorful look that makes cabaret feel like a costume party—bright details, theatrical styling, and a visual emphasis that goes beyond just the singing.

The show’s retro world is also part of the draw. It’s a “night out the Italian way” style, where the performance and the atmosphere feel like they belong together: your table, the dinner, the stage lights, and the costumes all work as one package.

How the venue experience feels from your table

Being at a reserved table changes the whole vibe. You’re not dealing with standing room, shifting crowds, or figuring out where to look during key moments. You settle down, order what you need, and watch.

That matters for two reasons:

1. Comfort: you can focus on the show instead of negotiating space
2. Attention: you’re set up to enjoy both the music and the comedy without constantly changing positions

The show is designed to be enjoyable without you needing to follow a complicated storyline. You’re watching performance energy: music, comedy beats, and the stage’s visual style.

If you’re the type who wants to be active—taking photos constantly, moving around between acts—this setup may feel more structured than you prefer. But if you want a relaxed “sit, eat, watch” plan, it’s exactly that.

Getting there: meeting point and express security check

You’ll want to arrive in time to avoid stress. Your meeting point is described as a sign outside the main entrance.

Good news: the experience includes express security check, which can save time if the venue is busy. You also have a host or greeter who speaks Italian and English, so you should be able to confirm where to go without guessing too much.

Also note the club is wheelchair accessible, which is helpful if you need that access route.

Food and service reality check (the part people don’t always plan for)

Dinner is included, and the food is generally described as tasty. That’s the easy win.

Where you should be realistic is communication. Some staff may not speak much English, which can make ordering drinks a little clumsy. If you plan to drink, I’d keep your approach simple: decide what you want ahead of time, and don’t expect long conversations.

Another reality: if you come in early and the show starts closer to 10:00pm, you’ll be sitting for a while. The experience is still worth it for many people—but if you’re tired that evening, don’t underestimate the wait.

And yes, there’s one caution you should know: there has been at least one reported case of a show cancellation without advance notice. To protect your night, double-check your confirmation details and any day-of updates before you commit to tight connections afterward.

Price and value: is $65 really fair?

For $65, you’re paying for a bundle:

• entry ticket
• reserved table
• show
• three-course dinner

That combination is what makes the math work. If dinner and a theater-style program cost you more separately in your usual routine, this can feel like a solid deal. It’s one of those experiences where you’re buying the whole evening rhythm, not just a ticket to a performance.

The value question comes down to fit, not just cost.

This is likely worth it if:

• you want a fun, theatrical night out in Rome
• you enjoy music you can recognize
• you like cabaret-style comedy and stage interaction
• you’d rather have a reserved table than stand around

It may feel overpriced if:

• you want a very specific definition of burlesque and nothing else
• you strongly dislike waiting around for a show start between 9:30pm and 10:00pm
• you plan to spend a lot on drinks without budgeting for it

One review complaint points out the night felt more like a collection of performances (dance, magic, comedy) than a pure cabaret-only structure. The format you’ll see here is already described as variety entertainment, so if you want one narrow style, you’ll want to consider that before you book.

Who should book this Rome cabaret show with dinner

This experience is a great match for:

• couples looking for a memorable date-night vibe
• travelers who want a stylish, retro evening without extra planning
• people who like music and stage comedy more than strict theatrical tradition

It’s not a great match if:

• you’re traveling with kids under 6 (not suitable)
• you need a tightly timed evening with a guaranteed start minute
• you’re cost-sensitive about drinks

If you’re unsure, think of it like this: you’re buying a late-night Roman entertainment package where dinner and the show are meant to be part of one mood.

Should you book it? My practical call

I’d book this if you want a single, easy plan that turns Rome into an evening show city. The reserved table plus three-course dinner makes it feel complete, and the Verissima format gives you enough variety that most people find something they enjoy.

I’d skip or rethink it if you hate uncertainty around start times or you’re relying on late public transport without a backup. Since the show begins between 9:30pm and 10:00pm, treat the whole night as flexible.

If you do book, come hungry, budget separately for drinks, and keep your exit plan simple. You’ll get the best experience when you let it be what it is: a retro Italian cabaret night with music, comedy, and that colorful stage energy.

FAQ

What is the duration of the experience?

The experience lasts 2 hours.

Where do I meet the host or greeter?

You meet at the sign outside the main entrance.

What time can I enter the club?

L’ingresso al club is allowed from 8:00pm onward.

When does the show start?

The show starts at an hour between 9:30pm and 10:00pm.

What is included in the $65 price?

The price includes entry, the show, table reservation, and dinner with a three-course meal (starter, main, dessert).

Are drinks included?

No. Drinks are not included, so you pay for them separately.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Is it suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under 6 years.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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