Graffiti Wall: Mouthwatering Italy

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Mouthwatering Italy: 2007

When you take your tongue out sightseeing in Italy, what are its favorite taste treats?

Please don't post questions here. Use our Travelers Helpline.

To Larry
You ate tramezzino. You had Prosciuto, which is a type of ham usually from parma. they are famous in Venice.
SS
Milan, Italy Tue 01/01/2008

Venice sandwich...
I need some help... I'm trying to figure out what was in a particular sandwich I was eating all the time while in Europe. The best one of this type was in Venice but the ones in Paris were pretty good too. I'll try my best to describe it. Basically a sandwich with two flat pieces of crustless white bread, cut diagonally. Inside it had what I can best describe as a creamy white paste with some herbs in it. They pile it about a half inch thick between the bread halves. Had a very light flavor... I want to say it was some sort of cheese which I'm sure it must be, but it's very light. When I asked the deli guy in Venice he said "pruchetto"?? But I thought pruchetto was a type of ham... Anyone have an idea what it was?
Larry
Richland, Wa USA Fri 12/28/2007

Cinque Terre - Vernazza
One of our favorite memories is going to Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre. We stayed only for two nights, but a majority of our meals / snacks were here. It's a place where you don't feel like a tourist and Gianluca is a comedian in many languages (English, Spanish, Italian, Sicilian).

Desserts are great and beautiful. Morning pastries are delicious. General meals are tasty. Apparently, Gianluca makes the dinners and the pastries. He's a food genius.
George C. <email>
Santa Clara, CA USA Fri 12/21/2007

Great Rome restaurant
An excellent restaurant in the Trastevere area: Vincenzo alla Lungaretta. Very good food. Full of locals. Via Della Lungaretta, 173 00153 Roma (RM), Italy +39 06 5800345
Anne
Dusseldorf, Germany Sat 12/15/2007

Best Food in Rome
We ate at Ristorante Il Sorriso in Rome (Via Flavia 63-65). It's a ways north of the train station in a neighborhood not marked by Rick Steves as great for food. BUT we had the best Italian food in the world there. I had fresh homemade spinich and ricotta ravioli with a white truffel and mushroom cream sauce (to die for!) and my husband had spaghetti and red sauce so perfect it literally brought tears to his eyes. Best. Food. Ever. Eat at this cute little mom-and-pop place! You will not be disappointed. Have the homemade tiramissu for desert.
Tricia
Chicago, IL USA Wed 12/12/2007

Rome Trattorias
Two wonderful moderately priced places not in Rick Steves book are Hostaria Farnese (Via Ballauri near Campo di Fiori) for fresh pasta and osso bucco, and Gino in Vicolo Rosini (a little side street near Parliament) for out of this world gnocchi and carbonara.
thomarob <email>
Indianapolis, IN USA Sun 12/09/2007

GROM Gelato
Grom Gelato is a newcomer (and a franchise)on the gelato scene. What it loses in personal character it makes up for in fresh, organic ingredients. See the website for locations (inc. Florence and Milan) and details: www.grom.it Visitors to NYC will be happy to know that there is a GROM at 2165, Broadway on the upper west side.
Laura
USA Sat 12/08/2007

Rome restaurants
We really enjoyed two small restaurants in Rome - Hosteria Nerone near the Colosseum and Abruzzi near Piazza Venezia. Both had fairly traditional dishes, good service, cheap and good wine, and succulent antipasti.
JJ
Houston, TX USA Fri 12/07/2007

Rome restaurant
looking for a nontraditional Italian restaurant? delicious innovative vegetarian & vegan choices can be found at Il Margutta, close to the Spanish Steps, check out www.ilmargutta.it I would definitely go back and my friend who otherwise would eat meat found plenty of tasty choices on their menu - excellent service and the artwork in their gallery setting is a treat for the eyes!
Melissa
Annapolios, MD USA Wed 12/05/2007

Vernazza and Siena
My husband and I went to Italy this past September. We really enjoyed the pastries at Il Pirate Delle Cinque Terre. The one Rick recommended with the ricotta inside was especially delish! L'Osteria was our favorite restaurant in Siena. Very authentic Italian dishes and all the ingredients tasted like they were freshly made.
Jaclyn Groneberg
Minneapolis, MN USA Fri 11/30/2007

Gelato
We couldn't get enough of the gelato! We quickly learned to order two flavors at a time so we could try as many flavors as possible (see Rick's book to ask in Italian which flavors "marry" well). Why don't they sell this in the States? It's WAY better than Coldstone or Baskin Robbins!
Cindy B <email>
Centreville, VA USA Fri 11/30/2007

Great food, great view in Sorrento
My wife and I spent our 25th anniversary in Italy. We stayed at the Hotel Nido in Sorrento. Though the hotel itself isn't really that nice, the restaurant is fabulous and the views are breathtaking. We sat on the balcony and watched the sun set on Mt. Vesuvius and Capri while sipping wine and eating great food with friendly people. What an experience.
bob gerard
macclenny, florid USA Wed 11/28/2007

Italian food in general
I'm sorry but I just don't get it about Italian food. I think prosciutto, capo and some of the other meats are delicious and I had a very tasty pork chop and vegetables in Firenze. But the bread is like glue - all white flour and no roughage. Steak can be great in Tuscany and Emilia Romagna. Some pastries and cakes I had were good, but again all highly processed white flour.

Salads are mostly "rocket" which is arugula. I did have some very tasty meals in Ravenna but honestly, in Firenze everything was forgettable.

Continental breakfast sucks. The coffee is always good, but everything else is cold and boring. It was cold in both Ravenna and Firenze when I was there and a bowl of some warm oatmeal or other hot cereal would have really hit the spot, even a hard boiled egg would have been great. The hotels get by cheap and easy with the continentals and I found it sorely lacking. The juice in cartons has no pulp. The yogurt is good but so what? We have it at home.

Bottled waters could be delicious, especially San Geminino. However, overall I was not impressed with Italian food and don't understand what all the fuss was about when people rant and rave about how good it was. Not to mention Firenze was horribly expensive and the waiters/waitresses were very rude in some of the place I ate. In Firenze I paid 2 euros for a tiny tiny cup of hot chocolate that was tepid albeit delicious but really, what a gyp.

Stay away from Aquaa 2. The filet mignon ? steak I had was sinewy and the restaurant was super crowded with Americans, on top of overpriced and hard to find. Sorry, but for the most part I found the food bland, no roughage, occasionally tasty but nothing to rave about and usually not a good value for the money. Had some good pizza in Ravenna, but with my GI issues (I need roughage on a daily basis and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables) I think I'll do the farmhouse agriturism next time and cook all my own meals since the local ingredients did look interesting and the olive oil is of course delicious. I rate Italian food overall a C.
Margaret <email>
Reston, VA USA Wed 11/28/2007

Restaurants in Firenze
When in Florence, try Trattoria Nerone and Enzo&Piero both on Via Faenza, food is excellent, prices reasonable and friendly to tourists. My wife and I ate both places, lunch and dinner for 5 days and wish we were still there...
Stephen Pedalino
Livingston, Mt. USA Mon 11/26/2007

Excellent restaurant in Florence
Thank you Rick for suggesting the great restaurant, Osteria La Congrega, located on via Panicale, 43r. We had our best and least expensive meal here. Our hotel concierge tried to talk us out of going there because he said it was in a "bad part of town", but we had no problem with the neighborhood or the restaurant. It is quite small, only a few tables, but it is great. Once again...Rick came through!
Martha Conley <email>
Holliston, MA USA Thu 11/15/2007

The best gelato ever!!
Many many thanks to Rick Steves for introducing us to some of the best gelateria in Italy. My husband and I loved Giolitti' in Rome so much, that we went back for it on 2 nites! The best gelato ever!
Veena
Portland, OR USA Thu 11/15/2007

Orvieto Dining
We found a terrific restaurant in Orvieto, down a quiet little alleyway ...not usually crowded with great food; owned by a very nice family.

Ristorante Antico Bucchero Via de Cartari, 4 0763 341725

The restaurant looks very ordinary, but they serve the best home made pastas I have ever had. The waiter is the owners' son Fabio, who speaks very good English.
Chris C.
Greenwich, CT USA Mon 11/12/2007

Restaurant in Orvieto, Italy
DO GO to CVS Pizzeria, Corso Cavor, 200/202, Orvieto. My husband and I went in at 5 pm asking when theyserved "dinner" (I wanted spaghetti). Gianni said they were closed. I said oh no, I wanted spaghetti for dinner. He said something to the lady behind the counter then he turned the light on and said sit! We had a delicious fresh spaghetti dinner. Gianni and Serena were very pleasant and patient while we ate, then we left and he turned the light off again, well my husband did and said Grazie!!
Miss B <email>
Portland, OR USA Mon 11/12/2007

Zeppelin Ristorante in Orvieto
Zeppelin, at Via Garibaldi 28 in Orvieto, is not strictly traditional (for that, try Rick's recommended La Palomba, which also is fabulous) but we had what probably was our best meal there out of a 16-day tour of Italy, and there were many contenders (including ordering roast chicken hot off the rotisserie at the Saturday morning market in Piazza del Popolo). My wife had a steak that was better than any that either of us has had anywhere, and we shared an appetizer of grilled Savoy cheese served over a fondue of black truffle and pistachios. The taste still lingers in my mind almost two weeks later.
James
Durham, NC USA Wed 11/07/2007

Great meal in Siena
Our best meal out on our own was in Siena at Ristorante Enzo at Via di Camollia, 49, Siena, 53100. It was a five course extravaganza! Great service and great staff. Very courteous and service orientated! We had the traditional meal from the menu and loved everything on it. It's not cheap, but nothing is right now and for 40 euros each we thought it was worth it. Enzo and his wife and staff were great hosts and would go back again in a heartbeat.
Brad & Jennifer Brickley <email>
Anacortes, Wa USA Mon 11/05/2007

Excellent Restaurant in Florence
We had some of our absolute favorite lunches and dinners in Florence at Mangiafuoco Bracerie, a delightful small restaurant on Via Guelfa 24/R, just two blocks north of the Duomo and just off Via Cavour . Daniella, Barbara, and Rosita provided excellent food and service - from incredible grilled mixed seafood feasts fileted tableside, papardelle con cianghiale (pasta with wild boar), Ensalata Mangiafuoco (mixed salad with radicchio, walnuts, and parmesan) to fagiolo y olio (white beans with oil and rosemary) - every taste was delicious! The olive oil on the table is the best I've tasted in a restaurant - fresh and fruity and full of flavor. The menu turistica is reasonably priced with ample portions for those who wish to order a package deal. We were treated like family, and we wanted to take the entire operation back with us to Michigan. I would definitely recommend that you give them a try. Bravissimo!! I complimenti alla cucina!!
David Morris <email>
Grand Rapids, MI USA Wed 10/31/2007

Angelo's Boat Tours
If you're in the Cinque Terre, I would recommend checking out Angelo's Boat Tours. Talk about "mouthwatering"! I've been to my fair share of touristy restuarants that are pretty but the food is largely dull and oversalted. Not so on Angelo's boat tours... Our cruise was catered by Paula, Angelo's wife -- best food in the Cinque Terre, no doubt. Many of the ingredients came from Angelo and Paula's very own "orto," meaning kitchen garden. Nice to taste what is true to the region. It was so fresh; I can still taste the perfectly ripened tomatoes in the caprese salad! The tour boat is comfy and relaxed, there's even a charcoal grill for treats such as grilled swordfish kabobs (the swordfish caught by Angelo himself). Angelo had also stocked the boat with drinks from ice-cold water to beer and prosecco. It was the perfect cozy tour to meet new friends, and we ended up having a great connection with the other couple, with whom we exchanged email addresses so we could keep in touch. Angelo's family has been in Monterosso for many generations and he impressed us with his extensive knowledge of the Cinque Terre. All in all, it was a really good time that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a more personal, off-the-beaten track experience that you will remember always!
Alena <email>
Roanoke, VA USA Wed 10/31/2007

Delicious Dinner in Siena
My friends and I had two fabulous dinners in Siena at Enoteca Osteria Sotto le Fonti. The owner is a delightful German woman who speaks fluent English. My favorite was the wild boar pasta - one of the best dishes I've ever had. Well worth a short stroll.
J. Zimmerman
Salt Lake City, UT USA Sun 10/28/2007

Lamole/Chianti
Ristoro di Lamole - a real gem! Located near Greve and Panzano - the Sunday afternoon supper is wonderful! The views, the food, the service, the small village charm - wow! Give it a try.
Jon
Portland, OR USA Fri 10/26/2007

Sorrento/Rome
Another vote for il Leone Rosso in Sorrento, and l'archetto in Rome. Both very friendly, very reasonable and food was great! Inexpensive table wines are better than some high-priced varieties in the states. Order the (lightly) fried, mixed fish plate at Leone Rosso with calamari in it - best we've ever had!
Kathy
Minneapolis, MN USA Thu 10/25/2007

Angelo's Cruises, Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre, Italy
We went on a 3 hour cruise along the Cingue Terre coast. The cruise included an exceptional buffet with fresh grilled fish and seasonal foods and local wines, The captain, Angelo, stopped at coves along the coastline and we were able to swim in the pristine waters. It was a wonderful food experience and tour.
Barbara Phipps
Oroville, CA USA Fri 10/19/2007

Ravenna
Ravenna~~FYI, Ca da Ven is closed for renovation this fall, maybe winter,too. So, we found La Gardela Ristorante, had a great meal. Our waiter had just taken the third exam to be a "sommilier" good wine advice ahead.
Sheila
Jackson, WY USA Tue 10/16/2007

Eating in Rome
Recently I went to Caffe Dello Studente near St. Peters in Chains in Rome. The minute Simona saw Rick Steve's book she welcomed me like family. Her husband found me a seat at a table, served me the best food I had that day, and even gave me a free desert.
Bert
St. Charles, MO USA Mon 10/15/2007

Eating in Cadenabbia (Lago di Como)
Just returned from three weeks on the shores of Lake Como. Greatly appreciated the improved account of Lake opportunities in the 2007 edition. One of our favourite restaurants, run by the Galli family and called Ristorante Belle Isole is located just to the left of the car ferry coming in from Bellagio. Wonderful dining on the patio and excellent home cooked Italian menu, including fresh vegetables grown in the Galli garden. Paulo, who along with his mother, handles the front end and speaks fluent English, German, Italian and French. He even managed to produce snails for me one day, gathered from the local slopes. To top it off it is the most cost effective restaurant on that part of the lake. I'll write another time about the wonderfully seductive experience of high end restaurants in the area! Local insight into hikes and food can be obtained following Church at the English speaking Church of the Ascension across from the ferry. It is open from May until the end of September each year.
John Bailey <email>
Coquitlam, BC CANADA Wed 10/10/2007

Eating in the Abruzzo Region
We've been to the big cities in Italy but added a private tour to see the Abruzzo region initially to see Calascio where we have family. We found out some of the best chefs and food are from this area. We ate ate a place called Refugio Della Rocca in Calascio, they had the best antipasti I had in my two weeks in Italy, and I think we had it everyday. Farming is still the number one job in this region and the food comes directly from them. I highly recommend a visit if you have seen the sites elsewhere to try the food here. The capital is L'Aquila. The region goes from the mountains to the sea. I think there are also food and wine tours in this area.
K Swacker
Fort Worth, TX USA Sun 10/07/2007

Rome's Gallo Matto is great!
Gallo Matto in Rome is fantastic. The staff was very nice and the food was delicious. I don't normally like tiramisu, but their's was wonderful and like nothing I have ever had in the States. The prices were also very reasonable
Cheryl B. <email>
Columbus, Ohio USA Sun 10/07/2007

La Cantina Ninco Nanco- Rome
Just returned from Italy. I agree with two previous postings. La Cantina Ninco Nanco in Rome is wonderful. One of the best meals I have enjoyed in Italy over the years. Also, for those who do not know Lucano is what Basilicata was called. This is where many of us in the USA have roots in southern Italy. The wine list has the best selection of Aglianico Del Vulture(the wine of Basilicata)I have ever seen. Great wine. This is one of the best restaurants in Rome. You will love the food. The service is excellent as well.
Tony Cordato <email>
Flower Mound, Texas USA Thu 10/04/2007

Rome restaurants
We just returned from Italy and I had to add my two cents about "Caffe della Studente" in that it was great just like the previous poster said. They gave us two free drinks and a free desert when they saw us walk up with Rick Steve's book. The gnocchi was probably the best I had during our trip which was surprising for this little hole in the wall restaurant! I also wanted to pass on a restaurant that we found just by following our noses (the smells were amazing coming from the restaurant). It's called "Annicinquanta" and like it's name, it's kind of an Italian 50's theme. It's located at Via Flaira 3. The portions were huge and the flavors were wonderful. They had the best bruschetta I have ever had. If you're in Rome, give them a try!!
Trina <email>
Port Orchard, WA USA Wed 10/03/2007

Wonderful Dining Experience
This past May, my wife and I had a delightful dining experience at Compriano Winery. It si just south of Siena and north of Murlo. The owner Ranuccio Neri was a wonderful host. Reservatiions are necessary because of the size of the dining area. The menu is fixed and a wine is erved with each course. What a great place for a special meal.
Jerry Thomas <email>
Laguna Beach, Ca USA Tue 10/02/2007

Warm Welcome from Two Rome Restaurants
While spending a week in Rome we consistently found that the food and service at restaurants in Rick Steves' guidebook were better --and usually less expensive-- than others we tried. And two that spotted the guidebook really rolled out the red carpet for us, with free appetizer and warm treatment that made us feel so at home. The couple that runs "Caffe della Studente" even greeted us hugs! The other especially good restaurant was "Da Oio a Casa Mia."
Bob Marcellino
Wausau, WI USA Sun 09/30/2007

BEST PASTA IN ROME!!
We just got back from Europe and had a wonderful experience at Isadora in Rome. It's down from the Coliseum about 7 or 8 blocks. Try the "tastes of Isadora". It gives you a wonderful sampler of their many different pastas. If you are going to go for just one pasta, try the Penne with walnut. WOW! What a great treat! But leave room for desert, as their Tirimasu is the ABSOLUTE BEST! The employees were friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was very nice, too!
Bonnie <email>
Kirksville, MO USA Fri 09/28/2007

Dante Trattoria & LaGalleria Restaurant - Florence, Italy
Dante's is on the Oltrarno side of the Arno in Florence, just a half block from the Arno River and Ponte Carraia bridge. Address: Piazza Nazario Sauro 12, website www.tratoria-dante.com. Great pizza, mussels, fish, veal and the best tiramisu in Italy. Staff were friendly and helpful, prices very reasonable (dinner about 25 euro for two). After our third visit, we were "regulars" and the chef waived at us.

Another authentic (non-tourist) restaurant near the Pitti Palace was La Galleria Ristorante, Via Guicciardini 48, website www.ristorantelagalleria.it A local leaned over and told us the food was exceptional (and it was) and traditional. The ribolitta soup was great, and the homemade chocolate torte was to die for. Also about 25 euros for two including wine.
Deb Kozak
Redmond, WA USA Tue 09/25/2007

cinque terre delights
While spending the weekend in the Cinque Terre, my friends and I found a jewel of a restaurant in Manarola. If you want local cuisine, ocean views, and amazingly friendly staff, head to Marina Piccola. We began with mussels in a garlic/white wine/lemon/best thing ever sauce. There were plenty to share among the five of us. My main course was a homemade pasta with a creamy tomato sauce served with a crab on top. It was phenomenal. I lived in Italy for four months, and this was the best thing I've ever tasted. We had a regional dessert. The waitor took a liking to us (maybe because we're young girls and were speaking Italian?) and not only bought us all a round of limoncinos but also knocked about 5 euros each off the bill. Marina Piccola is one of the top two restaurants that I visited in Italy. Also, while in the Cinque Terre, be sure to try sciacchatra. It's a sweet liqueur made from grapes that were on the vine longer before being pressed and it's extra sweet! Delicious.
Amanda
St. Paul, MN USA Mon 09/17/2007

Gelato!
Roma: OK, we swear by Giolitti's and della Palma when in Rome (both near the Pantheon, both rate mentions by Rick). But now we've found a new contender nearby which beats them hands down--Gelateria del Teatro, on a south-running cul de sac between Piazza Navona and the Ponte Vittorio Emmanuele, off the Via dei Coronari. Their "havana" (cioccolato and rum) is unbelievable. And their "ananas" (pineapple) is about as close to pure pineapple heaven as we've ever come.

Venezia: Boutique del Gelato, on the Salizada San Lio, near the Campo Santa Maria Formosa. We've tried others but these guys are the best. They were open significantly later than their advertised hours (we strolled by at 2200 on a mid-August night and they were still going strong).

Siena: Nannini's, across from the Monte dei Paschi bank. It's an institution.

Why can't we get the good stuff back in the States?
Fred K.
Leesburg, VA USA Thu 09/06/2007

Wonderful Restaurant in Siena
Our best dining experience in Italy was in Siena at Sotto le Fonti. A local recommended this small family-run restaurant, and it was wonderful. Britta Rogge and her husband are the owners. She met us at the door, and talked with us through the meal. Everything he created was delicious. For dessert, she recommended her fig cake made with figs from their tree. It was fantastic.

Sotto le Fonti, Via Esterna Fontebranda, 118

www.sottolefonti.it
Mike Sulaver <email>
San Jose, CA USA Sun 09/02/2007

Food and wine
Some of my favorites: Bottega del Vino in Verona. Nice town. Nice place. I like the Bigoli all'Anatra - home made pasta with duck sauce, and the white beans with onions. The by-the-glass wine list is fantastic. Italian wine is fantastic, and this is a great place to get to know it. The scene is fun. If you really want to party, go during VinItaly, the wine fair at the beginning of April. More good places in Verona without comment: La Taverna di via Stella,

Enoteca Cangrande,

Enoteca Segreta,

Osteria Casa Vino

Caffe Riccioli in Rome. Terrific fish. Italian sushi (crudo). Great by the glass wine list. Beautiful outdoor dining in the Campo Marzio area. Worth the money.

Augusto in Rome (Trastevere). This place is cheap cheap cheap, and the food is nothing special. But, the food is good (the wine list is virtually nonexistent), and the scene is nice. The people are really nice. The outdoor dining is nice. The locals are friendly. The neighborhood dogs are philosophical, but not too obtrusive. It was a blast..., and cheap.

Enoteca Antica di Via della Croce, in Rome, in the shopping district. Good food. Nice by the glass wine list. A few tables outside. Funky old place on the inside. It's too bad they don't give the name of the wine producers and the vintage years of their by-the-glass wine selections. But, the selections are good. Relax. Have a good time.

Al Duomo in Taormina. Seriously executed interpretations of traditional Sicilian dishes. Again, good by the glass wine list. Value for money. Amazing town. One of the most beautiful I've ever seen.

Crotasc in Mese, near the Swiss border above Lake Como. The restaurant serves traditional cuisine of the Valtellina. It's exceptional. Definitely off the beaten track, but if you're on your way to St. Moritz from Milan, it's a perfect place to stop. The family that runs this terrific restaurant also runs one of the best wineries in Lombardia. Splurge; try their best red wine. It's called "Sforzato." It ain't your average California Cabernet.

Bancogiro in Venice was good, but like almost everything in Venice it was insanely overpriced. The food is good, but you pay for the view. Sorry Rick, but Al Portego is just another sleazy overpriced tourist rip-off. I much prefer being fleeced by Cafe Florian on Piazza San Marco. Sit in the arcade and have a dessert while listening to the orchestra. Bring your wife or girlfriend. It's lovely.

Italy is insanely overpriced these days. It's not Rick's fault. When we got home at the beginning of July I was dismayed to discover that La Strada in Palo Alto (the chef is from Bergamo) was much better and much cheaper than almost anywhere we ate in Italy. Grumble grumble. Nevertheless, there are plenty of good places to eat in Italy...if you're willing to pay. I hate to say it (I really hate to say it!), the food in France was better and better value for the money. Too many Italian places skate by and charge ridiculous prices. You want good Italian food at a reasonable price? Try some of the newer Italian places in NY, LA, and SF that strive for authenticity. You'll save a ton of money and have a much better meal. There's even a place in Buenas Aires deserving of consideration called "La Parolaccia." It means "the swearword." Happy travels!
David Cibovino <email>
Sunnyvale, CA USA Thu 08/30/2007

Fun Dining in Rome
We discovered this small,colorful restaurant our last evening in Rome - Gallo Matto(crazy chicken)on Via Cavour. Good food,service and prices. Would love to go back soon.
Barb <email>
Cherry Hill, NJ USA Fri 08/24/2007

La Locanda di Piero, Vicenza (Montecchio Precalcino)
What a find! This restaurant is between Verona and Venice near Vicenza, Well organised menu offering regional and national dishes - but with some international flare which made this our top restaurant during our trip to Italy.

Try the Duck Tortelli with Green Peas and Asiago Cheese - or the 'Home-Made' Smoked Salmon and Wasabi Sauce, followed by Veal 'stew' with vegetables and polenta, or the home-made sausages. All beautifully prepared and served in this charming restaurant.

The chef, Renato, worked in the States for about 3 years after training under one Italy's top chefs. He returned to Italy about 15 years ago to open La Locanda di Piero 'his baby' He has a real passion for cooking and this so obvious when sitting down to an elegant dinner there.

Excellent value, and well worth the detour

the restaurant has a website: www.lalocandadipiero.it with directions etc.
Jan and karen
Colorado Springs, 80906 USA Thu 08/23/2007

BEST PLACES TO EAT!!
I think it is funny how many posts here talk about "we always follow Rick's advice", "We go where Rick tells us to", etc and feel they need to post on here how terrible those restaurants often are. People, just because one person likes something the one time they went there some number of years ago does not mean it's the best place or the ONLY place to try when in Rome, Florence, Venice, etc. Guide books published by Rick Steves and all the others often give crap advice about restaurants and "best gelato" places and the like. Do yourself a favor, find these places yourself and make your own discoveries! It's really very easy...just keep your eyes open and see how many locals are in there eating (that means don't eat at the restaurants right next to Trevi fountain, St Mark's Sq, Piazza Navona, etc) Just keep your eyes open and see what the clientele looks like as you are passing by. It will give you a good feeling to discover a cool place by yourself and not to go somewhere just because some dated guide and Rick tells you to (he probably makes a commission for putting it in his guidebooks anyway...old trick). Enjoy!

[Editor's note: For clarification...Yes, we encourage people to find their own "Back Doors." No, Rick's books are not "dated" but are researched and updated every year - that includes visiting and eating in the restaurants described therein. No, there is no commission for Rick or his business from any business in the books, including restaurants or hotels.]
VERY Experienced Traveler.
All over, USA Mon 08/20/2007

I can still taste the mouth-watering tiramisu!
In July 2007, my 9-year old son and I participated in the all-day cooking class organized by The Accidental Tourist in Florence, Italy. What an amazing experience it was! We enjoyed our tour immensely. Our tour guide and hostess were wonderful--very warm and welcoming. The wine and food were incredible and the Tuscan countryside was as beautiful as I had remembered it. It was a memorable day and one of the highlights of our 3-week vacation in Europe this summer. I highly recommend this experience for all adventurous travelers who want a taste of authentic Italy.
Elizabeth
Portland, Oregon USA Sat 08/18/2007

Florence's Open View Bar
My husband and I must second the recommendation for the Open View Bar in Florence. We had the most memorable Italian meal. Try the gorgonzola gnocchi. Lovely!
Tara <email>
Bend, OR USA Sat 08/18/2007

Spectacular Lunch on Angelo's Boat Tour
Our family of 7 (five teenagers) was hard to please. We needed to feed us all on a reasonable budget. It turned out our favorite meal was on a BOAT TOUR of Cinque Terre, "Angelo's Boat Tours" from Monterosso. A small family operation, Angelo's boat tour is fun and customized to the passengers. We went snorkeling. To our surprise, the small extra charge for lunch included a home-made meal by his wife Paula, who uses only the freshest ingredients from their garden, fresh pasta from town, and tomatoes also from the garden. Her salads were amazing! Fresh focaccia and ciabatta along with fresh lemonade and a little Prosecco --what a gorgeous day and meal!

To book a private tour, call +339 314 0582 or 333 318 2967, or email paula55@libero.it.
Cindy Nelson <email>
Palo Alto, CA USA Sun 08/12/2007

La Polumba in Orvietto! *****
I've meant to post this for a couple of months now. My wife and I were touring Italy, and we'd been there before, many times, but unfortunately, we were having bad luck with restaurants this time around. And that's terribly disappointing when you've looked forward to good Italian food for months. My wife and I are total foodies, and so far our trip was one rather mediocre meal after another, and-- I wince to report-- some of those were recommended by Rick. So by the time we got to Orvietto, we were a bit frustrated, and hungry for a really great meal. And we finally found one! We went to Rick's recommended La Polumba, and it was a different story altogether. They specialize in truffle dishes, and it was absolute rock-back-in-your-chair outstanding. Holy cats, it was good. The owner, and the sweet and gracious staff also contributed to the wonderful vibe and great, unpretentious dining experience, but to be honest, the food was so great that they could have been rude and we wouldn't have cared. At first my wife and were excitedly trading bites, but at a certain point we started to guard our plates, while of course still trying to swipe tidbits from each other. It was the pinnacle of the day, and while I'm embarrassed to admit this, I actually hugged the owner on the way out the door. Do yourself a favor, and make a pilgrimage to this place. I guess Rick places it on the top of his Orvietto listings with good reason!
Robert Bundy <email>
Milwaukee, WI USA Thu 08/09/2007

13 Gobbi - the essence of Firenze
The FIRST place we eat whenever we visit Florence (and a lunch and dinner during our stay too) The soups, huge bowls of perfect pasta, and the baked cheese and spinach crepes are truly mouthwatering.The ambience is both warm and romantic, and the wait staff is always friendly.
Tom Martin <email>
Orange County, CA USA Thu 08/09/2007

Venice-Best Meal I had
Just got in from 2 weeks in Venice. First I will agree that Venice is not the eating mecca of Italy. I took Rick's Venice 2007 and Chow Venice. Chow Venice....I could have done without! While having dinner in one of our favorite haunts off the Strada Nova (Casa Mia) we were told about a Trattoria that we should go to for the best fish in Venice. Beatrice was certainly right-on about TRATTORIA STORICA. Ask for Tony. He's the owner. Tell him you do NOT want to eat off the menu; tell him you want a traditional Venitian dinner. Hopefully, you did not have lunch. First Tony brought us a couple of glasses of Proseco, then the platters started coming out of the kitchen. First, a carpaccio of fresh tuna accompanied by shrimp, boiled fresh octopus (sooo tender) and the famous salt cod done into a salad spread. Next, grilled fresh cuttle fish. Polenta with monk fish cheek meat. Next, the vongole. Not just any vongole, but clams caught by a friend of Tony's. Then the finale!! Baked Turbot. The fish was a good 16" long and another 13" wide...prepared at the table by Tony. Potatoe's tomato's and olives were roasted with the fish. Unbelievable. Tony is is the Cannaregio at Ponte dei Gesuiti.
Richard <email>
USA Wed 07/25/2007

Favorite restaurants
Just back from 2.5 weeks in Italy and one of the very best meals we had was on our first night in Rome. A recommendation from a local sent us to Hostaria da Pietro on Via Di Gesu' E Maria just off Via del Corso. Very small, so either make a reservation or ask to wait (as we did) and you won't be dissapointed. Best meal of the trip, though, has to go to la Bucaccia in Cortona on via Ghibellina. Tuscan dishes made to perfection in a delightful family run ristorante!
Darlene
Seattle, WA USA Sun 07/22/2007

Great Gelato! 128 Quattro Fontane, Roma
Gelato with flair! Fresh gelato served with personality and style. We may not have spoken each other's language but he sure did present the product and show us he loved what he was doing! We had him come outside to have his picture taken with us and promised we would tell our friends! A perfect ending to Rick's Night Walk Across Rome. Located midway between the Spanish Steps & Santa Maria Maggiore.
Lisa Segard <email>
Caledonia, MI USA Fri 07/20/2007

Nello La Taverna Rocks!
Rick's recommended restaurant Nello La Taverna in Siena is a total find. It is right off the Campo, on a street to the left of the clock tower as you face it. The food is simple and amazing. This is the best meal we had in Italy, which is saying a lot. Pricing is not cheap, but neither is it too expensive either.
David <email>
Portland, OR USA Thu 07/19/2007

Bologna
Just back from bologna, ate the best pizza ever in Bologna, a restaurant called Via degli Apuli, in Via San Lorenzo. They also do fantastic seafood and traditional dishes from Puglia. Outdoor courtyard with olive trees, helpful staff, great wine, can't wait to go back!
Vicky <email>
Tipperary, Ireland Wed 07/18/2007

Culinary Class in Florence
This June we spent 3 weeks in Italy and a week in London. One of the things I had scheduled was a day long cooking class that I had paid ahead of time. Upon my arrival in Florence the hotel handed me a note stating that the class I had scheduled was cancelled. After booking this class 6 months in advance I was very disappointed. AFter calling the instructor she gave me the name of Benedetta Vitali a mentioned that she said might be able to assist me. After placing a call to her Benedetta said she had nothing pressing that day and would be more than happy to accomodate my daugher and I. I was delighted.

Benedetta owns a restaurant called Zibibbo Trattoria in Florence. She is the co-founder and former partner of the famed restaurant Trattoria Cibreo in Florence. Now, she cooks at her own country restaurant Zibibbo, emphasizing fresh produce from the area's small farms and gardens.

As I mentioned, Benedetta agreed to teach my daughter and I a class when the one I had previously scheduled cancelled upon my arrival in Florence. This class was better I am certain the one I had originally signed up for. Benedetta was born and raised in Florence so has the true feel for the food and the region.

Our day started with a light breakfast at 9:00am. We started to cook in her restaurant kitchen along with her other chefs which was fun and unique. We did about 6 different recipes and then at 1:00 we had finished and she asked us to take a seat at a corner table in her restaurant so that we could enjoy the fruits of our labor and then some.

To our surprise her staff brought out small plates of not only the dishes that we prepared for the day but also at least 6 more plates totally around 12 plates in all. With each dish that was served the wine steward came by to give us a glass of wine and describe the region it was from and why it paired well with the dish. It was wonderful. Dessert was served with another 6 different varieties from fruit dishes to chocolates and custards. We were in heaven and stuffed from all that we sampled.

My daughter is 17 and really wasn't sure what to expect but said she loved it and was glad I asked her to try it. I teach culinary classes back home and thought that this was a unique way to teach a class and a superb way to end it.

Benedetta couldn't have been more gracious and gave us each a Zibbibo t-shirt to take home. She opened the door to contact her at any time we would need advice, suggestions or had questions about Tuscan cooking.

The day was well worth it and the price was right for all that we got for the day. Since arriving home I have purchased the book she wrote called Soffritto which has several of the recipes that we made.

For anyone interested in taking a culinary class I highly recommend contacting Benedetta. YOu can check out her website at www.zibibbotrattoria.com. She was updating while I was in Florence so if it doesn't go through they are probably still working on it.

If you would like more information about the class I would be happy to share what I can. If you would like to email her address is: zibibbofirenze@hotmail.com and please tell her I sent you. If you would like to call her you can email me and I will provide you with her phone number. Vicki
Vicki <email>
St Louis, Mo USA Sun 07/15/2007

Rome and Florence Restaurants
Best restaurant Rome - Al Moro, near the Trevi fountain, over 50 years old, indifferent waiters but excellent food. Best Restaurant Florence - Cibreo. Also try Cibreo Cafe and IL Latini.
Chris
Washinton , DC USA Thu 07/12/2007

Best family restaurant in Rome
La Tana dei Golosi is three blocks from the Colosseum and is the best restaurant we found in Italy. Organic ingredients, home made pasta and the chef's assistant, four years old and the most charming smile, said "ciao" every time she walked by our table. Upscale atmosphere, gourmet dishes artistically presented, and the best artichokes we've found anywhere. Our girls loved the gniocchi!
Sydney
Seattle, Wa USA Wed 07/11/2007

Oops: Restaurant to Avoid is Gioia Mia
Somehow the name got cut off! The restaurant described below is Gioia Mia, near the Piazza Barberini.
Marty Michaels
Naples, FL USA Fri 07/06/2007

Varenna - Ristorante Il Caminetto
Moreno and Rosella prepared one of the most memorable meals of our European trip. Located in Perledo, in the hills above Varenna, the restaurant is classic Italian style and charm. The antipasti, primi, secondi, and deserts will have your tastebuds singing "O Sole Mio"! Call for reservations – 0341 815225

http://www.ilcaminettoonline.com/index.html PS: - See Rick's book for more!
JK <email>
Anchorage, Alaska USA Wed 07/04/2007

Trattoria del Pellegrino
Castelnuovo Berardenga, Chianti – Tuscana

Del Pellegrino offers spectacular regional cuisine and great wine in a relaxing and beautiful atmosphere. We had three meals hear during our stay and, between the four of us, sampled a good percentage of the menu. All antipasti, primi, and secondi were savored and well presented. Great wine selection, excellent service!

Via del Paradiso, 0577355282
JK <email>
Anchorage, Alaska USA Wed 07/04/2007

Pizza
Il Pizzaiuolo located in the Santa Croce area in Florence (more locals than tourists). I started to order a second pizza but didn't wish to make a pig of myself.
Brenda
Washington, DC USA Tue 07/03/2007

Avoid Restaurant
Last week we were staying down the street at the Daphne Trevi B&B and decided to take a chance on this restaurant as it was listed in Sandra Gustafson's Great Eats (not sure about Rick's book, but I don't think it's included, thankfully).

It was an awful experience from start to finish---and my husband and I have traveled extensively in Italy. The waiters rushed us to order, rushed us to eat, and rushed us to pay (hoping we wouldn't check the bill too closely, no doubt).

The food was just dreadful---cold, day-old antipasti; pizzas with a decent crust but cheap toppings (e.g., ham you couldn't cut through with a knife despite strenuous effort); and the last straw----a small $22 plate of "the day's special": porcini mushrooms that the waiter talked us into ordering, showing us fresh mushrooms and picking up a large handful as though he were going to hand them straight off to the chef. What a performance---I have to give him credit for that! And when we asked the price, he suddenly seemed to have gone deaf.

When the mushrooms arrived, they were inedible--soaked in bad olive oil and obviously microwaved. Had we known they would be $22 we never would have allowed ourselves to be cajoled into ordering them, that's for sure!

Oh, and the restaurant adds a 15% service change to the bill, which is extremely rare in Italy. I suspect they know that they would never get any tips otherwise, given the awful service and food. When the bill came, the waiter hovered none too discreetly over my husband until he paid.

Do yourself a favor and avoid this place like the plague. It's tacky, overpriced, and just flat-out unpleasant. Try Ditirambo, Armando's, one or all of the three d'Arancio restaurants, or any number of other truly great, representative Roman restaurants instead.
Marty Michaels
Naples, FL USA Tue 07/03/2007

Yum Yum
Favorite Retaurant: Ristorante Belforte, Vernazza. Best Primi Piatti: Risotto with tomato and marscopone cheese sauce. Trattoria da Leo, Lucca. Best Entree: Osso Bucco, Osteria Belledonne, Florence. Best Wine: Any "Rosso" in Montecino.
Thomas Vincent
Seattle, WA USA Sun 07/01/2007

Vegetarian Restaurant in Milan
"Viel 8+" (that's the name on the receipt) on Via dell'Unione, 3. I was looking for the Latteria Cucina on the same street and saw this restaurant first. They have a lunch special for 10 euros that includes a drink, main dish, dessert and coffee. The fare is light (salads, fruit), healthy and tasty. They also have pasta dishes.
Carlisle
San Francisco, CA USA Wed 06/27/2007

Most Flavorful Food we had in our Two-Week Italy Trip
We just returned from a full two weeks in Italy. We stayed in Venice, Florence, Volterra and Rome. The food that ranked highest with my family was the small trattoria in Florence, Trattoria la Burrasca. Loads of flavor in their food. Cute, 10-table trattoria. We went there twice and thought it was the most flavorful food we had in all of the two weeks we were in Italy. We tried all sorts of places recommended by Rick, cheap to expensive. Our favorite place isn't fancy, but if full-bodied flavor is important to you, this place is great.
Laura Lozano
Irving, TX USA Wed 06/27/2007

Tuscany Cooking Class Report
In late March I had the pleasure of attending the Italian Immersion - Advanced Tuscan Cuisine class at the Villa Pandolfini just outside of Florence. The class was through Good Tastes of Tuscany (www.tuscany-cooking-class.com). I had a great time in the class and the food we prepared was outstanding (what else would it be?). The class size was limited to eight people, and it just happend to be 7 women and myself. They all commented on the great time they had. I'm sure part of that was due to our instructor, Maurizio. This guy knows his stuff. I have taken a number of classes here in Phoenix, but this class was one of the most fun I have ever had. The kitchen is great to work around in, and the open fireplace made it that much better. The class was hands on, and everyone participated. Our menu consisted of Bruschetta, Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli with the pasta made from scratch, Parmesan and Saffron Risotto, Baked Pork with Scallions and Fennal including a blood orange and wine sauce and a Titamisu that was more mascrapone then cookie. Enough to feed an army. I was picked up by the river in Florence by the van, and it was about a 20 minute ride to the villa. The villa is worth the trip alone. A great location with trees and birds. We had a short tour of the villa and its wine vault. This was worth every cent to me. I throughly enjoyed the class, the instructor, and learning with the other participants. There were no sticks in the mud with this group! One other thing, don't let the title "full immersion" scare you off. English was the language of the class and beginners would have had a great time also.
Don Davis <email>
Peoria, AZ USA Tue 06/26/2007

eating in Rome
We follow Rick's guidebook religiously, but feel that Miscellanea by the Pantheon in Rome should be deleted. It was awful, all frozen food,mickrowaved, and the worst meal we ate in Italy.
kk
san antonio, tx USA Sat 06/23/2007

eating near the Vatican
The BEST meal we ate in all of Italy was at the Perilli en Prati as recommended in Rick's book. The lunch buffet was wonderful, and w knew it was good beforehand, because we were the only non-Italians in the entire place. Very accomodating staff, too.
kk
san antonio, tx USA Sat 06/23/2007

The best croissants in the world
In venice we stayed in the Steves-recommended Hotel Guerrato near the Rialto Bridge, which was wonderful.

This post is about their breakfast criossants, which were warm, full of apricot jam, tender, melty, the best ever! Each morning the tray of them would be emptied, everyone would wait for the next tray, and when it came out of the kitchen a crowd would jump from their seats to go get one! Yum!!
Diane T <email>
Burnaby, BC USA Thu 06/21/2007

La Grotta in Radicofani
I need to add a wonderful gem of a restaurant I discovered with friends in the hill town of Radicofani. La Grotta. Truly cave like with curved stone ceiling, it is family run, a favorite of locals and when I walked in and sat down I knew I found the small Italian restaurant I'd always imagined. Food was fantastic.
Claudia <email>
Hollywood, CA USA Tue 06/19/2007

Italian Food in Venice, San Gimignano and Monterosso
Our four favorite restaurants on our Italy trip, all of which had fabulous food at a reasonable price and a fun and friendly staff: Venice: Taverna San Trovso - a short distance from the Accademia vaporetto stop; Ristorante Oniga - near Campo San Barnaba. San Gimignano: Trattoria Chiribiri - near Porta San Giavanni. Monterosso: Via Venti - near the end of Via XX Settembre.
Al & Joyce <email>
Bothell, WA USA Sun 06/17/2007

Orvieto restaurant
One of our favorite food 'finds' was in Orvieto. We stumbled upon Ristorante dell'Ancora (Via di Piazza del Popolo, 5-11)on a rainy Monday evening. We had vegetarian lasagne, sausage, and tagliatelle. The food was great, the staff super nice and the owner came out to say thanks for coming. My girls loved it.
Gloria
Kirkland, WA USA Tue 06/12/2007

Italian food
Visiting the Vatican and St.Peter's don't miss the finest Italian food you will ever eat.Ristorante La Pilotta on Via di Porta Cavalleggeri is a short walk from St.Peter's square. It is a simple, unpretentious restaurant with charming hosts, superb cuisine and reasonable prices. Try the Fettucini alla Bolognese and you will have a criterion for excellence by which you will measure all subsequent Italian dishes.
Lou D'Ascoli <email>
Tampa, FL USA Tue 06/12/2007

Happy eating in Sorrento and Rome
I just got back from two amazing weeks in Italy and fell in love with two delicious places to eat. Sorrento: Il Leone Rosso...this is a rather inexpensive but amazing place that caters mostly to locals. Rome: Insalta Ricca...it's a chain in Rome, but was amazing and rather cheap as well.
Kristen
Phoenix, AZ USA Tue 06/12/2007

Dessert
The food in Italy was the best I have ever tasted!! Nothing beats the real thing. The best part of the whole trip (food wise) was the desserts. The Gelato was very good. The pastries were even better. My personal favorite was a little place in Rome called Florian's Cafe' right by Termini station. They had good wine and a variaty of desserts. The chocolate mousse was wonderful and could cure any chocoholics cravings.
Genevieve
Rapid City, SD USA Thu 06/07/2007

Ristorante Garibaldi in Levanto
This is a real gem....fresh ingredients, great selection all made to order and cooked to perfection by the friendly staff. Do not miss Ristorante Garibaldi!
Tia and John
Palo Alto, CA USA Wed 06/06/2007

Our top 3 after 18 days.
Our top 3 Italian restaurants after eating out 2 squares a day for 18 days:

Vernazza: Belforte under the castle. The trofie pasta with pesto. Mmmmm. Absolutely perfect.

Florence: ZaZa across the street from the Central market. We split a mouthwatering filet mignon the size of a softball for 20 euro.

Sorrento: Relais Blu on the peninsula facing Capri offered a courses menu for 70 euro that would give even a 3-star Michelin a run for its money. The best meal we've ever eaten by a longshot.
John <email>
Fort Worth, TX USA Mon 06/04/2007

Rick Steve Suggested
We traveled in italy for 5 days from 19th to 23rd May. Tried the following restaurents suggested by Rick. We are vegetarians and got really good veggie food in all these restaurents. We especially liked the Antipasto-Grilled vegetables sauteed in Olive Oil, Garlic and Italian herbs (Artichokes, egg plants, peppers, ymmmm) Rome-Ristorante La Carbonara. Food was good but not excellent. Correction-the restaurent opens at 7:30 PM and not 4:30 PM on Sundays Florence-Osteria La Congrega was excellent. Well worth the visit. Osteria Vineria i Brincello had great food but lousy service. They seemed to cater locals better.Could not find two Gelataria mentioned in the book-Gelataria Carabe and Gelataria Carrozze. They might have changed their names. We searched for 1 hour!! Venice-Trattoria Pizzeria Nono Risorto had good food but very congested. Address given in Rick Steve's book is not corrrect. They are more closer to Vaperetto stop St. Stae. Antica Sacrestia was very good. Waiters were cordial.It was a romantic setting on our anniversary!!!

Thanks for good suggestions Rick!
Vinay Malur <email>
QUEENSBURY, NY USA Mon 06/04/2007

Siena- Nello 2001
We took Rick's advice on a place to eat in Siena. Behind the city hall is a little bar/ restaurant called Nello 2001. We spent 17 days in Italy and by far, this is the best food we had, maybe even ever. Mario takes pride in his food. He does not "sell" you anything you don't want and he has a great menu. I had egg noodles with boar sauce and my wife had a vegetable soup and we split the vegetarian combo. The meal was so good that we had to stay for dessert. As I recall, we had a chocolate cake dessert with a small scoop of ice cream. In my opinion, this place is probably the best place to eat in Italy.
Matt
Maumee, OH USA Sat 06/02/2007

Italian Dining at Its Best!
This is the way dining was meant to be in Italy: Il Brodo in Palermo! The food is outstanding and the service great. A rather small restaurant but with a large menu and even better the prices were very reasonable! This is a rare find in dining!
Ray Miller <email>
Carlsbad, Ca. USA Fri 06/01/2007

dinner in Rome
We found a gem on a recent trip to Rome. As we (2 couples) were consulting a map, a very pleasant Italian gentleman approached and offered to direct us. He asked, "Have you eaten dinner?" We said no, the restaurant we had chosen was our destination. He replied, "No, no, no! You must dine with me. It's very close, a very good restaurant." We thought, what would Rick do? He'd take a chance! So we did, and found a fantastic family place, reasonably priced with delicious fresh food, close to the Trevi Fountain on the Via Dei Maroniti, called Tritone Antica Trattoria. I think it's been there for, like, 70 years. We had dinner with Frederico and the finest service any of us has ever received anywhere. It was a memorable meal and we can't wait to go back. They have a website, www.trattoriatritone.com
Bob Young
Delaware, OH USA Fri 06/01/2007

avoid St. Marks area restaur. in Venice
I didn't have any bad food in Venice, but found the following: 1. don't eat in restaurants where the waiters are hanging outside grabbing customers to come in. 2. St. Marks area restaurants tend to be overpriced and not as great as others. Avoid the Menu Tourista if you do go into one, small portions and cooked en masse. 3. Try the less traveled areas, like across from the Rialto Bridge. 4. Some restaurants' menus will offer 'FRESH PASTA' for 1 Euro extra, it's worth it. You could read the menu posted outside the restaurants to see if they offer this.
Melissa
San Francisco, CA USA Fri 06/01/2007

Roast pork sandwich in Florence
In Florece, you should try the Roasted Pork sandwiches sold in the open air food market right outside this church (if you walk around Florence, you can't miss this food market). The sandwiches were pre-made, and I pointed to the one that looked full of crunchy and meaty roasted pork. I think they put in a truffle sauce w. olive oil. So delicious and inexpensive!
Melissa
San Francisco, CA USA Fri 06/01/2007

Gelato flavors in Siena
Siena's gelato is better than Florence and Venice's. They just have so many more flavors and give a much bigger serving. Try RICE PUDDING (sweet and creamy) and Dark Rice which is rice in chocolate ice cream. Italian for rice is RISO.
Melissa
San Francisco, CA USA Fri 06/01/2007

Best Dining Ambiance and Experience in Italy
Best Dining Experience Cinque Terre - Claudio Capellini(www.acasa5terre.it)cooking class. My first evening in Manarola Claudio invited me to stop by his home that fronts the sea for a glass of wine. Everyone in Cinque Terre seems to have a wine cellar with a vat of Mamma's fine wine freely flowing for guests to try. Claudio invited me to join a cooking class he was giving which ended with an Italian dinner of many courses that was so fresh and delicious! Charming and gifted artist friends of Claudio's from neighboring La Spezia stopped by for dinner! Italians know how to socialize and have a good time. It seems to be the national past time.

Best cappuccino and fresh orange juice was a Café Espresso bar just off the Pantheon square in Rome. I was surprised how much I loved the city of Rome. I found it very easy to navigate and enjoyed the people, cafes and restaurants, and all the colorful and quaint streets, sweet jasmine was in bloom everywhere; it was intoxicating. Caveat - Culture week started on the day we arrived in Florence which meant all the museums were FREE! I really enjoyed Italy and hope to return. Ciao! KG Stiles Ashland, OR USA 5/31/07
KG Stiles <email>
Ashland, OR USA Thu 05/31/2007

English tea in Florence
For an English tea experience in Florence, try the La Via del Te' located off Piazza Ghiberi about 6 blocks north (away from the river) of Santa Croce church. Hundreds of varieties of tea and scones. English is spoken.
Kenneth Chin <email>
Millbrae, CA USA Thu 05/31/2007

Italy Eats. Some of many.
21 days in Italy and our #1 experience was in San Gimignano at trattoria Chiribiri. Food was really good and atmosphere, you just knew you were in an old world city. In Vernazza, can you O.D. on pesto? We did at the trattoria & pizza places that serve this "only here" flavor. Reading other postings, a BIG RIGHT ON for Il Pirata della Cinque Terre for meals, snacks & twin brother stand-up. Stop already, my side hurts.
Richard Inglehart <email>
Loveland, CO USA Tue 05/29/2007

Vernazza...Best Pastry AND Dinner!
We recently stayed in Vernazza along the Cinque Terre and visited one of Rick's recommened places...Il Pirata. The pastry was to die for as he says, BUT, go back for dinner. Wow...we enjoyed the food so much we went back the next night. Il Pirata is located away from the water, is quiet and the twin brothers baking and cooking make the experience a true pleasure. Check it out at www.ilpiratadelle5terre.com
Bill <email>
Santa Rosa, CA USA Mon 05/28/2007

mouthwatering italy
Here are our tips for food Monterosso:Miky and Ciak. Florence:buca dell'orafo, great Ribollita. Rome:Carlo Monte in Trastevere,local and 5-7 euros per dish. Stay away from Le Cisterna, $$$ and waiter tried to rip us off. Here is a bit of advice, learn some Italian, I was embarrassed once to be an American in Venice at a restaurant. A group from Texas were so rude and thought they were still in the states and were so demanding it was awful. Please learn about the customs and remember you are in their country, things are different. Eating dinner can take two to three hours and you won't get Marie's blue cheese dressing...then again don't order a salad, eat like a local. Walk a few blocks from the tourist areas and find local places, cheaper and better food, enjoy.
peter o <email>
bothell, wa USA Mon 05/28/2007

where to stay/where to eat in Sorrento, Italy
My son, husband, and I entered Sorrento, Italy, for the first time last Thursday evening at about 8:30 p.m. WE had no reservations to stay anywhere, but we met people on the Circumvenusiana train who were headed for a place called "Casa Dominova." So, we walked with them until we found that place. Sr. Ciro Gigino met us there and thankfully, put us up for two nights. He was a generous, thoughtful host who offered us a "deal" at his restaurant also, called da Gigino. The Casa Dominova is a quaint, colorful, pleasant bed and breakfast, and Sr. Gigino was a wonderful host. A light breakfast out on his flower-filled patio added peace to the beginning of our daily excursions. The food at his restaurant was terrific also. It was a great place to stay!
Della Ellis <email>
Marion, Ohio USA Sun 05/27/2007

Rome Restaurant
Don't miss Le Fate in Trastevere. Our favorite restaurant lures us back whenever we're in Rome. Owner/chef, Massimo Consoli, prepares traditional Roman dishes and his own delectable new creations. His son, Fabrizio, welcomes guests with warmth, menu suggestions and a bit of philosophy if prompted. Spend an afternoon or evening in this small, magical restaurant at 132 Viale Trastevere (one block from the tram stop). Phone is 06 5800971.
Pam Herrera <email>
Walnut Creek, CA USA Fri 05/25/2007

Corniglia dining experiences
We went to the trattoria on the main plaza in Corniglia (right across from the shuttle bus stop) for some dinner. The waiter who greeted our buon nottes with a frown told us we could only sit outside, altho we had asked to be seated inside, as it was rather cool. Then we noticed that he was seating other arrivals (local diners) inside. The service was curt, even though we spoke in Italian and behaved politely towards him. My dinner was so salty, it was nearly inedible. When I complained (very quietly I might add) he immediately began clearing everything off our table, offered no apology, and then brought our bill. The vibes were so noticeable to other foreigners who had arrived after we did, that when they observed our treatment, they simply got up and left. I'll give the waiter the benefit of the doubt; it was the first quiet night after the 5 day holiday for Italian May Day. However, I would opt instead for the fabulous Ristorante Cieccio just down the street (towards Vernazza) where we ate twice more that week, and received memorable meals & friendly service.
Marie Warren <email>
Sandpoint, ID USA Mon 05/21/2007

Caffe Dello Studente
I would agree with the last post about Caffe Dello Studente. I got their special "Rick Steves" Daily menu which include pasta carbonara (which was okay) and chicken with potatoes. The chicken was a piece of breaded processed meat which I didn't touch after the first bite. We also got soup which did not look fresh but cost us 9 euro. I didn't think it was good quality food for the money. Some of Rick's other picks are definitely better.
D. Wang
San Rafael, CA USA Fri 05/18/2007

Italy Restaurants
Recent Italy trip top restaurant experiences: Orvieto-Trattoria La Grotta (Via Luca Signorelli,5); Santa Margherita Ligure-Ristorante Pizzeria Dal Baffo(www.dalbaffo.net for directions/get the house white wine); Ravello-Garden Albergo Ristorante (great food/killer views of Amalfi Coast);and the best for last in Siena-Ristorante Guidoriccio. Just off Il Campo. It's simple, delicious and inexpensive.
Richard Oldham
Orlando, FL USA Fri 05/18/2007

Best Restaurant in Florence
I would like to brag about the best restaurant in Florence. My husband and I ate there 3 times and loved it every time. The restaurant is El Jino. It is a couple of streets behind the Savoy Hotel. This restaurant is spectacular. New entree's every night and they have wonderful specials. Also, Open View Bar on the River is good, and the jazz night is a great idea for a relaxing night with good music!
The Skelton's
Beavercreek, Oh USA Fri 05/18/2007

Best Pizza In Rome!!
I just got back from my first trip to Italy and wanted to tell you all that if you are in Rome and you are looking for some great pizza, head to Pizzaria Roma near the Trevi Fountain. If you are standing with your back to the fountain take the street on your far left and the pizzaria is about a 1/4 or 1/2 way up the street on the right. We made sure to go back when we got back to Rome on our last night! Try the one with tomatoes, salami, mozzarella and arugula/rocket. Wonderful!!
Sloane
Philadelphia, PA USA Thu 05/17/2007

Rome: Caffe dello Studente
If you're going to Rome and plan to visit Caffe dello Studente near the Colloseum as Rick recommends, DON'T order any of the main dishes. They cost 9 euro and are microwaved frozen platters.

The sandwiches are around 3 euro and are actually pretty good though.
matt
san francisco, CA USA Thu 05/17/2007

Eating in Venice
Great (really)food - superb fish and personal service, off the beaten track but only 5 mins from the Rialto bridge. "Al Paradiso" in the Calle Paradiso. (and good prices too)
Brian
Horsham, Sussex UK Fri 05/11/2007

Two great restaurants in Rome
Two great places to eat in Rome are:

1) Gemme di Pane on Via Aurelia near the Vatican. They have great pizza and pastries, and the owner is very friendly. I was in Rome for three months and ate their a couple times a week, never tiring of their pizza!

2) Il Pomodorino near the US Embassy is a great place for a full traditional Italian meal. It is off of the tourist path, so it is quite authentic. The price is great also. Try their bruschetta with prosciutto and frsh mozarella. Their lamb is also great. I don't recall what street it is on, but I think it may be Via Firenze. A local phone book should lead you in the right direction.
Brant
Phoenix, AZ USA Thu 05/10/2007

Best Dinner in Florence
The best place for dinner in Florence that I found was Club Paradiso. Address in Firenze (Florence)- Via dell'Orto 24R Tel 055223955 Per Prenotare 3398489843 I got a standard italian dinner with all the courses and wine for 15E. The owner speaks good english and was very helpful. I went twice in the three days I was in Florence because it was so good. You can take a look at my pictures from it at http://www.dddfw.com/dinnerflorence.htm It is just down from Santa Maria del Carmine (chapel, church, duomo)on the other side of the Arno river. I can't wait to go back in a month. I went May 2006 and returning again in two weeks.
Shirley Cooper <email>
Dallas, TX USA Mon 05/07/2007

Taverna Barbi
Taverna dei Barbi in Montalcino was a meal that will not soon be forgotten. Our band of four caught it as part of the Abeys tour offered by Verbena Blu tours out of Siena.

They offered us a fine tasting menu as part of the tour (~40EU). Everything was fresh from the associated farm and extreme care and passion went into the making of the meal. It was so good I damn near cried. If you're passing through the hill country, stop in and enjoy a meal on the patio. It's well worth it!
Pete <email>
Glendale, AZ USA Wed 05/02/2007

Eating in Ligure
Santa Margherita Ligure: Cinzia e Mario; wonderful couple who run it, delicious food. Via Palestro, 26, Via XX Aprile, 13. www.ristorantecinziaemario.it
Catherine
Beaverton, OR USA Sat 04/28/2007

Hopitality
Caffe dello Studente, close to the Colosseum, is run by Simona, her husband and parents. One of the best places we enjoyed during our trip to Rome. They had a Rick Steve's menu. Items and prices clearly marked which was a huge help because 15 of us in our tour group went there for lunch. It was a good expeience.
Lilly Garrett
Athens, GA USA Sat 04/28/2007

Good place in Verona
We wandered in to the Sempre Aperto in Verona at lunch time. Turned out to be a very good experience. Great selection of good food at a good price. English speaking staff. Via Fama 6, Verona.
Tom Malley <email>
Bremerton, WA USA Sat 04/28/2007

Florence Restaruants
The best restaurant in Florence is Celestino. We received this tip from the concierge at our hotel and the food, service, and atmosphere were all great. Try the penne with meat sauce and peas or the Rib Eye - unbelievably good and great value for the food and wine. Has an outdoor dining patio that is wonderful as well.
Deb
Seattle, wa USA Mon 04/23/2007

Great Florence Restaurant
Great Florence restaurant - Mamma Gina's - great food (try the giant ribeye or the wonderful pastas) - great wine selection, wonderful atmosphere and service. Good value as well.
John
Seattle, WA USA Mon 04/23/2007

Rick is the MAN!
We just returned from Italy, and tried out these Rick suggestions...

The Best: (Rome) Osteria da Mario - Close to the Pantheon. Nearly everyone eating had Rick's book on their table. The carbonara was amazing.

(Florence) Trattoria Sabatino - Across the river and well worth the walk. Rick describes as having "disturbingly cheap" prices, and they were. Daily menu - it was great!

(Sorrento) Ristorante Delfino - Huge portions, amazing view, and the best service of any restaurant we visited. Rick's book earned you a shot of limoncello as well.

Didn't Love These: (Rome) Trattoria da Lucia - We were seated in a back room by ourselves. Granted, we didn't have reservations, so may have been our fault. But we were certainly ignored by the server and food was just okay. It's in Trastevere.

(Rome) Ristorante La Taverna degli Amici - Food was okay, but waiter was crabby, and we were overcharged for service. Menu listed 1 Euro per person, we paid 2 Euro, and it seemed there was an extra 4 Euro on the bill that they couldn't seem to explain.
Robin W.
Richland, WA USA Sat 04/21/2007

Best Restaurant in Florence...Alfredo's
In Florence...a restaurant called Alfredo's! It is a must. Spent two weeks in Italy and this is the best place by far. All the locals eat here. SOOO DELICIOUS!
Kelsey
San Francisco, CA USA Fri 04/20/2007

Becky in Greensboro
We have done a day trip with accidentaltourist.com. It was a wonderful day. As a matter of fact, our photo is on their web site when you see the word "TOAST". We visited an olive grower. We then went to a vineyard for sampling. Then we went to a farm where we made two types of pasta from scratch and it was served as our dinner before we returned to Florence. I highly recommend accidentaltourist.com
Joe <email>
Columbus, OH USA Fri 04/13/2007

Wine Lovers in Florence!
Wine lovers take note! When in Florence, be sure to bring an extra water bottle or liter container.

DiVino, a vino sfuso shop at Via Toddea 8 red, just behind the Central Market, sells local and other Italian wines in bulk.

I got a wonderful full bodied Tuscan red called Castelina in Chianti for 5.20 a liter. Stop by the Central Market and add some picnic fixings and sit on the steps of the Duomo!
Thea <email>
San Francisco, CA USA Thu 04/12/2007

Castello's in Cinque Terre
If you go to Cinque Terre find Castello's in Vernazza.Climb the steps.The food,the service,and the view was great.To quote my wife,'It was wonderfull.'
Larry G
Des Moines , Iowa USA Thu 04/12/2007

Worst Meal in Europe
After seeing many good reviews for Trattoria Nella in Firenze, we were looking forward to a great meal. Went at 7 p.m. Sunday and they were closed. Returned on Tuesday and were seated first. I ordered liver pate on toast for appetizer. Not very good, especially after biting down a piece of gold colored pot-scruber. Wife opted for their "special" of the day-beef stew. It was just beef with gravy. No vegetables. She said it was salty. I tasted it and said to send it back. She said she would scrape off the gravy and eat it. After a few bites she gave up and called over the waiter. He apologized and removed it. We received our bill and had been charged 12 euros for the salty beef. We did not complain in front of a now full restaurant, but I now wish we had. Worst meal we have ever had. (We are seniors who have dined out extensively).
Wayne Hoffman <email>
Fairview Park, OH USA Tue 04/10/2007

Worst service at Firenze Restaurant
After seeing many good reviews for Zsa Zsa in Firenze we were looking forward to it. Went at 7 p.m. and were seated inside. Only one other couple were there looking at their menus. We looked at our menus, made our choices and waited. And waited. And waited. Several kitchen personnel were eating at the table next to ours. They ignored us and our lack of service. We decided to leave, and as we did the first couple was still waiting for service to place their order. Hostess and 2 waitresses were chatting by front entrance as we left.
Wayne Hoffman <email>
Fairview Park, OH USA Tue 04/10/2007

Best Restaurants in Florence
Several very good restaurants we ate at in Florence: Il Brincello; Osteria Belle Donne; Trattoria Marione; and especially Trattoria Nerone on via Faenza, 95R. We ate there several times and the food and service were very good. Reasonable prices too.
Wayne and Cheryl Hoffman <email>
Fairview Park, OH USA Tue 04/10/2007

Good Restaurants in Venice
We tried the self-serve Brek ristorante in Venice near the train station (124 Lista di Spagna) and were very pleased with the food. The salads especially were very good. Red, ripe tomatos! They also have self-serve wine. A good pizza restaurant that was recommended by a local was the Pier Dickens Inn on Campo S. Margherita, Dorsoduro, 3410. Tel. 041.2411979. We counted 60 kinds of pizza on their menu. We tried the "Pier-Dickens" pizza which was topped with: tomato, mozzarella, ham, mushrooms, hot salami, olives, wurstel, artichokes, aubergines, peppers and egg. Excellent!
Wayne and Cheryl Hoffman <email>
Fairview Park, OH USA Tue 04/10/2007

How to make an Italian coffee (video)
If you'd like to learn how to make an Italian espresso with a Moka pot, here is a short fun 1-min video that guides you thru the right steps. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huC3E1c4SBs
Paolo Tosolini <email>
Bellevue, WA USA Wed 04/04/2007

Eating in Venice
Check out Antico Merca Wine Bar aka All'Antico Merca located at S. Polo 276 Rialto in Venice. The phone number is 0415225743. It's on a side street. If you are looking for a place that is not fancy, serving a reasonable amount of food at a very reasonable price (for Venice) in a casual neighborhood atmosphere, check this place out. It was very friendly. Locals dropped in to visit while I was there. The server was singing as he worked. It was wonderful, casual, and not touristy.
D Taylor
Avon, CT USA Sun 04/01/2007

Florence/Tuscany Wine and Cooking
I just returned from Florence, and I had the great pleasure to participate in a group wine tasting and pasta-making class through www.accidentaltourist.com. There were seven of us in the group, we were picked up in Florence and rode up, up, up into the hillside. We had a tour of a winery, a generous sampling of three reds, Tuscan bread with olive oil, and vin santo with biscotti. Then to another location where we each made our own batch of pasta from scratch, then a hearty lunch which included our pasta and more, as well as unlimited wine and grappa. I heartily recommend this. All for 85 Euro.
Mary Cameron <email>
Minneapolis, MN USA Fri 03/30/2007

Eating in venice
La Zucca in Venice. Ask your hotel how to get there(Vaporetto stop is San Stae). Amazing food and very cozy.
La Zucca <email>
Chandler, AZ USA Wed 03/28/2007

Off the beaten path eating in Rome
L'Archetto Ristorante in Rome is fantastic. Over 100 variety of spaghetti dishes and other great local Roman dishes. It is on Via dell'Archetto, right off Via delle Muratte, around the corner from Fontana di Trevi.
V Wallgren <email>
San Diego, CA USA Sun 03/25/2007

Food in Siena, Italy
A huge restuarant find for us was Osteria Enoteca- Sotto le Fonti in Siena. The address is Via Esterna Fontebranada, 118.

Make sure to taste the Pumpkin Ravioli and the Wild Boar. They also perfectly pair the wines for you and your meal. Their hospitality is superb!

The owners are a young couple. The husband is from Naples and the wife, Britta is from Germany. Britta speaks German, Italian and English so it was easy to communicate. Britta is also a tour guide. We ended up taking a wine tour with her which was amazing.
Nancy Whitcraft <email>
San Mateo, ca USA Sun 03/18/2007

A wonderful stay in Umbria
Just returned from a driving trip in Tuscany and Umbria. We would like to strongly reccomend abbazia di Vallingegno between Gubio and Purugia. This is an old abby and is managed by a delightful couple. Breakfast and evening meals are served-- the latter were out of this world. Assisi is a within driving distance for a day's outing. Mauricio Dan, the manager, was very helpful with travel tips in the area and a wonderful host. info@abbaziadivallingegno.it
Meredith and Jim Blundell <email>
Olympia, WA USA Sat 03/17/2007

Ristorante Guidoriccio
Ristorante Guidoriccio in Siena, Italy is found on page 272 of Rick's Florence & Tuscany 2007 Guide Book. We highly recommend this place!! The owner was very helpful and friendly. The food was superb
Rick & Kathy Bart <email>
Taunton, MA USA Wed 03/14/2007

Tuscany Cooking Class
I am taking a 1/2 day cooking class (the full immersion class) outside of Florence on March 29th. The company is Good Tastes Of Tuscany and they are picking me up in Florence and going to Villa Pandolfini. Their website is http://www.tuscany-cooking-class.com . It looks good, and I will post how the class went when we get back. I think it would be worth looking into.
Don Davis <email>
Peoria, AZ USA Thu 03/08/2007

Cooking Schools in Tuscany
Check out this review on tripadvisor.com. (If the link doesn't work, search: "Tuscany forums: Cooking Schools/Lessons in Tuscany".

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187893-i67-k1018344-l6151732-Cooking_Schools_Lessons_in_Tuscany-Tuscany.html#6151732

This poster gives a great review or three schools, including:

www.welcometuscany.com/en/index.php

www.cordonbleuperugia.com

www.activegourmetholidays.com

We plan on doing one of these one day schools in April.

Happy travels!

Greg
Greg <email>
San Carlos, CA USA Wed 03/07/2007

Tuscany Cooking Class
I am going to Italy in Sept. and would like to take a one day cooking class in Tuscany. Does anyone know about www.accidentaltourist.com? Or any other suggestions?
Becky
Greensboro, NC USA Tue 03/06/2007

re: non-alcoholic beverages
Antonio, I was in Tuscany and Umbria last summer. You will find plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options readily available in those regions as well as throughout Italy. Everything from colas/soda pop, juices/sparkling juices and mineral water(with and without gas) and of course granitas and coffee. You can find these beverages at any cafe, restaurant, or store. Have fun!
Steve
Puyallup, USA Sun 03/04/2007

Non-alcoholic beverages?
I'm doing Tuscany/Umbria soon, and notice lots of enthusiastic wine comments. I'm recovering, and just want a reality check that other beverages are readily available. Will I have a hard time finding non-alcoholic beverages?

editors helpline: All questions must be posted to Travelers Helpline
Antonio <email>
San Carlos, CA USA Sun 03/04/2007

Vegetarian Restaurants in Florence
Can ayone recommend a good vegetarian (or three) restaurants in Florence? I'm traveling with my sister this fall who wont even eat cheese that contains "cow cultures"

thank you!
Kevin Boyd <email>
Sacramento, CA USA Fri 03/02/2007

genoa, italy
I would like to know 2 great local restaurants in genoa, italy for april travel. We like fun, great food, can be elegant, we like to dress up! littlear@hotmail.com
arlene koenigsberg <email>
Montville, nj USA Sun 02/25/2007

Wonderful food in Tuscany
Two great ristorantes in Radda in Chianti. Le Vigne (on the edge of town)and La Bottega situated on a hilltop in Volpaia (just outside of Radda). Incredible food and views.
Marilyn
Holliston, MA USA Thu 02/22/2007

Vernazza: Il Pirata delle Cinque Terre
Last summer we traveled for 26 days throughout Italy, from the Veneto to Calabria. The best breakfast that we had anywhere during those travels was at Il Pirata in Vernazza. The pastries and coffee are of superior quality. The panzerotto and the sfogliatella were especially amazing(we are still dreaming about these pastries!). On a hot day we would also recommend their iced cappucino. Massimo adds humor and charm to the experience. We talked to a lot of people who went there for Massimo's charisma as much as the pastries. A stay in Vernazza would not be complete without at least one trip to Il Pirata.
Steve and Jodi
Puyallup, WA USA Mon 02/19/2007

Siena: Ristorante Guidoriccio
We spent three days in Siena during a 26 day trip in Italy last summer. The best meal experience in Siena and one of the most memorable of the trip was at Ristorante Guidoriccio. The ristorante is only a few steps from Il Campo on Via G. Dupre 2. We were greeted with warm smiles and humor when we entered the restaurant. The owner sat at our table while explaining the menu to us. The food was fresh, homecooked and delicious. The restaurant was also cool and comfortable on a very hot day! We were treated like family and the evening was very memorable. A bonus was that the food was also a good value.
Steve and Jodi
Puyallup, WA USA Mon 02/19/2007

Bar
On The Rox in Testachio is the best bar i found while there.
Nicq
PA USA Sun 02/18/2007

restaurant in Rome
As someone posted here, "Gallo Matto" (chicken house) restaurant is great food, resonably priced. We ate there several times while in Rome. Our hotel was a few block away. Gallo Matto, Via Cavour 107, tel: 064740354. The vicinity of(though not right near) the central train station.
Francesca
Tampa, FL USA Sun 02/11/2007

Family owned back door restaurant in Siena!
My friends and I asked our Chianti wine tour guide (a Siena resident), to recommend her favorite restaurant. She suggested Osteria Sotto le Fonti, which is about 300 meters from Piazza del Campo. It was off the beaten path where we normally wouldn't stroll in Siena, and there appeared to be only locals dining here. It was a quiet night so we enjoyed some conversation with the hostess and owner, Britta. The food was excellent - they offered homemade pasta, wild boar, and goose breast which was outstanding. The owner's 2 year old son gave us the pleasure of his company during part of dinner, and Britta and her husband even joined us for a glass of wine later in the evening. This is a true back-door tuscan restaurant, just what we were looking for! I recommend it to all travelers to beautiful Siena. You can find location info at their website, www.sottolefonti.it.
Jason C.
Cincinnati, OH USA Wed 02/07/2007

Cooking school in Sabine hills near Rome
It was like a burst of sunshine and all that I had hoped for. A relaxed and fun holiday set in the Sabine Hills just north of Rome. Cooking lessons, luxury accomodation, a stroll through an olive grove and a day trip to Rome. Eating the fabulous food and wine tasting really topped it off. Our host, Sally, and the chef, Guido really looked after us. Their website is www.conviviorome.com
Ann Mary
Sydney, NSW Australia Sun 02/04/2007

Good Restaurant in Rome
My friends and I had three great meals at Chicken House or "Gallo Matto" at Via Cavour 107 in Rome. Great pizza and friendly service.
Lisa <email>
Landover, MD USA Tue 01/30/2007

Italy's Worst Bar
I spent 2 weeks in Italy and the food was great, but I did identify the worst bar in Italy. Its called Caffetteria Del' Orafo and its near the Ufizi Gallery. They have what looks like panini, but the guy there put it in a microwave when we asked to heat it. It was soggy with some kind of cheap hot dog meat and artificial cheese. The guy was gross and rude too.
Jamie <email>
Issaquah, WA USA Fri 01/26/2007

Eating & Drinking in Italy
If you're eating in a non-touristy restaurant in Italy, I recommend taking along a handy pocket menu translator to help you out. I use Eating & Drinking in Italy. It has a comprehensive menu translator and some interesting restaurant choices throughout Italy.
Lance
Chicago, IL USA Thu 01/25/2007

Restaurant
La Locanda on Via Garibaldi 276, Zafferana Etnea, Sicilia. Family operated, serving italian dishes plus a daily special sicilian dish at trattoria prices.
La Locanda
Zafferana Etnea, Sicily Italia Sun 01/21/2007

dining
Il Latini in Florence.5-6 blocks from Ponte Vecchio. Family owned and run!! Line-ups every night at 7:00,locals and tourists, dining hall seating-you could sit next to a local, someone up from Rome or down from Venice or a tourist. Fantastic food and prices!!!!
Paul <email>
Haartland, Wi USA Fri 01/19/2007

Pizzeria in Rome
We just got back from five days in Rome. While there we ate at Est!! Est!! Est!! Pizzeria three nights. The food was very good and we even got seranaded on our last night there. The Pizzeria is located on Via Principe Amedeo, close to the train station. I would highly recommend it.
Tina
Italy Tue 01/16/2007

Sorrento Italy
il Leone Rosso - fresh lobster with linguine, grappa, traditional neopolitan pizza, pear and ricotta cheesecake, and some chocolate thing that oozed hot chocolate fudge...
moreitalianfood!
seattle, wa USA Sat 01/13/2007