Restaurant recommendations in Florence and Rome

One of our favorite restaurants in Rome was Refugio Romano. It is near Termini.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d10079644-Reviews-Rifugio_Romano-Rome_Lazio.html
They have vegan dishes, but I had the chicken with pesto and it was amazing. And it is not far from our favorite gelato place-La Romana:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d4492728-Reviews-Gelateria_La_Romana-Rome_Lazio.html
The fior di latte was my son's favorite, mine was pistachio. YUM!!

We loved Rome, I don't know if you have lots of time there (we only had 3 days) but there is a ton to see in the city, and I know some people do day trips to Pompeii. We started our trip in Pompeii/Naples. I do recommend Pompeii if you have never been, it is very cool. 1 hour fast train (Frecchia) ride from Rome to Naples.

I've only been to Italy once but it was the best 10 days ever! Have fun!

Have you looked at Eat Italy or Katie Parla. Both are women with apps that offer restaurant recs and descriptions. I used both and enjoyed everywhere I went that they recommended. Pianostrada (near the Ponte Sisto) was amazing.

Eat Italy: http://www.elizabethminchilli.com/apps-rome-venice-florence/
...And at Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/eat-italy/id980192497?mt=8

Katie Parla: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/katie-parlas-rome/id475306005?mt=8

editing to add: I used Katie Parla for Rome more and eat italy for florence

We ate in a lovely restaurant near the Spanish Steps. I sent others couples there recently and they texted from the restraurant to thank me. It is Fiaschetteria Beltramme. Except for pizza, Italian food isn't my favorite, but this place was fabulous. We were 6 when we went and so was my friend. We all agreed on this place.

Our favorite restaurant in Rome is Hostaria da Nerone. It is up the hill from the Coliseum. On our first trip to Rome they were recommended by Mrs. Kahn, the owner of Hotel Lancelot, we then ate there twice on that trip. We have been back to Rome two more times and if we are in Rome long enough we go there at least twice. Don't know if they are open for lunch but i do know that they are closed on Sunday.

I love veal and they did the best that I had in Rome. There are many other dishes if you don't eat veal and the Carcioffi a la Romano (artichoke hearts) are excellent.

Have a Great Trip!
Mimi

Armando al Pantheon, reservationationd needed. Check their website to reserve. Wonderful.

Brandolino in Florence, Target in Rome. Both very good.

Hey Trevelgirl,
Here is my suggestion: Trattoria der Pallaro, a fixed price dinner place near Piazza die Fiori, that your boyfriend should love if he hasn't yet come up with an idea.
Say HI to Mamma for me

The Santo Spirito neighborhood in Florence has a great vibe. We loved Gusta Pizza (all the locals get it boxed up and then sit on the church steps to eat it) and Gustaosteria.