Favorite Restaurants in Rome and Florence (Reservations Needed)?

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Lots of threads, some quite recent

Yes, always make reservations in Italian restaurants. It is considered bad manners to show up without a reservation and you may be sent away even if there is room.

We were visiting the Jewish Quarter in April when we found Ristorante Al Pompiere and had a delightful old-school dinner - white table cloth, dressed waiters, etc. And the artichokes were amazing. The place is tucked around a corner and up a flight of stairs - Via S. Maria del Calderari 38. We didn't need a reservation for lunch - but that was in April.

In Florence check out Trattoria ZaZa you don't need a reservation for lunch but for dinner, it may be a good idea. I disagree with the previous reply I never made reservations and was never turned away. I did have to wait at some of the more popular local's places but I was treated well.

When in Rome I have become almost a regular at Carlo Menta. It's in Trastevere between Santa Maria in Trastevere and the tram tracks. Definitely you want a reservation - it's a favorite of the locals. This is honest food at honest prices with the most delightful staff to help you select from the menu.

There are two places we like in Florence:

One is Giglio Rosso located at 35 via Panzani. Been in business for almost 100 years. Their web site is https://www.ristorantegigliorosso.com/en/about/.

The second is Olio & Convivium Gastronomia Restaurant. It's on the Pitti Palace side of the river on Via di Santo Spirito. The web site awhile back was https://oliorestaurant.it/. A bit pricey at lunch and more so at dinner. But the overall experience was worth it for the great food, good ambiance, and fine wine, Will definitely eat there again.

You can check then out ahead of time and see what you think.

We loved Grotta Guelfa in Florence! The lasagna was beyond amazing! I would go back to Florence just to have that meal again. We did not have a reservation but we dine earlier than most Italians….

In Rome, Osteria da Mario (a Rick Steves recommended restaurant) is a must visit for me when in Rome. A few blocks north of the pantheon: piazza delle coppelle, 51

The bucatini all’amatriciana and the pollo con peperoni were just heavenly. Cannot wait to return to have them again.