Mouthwatering Italy
When you take your tongue out sightseeing in Italy, what are its favorite taste treats?
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j1FcP2 Thanks-a-mundo for the article. Thanks Again. Awesome.
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New York, NY USA 06/19/2013
Restaurant Recommendation
Il Bacocco Enoteca Bistrot Ristorante, Via G. Mameli 45 in Trastevere area, near Via Dandolo, is not to be missed. Fabulous food, fabulous wine, and fabulous personnel. It is a jewel in Trastevere. They are moving to larger quarters at the end of June just a few doors down from their current location.
Diane
Buffalo, NY USA 06/14/2013
Rome near Piazza Navona
On our 3rd and final night in Rome last May (2012), we found a wonderful restaurant called Ciro y Ciro. Located between Piazza del Rotundo and Piazza Navona, Ciro y Ciro beckoned us in with a wonderful host and a full sidewalk of guests enjoying the cuisine. There was a street musician playing nearby as we sat outside and enjoyed engaging conversation with the owners and some guests. Our meal was a perfect 'last meal' to our two week Italian adventure. Don't miss this restaurant if you spend anytime in this area of Rome.
Melissa
Malvern, Pa USA 06/08/2013
Two great places away from Rome
We spent two weeks in Italy in mid-May: one week in Rome, one week split between Sorrento and Orvieto. We ate at many great places, frequently Rick Steves recommendations. Two restaurants stand out.
First, Trattoria da Emilia in Sorrento. A pleasant walk down to the fishing village of Marina Grande and we were sitting at a little table literally on a cobblestoned street with fantastic sunset view of the Bay of Naples. Wonderful fresh food, especially the fried fish (heads and all) and the gnocchi di mama. A trio of cats trolling for handouts provided additional atmosphere.
Second, Trattoria del Moro Aronne in Orvieto. It took us two tries to get in--the first time we didn't have reservations--but well worth it. Intimate dining area, homemade pasta, and unique entrees. The menu is entirely in Italian so it's a good thing we ate here on our last night, after we'd had some practice with bilingual menus.
Mike and Donna Stevens
Duluth, GA USA 06/07/2013
We wish all our tours were like Mia's Vatican tour with Roman Empire Tours!
My guide Mia of Roman Empire Tours was great! She was knowledgeable, fun and entertaining and most importantly made the museums manageable taking us to see the most important works and telling us their history.
She went into great detail about the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo, which was very important to me, I learned so much. She answered all of our questions and never rushed us, letting us take our time to enjoy the different works.
I highly recommend this comprehensive tour to anyone visiting the city, you will appreciate Mia's charm!
Debby Kelly
Fort Lauderdale, USA 06/02/2013
An Unforgettable Dining Experience near Piazza Navona
My wife and I are veterans of several trips to Italy and Rome. On our second evening in Rome, we discovered the trattoria known as La Scaletta degli Artisti, and we ate there every evening until we left, a total of four meals for each of us. One may choose to eat in the newly remodeled bar area with its stylishly modern Italian motif, or one can eat in the older, traditional trattoria. Every meal was great, and the price was reasonable considering its location within a few steps of Piazza Navona. But the main reason you will want to eat at La Scaletta is the friendly, happy and very efficient service.
Each one of the staff personally assumes the responsibility for taking care of you as soon as you enter the establishment. For example, one evening I needed to change a ten Euro note in order to leave a tip, and without hesitation, Joe (who seems to be in charge) personally went out to change it for me. Exceptional service with a smile.
Within the first minute after entering the restaurant, we were introduced to Francesco Grasso, the chef. After telling him how much I enjoyed the pasta carbonara on the first evening, he said he would go out and buy some fresh fish for me if I would come back the second night. When we returned the next evening, we were met with a huge plate of fresh seafood from which to choose. By now, we were part of the family, and there was much joking, conversation, and interaction with the staff. On the third night, I had tasty pasta with seafood tutto mare. The fourth night, I was in the mood for more casual fare, so I ate an authentic pizza Napoletana with anchovies.
The staff at La Scaletta was very sensitive to my wife's requirement for gluten free foods. For her first meal, she dined on one of Joe's house specialties. Joe is very enthusiastic about his assortment of fresh cheeses, olives, tomatoes, and pesto. The second night, she enjoyed gluten free pasta carbonara. For her third meal, she chose gluten free tagliatelle Bolognese. It must be noted that Francesco the chef made a special trip out of the restaurant that night to buy two types of gluten free pasta so my wife would have a choice of pasta for her meal. One absolutely cannot top service like this! Her fourth supper was a delightful minestrone.
All of our meals were from fresh ingredients, made from scratch, and delicious. Dining at La Scaletta was a good value despite being so near to Piazza Navona. Our thanks go out to Francesco, Joe, Dennis, and Talik for an unforgettable social and dining experience. It was an authentic Italian dining experience, and we urge you to try it. You will not be disappointed!
Via di Santa Maria dell'Anima 56, 00186 Roma
www.lascaletta.roma.it
Tom James
St. Louis, MO USA 05/31/2013
Katti House restaurant
As a Rick Steve's enthusiast since 1984, it is with sadness that I must share an unpleasant experience my wife and had this evening at Katti House. We were seated by a couple at dinner and the elderly gentleman called the proprietor to the table for a 20 minute disparaging conversation interspersed with "Americanos" and "Rick Steves. Upon finishing his dinner, he engaged the staff in conversation and eventually seated himself at vacant table and the staff turned on the wall TV to the evening soccer match. We quickly finished our dinner and paid our bill. The gentleman was a guest of the hotel with poor reception in his room and was accomodated to his request to watch the game in the main dining area. We indicated the evening was an unpleasant experience, confirmed that the gentleman did not like Americans, but that he was a guest and was being accomodated as such. Although we found the food quite good, the experience left us uncomfortable despite the offer of a Lemoncello to placate us.
James
USA 05/28/2013
Eating near Montalcino
Three marvelous places to eat in and near Montalcino.
1. Il Pozzo in S. Angelo in Colle - fabulous homemade pasta, wonderful setting and hosts that make you feel like you are part of the family.
2. The restaurant at (down the cobblestone street) Agriturisimo La Crociona - this was the best meal in all of our 3 week visit to Italy. Try the wild boar pasta or lamb ragu...wonderful!
3. The pizzeria recommended in Rick's book - it is a fun place with good food and extra perks.
Have fun!
Christie
Denver, CO USA 05/12/2013
new fab venice winery
We found, on our last day in Venice in April, a brand new chichetti winery. It's near the Silvestro campo and Rialto Bridge. It's called all' amarone and we wished we'd found it on our first day in Venice. Delicious chichetti and espresso. Cute little place between two streets - call lunga del luganegher and calle dei sbianchesini.
June Goodwin
Berkeley, CA USA 05/07/2013
Great eats in Siena
My wife is gluten-intolerant and traveling in Italy was a challenge. Nearly all meals in Italy are bread or pasta based. For a nation that grows wonderful fruit and vegetables, just try to find them on the menu! Tired of salads, she stumbled onto "i Barberi" in Siena. What a delight. A thoughtful menu full of the local produce, imaginative and flavorful. I had the wild boar and although I question is provenance it was delicious. I'm only sorry that it was not until our final night we discovered it. This was the dining experience we'd lost hope of finding. Even better, the prices were quite modest.
Steve Marshall
Los Angeles, CA USA 04/22/2013
Eating in Santorini
These are already in Rick's book but make it a point to eat at Mama's House (lower level of main square, below TI) and at Nikolas Taverna (below main Orthodox cathedral on Erythrou Stavrou). Both are offer yummy homemade Greek dishes at easy on the wallet prices. You will be friends with both the owners before you leave, and find yourself promising to return. Do it!
Theresa
Petaluma, CA USA 04/22/2013
We did the Rome City Center tour with Roman Empire Tours which we certainly enjoyed!!
Done the Rome City Center tour with Roman Empire tours. Our guide, Jimmy was amazing! He was able to bring the many exhibits to light with his excellent commentary. So much to see but he didn't rush us. Beautiful, enriching experience. Also showed us amazing places to eat and drink around Rome as well!
Jackie Joyce
Austin, USA 03/25/2013
Worth the wait!
Trattoria Katti in Florence serves an outstanding selection of delicious high quality Tuscan dishes with Katti's personal flair. Prices are very resonable, the food is fresh and the presentation impeccable. Don't miss it!
Sienie Kelly
Buffalo, NY USA 01/27/2013
Florence's "Gusto Leo" Best Trattoria and Pizzeria
Gusto Leo is an inviting ristorante with some open air seating and a charming wait staff. Not to mention the food! Traditional Tuscan fare, ultra fresh ingredients and a great wine list. Located only blocks from Piazza della Signoria and across from the Bargello Museo. The corner location allows for great people watching in a relaxed atmosphere. Brick and wooden beams with floor to ceiling windows that open onto the street. And of course, I wood burning brick oven for the fabulous pizzas.
I recommend the salads, the white bean dish (to share) and the bruschetta is "out of this world!" We returned each day because we could not get enough of this wonderful place.
Via del Proconsolo, 8-10/r
www.ristorantegustoleo.com
Lori-Jo Martin
Scotts Valley, CA USA 01/22/2013
Roman Empire Tours is great for both kids and adults!!
Took the kids (11 and 9) to Rome Aug 2012. Their first real "historic" trip.
We did a really great tour with Roman Empire tours of Ancient Rome which included the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Perfect level of detail and the guide(Jimmy) was really great. Skipping the lines in the August heat and with small children was a must.
Highly recommend it!
Jonathan Speed
Baltimore, USA 01/14/2013
Pizza in Trastevere: Pizzeria Ivo
One of the best pizzas I have tasted (and I have lived five years in Rome). Fresh Neapolitan-style pizza. Very reasonable prices. "Normal" pizza averages about €6.50 and large pizza ("grande") about €8. I didn't try the pasta or the Tiramisu, but I will come back to try try them. The atmosphere is simple, but the service is very good.
Via S. Francesco a Ripa, 158. From the center of Rome (Torre Argentina), take Tram 8 toward Casaletto and get off at the second stop just over the Tiber (Trastevere/Mastai). Via San Francesco a Ripa should be just to your right, if you face in the direction of the tram. Follow this street for about two minutes. The restaurant is on the left.
Opens at about 6:00 P.M. Closed Tuesday.
Father Louis
Rome, Lazio Italy 12/21/2012
Florence Trattoria a Treat
Trattoria Katti at 31 Via Faenza, between train station and San Lorenzo, was our choice for best restaurant in Florence - delicious Tuscan dishes, friendly family service, good value and great ambiance. Local Italians also chose Katti. We will come back!
Mary
Manson, WA USA 12/04/2012
Best Meal was from our Cooking Lesson in Sorrento!
The best meal we had was the one we made ourselves in Sorrento while staying in Positano and enjoyed a day excursion in Sorrento where we were whisked away to a secret garden for a delicious pasta-making lesson with two local sisters who were super charming...more delicious food than we could have ever imagined, tiramisu for dessert and fresh mozzarella cheese made that day was one of the antipastos! The limonata welcome drink with fresh mint and lemon juice from the lemon trees that she made on arrival was to die for and each course was paired with wine! WOW! Laura Faust at Ciaolaura.com arranged this amazing evening for us. Next time, we're making pizza for our annual return visit each September! Their email was pasta@ciaolaura.com
Joanne
Chicago, IL USA 11/14/2012
Caffe' Margherita, Torino Italy
We stopped in for a drink before going out to dinner. What a delightful place. Food arrived at our table the minute we sat down. Toast (ham and cheese), olives, meats,cheese and bread. As soon as a plate was empty - more food showed up. We never went to dinner that evening. The owners were friendly and loved feeding us. Stop in you will not be disappointed.
The address is Corso Re Umberto, 34B-10128, Torino.
Jody Reynolds
Binghamton, NY USA 11/04/2012
Wine and Food in Rome
We had an amazing wine experience with Antiqua Tours in Rome. We joined a wine tour and a market walk in September and had a wonderful time learning about local Roman food and tasting delicious treats. We also had a fun night learning about Italian wine and tasting them with different foods.
In Rome, we downloaded the App for our Iphone Rome for Foodies which was the best APP on food we've used. Sarah at Antiqua Tours told us about it before our trip and we could not have enjoyed Rome as much as we did without it.
Sharron Steiner
Los Anglese, CA USA 11/02/2012
Osteria dell'Aquacheta, Great Theater, but not a great meal
We recently dined at Aquacheta, in Montepulciano. It is great theater, as Rick describes -- the way that meat is cleaved and shown to you before cooking. But, do not expect much in the way of food or service. It seems to be a once-great restaurant that has forgotten what made it great and is now going through the motions. Service is OK, but it is obvious that "tourists" are shuffled to one area while locals are given better seating. The steak was very tasty, but at least 1/3 or more was bone -- we have more meat when we split a 1-pound steak at home. Plus, we were short-changed by Giulio, our butcher/chef. There are other, much more enjoyable restaurants in Montepulciano, with better food than Aquacheta -- although, the theater was fun to watch, but just once.
Larry & Betty Mendolia
Dallas, TX USA 10/24/2012
Restaurants - Montepulciano & Rome
We just retrurned from three weeks in Italy and wanted to recommend several restaurants in Montepulciano & Rome not mentioned in Rick's guidebooks.
In Montepulciano, Osteria del Borgo is a great little restaurant, with a wonderful terrace looking westward over the valley around Montepulciano. It is just down from Piazza Grande, so is an easy walk.
In Rome, we stayed near the Pantheon, and found several excellent small restaurants in Piazza della Rotonda, fronting the Pantheon. da Claudia is owned by the same people that own Tre Scalini, on Piazza Navona, and is excellent. Ristorante da Rienzo, also on Piazza della Rotonda, is a bit pricier, but still has excellent food. What we did not like about it was they had a 15% service charge on top of a coperta. Finally, Ristorante L'Arcano, on a small side-street off of Piazza della Rotonda, also had excellent food, although all dining was inside.
Larry & Betty Mendolia
Dallas, TX USA 10/23/2012
Ristorante, Florence, Italy
La Botte is super little restaurant in Florence, Italy. Located at 18/r, Via San Guiuseppe, the food is terrific and reasonably priced. Traditional Tuscan cuisine with a bit of a twist and some flair. Opposite the Leather School at San Croce.
Deb Gorman
Sheffield Village, Oh USA 10/16/2012
Venice Near Train Station Restaurant Recommendation
Anyone looking for a great restaurant in Venice near the bus and train stations, check out Osteria Alba Nova. Rick doesn't give a lot of restaurant recommendations in this area (although good hotels - Albergo Marin was very nice on a quiet street) and this place is delicious and fits the "Europe through the Back Door" philosophy. You can find more about it on Trip Advisor. But absolutely - go to this restaurant.
Rosanne
Jupiter, FL USA 10/09/2012
Great food and service in Sestri Levante
My husband and I just returned from a nine day "Heart of Italy Tour". We had a delightful time in every city we visited and the food and wine was everything we hoped it would be. The people of Italy are warm and friendly and so helpful. In Sestri Levante where we sttayed two nights we ate at Ristorante San Marco on the water front. The atmostphere was magical. We were able to sit by the window and see the boats on the water all lit up and some folks even still catching fish. Our hostess, Elisabetta Rebuffi, also turned out to be the night's entertainment. She sang in both English and Italian as we leisurely enjoyed our dinner. We initally ordered a bottle of wine and an entree for each of us. Elisabetta brought us each a plate of gnocci covere in a velvetty sauce. She wanted us to 'taste it'. More than once while we in Italy we were given samples of what the locals just wanted to share with us. The people there seem to take pleasure in sharing the delights of their country. Our dinner of fish with olives was tasty and filling. All in all we had a special evening and the service and friendliness of Elisabetta and the staff helped to make happen. We both look forward to our next trip to Italy and enjoying it's many offerings.
Kathy K
Brentwood, TN USA 10/05/2012
The Best Italian Food Ever!
I have been to Rome 26 times over the last 21 years and Rome has the best Italian restaurants in the world!! I have lists of over 60 of my favorites which I will start posting occasionally.
Mike S.
Providence, RI USA 09/24/2012
San Danele and Lago di Garda
out of our recent 3weeks in Italy, 2 meals stood out. One was in the province of Friuli, near Trieste in the town of San Danele. The restaurant is called Ai Bintars and they serve Proscuitto...a whole plate of it...Per Person!!.....along with cheeses, olives etc!! The appetizer was the most wonderful thing I have ever tasted: called "Lardo"...shaved, cured/seasoned pork lard on warm baquette, drizzled with balsamic reduction: Divine!!! Like bacon-flavoured butter melting...
The second "Great Meal" was in Lago di Garda, in Gardone. The restaurant is "Zimmer" and the penne Arrabiata and Creme Brulee, Spanish Style, were standouts
leslie raffin
vancouver, Can 09/20/2012
Sora Margherita review
Our experience at Sora Margherita Rome (9/15/12) was so unhappy that we won't return. We were fast-talked into ordering many more things than we thought we had ordered. Although all was tasty, the total of the bill was astoundingly high.
Julie Barcia
Kailua, HI USA 09/17/2012
Best Pasta in Tuscany
In our two weeks stay in the area we went to Ristorante Degli Archi specially three times to eat at this place! The hostess (the owner) is very friendly and gives you great advice on food and wine. Food is delicious, the best pasta we had in Tuscany! The town is small and interesting and worth visiting. But do go to this restaurant even if San Quirico is not on your sightseeing map!
Marie Della Fave
Venice, FL USA 09/07/2012
Best Place to Eat in Varenna
We had three dinners at La Vista that were absolutely the best we had on entire trip! Bettina and Egidio provide a fantastic dining experience. The wait staff is cheerful and very helpful as well. Everyone was very welcoming to our Jack Russell, Thor, who maintained a wary truce with one of the house cats, Sushi. If you want a more intimate dinner, request the little balcony off to the right of the terrace. The main terrace provides excellent views of the lake. We will definitely come back again and again.
Alex
Longmont, CO USA 09/03/2012
florencce restaurants
please add a few great places to eat in florence italy. the first are a coffee shop and light lunch and dinner place and a artisan gelato store operated by a husband wife team of marco and cinzia. they are located in the same little square,passera as the restaurant quatro 4 leone as mentioned in ricks book. another hidden gem is trattoria la casareccia its a small place run by a husband and wife team. pino mans the front of the house while his wife produces a daily changing menu. don't be scared awey by the 15 euro special menu of prime and secondi course with dessert and water. its strictly a local place, but by your second visit you feel and are treated like a local. its right around the corner from osteria santo spirito its on via s. agostino 38r. i think you will enjoy them as much as we did.
lou lombardi
fremont, ca USA 08/29/2012
The pizza at Pizzeria Lauben in Egna. Absolutely fabulous! And the piadina sandwiches in Venice, especially at the Laguna Bar/Cafeteria in the Academia section...(Rio Antonio and Tera' Foscarini). You can sit on the sidewalk and look out onto the water..very relaxing. It is open early in the morning and also has gelato!
USA 08/13/2012
Monterosso Accommodation Re-openings
I second the recommendation for the Cantina di mikey in Monterosso al Mare in the Cinque terre. We had a great dinner and then returned for after-dinner drinks, and the staff was incredible (including one American gal who fell in love and moved there). What a treat!
Annalisa
Chicago, IL USA 08/09/2012
Cooking class in Rome!
We had a delightful time at our cooking class in Rome! Even our teenage soon enjoyed it. The Menu was a nice combination of traditional but with attention to fresh ingredients. There were twelve of us in he class and it was like a fun dinner party. Recommend doing the wine pairing with the meal. A great afternoon and highly recommend it!
www.cookingclassesinrome.com
consoliandrea@gmail.com
Rose
Morage, Ca USA 08/05/2012
Civitavecchia
We don't agree with your comments about Civitavecchia. Since we landed one day early before the sailing, we thought it best to stay there instead of going to Rome for a quick turn around. There are nice hotels there, an excellent beach front with an amazing statue of the famous sailor and nurse from the WWII photo in Times Square, and a fine seafood restaurant that you should recommend, the "Capo Horn" Restaurant; excellent fresh fish, service and reasonably priced.
Len
Great Falls, VA USA 08/01/2012
Lunch in Rome
Great place for lunch!! La Sandwicheria, located at 17 Largo del Nazarena. If you are following the heart of Rome walk, after leaving the Trevi Fountain, half way to the spanish steps. The sign "typical Italian sandwich" 4 euro caught our eye. 32 different types, written in English and the guys behind the counter spoke good English too. Oh, and the sandwiches were tasty!! Despite it being lunch time, we were the only tourists there. Small shop, no seats, locals eatery.
Kevin
Beaufort, Sc USA 07/10/2012
Sorrento - Trattoria da Emilia in Marina Grande
We spent four nights in Sorrento and ate dinner here every night. Everything on the menu was amazing, the staff friendly and if you can, grab a table on the patio or on the deck over the water. The vino locale, the fresh seafood and the desserts will keep me coming back to this family-run treasure.
Paul Tena
New York, NY USA 07/10/2012
Termini via Sorrento - Chiosco Bar San Costanzo - EAT HERE!!!
Please make a point to go here and meet Enrico and his family.
From Sorrento take to bus up to Termini and have one of the best meals you will ever have. The caprese salad, the desserts are wonderful. His limoncino is superior to any limoncello you will find on the Sorrentine peninsula.
It was one of the highlights of an amazing two-week trip and next year I will be coming back here. It's that good!
Via del Monte, 4 Termini
Massa Lubrense
From the main square facing the church turn right and then right again at Via Campanella. Follow this road down and when you come to the fork you will see his restaurant on the left. Look for the red umbrellas or just look for a kind man standing in the middle of the road. That's where he greeted us and I'm so glad he did. Amazing fresh food and service beyond compare.
Paul Tena
New York, NY USA 07/10/2012
Our favorite restuarant in Florence, hands down!
I must second Cipolla Rossa in Florence. Based on the below comment, I sought this restuarant out on our recent trip. We were amazed by the food. Our appetizer was fresh cut salami with artichoke hearts, yum! The home made pasta is simply divine. We couldn't get enough of the Gnocchi in the salami sauce. We even went back the next day for more! My husband is dying for the gnocchi recipe. We would make a special treck back to Florence just for this restuarant. Cute restaurant decor and great service too. Win-win.
Jessica
Fresno, CA USA 07/02/2012
Friendliest and great food Sorrento
Anna Marie, the owner treats you like family and you get great food at very good prices. We went back because of the food and Anna Marie.
It is out of the way but well worth it for a true Italian experience. The address is Via Parsano Vecchia, 16 Sorrento. You feel so welcome and loved!
O' Sole Mio
Seattle, Wa USA 06/28/2012
Wine tour in Rome (Antiqua Tours)
Antiqua Tours in Rome did a nice job of recovery when we had a mishap in meeting up for the tour... refunded our money immediately, even accounting for the exchange rate differential. Good customer service!
Debbie
Austin, Texas USA 06/23/2012
A true Italian experience in the kitchen!
La Tavola Marche was our favorite part of our family's visit to Italy! Our family consists of my husband, myself and our three adult children ages 19, 20 and 22. After touring Rome and Florence, eating wonderful food, we didn't think the food could get any better. However, Chef Jason and Ashley, owners of La Tavola Marche have perfected hospitality at it's best. Cooking lessons from talented Chef Jason was one the highlights of our visit. Jason has a true talent of teaching practical dishes with simplicity that fed us like kings and queens. We look forward to duplicating the recipes at home!
Libby Green
Rogers, AR USA 06/20/2012
Slow cooking at its best
La Tavola Marche is my new favorite. We visited there recently, staying for a week and sampling the best food I've ever eaten. As a business traveler and pleasure traveler, I've had the opportunity to smaple some great cusine. Jason Bartner, the owner and chef at La Tavola Marche, is a great talent. His use of fresh food, combined with slow cooking philosophy, cannot be beat!
Shari Campbell
Sumner, Wa USA 06/15/2012
Amazing pizza!
In Rome now...best pizza Ever is the dar poeta pizza at the dar poeta pizzeria in trastivere! We ate pizza at 5 of ricks recommendations...this one rocked! A little spicy kick.....you will love it!
Kim Gibson
Vacaville, Ca USA 06/14/2012
Amazing food
In Rome now....best pasta and anti pasta plate was hands down....anotecha antiqa wine bar....wow! Its in ricks Rome book near the Spanish steps.
Kim Gibson
Vacaville, Ca USA 06/14/2012
Gelato
We've been in Italy for three weeks from Tuscany to Renon to Milan and we haven't seen any Rice flavored gelato.
Blair
Albany, New Yo USA 06/08/2012
Dining
There is a great new restaurant on the scene in San Gimignano, Italy - Osteria Madama Dore, Via delle Romite,13. Great food and great prices! The bruschetta with liver pate is top notch as is the pasta with pesto. Top it off with the yummy cheesecake made on the spot. Been there twice and going back again! Enjoy!
Lana
Andover, MA USA 06/06/2012
Food in Verona
For a delightful lunch in Verona that is not spaghetti or pizza try a panazotti at Pizza Doge, 21B Via Roma, just down the street a few steps from Castelvecchio. Cheerful owner Rosalba has yummy thick pieces of pizza, of course, in 8 or 9 flavors but her panazotti are fantastic. The dough is about 8 inches round, stuffed with cheeses, salamis, spinach and more cheese, then folded over in half and baked. The dough comes with red chilis or olives or several other varieties. It is a full lunch for 3 euros!
Theresa Haire
Petaluma, CA USA 05/15/2012
Mouthwatering Italy
The pizza in Naples is not to be missed. Also enjoyed the pesto pasta in Rome and LaSpezia. Didn't care for the Cinque Terre wine (too bubbly) or the anchovies (they didn't taste any better fresh in Italy than they do at home).
Felix Dawson
Gonzales, LA USA 05/11/2012
Wine Tour in Rome
We enjoyed an evening of wine tasting and Roman culture our last night in Italy with Ettore of Antiqua Tours. We booked their wine tour and had a wonderful time learning about Italian wine, food and wine culture. A great evening out.
Samuel Jensen
Portland, OR USA 05/05/2012
Cooking Class
I experienced in Florence the best cooking class ever! Refer to NaturalItaly.it
Real Florentine cook and "slow food" organization associate, real tuscan cooking ...
Chad Carson
Denver, CO USA 04/24/2012
Tipping in Italy
Tip servers and even staff at places of lodging. If you demand good service reward the person working hard for you to enjoy your meal or holiday. In Italy there is no minimum wage. Most employees make between 5 and 10 euro an hour which means after taxes they bring home 900 a month or less. Do not eat at places that charge you a coperto and servizio - one or the other is fine. Also know that a service charge (servizio) is just another 'tax' and goes to the owner...your server never sees any of it. Don't just follow what you read in books - talk to the locals as it will enrich your travels.
expatflorence
USA 04/20/2012
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Really enjoyed this blog. Really thank you! Will read on...
laptop notebook
New York, NY USA 04/13/2012
Roman Empire Tours is the real way to see Rome
We had heard about Roman Empire Tours from a work colleague and booked the City tour online before travelling. We enjoyed the tour so much that we booked the Vatican tour for the next day. Jimmy was a great guide and clearly knew what he was talking about. The tours were just the right length. Not too long but long enough to get all the highlights. Jimmy was also able to give us good tips on places to eat/drink.
Pat
Stiller, USA 03/27/2012
Da Giggetto in Rome-AVOID
First, I need to say that I am a guide in Rome and I lead food and wine tours. Recently I had a group of 25 students from American on a 5 hour food and wine experience tour in Rome. One month before the tour, I made arrangements to bring them to Da Giggetto because on the past, they have always been reliable. We made a menu fixed a price and shook hands. We called once a week prior to the event for various reasons, firstly, to confirm, and secondly as the event came closer, I had information of clients such as allergies. We called one week prior to the event the woman said all was fine, everything was planned no problems. We called the evening before the event to reconfirm-thank goodness-and the woman who made our plans with us was on vacation! She left no notice at Da Giggetto of our arrangement nor did she call us to cancel. So at 8pm the night before we had a group of 25 people, we had to find other arrangements. Luckily Ba Ghetto-a kosher establishment- was more than happy to help us. They were much more generous with their portions and honestly their food is much better than Da Giggetto's anyway. Their fried artichoke blows Da Giggetto out of the park. Also, Da Giggetto is not owned by local Roman Jews and they do not have a kosher kitchen. Ba Ghetto is kosher and I often see local families hosting bah mitzvahs there and other celebrations that require a kosher kitchen. So taking clients there to talk about Jewish influence on the Roman kitchen is pointless. I have sent Da Giggetto literally hundreds of clients over the year. I have always carried their business cards. I have taken large and small groups there as well. No longer with I be a patron at Da Giggetto and when my clients ask me where they should eat in the Jewish quarter I will tell them Ba Ghetto or some other establishment. The food has not always been the best, but I like the location in the Ghetto and the outdoor seating. There wine list has always been dreadful and their wine glasses are terrible as well. Do you want heartburn? Eat their Eggplant Parmigiano. I calculate that after this experience they will lose hundreds of clients over the next 2 years just from a loss of recommendation from myself and my husband.
Sarah May
Rome, Italy 03/16/2012
Rome is a must! Roman Empire Tours are an absolute must!
You will not regret booking a tour with Jimmy. He made the Forum and Colosseum come alive for our two "but we hate history" teens[INVALID]so much so that they could not wait for the following day's tour to the Sistine Chapel. Jimmy is engaging, funny, friendly, and an walking encyclopedia. We really felt like we got a behind-the-scenes look into the Roman Empire and we will never look at photographs of the Sistine Chapel again without remembering that even back then, people had problems at work[INVALID]Michelangelo got back at his boss (the Pope) big time in his painting of the Final Judgment. All this and you get to skip the lines, too!
Hank Jenkins
L.A, Cali USA 01/10/2012
Restaurant in Sorrento
My daughter and I just got back from 3 weeks in Italy, almost a full week in Sorrento. We ate dinner at Il Leone Rosso every single night we were there, and kept going back because of the good food and the atmosphere. BY FAR, they had the best pizza out of everywhere we ate in Italy, as well as some of the best steak I've ever had in my life (and I've traveled a lot). The waiters were extremely helpful and pleasant. Now that we're back home, we wish we could go back to Sorrento just to eat at Il Leone :)
Andrea
Bonney Lake, WA USA 01/05/2012
Rome wine and food
We highly recommend the wine tasting tour with Ettore at Antiqua Tours. So much fun and so imformative. The tour was a true highlight of our time in Rome. It was a great night out and not in a sterile tasting room, we felt we got a real taste of Rome. Great wine and food choices as well.
For coffee in Rome, you can't do better than Cafe Eustacchio near the Pantheon. We also enjoyed Taverna Fori dei Imperiali in the Monti area of Rome. Great eggplant relish there.
Melinda O'Neill
San Diego, CA USA 01/04/2012