Mouthwatering Italy
When you take your tongue out sightseeing in Italy, what are its favorite taste treats?
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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
An Absolute Highlight of Our Trip!
We had so much fun on this food tour of Rome. There is no way we would have discovered Testaccio, a non-touristy yet very historic neighborhood, had we not taken the Eating Italy Food Tour. Had it just been a day of delicious food i would have left a review here because that is all I was expecting. On this tour we tried so much amazing food but it offered a lot more than that. We visited fascinating historical sites as well many of which were related to the story of food in Rome. We even visited one of the most beautiful cemeteries I have ever seen! What a fabulous tour of Rome's food, the neighborhood, the people, and the cultureof this city. And our guide Kenny brought it all to life. This was an absolute highlight of our trip to Italy!
David Shrager
Miami, FL USA 12/24/2011
Venice - away from the crowd
In Venice, seek out La Zucca, near San Giacomo dell'Orio. Seats only 30 people so make a reservation. Zucca flan melted in the mouth, as did the lasagna con funghi. Pleasant service, great affordable wines, and a lovely atmosphere await you.
Laurel
Portland, OR USA 12/19/2011
Jimmy our tour guide for Roman Empire tours was fabulous!
We had the opportunity to tour the Vatican with Jimmy. He was super knowledgeable and a great guide. He could answer any question and brought wonderful insight to the different works of art. The Vatican is huge and he was able to show us the areas which were really important. I would definitely book another tour with Roman Empire Tours and Jimmy in particular!
Josie Green
Toronto, USA 12/08/2011
Roma dining
Armandos at the Pantheon is incredible...the real deal. But be sure to make reservations. Just west of the Pantheon near the Clarks shoe store. There is great history and story at http://www.armandoalpantheon.it/
The same is true of La Sacrestia, just east of the Pantheon. Outstanding food, service.
Rick
Tacoma, Wa USA 11/27/2011
La Tavola Marche Cooking Class
In October my wife and I took a full-day cooking class with Jason Bartner at La Tavola Marche. Below is my diary entry for the day.
Thursday 13 October:
Cooking-school day, and what a day it was! We worked with and under the guidance of our host and chef, Jason. We began at 10 a.m. and sometime after 10 p.m. we fell into bed utterly exhausted, and exhilarated at what we had achieved. We actually helped prepare a restaurant-quality meal for six other guests of La Tavola Marche, and ourselves. We learned some important and useful things about coking and improved our skills. We also gained some appreciation of the life and work of a chef.
Jason was very good. Not only did he explain what we were doing, he made sure that we were actively involved. In fact, he had us do most of the work and this helped greatly. Perhaps above all else, we learned the importance of tasting and adjusting the food until we were happy to serve it to our guests. It never left the kitchen until Jason thought it just right. Often, when Julie and I thought it right, Jason would suggest a little more of this or that, and while taste is clearly a subjective thing, he had the knack of getting it right that comes from experience. We prepared our own lunch and a four-course dinner. We also had an olive-oil tasting.
For lunch we made a very, very light frittata. Indeed, it was more like what we know as an omelette. And we practised first with supermarket eggs, before Jason let us chance our hands with his free-range jobs! And what yolks they had! Dinner began with antipasti – Jason's own proscuito and salami, paté on toasted bread, pepperoto (a capsicum dish) and a spelt, walnut, pine nut and pomegranate salad. We followed this with a beautiful broth with borlotti beans and black beans using the stock we made. And, yes, we each had to break down a chicken for the stock. The main course was veal shank rubbed with oil, rosemary and other herbs and cooked in red wine over eight hours. We teamed this with a delicious dish of 'smashed' potato and cabbage. This included garlic, the only dish in which Italians actually eat garlic. In all other recipes they use it as flavouring and remove it before it is served.
Finally, dolce! We made tiramisu, which we had also made in 2008 at a cooking class in Sorrento. Jason's tiramisu did not contain any alcohol, was made with the most golden of egg yolks, was ever so light and the best we have tasted. To top off a remarkable day, we received a round of applause from our fellow guests. Thank you, Jason for a superb experience.
John Davis
Adelaide, SA Australia 11/19/2011
Great food and place to stay in Florence
We loved staying at Katti House and Trattoria Katti. Maria and Katti were wonderful and welcoming. We felt like we were adopted into an Italian family. Maria makes the tiramisu herself and the pastas were great. You have to try this place if you're in Florence.
Jun
Seattle, WA USA 11/17/2011
Florence and Montepulciano
Spent 4 nights in both Montepulciano and Florence this summer and want to recomment The Ai Quatrro Venti in Montepulciano where we had the best food we had our whole two week trip. And, in Florence, we had our morning brioche and coffee at the Cafe Marika on Via Del Serragii, in Oltrarno. Fabulous, made on the premises pastries--warm every morning. And two of us had cappucchino and a pastry each for 4 euros!
Linda McAtee
Sacramento, CA USA 11/16/2011
Cinque Terre
I just returned from a weekend in Cinque Terre. I am happy to report that Riomaggiore and Manarola escaped unscathed from the flood damage. The northern half of Monterosso (north of the tunnel) seems to be in good shape. The southern half is badly damaged. Vernazza is totally inaccessible and is badly damaged. The trail between Riomaggiore and Manarola is open and in great shape and the trail from Manarola to Vernazza is blocked about a half of mile from Manarola by a large landslide and there are about 3 other slides visible between Manarola and Corniglia.
In my opinion it could take many months and maybe a year to get the entire trail from Riomaggiore to Monterosso open again. However, unlike many reports in the press Cinque Terre was not distroyed. I believe Vernazza and Monterosso will be restored to it's old self within 1 to 2 years.
I have visited Cinque Terre 6 or 7 times over the last 30 years. It wasn't until this trip that I spend any real time in Riomaggiore or Manarola, because of the closure of Vernazza and sluggish activity in Monterosso. I totally enjoyed getting to know Riomaggiore and Manarola. These towns are real gems which I had previously overlooked.
Cinque Terre is still very much worth visiting if you are planning a trip to Tuscany.
Jim M
Seattle, Wa USA 11/15/2011
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New York, NY USA 11/09/2011
Sorrento restaurant
We just returned to Ristorante Sorrento after a previous visit about seven years ago. The same owner, Degregorio Bennedetti, again greeted us with wonderful food and friendly, outstanding service. An adjacent wine shop carries a large collection of national and regional wines. This special restaurant is near the centrally located Piazza Tasso - Via P.R.Giulani, 64/66. Tel. 0818783617
Nancy
Yakima, WA USA 11/01/2011
Florence BEST PASTA EVER
While in Florence Sept. 19-22, 2011, we had the very best pasta of our lives. Upon a late arrival at our hotel we asked for a restaurant recommendation. A locals favorite was suggested, and of course that is exactly what we wanted. Lucky for us it was only 2 left turns from the hotel and we were there. We ordered the homemade pasta, and it just seemed to melt in our mouths.
My sincere comment to our server was that it was the Very Best Pasta I had ever eaten. We had a wonderful experience, totally involved server and felt welcomed as a friend. We returned the next evening, sat in a different area and had a different server, who was very nice but very busy and spread thin. It was still the Best Pasta Ever, but not quite so much fun. Guess the previous night was just one of those magical moments in travel.
Please visit and enjoy Cipolla Rossa Osteria, Via dei Conti 53r, Firenze (Florence.) Tel. 055.214210. Web address diverts to Trip Advisor for some reason. (www.osteriacipollarrossa.com)
onlineslomama
San Luis Obispo, CA USA 10/25/2011
Saraceno D'oro in Positano
This family-run ristorante is one of the best on the Amalfi Coast. The locals eat here. Enjoy the singing waiter, and his mother (the owner) who just might sit down at your table if you strike up a conversation with her. The food & wine are excellent, and you'll get a complimentary glass of limoncello with your bill.
Matt H
Athens, GA USA 10/13/2011
Monterosso
Just got back from 2 weeks in Northern Italy - some standouts were La Cantina Di Miky and Ristorante Miky in Monterosso al Mare, in the Cinque Terre. Cantina is more casual, with what seems to be more informal regional food (and really friendly service, the waitress even wrote down detailed restaurant recommendations for us for Florence)...and her recommendations were right on. The anchovy pasta was to die for.
Janice
Seattle, WA USA 10/10/2011
Wine Tasting in Rome
We had a fabulous time with Ettore at Antiqua Tours. We did a group wine tasting tour and had the best time in Rome. This is a great "tour" to do after you've seen all the Roman highlights and want to get to know Rome with a Roman, drinking and eating. The price was right, we sampled five wines, had a ton of food and just had a wonderful experience. Ettore is just wonderful.
Michelle Sanchez
Los Angeles, CA USA 10/07/2011
Food in Italy
I just returned from two weeks traveling solo in Italy-north. Ditto the comments on the Il Pirate in Vernazza. Great food and fun. Anchovies in this area. fresh. . Food at the Trattoria Sandro also fanstastic. The Trattoria Papei in Siena was also very good. Ricks sleep recs are great too but I went off the Rick grid in Florence for food and loved it. Wine bar across the Arno and boar pasta. Wow. Anyway, I hid my Rick Steves stuff, covered it with duct tape. Everyone sees to carry it so it is a little embarrassing.
Elizabeth
Springfield, MO USA 10/05/2011
Fabulous restaurant in Rome (Near Coloseum)
La Vaca Griglieria at Via Urbana, 29 in Rome was so good we ate there 5 days in a row. Wish we had found it the first day. Alesio speaks perfect English and is a fabulous chef. Getting off the Cavour Metro, turn right and walk up Via Urbana and it is on the right. Spotlessly clean and you can watch Alesio cook. I think this is the best restaurant I have ever eaten in in Rome and I have been going for 40 years. Reasonable prices as well.
Leslie Rose
Dallas, TX USA 09/29/2011
The best food tour in Italy to take a chef on
My fiance and I had the one of the best experiences in Rome through Eating Italy Food Tours. We booked our tickets online, and I was really worried about finding a food tour that would impress my Italian chef of a boyfriend. This tour was a huge hit with him! We got to meet a "tomato whisperer" while visiting a farmer's market, we are still talking about it.
I can't recommend it enough!
http://www.eatingitalyfoodtours.com/
Diane Myer
Atlanta, GA USA 09/28/2011
Ristorante Plinio is great (Lake Como)
Just returned from a week in Lake Como. We stayed in Varenna, and took the mid-lake ferry to several other towns. Our best pasta of the trip was at a lakeside restaurant at Albergo Plinio in Lenno - fantastic!!!
Brenda
Pottstown, PA USA 09/25/2011
Florence Lunch
My favorite lunch in Italy is Due Fratellini in Florence. It is in RS's guidebook and it is fabulous. Get a great sandwich, inexpensive glass of wine and a great seat on the curb!
John Hodnett
Narragansett, RI USA 09/24/2011
Trattoria Katti and Katti House Florence
I can't say enough about how wonderful Katti House and Trattoria Katti are in Florence. Everything is infused with each member of this family's personal touch, warmth and friendliness. The location is superb on a pedestrian-only street just a few blocks from the Santa Maria Novella train and bus stations and the Duomo. I was there for the opening day of this fabulous and stylish restaurant, all designed by Maria herself with her brother as chef and her daughter Katti as hostess. I ate there every day of my stay and loved everything! The restaurant was a very comfortable place for a female traveling alone to dine.
Dotti
Mountain View, CA USA 09/17/2011
Katti House
I agree wholeheartedly! I stayed in Katti House in 2010 before the Trattoria Katti opened and loved the hospitality and friendliness of Maria, Franco and Katti. The location was perfect. I also enjoyed the gelato shop just down the Via Faenza run by Enrico...freshly-made gelato and great crepes.
Susanne
Mountain View, CA USA 09/17/2011
Katti House and Trattoria Katti
In Rick's 2011 Italy Guidebook he comments that at "Katti House" in Florence; 'Maria is the Italian mother you always wanted' or something like that. I can report that she is still the efficient mother to all of her guests. I can also report that the "Katti House" namesake, daughter Katti has grown into a very pretty young lady and has inherited the wonderful work ethics of her father Franco and mother Maria. The family has opened Trattoria Katti at the same location as Katti House. Maria's brother (frattello de Maria) is now the chef at Trattoria Katti. This family restaurant is brand new, bright, and air conditioned. Chef Mario's immaculate kitchen is a modern stainless steel wonder. Chef Mario is no stranger to Rick Steve's Guide Books. His Trattoria Sostanza-Trola appeared in Rick's "Florence and Tuscany 2010 " Guidebook. I can also report that the food is delicious. We had two lunches and two dinners. The grilled vegetables were especially good. And the patatine fritte (french fries)...if you just have to have them...as my husband Robert did (twice with catsup and mayonaise no less...go figure) were every bit as good as in the States. But the highlight is at the front of this house; the bellissisima Katti, the very lovely daughter of Maria and Franco. They are rightfully proud of their charming an hard working daughter. She is absolutely a delight and runs the front of the house with authority, efficiency, and charm. We were welcomed with open arms, and left feeling like we'd left family. We can't say enough nice things about Katti House. Quiet (no cars or skooters) on the street and close to the Duomo, Acedamia, Uffittsi plus close to Bar 85 for after hours revelry and a laundrymat right across the street.
Duane Anderson
Seattle, WA USA 09/11/2011
Casa linga in Florence
Casa Linga in the Oltrarno of Florence was delicious and the people were very friendly - I read a previous post here that was negative and have to say my husband, kids and I had 2 terrific meals there. My husband left our credit card the first night and they saved it and called out his name the minute we returned the next day to pick it up. Our waitress from the first night came over to say hello the next day, and the food was great and inexpensive. Crowded with locals and wonderful food - go early and often!
Cynthia
Swampscott, MA USA 09/10/2011
Our most memorable experiences in Rome and Florence
Il Profeta in Florence was the best meal I've ever had in my life. I had the "John Travolta pasta", which is apparently his favorite dish when he comes to this place, and I can see why! It's like...a liquid ham sauce, which may not sound so appetizing, but I got every last [INVALID] of it off my place with a piece of bread! The waiters were lovely and friendly, even if they do say the same darn thing to every American who walks through the doors (they ask you if you know what tripe is and act impressed if you know.) Some people may find that cheesy, all I know is our sweet waiter brought us a free dessert and spooned some into my mouth, and helped us on with our coats when it was time to go. It was great service and tremendous food!
Equally tremendous food, but less stellar service, can be found at Rome's Casa Coppelle. The male waitstaff here was unbearably snooty and downright rude. It may be because we weren't your average tourists - I'm fat and my travelling companion was black, so we stuck out like sore thumbs. We were dressed nicely and were quiet and polite and bought lots of food and wine...and still got really jarring bad service from the male staff members. The female waitress was lovely, however, and the female owner of the restaurant will come up to you afterwards and ask you to leave a favorable review on Tripadvisor.com. So, your mileage may vary. We may have just gotten a few bad apples the night we went. The food was AMAZING!!!
Julia Z.
NYC, NY USA 08/20/2011
Wine Tour and Food in Rome
We had an incredible time with Sarah from Antiqua Tours. We took their wine tour in Rome and it was the best "tour" of our entire trip in Italy. I learned so much about Italian culture as well as wine and food. The wines she picked were outstanding as well as the wine bars we visited.
I would also suggest the Roman Ice (I can't remember the Italian word for it) near the Tiber Island. Get the Lemon Coco. FANTASTIC.
Maria
NYC, NY USA 08/07/2011
Rick Steves' Recommended Restaurants in Rome - The Good and The Bad
We went to three of Rick Steves' recommended restaurants while in Rome.
1. ENOTECA CORSI, near the Pantheon - It was absolutely fabulous! The lasagna was to die for. Our server was Claudia (who is mentioned in the book) and she is wonderful. We also got the complimentary housemade limoncello which was strong but delicious. I highly recommend this family-operated restaurant!
2. RISTORANTE PIZZERIA SACRO E PROFANO, near the Trevi Fountains - Exquisite, just exquisite. We got the Rick-recommended antipasti and it was phenomenal. I also got the risotto which was great as well. Service was also very good.
3. RISTORANTE DA GIOVANNI - after the two previous hits, we tried this place, also recommended by Rick Steves. We had great expectations that were unfortunately not met. It started with the bread, which was hard and lacked freshness. We felt as though we were eating day-old bread. The penne al pomodoro was bland and nothing special. The eggplant parmesan was too cheesy and lacked actual eggplant taste. The side of potatoes were tasteless and hard as if they had been reheated. I was really hoping that the tiramisu would help the restaurant redeem itself, but it didn't. Even that was bland. The worst part came when the waiter (who has been a bit reserved with us) handed us our check, which consisted of seemingly random numbers he scrawled on a sheet of paper - NOT a legal receipt. When he spotted us poring over each number, he came over, pointed at the bottle of supposedly free tap water, and crossed out the 3 euro he was going to charge us for it! Then he took out his ricevuto fiscale pad to write us a legal receipt, in which he overcharged us by 1 euro. We want to give him the benefit of the doubt, but his aloof attitude toward us and the fact that he tried to give us a fake receipt and tried to charge us for tap water made us very skeptical of his intentions. Overall, we were very disappointed by our meal here, and I would recommend that this restaurant be removed from Rick Steves' guide books.
Clara
Pittsburgh, PA USA 08/01/2011
My favorite place in Florence-Casa del Vino
I am a wine hobbyist and found my first few days in Italy very frustrating. While the house wines were great, it was difficult to find good places to go and sample a number of good tasting wines without going broke. In Florence, our hotel had sent us to Frescobaldi, which was a disaster. 18 Euros for a flight of 3 wines of 50 dl per taste (if that much). For excellent wines, that might have been acceptable, but these were the most mediocre wines I tasted during my 2-week travel in Italy. For 2 flights and a small, so-so antipasto tray, the bill was $85.00.
But then we found Casa del Vino. It's located on a street off from San Lorenzo market, behind the wall of stalls in the street. It's a tiny place and actually took two tries with detailed directions to find. But it was well worth the effort.
The pours were large, prices reasonable (3 Euros) and they serve cheap panini. There's one tiny table and a couple of boxes to sit on--otherwise you take your glass and panini and go outside and sit on the wall. After my first choice (chianti classico), I just handed Gianni my glass and let him decide what to give me. He stocks plenty of top, expensive bottles, but we just sampled the everyday stuff and it was all wonderful. 4 pours, 2 panini all for under 18 Euros. I want to live at Casa del Vino.
Rick
Lisle, IL USA 07/28/2011
Ristorante Cleto, Rome
In Roma, one of the best restaurants we ate at (both in terms of food and friendly service) was at the Ristorante Cleto. Located in the Ancient part of the city near the Coliseum, off of Via Cavour at Via del Cardello 28. All food was delicious but particularly the gnocchi!
Quinn
Vancouver, WA USA 07/27/2011
Restaurant Andry
Our favorite restaurant in Milan was Restaurant Andry, a high class restaurant (with reasonable prices!). They specialize in seafood and meat dishes (which are delicious) and are located in the center of Milan at Via Rovello, 10.
Quinn
Vancouver, WA USA 07/27/2011
Delicious Vecchia Roma
Visit Veccia Roma in Rome! family owned restaurant with delicius food at an affordable price, we just got back from Italy and the 3 nights we spent in Rome we didn't look elsewhere Vecchia Roma was the spot. Go early as they turned people away at the door all three nights, reservations are available if you call them in!
Frances Rivera
Grand Prairie, Tx USA 07/26/2011
Restaurante in Fiumelatte
If you do the wonderful walk in Varenna to Fiumelatte in the Lake Como area, be sure to AVOID THE RESTAURANTE that you almost walk into as you end your wonderful walk. The 2 young ladies working there - one from Miami - were surly, rude and not even a tiny bit friendly. How you could be living and working in such a beautiful part of the world and pitch such attitude to the travelers who make it possible for you to stay in business is just beyond me. We had children with us who were really hungry so we ordered a small dish for them, it was terrible! and got out of there. Bring snacks with you, hike back to Varenna through the trail that goes by the cemetary and have something refreshing in Varenna on the water. Both the outdoor cafe's that we snacked at there were wonderful and the folks working there were just as wonderful and friendly.
Marianne C
Kirkland, Washingtonw, WA USA 07/21/2011
food in Rome and Florence
We loved Cul de Sac, near Piazza Navonna in Rome; we ate there twice. Great wine selection and delicious variety of pates! La Posta in Florence was also wonderful. We did not eat much there, but the olives appetizer were delicious, and all four of us agree was the best gnocchi we've ever eaten. It is on the street that runs parallel to Via Roma (the same street Hard Rock Cafe is on; walk toward Ponte Vecchio, about a block after you pass Piazza Republica).
Laura
Amherst, OH USA 07/20/2011
AVOID THIS SIENA RESTAURANT!
Ristorante due Porte (Via Stalloreggi 62/64).
Last night we headed to one of Rick's recommendations (Osteria Nonna Gina) but found it closed for the summer holiday. Well, my daughter was starving so we decided to take a chance on this place, which was just a few steps away. Big mistake. Horribly rude waiter, disappointingly vile food.
The bruschetta was quite literally pizza sauce on toast. The bread in the basket was stale. We suspected the rest of the meal would be terrible, but ordered a few pasta starters anyway, since we were hungry and already there.
The waiter pressed us to order mains at the same time, and got visibly angry when we didn't. I've never seen anything like it. Obviously he knew if he didn't get the order right then, it wouldn't be forthcoming after we tasted the pasta. Well, he knew what he was doing, because the pasta was indeed terrible.
AVOID AVOID AVOID
On a brighter note, isn't Siena lovely?
Happy travels, everyone.
Renee D.
Vancouver, BC USA 07/13/2011
Great Restaurant in Florence
Ristorante Lorenzo de' Medici (Via del Giglio, 49)
My family and I had a lovely meal at this restaurant in Florence. It's large, pleasant, and reasonably priced. The waiters were exceptionally warm and ours gave me some wonderful recommendations--in particular the ravioli truffle sauce starter. (Seriously, try it.)
Buon appetito!
Renee D.
Vancouver, BC Canada 07/13/2011
Taverna Garibaldi in Levanto, cinque terre area
Great pizzas (large variety), very good lasagna pesto, spectacular street view with '700 palazi and frescoes just renewed. Friendly service, nice salads, good option the cold appetizers and for celiacs there is farinata made with chick peas flour. 8/10 for me! Ty rick your guide is always a bible for us...
mark Spencer
new york, NY USA 07/13/2011
An Amazing Food Tour in Rome
Just left Rome after 4 wonderful days. Aside from the usual highlights my Mom and I did a Food Tour with Eating Italy Food Tours which was fabulous. They took us to this really non-touristy neighborhood called Testaccio and took us to so many interesting places that we would have never known about. The food really was mouthwatering especially the bucatini all amtraciana-OMG! If you like food and history than I would highly recommend checking this out.
Jennifer and Janis Rubin
Chicago, IL USA 07/05/2011
restaurant in Burano
The best meal we have had in three trips to Italy was at Trattoria al Gatto Nero in Burano (recommended in Rick's Venice guide book). We ordered the 5 seafood tasting starter and the pappardelle with shrimp - both were outstanding. Seek this restaurant out - it is not in the main tourist area but is worth searching for.
Bonnie Johnson
Acworth, GA USA 06/30/2011
Wine Tour and Food in Rome
We enjoyed our wine tour with Ettore from Antiqua Tours in Rome. It was the perfect evening. By the end of the evening we felt that we had a new friend in Rome. We also sampled great wines and learned a lot about Italian wine culture.
Ben
Seattle, WA USA 06/28/2011
Great restaurant in Siena
My wife and I had a great dinner in Siena at Ristorante Guidoriccio. The owners (who speak English well) gave us a highly personal dining experience with authentic Sienese cuisine. The location is right off Il Campo. Get the Sienese dessert sampler, and then try the gelato at Costarella Gelateria on a moonlight stroll afterward!
Ed
Philadelphia, PA USA 06/23/2011
Best food and wine in Rome @ Il Bacocco
Il Bacocco is always my first choice when in Rome. Last Saturday I went there with a group of 16 students from Colorado and we had a great dinner!Don't miss the lasagna and cannelloni. The list of wine is endless, the owner will give you the right suggestion according the food you order. Desserts will leave you speechless, I had the best tiramisu of my life!!! Il Bacocco is located in the heart of Trastevere in Via G. Mameli 61.
Romina M.
Castel Gandolfo, RM, Italy ITALY 06/10/2011
Restaurant
La Lampara, the best meal we had in Santa Marguerita de Liguria. Home made ravioli filled with saute radicchio with a wonderfull walnut sauce, a linguinni al pesto and stuffed fish raviolis with a tomato sauce. Great Service and superb meal.
Marisa Gallardo
Chula Vista, CA USA 06/08/2011
Wine Tour and Food in Rome
We enjoyed our wine tour with Ettore from Antiqua Tours. He is such a charming young man with a depth of knowledge not only about Italian wine and food but culture, history and art in general. We also loved eating pizza bianca from any bakery that had it, so we would make comparisons. We also had truffle pizza at a place near the Pantheon based on Ettore's advice.
Carly Foral
Los Angeles, CA USA 06/05/2011
La Tavola Marche is Magnificent!
Run, don't walk, to La Tavola Marche, a wonderful agriturismo not far from Urbino. Ashley and Jason Bartner have something wonderful here and lucky travelers who are willing to go off the beaten path can share in an authentic farm to table experience. Jason is an excellent cook and cooking teacher and Ashley is the quintessential "front of the house" hostess. Le Marche is known for its foods. Go in the summer for a fresh from the garden experience or in the fall for truffle hunting. I'll be back!
Linda Dini Jenkins
Midlothian, VA. USA 06/02/2011
Queen's Trattoria in Lucca
Sarah, I'm sure that you're already aware of Queen's Trattoria, located on Via Cenami in Lucca, but if you have yet to check out this location as an addition to your next travel guide on Italy, send someone ASAP! Arriving in Italy, I must say that I was a little disappointed in the pizza at almost every resturant I visited, but at Queen's both the pizza and foccace are amazing! Both feature a thin, crispy, cracker style crust and delicious toppings. An A+ in my book!
Trina Schlee
Uniontown, WA USA 06/02/2011
Trattoria Antico Fattore in Florence
Another resturant that really should be listed in your next guide book for Italy is Trattoria Antico Fattore, located on Via Lambertesca in Florence. If you get the opportunity, go to Antico Fattore and order the t-bone steak. The menu has it listed by weight for 1, 2 or 3 people. A word of caution: Your bill may end up being a little spendy (depending on the number of people and size of the cut), but it's worth the extra expense for an amazing meal and wonderful staff! And hey, remember that if you get lost trying to find it, just follow your nose, because you can smell the meat cooking all the way down the street.
Trina Schlee
Uniontown, WA USA 06/02/2011
La Tavola Marche
Just returned from a wonderful trip that included three days at this wonderful argroturismo. Ashley and Jason made us feel right ast home. The "welcome" dinner was outstanding and wonderfully addressed our desire for a meal fosused on vegetables. We had a cooking class with Jason who provided us with an innovative menu and[INVALID]more importantly[INVALID]a real learning experience. If you are looking for a relaxing experience, beautiufl food and caring and fun hosts, book your time at La Tavola Marche!
Sharon Machrone
Richmond, VA USA 05/31/2011
dining
We loved Rick's recommendations in Vernazza of Ristorante Incadase da Piva and Il Pirata delle Cinque Terra. We had some of our best meals there
Suzanne Conrad
Trinity Center, CA USA 05/31/2011
dining
Ristorante Delfino was also a wonderful experience. Luisa and Roberto were charming, and the food was excellent
Suzanne Conrad
Trinity Center, CA USA 05/31/2011
La Falconara-Tuscany
I recently traveled to Tuscany with my 16 yr old granddaughter, and stayed with Alex and Ingrid at La Falconara in Montepulciano. What great hosts, valuable information on where to go and what to see!
Shirley
Seattle, WA USA 05/29/2011
Sassari, Sardinia
Superb Italian seafood restaurant!
http://www.ristorantesanmartinosassari.it/
Ristorante San Martino
Via Enrico Costa, 34
07100 Sassari, Italy
walter silbert
del mar, ca USA 05/27/2011
Fresh, Handmade Pasta and a huge wheel of Parmigiano Cheese to finish off your dinner!
The best meal I had while in Italy. Fresh, handmade pasta displayed at the window [I even got to see them making it]. La Greppia is located in downtown Parma (I drove to the city center...the maitre d' saved a parking spot for us so we parked right in front of the restaurant...half on the sidewalk).
We started with a plate of cold cuts (local products); shared 2 pastas, and finished off with a braised beef with polenta dish. I could barely move but our waiter insisted on us trying the local parmesan, at least to get a "taste".
It wasn't inexpensive, but if you ever make it out to Italy, i HIGHLY recommend a visit to Parma (rent a car) and a dinner here!!
http://www.ristoranteparmalagreppia.com/
La Greppia
Parma, USA 05/27/2011
The Wonders of Limoncello
Limoncello - elixir of the Gods! Love the stuff. We wandered through a 300-year-old lemon orchard in the heart of downtown Sorrento while sipping samples of the best Limoncello ever! The ambiance was unbeatable. I was surprised by the Basil flavored option, it was really good! Here's the story and some photos. (copy and paste the address - sorry it won't directly link.)
http://checkthediditbox.blogspot.com/2011/05/drink-limoncello-did-it.html
Kathy Gleaves
Seattle, WA USA 05/26/2011
Fantastic Local Pizzeria Bellagio, italy
Vecchio Aureggio Pizzeria, Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy
This little gem is family friendly, authentic, and affordably priced, with excellent value. With views of both sides of the lake, Vecchio Aureggio serves the best pizza on Lake Como. Hands down. Armando, the proprietor, will seat you on the patio, inside the restaurant, or in the garden. Salad greens are picked from the garden, hand thrown pizzas are indescribably delicious. While your children kick a soccer ball or play bocce, you can enjoy the glorious sunset as you sip your vino in paradise.
Leslie Fravel
Manassas, VA USA 05/18/2011
Multi-course meal with wine pairings
Albergo Perbacco in Sant'Angelo Limosano. Located in the Molise region, northeast of Naples, east of Rome. You can actually find them on the Internet and book your stay online. Guilio is the owner and speaks excellent English.
Pure serendipity - we ended up in a small Italian hill town in an albergo with only 5 rooms built in a 400-year-old barn. The restaurant was in the original stable area, but it was closed to the public the night we stayed because there was a private party planned. We must have looked sad because we were quickly added to the invite list and ended up eating a 4-hour, 6-course meal with 8 different wines in the company of some of central Italy's best known chefs, food critics, restaurant owners, and wine reviewers. Follow the link to see my photos and read the rest of the story. This was an epic meal like no other.
http://checkthediditbox.blogspot.com/2011/05/fancy-dinner-with-wine-pairings-did-it.html?spref=fb
Kathy Gleaves
Seattle,, WA USA 05/15/2011
Lucca / Osteria via S. Giorgio
Best meal I've ever ordered at a restaurant. The gnocci with pumpkin and truffle oil is to die for.
Sidney Blank
Seattle, WA USA 05/06/2011
Eating in Forence
We ate at Trattoria Za- ZA in Florance. We ate outdoors as recommended. The food was okay, but it was very noisy and we had one begger after another at our table. People playing terrible music and then holding their hands out or sticking flowers in our face. Inside may be fine but not outside.
Paul
Olathe, KS USA 05/01/2011
restaurant in siena
my wife an i were in sienna last week and had a delightful dining experience (i thought, our best during our time in Italy) at tratoria la torre, just off the campo. it is a recommended place by RS's florence/tuscany 2011. we had excellent service by the family-run owners of the restaurant. not inexpensive, but worth the visit.
david virgilio
brockport, ny USA 05/01/2011
Agriturismo with Great Food! La Tavola Marche
We've been to Italy a number of times and we've always wondered what it would be like to stay at an agriturismo. Our 12 year old grandson loves to cook and we wanted to take him to Italy, so my husband and I, our grandson and our daughter (his mom) booked 5 nights at La Tavola Marche. It was just what our family needed -- and it turned out to be a wonderful experience! The stone farmhouse, the lush green hills and the rural atmosphere were beautiful. But the best part was Jason and Ashley, the owners of La Tavola Mache. We ate Jason's cooking two nights and wish we could have eaten more. We also did two 1/2 day cooking classes, making pizza in the wood-fired oven and homemade pasta with 3 different sauces. Jason is a serious chef who believes in using the best fresh ingredients, cooked simply and traditionally. What great food and what fun -- to be inspired and improve our cooking knowledge and skills!
Anne
Cutchogue, NY USA 04/27/2011
Florence Restaurants
In Florence, the correct name is:
Osteria dell'Agnolo
It was incorrectly listed as:
Osteria dell'Agndo
Ted
Caurthers, CA USA 04/13/2011
Rome - Osteria Giovanni at piazza ferns
We love this restaurant recommended by Rick, great location, setting, went here twice last visit. But... All three of our items this trip were way too SALTY.
Just ask them to take it easy on the salt.
Joseph Barr
Chicago, Il USA 04/07/2011
Rome - Teatro di Pompeo
A prior comment complained about a restaurant "teatro di pompeo". I have no experience at that restaurant, but I stayed at the hotel Teatro di Pompeo and I highly recommend it. It is not connected to the restaurant, in fact, when we asked the concierge about that restaurant, he recommended another place just off the Campo de' Fiori that was outstanding. I wish I could remember the name. The food was delicious, it was not touristy at all and we had a wonderful time.
Kathy Montrose
Fort Lauderdale, FL USA 04/05/2011
Restaurants in Sorrento
During a recent trip to Southern Italy we stayed in Piano di Sorrento for several nights. This little community is literally a 5 minute train ride to Sorrento where you can find restaurants and memorable meals. Donna Sophia is one of those establishments and sits on a hillside outside the city limits of Sorrento. An easy walk during good weather. The best Capressi Salad on the planet!! The entire meal was super delicious. For an evening where cost is really not the object then try Il Buco, right off the Piazza S. Antonio)(and show Rick's book for a 10% discount). The service and food was magnificent.
Tony Ambrose
Louisville, KY USA 04/03/2011
restaurants
In Rome during the first part of March prior to leavng for Amalfi coast, and had several meals in the area around Piazza Navonna. One in particular stood out: La Tabernetta. Perfectly cooked pasta and full of locals. Perfect!
Tony Ambrose
Louisville, KY USA 04/03/2011
Wine tour of roman countryside & fantastic lunch
This wine tour was phenomenal. It was a real pleasure to get outside the city of Rome, taste some local wines, see the countryside and have an authentic Italian lunch at Castel Gandolfo (the charming town where the Pope summers). This was probably the best meal of our trip. The guides, Diego and Alessio, provide pick up/drop off and transport for the entire day. They are true gentlemen, very knowledgable and extremely entertaining. I definitely recommend this day trip to anyone visiting Rome.
Here is the website http://www.nebtour.it/English/Tours/Castelli_Romani/Struttura_eng.htm
Jackie Linh
Chicago, IL USA 03/23/2011
Finding Family Roots in Italy
It took GPS, three maps,Google Earth and several stops along the way using my broken Italian to ask for directions, but I found my grandparents' villages perched on remote hilltops in central Italy. I even stood in my Nonna's doorway. It was an amazing moment. My grandfather's village was practically a ghost town, nearly destroyed by the L'Aquila earthquake in 2009.
http://checkthediditbox.blogspot.com/
Kathleen Gleaves (Ciolli)
Seattle, Wa USA 03/15/2011
Casa San Giuseppe - Rome
Used your Rome 2010 guidebook during our stay in Rome (Oct. 2010)and found it extremely useful & user-friendly..grazie! We stayed in Trastevere at Casa S. Giuseppe and found the staff helpful, courteous and very kind. They even helped us to report a cabdriver who was clearly a rip-off artist. He charged us 50 euros to go from Termini to our hotel and then ripped us off for another 20 (must have been a magician) He drove a white van and seemed to be a lovely old guy....lazarone! Live and learn! Love the location; experience Roma at it's craziest and most fun. Many good restaurants within walking distance.
Thanks Rick!
V and B Lawrence
Caledon, Ontari Canada 03/09/2011
Pesto
My wife and I went on the Heart of Italy Tour in September. In Cinque Terra we had a pesto making class followed by a meal of white lasagna with pesto. IT WAS FABULOUS!! Well tonight we made it at home with a recipe given to us by the Hotel Pasquale where we stayed. It was wonderful, we had it with the last bottle of wine we had from Cecilia's (our tour guide) - La Vellette winery. It was almost like being back in Italy. PS it is winter here in PA, but we grew the basil with a grow light in the basement and made the pesto with a Corrado Marble pestle we brought home.
Dale Hockenberry
East Butler, PA USA 03/04/2011
Wine Tour in Rome - Antiqua (Ettore)
I highly recommend joining Antiqua Tour's wine tour in Rome with Ettore as your guide. Ettore is a charming young man that made us much more comfortable with Italian wines and made as feel like fast friends.
katie Rhine
Denver, CO USA 02/26/2011
Tuscan Trails - Wine Tours, Florence
We went to Italy last fall and did a wine tasting day trip with Tuscan Trails: www.tuscantrails.com
The tours are close to Florence at very small vineyards with a small tour group (ours was 16 or so people). Todd is incredibly knowledgeable and the trip is a great experience that we highly recommend.
PlannerGrl
Washington, DC USA 02/12/2011
The Best Pizza I ever had
The best pizza I ever had...in Naples, Pizza Trianon. Classic Margherita..red sauce, mozzarella, basil...that's it. It came a little black around the edges...and it was amazing. How is it possible? I'm sure it was nothing special to them. To me it was a revelation!
Ray
Saint Helens, OR USA 02/01/2011
Meals
A favorite experience and meal was at Vela Bianca Ristorante near the harbor in Sorrento. Well served, delicious food, moderately priced. The best grilled fish! Best yet, free transfers to/from the hotel. On a second visit we were welcomed as friends and even shown the kitchen!
hlinenberg
Montgomery, TX USA 12/27/2010
Tuscan Food
During the three weeks we were in Italy the most delilcious food we had was at Montagna Verde in Apella, Licciana Nardi, Lunigiana. A 15 course meal, house wine, AND inexpensive.
Anne
Savannah, GA USA 12/22/2010
Twenty Weeks of Italian Food
My girlfriend and I lived in Verona, Italy all summer while I played and coached baseball. The food in Verona is spectacular! We're hooked on all the wonderful styles of ham and cheese. I wrote about our gastronomic experiences on my blog:
Nick Postorino
Racine, WI USA 12/18/2010
Verona: Osteria a la Carega
We found this little place as we were wandering the side streets away from the Forum. This is a local hangout and we were the only tourists. We had an excellent lunch, the service was friendly and the price was very reasonable in this great wine region.
Roger
Calgary, Albert Canada 12/15/2010
Venice: Trattoria da Nico. 1702 Frizzeria S. Marco
We could not complain about the food or the price (food was good, price was reasonable) but we had a rude pushy waiter that I was willing to put up with. I figured that 2 out of 3 was not too bad. The food was, in fact, the best we had in Venice.
Roger
Calgary, Albert Canada 12/15/2010
Florence
We found 2 excellent restaurants. First, Osteria dell'Agndo. This is a little pizza place (opened in 1580) we found as we were wandering back to our apartment from the Duomo. Pizza made in front of us and cooked in an open clay oven. Excellent pizza.
The second place was a real gem. Trattoria Tiberio. 26 Via delle Route, a side street not far from the train station. We went there 3 times, reasonable prices, excellent service and both a chef and a waitress who can translate the menu into English.
Someone explained to me that you can find good food in Florence because Florence has a large resident population that will not put up with poor quality. We found that to be true. No bad food experiences in Florence.
Roger
Calgary, AB USA 12/15/2010
Ciao Laura Culinary Vacations - Amalfi Coast excursion
Friends, my family and I just returned from an amazing time on the Amalfi Coast in October and one of the highlights of our trip was a full day excursion with Ciao Laura Culinary Vacations starting from our villa in Positano on the Amalfi Coast. We started around lunchtime and then visited the villages overlooking Sorrento for lunch, visited a lovely traditional limoncello producer for a taste (kicks a punch!), then an olive mill for an olive oil tour and finally in the evening, we took a pizza lesson with dinner and local wine before returning to our villa after dinner. Web address for this company is: www.ciaolaura.com
Michael
Chicago, IL USA 12/06/2010
Nice place eat after the sights
Aquila Nera was a fantastic find in Roma that was well within walking distance to Termini. The food was great, staff kind, and tourist friendly. Via Principe Amedo, 49-53, Roma.
Christie T
Oaklyn, NJ USA 11/12/2010
Siena Restaurant
My family and I had a wonderful experience at one of the Rick Steves' recommended restaurants- Antica Trattoria. Our server, Amadeo, was super friendly and made great recommendations for food as well as must-have wines my family and I should bring back to the states!
Naomi M
San Diego, CA USA 11/05/2010
Unexpected fun wine tasting experience in Siena
What a wonderful wine tasting class in Siena! It's offered by very enthusiastic wine people at the Tuscan Wine school in the center of town and it's new of this year. I was in Siena on a rainy day and stumbled over it. It transformed my day and I had a fun experience which I had not expected and learned so much in a short time.
Mireille Bakker
Amsterdam, USA 11/04/2010
Rome by the Glass with Antiqua Tours
We thoroughly enjoyed our Rome by the Glass tour with Antiqua Tour, our guide Sarah was fantastic, we had a wonderful evening sharing wine and food in little wine bars and learned a lot abolut Italian wine culture and tasting basics. It was the perfect evening to start our trip in Italy, we felt like we were experiencing "real Rome." Sarah was the perfect host as we sipped wines from many different regions of Italy. My favorite was the Lagrein.
Lea Stuart
Phoenix, AZ USA 10/31/2010
best value in italy
2 hours east of rome is a spectacularly beautiful region of italy virtually unknown to american tourists. try colonnella in northern abruzzo and the hotel susanna degli ulivi for a fantastic, affordable vacation. inspiring mountain and sea views, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves all a few miles from the sparkling adriatic. genuine local cuisine, perfect medieval town with a full program of concerts, festivals and exhibits. all within a modest family budget. we're experienced travelers and haven't topped this one ever. thought you might like to know.
gary
scottsdale, az USA 10/28/2010
Rome-Florence-Vernazza
We hit quite a few of Rick's recommended restaurants in Roma, Firenze,and Vernazza. The best of all was Ristorante Self Service Leonardo in Florence, about a block from the Duomo. The food is served cafeteria style, where you get a tray and what dishes you want. We were amazed at the generous portions. The best part is the price: super cheap!! an appetizer, entree, wine, and water for 9Euros! and the food is DELICIOUS! Do not miss it! If you are lucky, they will be serving gnocchi and fried zucchini!
In Roma, we tried Cul De Sac- the food is just OK but a very extensive wine list. We also stopped in to L'Antica Birreria Peroni. It was very hard to find. But once we did, the place was packed with young Italians! We weren't able to wait that long for a table, so we ate somewhere else and then returned for a few drinks. The atmosphere is really something! If you go here, it would be helpful to know a little more Italian than we did!! In Vernazza, Ristorante Belforte has a beautiful view and we had a dish of pasta, shrimp, and zucchini that was really good. On our first night here, the hotel guests staying beside us, Howard and Julie from Cincinnati, took us to the Cannoli Brother's place at the top of the town(I think it's called Il Pirata). Get there early, there was quite a wait and they run out of some of the dishes, or make reservations. The food is very good and the brothers are hysterical. It helps when you have good company, too :)
Stacy
Cape Coral, FL USA 10/26/2010
Try the Mensa !!
Large train stations have Mensa's (employee cafeterias) great food at great prices,lots of free water !! I am most familiar with Venice the best Mensa I have been to at the most expensive city
USA 10/26/2010
San Gimignano B&B
Busini Rossi Carla is a fantastic place to stay when visiting Tuscany. We stayed at one of their places right in town for 3 days and went to Florence, Siena and Volterra (famous for alabaster). Just google their name or copy and paste link ... www.accommodation-sangimignano.com ... You can also email me at morog@aol.com for more info too. You will NOT be disappointed.
Jim & Tamie Morog
Lebanon, IN USA 10/24/2010
cassalinga, florence
Cassalinga was recommended & we found it. Saturday night and we didn't have reservations so we apologized & asked to reserve for their next night (Monday) - we were ignored, then yelled at in italian. We tried to speak italian but are not very good at it. Our worst experience after 5 trips & 2 weeks in Italy. No excuse to be so rude.
bee adams
littleton, co USA 10/23/2010
Great Resteraunt
While on our Honeymoon In beautiful Roma , my husband and I were recommended Marco G's Restaraunt, we loved it so much we ate there nearly every night , the staff were exceptional , food was perfect , wine selection was amazing , the owner could not have done enough for us , he made us feel very welcome and very special , the whole atmosphere of the resteraunt was wonderful ,we will definately be going back to Rome and most certainly be going back to Marco G's , I would recommend anyone to go there because they cater for anyone , you wont be dissapointed , Marco G's is on the Via Garibaldi , Trastevere !!!
Marco G's Trastevere
Bicester, Oxford UK 10/22/2010
great restuarant in rome
We spent a week in Rome in 2007 and just returned from another week there. Both times we ate at a wonderful and friendly resturant on Via Dei Serpenti 87 "DODO" Ricardo and Angela are gracious hosts and the food was inbelievably good. The frutti di mare appetizer had the freshest seafood that we have had. Prices are reasonable and location is good. About 4 blocks from Colosseum.
Frank Mulkern
Payson, az USA 10/20/2010
Marco G Locanda bar on via Gariboldi in Rome
While in Rome we found this delightful restaurant. We returned for two lovely dinners with a friendly staff and free WIFI. Near John Cabot University in Trastevere.
Tony and Peggy
Waterford, CTb USA 10/06/2010
Restaurant- Florence Italy
Florence, Italy - Family Restaurant - Mangiafuoco-Bracerie - Via Guelfa, 24/R - This neighborhood,family owned restaurant was a fantastic find. Off the beaten path of the tourist traps, Mangiafuoco serves fresh made pastas, and other terrific entrees at very reasonable prices. Deserts are home made and they have a good wine list. Though it is very inexpensive the food and service is of the highest quality. Friendly Barbara and Daniella are the owners and the staff is very attentive and kind. You really feel like your in their home. Atmosphere is casual and relaxing. Each time I've been there; I have returned several times, the good feeling and great food are consistent. Mangiafuoco is the kind of local restaurant that you always hope to find when traveling. They do great business and it's populated by locals so you know that they have the seal of approval that counts. Definitely find your way to this restaurant when you're in Florence.
Donna
Beverly Hills, CA USA 10/04/2010
Il Pirata in Vernazza
Il Pirata in Vernazza Italy was AWSOME! The pastries were delicious. The coffee was strong and went great with the pastries for breakfast. Did I mention the pastries were good? ? Dinner was great and our host was really nice. His brother cooks the food in the back and he is a character as well. Great place. I would highly recommend Il Pirata for breakfast and dinner in Vernazza Italy.
OR USA 09/29/2010
Sorrento Dining
Ate twice at Osteria del Buonconvento (http://www.osteriadelbuonconvento.it) on Via B. Donnorso 5. Only three minutes walk from Piazza Tasso, but in a very quiet street. It's some of the best food that we've eaten in our many trips to Italy. Very fresh ingredients, simply prepared and delicious. For example, the sea bass in fresh cherry tomato sauce and the sea bass in lemon sauce were really outstanding. The staff is very polite and attentive. Plenty of space between tables – none of the hugger-mugger seating that you find in the more touristy places. Would definitely go again. Cheers, Bill
Bill Murray
Santa Clara, CA USA 09/26/2010
Casamonti Winery
Our one and only tour during a three week tour through Italy and Greece was while we were staying in Siena. Silvia Romano from Tuscan Escapes gave us an excellent tour of a few different locations. Casamonti was our favorite by far. Wonderful wine, olive oil, and a chance to taste the meats they cure from the local Cinta Senese "belted" pigs made this a unique experience.
Angie
Boise, ID USA 09/26/2010
il Latini
do not go to Il Latini in Florence! We waited outside with about 75 other americans trying to get in when they opened. Turns out they seat about 200 at a time and you all get the same appetizer (prosciutto, melon, cheese and tomatoes) and then an option of four pasta dishes and then 4 meat dishes for the second course. We realized that the meat had to have been cooked earlier in the day to serve so many people at once. It was a big expensive banquet meal. you can do so much better at almost any other restaurant and it would be a lot cheaper! Try http://www.4leoni.com for their mouth watering pear pasta!
Mary Ann
Worthington, OH USA 09/22/2010
Restaurants
We just got back from Italy and would recommend these restaurants: Milan - Da Rita e Antonio (best pizza, ossobuco, ravioli); Venice - Tratorria da Bepi and Osteria Alla Botte(small so make reservation or come early); Florence - Le Botteghe di Donatello (not in Rick's book but should be); Rome - Ristorante da Giovanni
Terry Foty
Portland, OR USA 09/21/2010
Thanks for the suggestions
Just got back from another trip to Italy and continue to appreciate the posts re where to eat. I will try to reciprocate in next few weeks as this has been a great site over the years.
Skip
Atlanta, Ga USA 09/20/2010
Venice restaurant
Very disappointed in Birreria Forst in Venice...sandwiches were stale, staff unfriendly, and MTV blared incessantly on the tv.
Kym Pipkin
Tahoe City, CA USA 09/18/2010
Eating in Rome
A general rule of thumb we discovered was to avoid any place that had waitstaff out on the street beckoning you in. Walk another block or two[INVALID]yes, you really can make it a few more steps for good food![INVALID]and find a place that is so sure its tables will fill up that they don't need to beg for customers. Specifically, we found a great restaurant in Rome, Gli Angeletti, at Via dell'Angeletto, 3, just off a tiny little square. The menu variety was impressive (I had pumpkin ravioli with spicy sausage sauce and a salad of shaved fennel, pears, walnuts and gorgonzola), the waitstaff about what you'd expect and prices comparable to the place next door that clearly only catered to tourists in search of spaghetti with red sauce. If you're in the neighborhood, check it out!
Tanya
Denver, CO USA 09/17/2010
Holy Pizza, Batman!
The pizza at Antica Pizzeria da Michele lives up to the hype. It is very simple and cheap, but incredible. The atmosphere is jubilant and packed with hungry locals. Expect to wait a short while for the free service. Your patience will be rewarded greatly with mounds of mouthwatering mozzarella and a perfectly soft and crispy crust. Use the provided utensils, but don't be afraid of diving in and eating it like an American. I saw many locals licking their plates too. Enjoy!
Jamie
Langbroich, Germany 09/16/2010
Great Food
Went to Trivoli yesterday and discovered our best meal in Italy! When we were done visting the Villa d'Este we walked up the side street to the left and ate at the outdoor cafe "Frattoria L'Angolino". We ordered the Linguine Bologna and Ravoli with cheese and spinach. For dessert it was tiramusui. It was delicious and very reaonably priced. They had all kinds of fresh pasta, seafood and salads. Very nice staff who wore old world outfits, our waiter spoke English. Would recommend to anyone making the trip up to Tivoli to stop and enjoy the great food.
Stacie
Iowa USA 09/04/2010
Terrible Food Experience
I visited a Rick Steve's recommended eatery in Rome, Italy called Ristorante Pizzeria Da Frencesco. It was mid-August and they informed us that they just had a batch of fresh mushrooms come in. We ordered a mushroom salad as an appetizer. When it arrived, we ate the entire thing. It was a salad made exclusively of shaved mushrooms, shaved parmesian cheese, and olive oil. As we sat admiring the empty plate, I noticed something squirming in the liquid. I looked closer, it was a maggot (or some sort of larvae). There were 15 of them squirming in the leftover olive oil at the bottom of the plate. Who knows how many we ate. They were clear, and small and, although alive, difficult to notice. I immediately informed the waiter and he said, "its possible, they are fresh mushrooms." I left 5 Euro's on the table and we left immediately. I will never be back and recommend that the restaurant be removed from the book. It's one thing to dine on local delicacies, but live maggots is unsanitary and indicates that the mushrooms had not been washed.
Adam
Houston, TX USA 09/02/2010
Best and Worst of Florence
BEST place in Florence, Italy was Rist. Leonardo. Fabulous food - great service. WORST: Tratoria Icche C'e C'e When our family of 3 ordered fixed-price meals, the staff's tone toward us changed immediately. The waiter carelessly placed our utensils on the table and ignored us while he chatted-up other customers. Worse than that, the courses were small, poor-quality and just plain awful. (The tomato sauce on the pasta was thin and watery, the tiny grilled sausages were greasy and gristly, the chicken dish was a frozen, pre-fabricated breaded patty with the same runny tomato sauce, the salad lettuce was old and wilted.) As I went to pay the bill, I asked to not pay for my uneaten chicken dish and expressed displeasure that the food was poor quality. The waiter and chef both made it abundantly clear that I should not expect quality food from the fixed-price menu. They unapologetically [INVALID]d that if we wanted good food, we should have ordered from their other, more expensive menu. Their tone was dismissive as they knew we were tourists and would not return. They offered us the meal at no charge, no doubt to prevent bad publicity. We felt obligated to pay a fair amount for the food we ate, and left money on the table to cover what we thought the meal was worth - around 50% of the cost, though 30% would have been more reasonable. The next night, we returned to Leonardo's and had excellent food at a reasonable price.
A. P. M.
Mechanicsburg, PA USA 08/27/2010
Wine Tour in Rome
We went on several tour with Antiqua Tours in Rome but our more memorable was our wine tour with Ettore, their sommelier, who taught us more about wine than I could have imagined all while having a very entertaining and fun evening at various wine bars in the center of Rome. We also went on a few wine tours in Tuscany, but the wine guides were not wine experts.
Emma Stewart
Pasadena, CA USA 08/26/2010
Emilia-Romagna Agriturismo
Our family of four shared an amazing seven course meal (salad, three pastas, two meat dishes, and dessert) at Corte d'Aibo in Monteveglio. Accompanied by the local pignoletto wine, it was the finest meal we have eaten. The service was outstanding, despite our limited Italian-speaking skills, and the scenery was breathtaking. All for just over 100 euro.
Kelly M
San Diego, CA USA 08/22/2010
Hotels in Italy
Rick, we just returned from Italy, stayed at the Locanda Mastrele in Monterosso and Hotel Al Piave in Venice. Great service and accomodations, would definitely go back!
Bob
Orlando, FL USA 08/20/2010
Breakfast and Dinner in Naples
A nice spot to have breakfast in old town Naples is the Renaissance Hotel. The food isn't extra-special, but the view of the harbor and old-town skyline in the morning from the 11th floor rooftop is fabulous. For dinner, the place I found that serves great Neapolitan Pizza with consistent quality and service is Rosati's Ristorante on the traffic square off the Piazza Plebiscite. They have a diverse pizza menu and the chefs prepare them fresh right in the entry as you walk in. The ristorante is a level above the street and can be a little warm during the summertime if they don't turn on the AC, but I thought it was worth it!
Jason
Colorado Springs, CO USA 08/11/2010
Favorite Florence Trattoria
For wonderful, traditional, "simple" Italian fare, check out Trattoria Marino (Antico Petrolio) in Florence. Just south of the Piazza del Capitolo (Duomo), tucked away down a back street, this was a haven during a crazy thunder/hailstorm in June. Great food, great service, and very reasonably priced.
Barb Watts
Aurora, CO USA 07/31/2010
Cooking-Vacations in Italy
Cooking lessons in Positano, Italy was a great idea. But don't use Cooking-Vacations.com. Buyer beware. Web site has wonderful program and accommodation descriptions - but what you see is NOT what you will get! And don't expect any help or courtesy from Lauren, the owner/operator.
Trudy
Chicago, IL USA 07/28/2010
Restaurant closed - Milan
Please note that the Pastarito Pizzarito restaurant near the Duomo in Milan, recommended in your 2010 Italy book, is now closed.
Anna Neidig
Anchorage, AK USA 07/26/2010
Cinque Terre
Just came out of Cantina di Miky, Monterosso del Mare, sorry Rick. The service was indifferent at best and rude in general. In my time in the Cinque Terre this is the worst service I have recieved.
John
Seattle, WA USA 07/21/2010
Leonardo's in Florence
One of the best and cheapest places to eat in Florence is Ristorante Self-Service Leonardo, a block from Il Duomo. It's been mentioned here many times. It was great! Very reasonable prices, fresh food, cheap wine and when Leonardo saw my RS book he said, "Love that book!" Lunch and dinner.
Andy Perry
Louisville, KY USA 07/21/2010
Sorrento sightseeing
Sorrento is famous for a digestif known as ‘limoncello’ that is produced from lemon rinds, alcohol, water and sugar. The best bet would be to try this concoction at a fun café or bar downtown.
http://www.europevoyage.net/sorrento-italy-tourism.html
Jehnavi
lake city , Fl USA 07/20/2010
Eating in Sorrento
We LOVED Inn Bufalito in Sorrento. So much so that we ate there 3 nights in a row! The best Caprese salad ever! All food there is fresh and locally grown, and reasonable. We look forward to going back!
Beth
Benicia, CA USA 07/17/2010
Great Dining in Lucca
We ate at a wonderful neighborhood restaurant, Leo. The food was incredible and a great price. The service was very friendly. Recommend making reservations if you want to eat outside. Definitely get there about 15 minutes before it opens so you can get a seat.
Teri
bellingham, WA USA 07/15/2010
Ca Mea outside Badalucco, Liguria
My husband, a friend, and I stayed in Montalto, outside Badalucco, in Liguria. By dumb luck we found Ca Mea. By far, the most memorable meal we have ever had. We sat down at the table and the waitress came by and plonked a bottle of wine down on the table. Before we could ask for a menu, food started to arrive. First it was marinated mushrooms. Then came tagliatelli. After that, some sort of ricotta cheese pie arrived, followed by bagna calda (what a treat!). We started counting; writing down each "course"- after 12 (yes, 12) courses, the waitress asked us what we wanted for our primi piatti- a one kilo (2.2 pounds) beefsteak or lamb chop. My husband and I ordered the lamb (against our better judgement because we were full and had been full since course 2)- which arrived cooked to perfection. The waitress asked us what we wanted for our second course (in reality, course #14) and we refused... repeatedly. We also refused dessert but ordered coffee. The coffee came with dessert anyway- an assortment of cookies and petit fours- and grappa. Three kinds of grappa in bottles that had been overturned with taps placed on the end. You could, if you wanted, pour yourself as much grappa as your heart desired. Four hours later, we still hadn't seen a menu and began to worry about the price of this meal. So we started sweating- counting our euros and estimating the price of each course plus wine, coffee, and, let's not forget, the grappa. Finally, we thought, "Well if it's 400 euros, it's 400 euros- what are we going to do, give the food back?" We needn't have worried- the total for the three of us was 120 euros. We also got a diploma for finishing our meal, which hangs in my kitchen. If you go, leave the autostrade at the Arma de Taggia exit. Follow the sings to Baddalucco. Go through Badalucco towards Montalto (Warning! This is a tiny road with many hairpin turns. DO NOT drink as much grappa as you want and attempt to drive this road!) Look for the vintage Studebaker and giant fiberglass mushroom, when you find them, go over the small bridge- you have reached Ca Mea.
Denise
Baltimore, MD USA 07/15/2010
Beware Extra Charges for Bread and Fish!
Just got back from first visit to Rome. A word to the wise when trying to keep meal costs down: Beware the "scam" of servers bringing bread to the table and not informing that there will be a charge (at least 1.5 or 2 Euros per person, even w/a meal order). Shoo them away if you don't want the bread. More importantly, and I can't stress this enough, ask for confirmation of what you will be charged for any fresh fish meal. I made the mistake of ordering fish in an otherwise reasonably priced Jewish Ghetto restaurant, and got stung for 42 Euros (!!!) for what amounted to 2 or 3 fillets of basic white fish, potatoes and tomatoes (Menu listed item at 4.50 euros). The "explanation" was that it was sold by weight (4.50 per 100g), and they charged us for 800 g, the weight of the whole fish. Server never explained or alerted me about this practice of charging for fish when I ordered. Basically ruined my last, and perhaps best tasting, meal experience in Rome. I had never read anything in any guidebook about such a practice.
Christine
North Reading, MA USA 07/13/2010
Dining near Colosseum
We stayed at Hotel Lancelot a few blocks south of the Colosseum and found Naumachiaroma, a terrific restaurant, 2 blocks south east of the Colosseum. Great Italian food, nice wine list, fair prices, great staff, and not touristy. We ate there 3 times in 3 days it was so good! A hidden gem! fyi it is the name of a Roman navy ship.
Deanne Ealey
Highlands Ranch, CO USA 07/12/2010
Rome Dining in Trastevere
We found a wonderful new restaurant in Trastevere a few weeks ago called "Marco G" on Via Garibaldi,56. We had the pleasure of meeting Marco, the owner, who brought us an incredible selection of appetizers including their specialty; cold, thin sliced octopus. A truly memorable meal, great service, comfortable and stylish decor.
Mary Ellen
Southbury, CT USA 07/11/2010
Il Bandierino at Siena
We watch your show avidly on television and have been using your travel book, Italy 2010, on our trip this summer. However per your recommendation on page 535 in Italy 2010, we went to the Il Bandierino eatery in the Il Campo square in Siena Italy which turned out to be a bad experience for us. The service was very bad with the waiters disregard for their customers and the food was just so-so. Just letting you know so you may revisit your rating of this above place.
Sarada Mohanty
Phoenix, AZ USA 07/09/2010
Rome restaurants
We just returned from a 3-week trip to Italy. All of Rick's recommended restaurants that we tried were excellent. We walked to Perilli in Prati Ristorante near the Vatican on Monday, June 14 and discovered that they were closed for renovation - very disappointing. There was no sign indicating when they would reopen.
If you want a splurge and like seafood, we highly recommend Ristorante Il Tempio di Iside on Via Pietro Verri at Piazza Iside. This is just a few blocks from the Colosseum and a huge improvement over the other tourist restaurants in the area. The seafood was very fresh and beautifully prepared and the service was excellent.
Bonnie Johnson
Acworth, GA USA 07/05/2010
Rome
There is the best wine bar, not far from Termini train station in Rome, where you will not find any tourists! Vineria at Via dei Ramni, 28, in the San Lorenzo district. Wine, salads, bar food, and desserts. All are delicious!
Patricia
Seattle, WA USA 07/02/2010
Roman Food Cooking Class in Italy
Was in Rome last fall and getting ready to go again in a couple of weeks..and taking a class again with Chef Andrea at Il Fate in Trastevere. For 50 Euros, you learn how to make authentic roman cuisine and then enjoy the fruits of your labour! Awesome. I made pasta amatriciana, fried zucchini flowers, tirmasiu and fresh pasta. I have made them numerous times since coming home and am the hit of my family! Cant wait to learn some more recipes! Check out his reviews on Trip Advisor...
THis time, I am also taking a cooking class in Bologna..really excited to learn about the unique recipes of the gastronomic capital of Italy :) I will keep everyone posted!
Lisa
Lisa
Hamilton, on canada 06/27/2010
Mensa
Larger Italian train stations have Mensa's, employee cafeterias really good affordable food real back door fun too no games plenty of free water. Venice's is really good
john Brangwin
Wa USA 06/26/2010
Finding the Best Gelato
When shopping for gelato, remember that the pistachio should be olive green in color and not bright artificial green. I don't recall where I read this sound advice, but it is a sure indicator of a great gelato shop, even if you don't prefer pistachio. Be sure to eat at least a "piccolo" gelato everyday in Italy!
Judy D
Perkasie, PA USA 06/18/2010
Great restaurant near Santa Maria Maggiore
We just returned home from Rome and found a great restaurant near Santa Maria Maggiore. The name of the restaurant is La Vecchia Conca on Via Carlo Alberto, 26/a. It's located between the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore and Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. You can find cheaper food somewhere else but the food here was amazing and the staff was friendly and helpful. We ate dinner here several nights while in Rome.
Paul
White Hall, AR USA 06/17/2010
Typical Siena cuisine
My wife and I have been living in Siena for three months while I teach in a study abroad program for US students. We have found many wonderful local osterias and trattorias featuring pici (thick spaghetti-like pasta), ribollita (vegetable and bread soup), and other Sienese specialties.
One place I particularly recommend is Osteria Sotto le Fonti, located just outside the city walls on Via Esterna Fontebranda. It's a bit out of the way but worth the walk. Or take the public escalator (risalita mechanizzata) from just below the Duomo (exiting the Duomo, cross the piazza and take the road leading to the right and down, then look for signs). This takes you right to Via Fontebranda (and saves 93 steps up and down the hill). Buon appetito!
Rand Jimerson
Bellingham, WA USA 06/17/2010
When in Siena...
We wanted to post about our experience at the Tuscan Wine School in Siena. We did the afternoon wine tasting class and absolutely loved it! We learned so much about the Tuscan appellations, wines and grapes. They also provided food pairing so our heads wouldn't spin after 6 glasses of wine! I can't recommend Rebecca's wine classes enough and would definitely attend another class if I were to return to Siena.
Lisa Gerber
Toronto, Canada 06/15/2010
Great Restaurant near Rome Airport (FCO)
De La Ville Ristorante, five minutes walk from the Marriot Courtyard hotel at Fiumicino was a pleasant surprise when we were stuck overnight at the airport. It is run by a family from Campania, features Napoletana cooking,seafood, pizza, and excellent house wine. I'd go there again if ever in the neighborhood.
Via Remo La Valle, 3/5/7. Fiumicino, www.delaville.net. tel 066507651
Michael Schwager
Twin Falls, ID USA 06/12/2010
Da Giovanni Restaurant, Rome
This restuarant is recommended in Rick's Italy 2010. The food is terrible. My roasted pig was tough as shoe leather and another diner sent theirs back. Tourists are put in the basement and the locals eat upstairs. Take this out Rick!!!!!
Pamela Raynor
Eugene, OR USA 06/06/2010
Tasty, cheap meal in Lucca
Lucca: We had a nice dinner at Pizza Italia, Via Fillungo & Via San Giorgio. We split water, a bottle of Luccese vino bianca, bruschetta to die for, crostini (excellent) and a pizza, for 29 Euros. Tiny place, all outside seating, happy waitstaff. (May 28)
Michael Chevalier
New Hope, PA USA 06/01/2010
Restaurant
I want to say the best Italian food I have ever had was in Sorrento. The restaurant is named Da Gigino. I had five meals there and could not say anything bad about them. The owner of the restaurant was extremely helpful and the staff was warm, fun and created a relaxing environment. All the food is prepared on site and presented very well. Do not miss it when you to Sorrento
Bruce A. Nelson
Novato, , CA USA 05/31/2010
Great zuppa in Orvieto
The best soup in all of Italy (IMHO) is at Trattoria La Palma in Orvieto--we went twice we loved it so much. This unassuming place is just great for things like zuppa and pizza and we loved Messina Cesarina Teresa who runs it. We share her disappointment that she is not in Rick's book!
Kathy Schulz
Santa Fe, NM USA 05/28/2010
Manarola Eating & Sleeping
The LaTorretta Hotel is wonderful.. after your travels to CT the friendly welcome, beverages & snacks take you into a new relaxed calming attmosphere. Well worth the price. Very deluxe rooms with a nice view. We did spend one night at Marina Piccolo as we wanted to be on the harbor. We wished we would have stayed at the La Torretta. It books quickly, so make reservations early. For dinner we ate at Il Porticciolo - good service and food; Trattoria Bily - not worth the price - food ok; Our favorite was La Scogliera - awesome octopus Spaghetti - very spicy and calamari was wonderful. Nice atmosphere.
Susie Deyo
La Conner, wa USA 05/21/2010
Wine Tasting in Rome
We had the most incredible evening on a wine tasting tour with Ettore, a sommelier from Antiqua Tours. We tasted some of the most amazing food and wine in out of the way wine bars i the center of Rome, while learning all about Italy, Italian wine and tasting basics. It was great to learn about "real" Rome from a local Roman and wine expert.
Adam Mascagni
San Francisco, CA USA 05/13/2010
GREAT MEAL IN TREVI
Stayed In Trevi for 3 nights, had a most wonderful meal @ place called LA VECCHIA POSTA located in the old piazza. Very reasonable price, had Wild Boar/roast potatos for the first time, man was it good, wife had an omlet w/tartufo, both had salad and shared bruschette w/fresh tomatos and topped it off w/apple cake w/hot cream and Mousse amaretto w/caramel. Waiter was great, wine was great, total bill E 61.50
DOUG
B'HAM, AL USA 05/10/2010
Best Sorrento Dining
Went for an Easter meal at Restaurant Don Pedro a short bus ride from Sorrento ,but so worth the trip. The excellant food was fresh and outstanding and only surpassed by the friendly family of the owner. For 40 euros we had a 5 course feast bottle of wine and were treated to a tour of gardens,lemon grove and kitchen. Don Pedros son even drove us back to our house. It' not to be missed.
Fred
Philadelphia, pa USA 05/07/2010
Filetti di Bacalla
I was more than disappointed with the experience with Filleti di Baccala in Rome, which was recommended in your 2010 guide book and in the video. I hope there was some reason for the my experience April 12, 2010, I waited an hour past the posted opening time, oh hey it's Rome, then a man came and opened the doors, I finished my expresso in the small piazza area where I had waited, thinking they could use a few minutes, then I went in the door and was hurried out in Italian too rapid for me to understand but in a tone of voice that was clearly disagreeable. I went back out and wondered if I should stay. A group of five went in and they too were hussled out,I felt a little better to find out that it wasn't just me. All of us waited and after about ten or fifteen minutes were motioned in. We were not seated but shown to the back to stand in line and order. I asked a woman from the group about ordering a salad or drink she shrugged and said 'oh you know it's famous'. She did ask the owner? waiter? about my getting something else and she and I were both ignored. I got two pieces of fish that were delicous and were only 9 euros. But I wouldn't recommend this place, unless you travel with a travel guide who has a camera crew in tow. Was sorry to have your account so undermined.
Toni Strasters
Salt Lake City, Ut USA 05/07/2010
Over The Top Meal in Sorrento At A Reasonable Price
We just returned from a week long stay in Piano Di Sorrento a suburb (if you will) of Sorrento about 15 minutes by car from Piazza Tasso. We were recommended to a wonderful family owned restaurant “Il Panorama”. The restaurant is located at Via Pietra Piana 36 – 80065 Sant’Agnello Tel. 081.8083348. The owner Luciano and his family live above the restaurant. They grow all their own vegetables & herbs. They grow their own grapes and make their own wine. Everything on the menu is fresh and outstanding.
We were a party of 5 adults. We had Antipasti of fresh local meats, cheese and bruschetta. Luciano also treated us to a local delicacy (made on the spot by his wife) of zucchini flower stuffed with mozzarella. Yummy! We each had a Primi (the seafood entrees were especially good). Followed by a lemon cake covered in cream (we shared 2 servings) and limoncello (homemade of course), all of this for 97 euros! Plus the hospitality of Luciano and his family made this meal priceless. So, if you find yourself in Sorrento drop in and see Luciano and his family you won’t be sorry!
Lori
San Diego, CA USA 05/06/2010
beware of expensive caffe in Rome
We are presently in Rome and are still recovering from the shock of a 47.50 euro bill from Caffe Accademia on Via del Tritone. We went in for a coffee break, ordered 2 profiteroles, a cafe au lait, a cappucino and a half-liter of water. The price for the desserts was on a very confusing menu given to us on one sheet; however, the price for coffee was not there so imagine our surprise when we found that we had to pay 10 euros for a cafe au lait, and 8 euros for a cappucino, as well as 3 euros for the half-liter of water (double what we pay for a whole liter elsewhere)! On the wall by the door there are prices for coffee ranging from 1.50 to 2.50 but they are "to go" so if you sit you will pay 7 times as much! Beware this place when you go to Rome and get your coffee at other cafes where it is just as good and less than half the price.
Janet Wees
Calgary, AB CAN 05/02/2010
Il Parata, Vernazza - Overrated
Not sure what the big deal is about this place. The owners talk incessantly about their great ratings on tripsdvisor and in Rick Steve's book. They make subtle insults about other restuarants in town which really turned us off. Yes, the food is very good, but it is Sicilian and not typical to the Ligurian coast (nothing wrong with that). If you want to listen to a lot of boosting, this is the place for you.
Luna
USA 04/29/2010
Italian restaurants in Rome are overrated
Somehow my wife and I didn't find any of the legendary Italian cuisine we heard about, despite recommendations from the guidebook and this site. In fact, she got food poisoning on our first day there (not at a recommended site -- it was at Cafe Ivanhoe on Via Urbana), and we lost the first week of our trip to sickness and recovery. I got really familiar with some grocery stores and went on a mad hunt for mashed potatoes when she was finally ready to try solid food again.
What the guidebooks don't tell you is that most restaurants have essentially the same menu. Some places that were decent (but not great): Trattoria Valentino on Via Cavour (two blocks from Via Dei Fori Imperiali) and Ostaria da Nerone (recommended by Rick), which was the better of the two. The staff was very friendly and helpful at both. We also got pizza a few times from Gastronomia Cavour -- not great, but solidly decent, and not sickness-inducing.
We really got tired of starch, meat, and cheese, which seem to be the basis of the Roman diet.
RecoveringFromRome
Detroit, MI USA 04/27/2010
Great red wine and scenery.
If you're south of Naples, stop in Taurasi. Cantine Antonio Gaggiano was beautiful. We had a great tour and taste of the winery. A lot of care has gone into making everything as lovely as it is functional. The owner also has beautiful photographs on display and will soon have a small museum to go with the winery. We can't wait to go back.
Travelmom
Marysville, WA USA 04/19/2010
Dining near Piazza del Popolo
Hostaria al Vantaggio, between Via del Corso and Via di Repetta, barely 2 blocks from the piazza del Popolo. My wife and stumbled upon this place, which dates to the 1920's. We were in Rome for a week, and this was one of our best meals. About 25E/person. We could see why it's been around so long. Nice atmosphere, not too crowded and very good food.
Gary gomby
West Hartford, ct USA 04/13/2010
Rome Wine Tour
We thoroughly enjoyed our Rome by the Glass tour with Antiqua Tours. We visited two local wine bars and had the most incredible time tasting wine and pairing them with cheeses and other food. it was the best night of our entire trip. We had so much fun and felt like we were having a "real" Roman experience walking down side streets and getting to know the flavors of Italy. YUM! Eat and drink in Rome, you won't be sorry. We also enjoyed an Amazing place called Puglia Monti. I had the best artichoke dish there.
Sharron Klein
Boulder, CO USA 03/27/2010
Rome, Italy
Hi All,
Just finished a four day/three night trip to Rome. It was my inaugural trip to Europe and I must say I was a bit apprehensive at first. Well it took all of around 5 minutes in country and I was on a roll. I stayed in the Vatican City area and found it to be very convenient to everything with the subway stop only 1 1/2 blocks from my room. The first night there I was struggling to decide were to have my first meal in Rome. As I was walking from my Hotel a extremely friendly little rotund man offered me a menu and a seat at an outdoor table offering Pizza or Pasta. I figured that as good an offer as I was going to get this evening. I must say that that evening started the beginning of a wonderful if short relationship between myself and Owner/Chef Vito Pescente and his wife Dina of "Da Vito E Dina Hosteria Pizzaria." The food was delicious and courteously served, but the highlight was Vito personally. The consummate restaurateur with a perpetual smile and good food recommendation. If you are in the Vatican neighborhood, I recommend a stop to see Vito and enjoy his hospitality. Da Vito E Dina Hosteria Pizzeria, Via degli Scipioni, 50-00195 Rome, Tel: 06-39723293. Tell him Bulldog sent you around. You will be happy you stopped in.
Creig "Bulldog" Parr
Creig
Glen Arm, MD USA 03/26/2010
Food
I have been watching Rick's Italy DVDs. One of them features roasted goat as one of the regions gourmet favorites. Never tasted goat before. I might try it when I go on vacation. Happy travels!
Betty
Burbank, USA 03/14/2010
Perilli in Prati Ristorante
My family and I recently returned from five days in Rome. Early March weather was cool but comfortable and the sights were uncrowded. As a long time fan of your travel guides, I frequently follow your advice on restaurants. Among your recommendations for a reasonable, family oriented restaurant near the Vatican was Perilli in Prati. Among all of the fine meals we had in Rome, our buffet lunch at this unpretentious local haunt was the most outstanding! My wife and I still are talking about the fabulous lunch we had right down to the Trebbiano by the glass that tasted of peaches and licorice. A few doors away around the corner on the short walk to the Metro stop is a terrific Gelato shop. The flavors of melon, strawberry, and lemon that we sampled for dessert were incomparable to what we have in the U.S. Kudos to you and your team for making our trip through the backdoor of Italy so delicious!
Christopher Redo
Barbizon, USA 03/11/2010
how to learn about Tuscan Wines in a funny and simply atmosphear
Hi ! I'm a french winemaker from St Emilion. Just some words to advise to visit the Tuscan Wine School in Siena.
There whatever your knowledges in wine, you could have a nice time of learning and tasting !!!
During 2 hours, I learnt a lot of informations about Italian and tuscan wines, which will be very profitable for my studies in Master of Wine in London. Thanks a lot to Rebecca, the Master of Tuscan Wines... and cheeses !!!
http://www.tuscanwineschool.com/
Have fun in tasting !!!!!!!
Pierre
Gouttenoire
St Emilion, France 03/07/2010
eating in sorrento
after 2 visits i must recommend Miccio Trattoria, Via Degòo Aranci 36/38 in Sorrento. Friendly Service and a wonderful cook, Anna Miccio with her son Enrico provide great meals at reasonable prices. Ask for the seafood of the day and she will prepare it to your taste. wonderful! Head waiter Rob, a Brit Expat, will handle all your needs.
We have eaten in a lot of good places in Italy but this is the first place that combined good food with realy friendly and helpful service.
Jerry & Stelly
Jerry Hofelt
Dallas, tx USA 03/06/2010
Trattoria der Pallaro - well recommended
Used the 2009 Rome guide and ate at Trattoria der Pallaro (amongst other great eateries). Very impressive food, well presented and great value for money. Would recommend visiting this great food venue.
Steve Butterworth
Atlanta, GA USA 02/27/2010
Wine Tour in Rome
We took a wine tour with Antiqua Tours in Rome and couldn't be happier. The group was small, and we tried many different wines and sampled Italy's best cheeses. It was the best night we had during our entire Italian trip. We learned so much about Italian wine, but also had a "real rome" experience in the wine bars.
Jon Stein
NYC, NY USA 02/16/2010
Artichoke season
Artichoke season is coming up soon. I just discovered a great website listing possibly all of the carciofo festivals in Italy & Sicily. It is http://theartichokeblog.com/. Recipes and everything carciofo. I'm planning our next trip with fresh artichokes in mind.
USA 02/02/2010
Ristorante Grotte del Teatro di Pompeo
Do not go to this restaurant unless you want to be robbed. Any redeeming features of the food were overshadowed by the disrespectful and unethical behaviour of the owner. The manageress/owner and waiters have a tag team approach to inflate your bill.
My husband and I were given two items that we had not ordered. One of these was an opened bottle of wine. A fellow diner said that he also had been given a full bottle of wine when he had ordered a .5l carafe. The waiter feigned a 'no understand English' ruse and confused us. When it came time to pay, the aggressive owner asked if we would pay by cash instead of by card. The service charge was exorbitant and we believe they had added about 10 Euros onto the bill. The owner was a most unpleasant woman, more given to producing indigestion tin her (tourist) diners than a happy and leisurely meal. I understand business is business but this woman's unconcealed greed was quite ugly. I don't care how old the site of this restaurant is. Better to observe it from another, hopefully, more honest cafe..
Maree, Australia
September 2009
Maree
Melbourne, Australia 01/31/2010
Gelaterias
Beware of gelaterias in Florence that display the huge cups on the counter right in front of you and the small cups behind the servers so they are impossible to see until you have been swindled! We inadvertantly ordered gelato for 10 euro each when we really wanted the littlest one for 2-3 euro. Always go to the places with the prices written right on the cups so you know what you are getting. Lesson learned! We put our dunce caps on for that one, but we wizened up after that.
Mary McCluskey
Germantown, WI USA 01/08/2010
Cheap Eats in Florence
Leonardo's cafeteria in Florence has no ambiance, but great food for cheap! The owner is a character and will tell you when you have ordered enough! I had 10-layer lasagna and gnocchi to die for in this great place one flight up from the street level. In Rick's book, check it out. We ate there several times because the food was different each time and you can see what you are ordering before you commit to it. The prices are totally amazing too.
Mary McCluskey
Germantown, WI USA 01/08/2010
A great local Trattoria in Rome
While touring Rome, I found a great Trattoria just 2 blocks from the Colosseum. The Trattoria Luzzi is located on Via di Giovanni in Laterno. The food is homestyle, authentic Italian cuisine. The quality is great, the prices are inexpensive and the service is great. You feel like you are in a friend's home. Search out the waitress Christine - she is a real character. This is a must place to eat. Go early as it gets packed by 7PM
Gerry Franciosa
Downingtown, PA USA 01/05/2010
Great Restaurant in Rome
While in Rome we came upon a great restaurant just a block away from the Termini station. Aquila Nera was wonderful. Food was fresh and excellent, the service was fantastic, and the prices were very reasonable (free bread, no service charge, fix price $15 and menu even better). We were surprised that it was not a RS recommendation because it should be.
Aquila Nera
Via Principe Amedeo, 49/51/53
00185 Roma
Tel. 06.47.44.151
David
FL USA 01/02/2010