So, we figure we can afford one blow out (expensive) restaurant one of the nights between ROme, Florence and Venice. If you had to choose one great restaurant out of these cities, which would it be?
Posted by
bergamo
401 posts
Dal Pompiere, 00186 Roma (RM) - 38, VIA DI S. MARIA DE' CALDERARI
tel: 06 6868377
It's in the Jewish Ghetto, near Piazza Cenci. It's elegant, but not ever the top, but it isn't cheap. The Carciofi alla giudea, (fried artichoke) as an antipasta is to die for. The cuisine is Roman-jewish cuisine. Call ahead if you are planning on going on Saturday night because it does fill up, it's not a huge restaurant.
I can honestly vouch for the place, I had my wedding reception there.
Posted by
Chicago, Illinois, USA
586 posts
In Florence, DEFINITELY 13 Gobbi!
Posted by
windsor
14 posts
Just home from Florence and Venice. We left 13 Gobbi because the service was so terrible. I hope the previous poster enjoyed it. Our favorites in Florence were Cibreo ($$$) and Giusto ($$). Two very different experiences. Cibreo is very upscale--a multilingual host comes to describe the menu to you in English, Italian, French or German--there's no menu to read. The food was phenomenal but we spent 150 euros without dessert. Giusto was more reasonable. Guisto is run by a young, vibrant staff. Great Tuscan menu with an edge. Cibreo is a Mediterranean mix. Both places began the meal with complimentary antipasti. Both meals were off the charts! We also really like Buca Mario (pricey but excellent service and great menu) and Golden View Open Bar. Don't let the English name fool you-it was good.
In Venice, we did not spend a lot of $ and had excellent meals. Rick's book gives some great recs. We had great dinners at Ai Quattro Feri and Trattoria agli Artisti