Answers
Aug 30, 2014 - 07:56 AM
I always hesitate to tell people this, but unfortunately I was underwhelmed with my food experiences in Italy. Maybe my expectations were too high or we just didn't go to the right places. Our favorite place of all was this enoteca in Rome, called Enoteca Spiriti, right around the corner from the Pantheon (Via San Eustachio). The woman there, Nana, was such a delight and the food was good. I talked more to her than anyone on my trip, with a mix of English and Italian. Not touristy at all, in fact one of the candidates running for national office at the time was there. In Florence, we liked Zeb's, which is in the altroarno area….need a reservation and all seating is at the bar. But we enjoyed the small panini shops just as much, the ones you walk up to and order, and have a glass of wine for 2.50. Or picking out foods at the market.
We were also on a quest to find the best gelato. The top prize in Florence went to Carapina, which is near the Ponte Vecchio on a side street (Via Lambertesca 18r). In Rome, we really liked Gelato del Teatro (north of Piazza Navona), which had some interesting flavors. Pretty side streets in that area too, off the tourist highway.
When are you going?
We were also on a quest to find the best gelato. The top prize in Florence went to Carapina, which is near the Ponte Vecchio on a side street (Via Lambertesca 18r). In Rome, we really liked Gelato del Teatro (north of Piazza Navona), which had some interesting flavors. Pretty side streets in that area too, off the tourist highway.
When are you going?
Aug 30, 2014 - 09:42 PM
Around October
Aug 31, 2014 - 08:01 AM
that should be a good time of year, food wise. I have a few online friends, some of whom live in Rome and some in Florence. I'll see if they have any specific recommendations.
Aug 31, 2014 - 11:15 AM
One of my favorite places in Rome is a little neighborhood joint called La Grotta Del Piccione. Very good food at reasonable prices.
Oct 12, 2014 - 01:22 PM
My favorite place in Roma is The area around Campo di fiori, great markets during the day and great resturant atmosphere during the evening. locals play music in the square and you can have your dinner out side while the sunsets if you catch it just right. Its also not very tourist heavy as other squares so it should be less populated
Jun 28, 2015 - 02:51 PM
Rick Steves guidebook to Italy has some outstanding suggestions
Mar 21, 2017 - 06:45 PM
We had a great dinner at Flavia, very close to the St. Regis Hotel in Rome.
Apr 27, 2017 - 12:03 AM
We liked pizzeria Ivo in Trastevere - there were often lines there, but we enjoyed the food!