Dinner in Vernazza and Rome

Congrats!

The Pirates make the best breakfast in Vernazza! And we thought their dinner was great! A couple of students were making dinner of their canolis and super thick hot chocolate. I regret that I didn't have room for the chocolate. The panna cotta was divine. And we ate their pastries with espresso while waiting for our train out of town.

In Manarola we had an amazing lunch at a restaurant midway from the station to the sea. Sorry, I don't have the name, but it was on the right and pink inside. You get a free dessert wine with Rick's book. We loved it.

In Rome, we loved Trattoria del Pallero (sorry the spelling is escaping me, but you'll find it, it's in Rick's book, near the Pantheon) 25E each and Grandma and Grandpa feed you. There are others like this Alfredo e Ada is another one.

We found eating a simple lunch out in Rome and picnics at night in the room was a great money saver and romantic too! There's a great grocery store in the lower East section of Termini station if you're staying near there.

As for Dinner in Vernazza, you've definitely got to eat at the Castello. It's on the highest bluff in Vernazza, overlooking the sea. You can get a window seat to enjoy the sun setting over the Ligurian Sea. The old guy who runs the place is also reason to be there. When my wife wasn't sure what to eat, he told her not to worry, he's take care of it. When he brought her meal, she devoured it, and asked him what it was. His answer: "It's what you like!" Perfect night. Table on the patio outside is very romantic.
As for Rome, unfortunately, I can't remember the names of where we went, but we would wander through the back alleyways (totally safe) and find a place with cafe tables outside and sometimes a boy playing a violin during the meal. Perfect ambiance. As for the food? In truth, I never had a bad many ANYWHERE in italy. This includes the cart vendor outside the Colliseum. All great.

John, If you want to go to the castello, make reservations for a seat with a view, when you arrive would be best. try most any of the reastaurants up the street, and the food wil be good. try to pick one where the locals eat, always a good sign. In Montepulciano, make sure and eat at Ai Quatrro Venti. It is in the main piazza, beside the city hall. Directly across from Contucci palace. Great food, good price. also, eat at Borgo Buio. It is in the middle of town, and kind of out of site around a corner. Absolutely the best and most romantic atmosphere is MP. the owner will sing to you, during the meal, and if you let him know quietly that it is your honeymoon, he will really serenade you. He has a Dean Martin voice, and the food is. really top notch. there is also a very good restaurant at the top of the town near the gate that is family run, and quite good(we saw many locals here) I cant recall the name, but you wont miss it. It is on the right going out of town. There is parking close by, if you are good with a map. really, I am envious! Enjoy, Caio! Jeff

In Rome, if money is no object, try La Pergola.
Check it out. www.romecavalieri.com/lapergola.php

I also suggest Al Castello in Vernazza. The food is good and the views are fantastic, but reserve for the best view tables. Monica and Massimo will take good care of you. In Montepulciano, I think Osteria del Conte (block behind the duomo - right side) is the best in town. Ask your hotel to call them to reserve for dinner. Ate at Trattoria del Moro Arrone in Orvieto last month and thought it was quite good. I didn't need a reservation in May, but one might be wise in late June. Dress at all is casual, but shorts and t-shirt wouldn't be proper for dinner (except maybe in Vernazza). I'll P.M. you with the name of my favorite splurge restaurant in Rome.

John

We were in Vernazza in mid May this year and contrary to the others I had the worst meal ever at Al Castello. Made a reservation with the spectacular view but the food was terrible and to boot the waiter was in a dirty T shirt. When I asked for the "Nan's specialty desert he brought me a stale cake. When leaving you could see the fridge with the boxed deserts in it - homemade they are not.

The best meal was at Ta Sandro on the main street. Their pesto minestrone soup and ravioli in butter and sage superb.

Il Pirate for their deserts(all homemade) and their dinners are good.

In Vernazza we liked Gambero Rossa. We did reserve--ate there both nights. I recommend a very special restaurant in Orvieto, I Sette Consoli--we had the five course lunch after two pm and it was dinner as well--very good gourmet dining with a garden area for outside dining in good weather.