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restaurant suggestions in Italy

Posted by on

I'm writing really as a favor to a young couple going on their honeymoon. They're really good friends & helping them w/ their honeymoon is kind of part of their wedding gift.

They will be going to Italy either in May or Sept. Their itinerary isn't set yet -- but most probably: Venice (maybe stop in Verona), Florence (maybe stop in Siena), Rome, & then the Amalfi coast w/ a stay in Positano. Maybe norther Sicily, the Taormina area.

Any suggestions for great restaurants? Looking for un-touristy places, moderate budget. Since they're a fit, young couple in their early 30's, nothing too formal or stuffy. Great family run, friendly places -- the kind of places a local might be more likely to go. And maybe a romantic spot or two, as it is their honeymoon.

I am well aware that the cuisine is very different in northern Italy than in Southern Italy. Her palate is somewhat adventurous.

Thanks in advance!!

Posted by
32405 posts

jo,

It's difficult to provide suggestions without having more of a "definite" list of the places they will be visiting. There's no point in listing a bunch of restaurants in places which they might scratch off their list.

One thing I'd suggest is that they ask their hotel staff when they arrive in each place. I've never had a bad recommendation from hotel staff, as the "locals" always know the best places.

Posted by
126 posts

Since you haven't gotten any answers, I'll give you a couple of suggestions to pass on to your friends.

You say they'll be in Rome for sure: Here's a place I've been to a few times - and it's perfect. Filled with young locals, fresh food, excellent wines, very busy: http://www.enotecaculdesacroma.it/en/ (off of Piazza Navona)

If they do go to Positano: A must, in my opinion, is: http://www.davincenzo.it/
Been there a few times also - and it's simply outstanding. Excellent food, not pretentious, lively. Right on the side of the hill. Inside and outside seating.

Cheers,
G.

Posted by
484 posts

Here's a few that I personally like: Venice - Impronta Cafe, Florence - Trattoria Antellesi, Siena - Trattoria Papei located directly behind the city hall/tower building. If you need specifics - feel free to ask more questions.

Posted by
11852 posts

Cul de Sac, referenced by G. Maria, is a wine bar with food. It is a wonderful place, IMHO, for lunch, but stick to salads, salume platters, cheeses, pates. There hot entrees are microwaved, for the most part. Took us a few visits to understand the forte is wine, not hot food. Nearby, maybe 6 minutes on foot, in via Monte Giordano, is Antica Taverna, a Roman trattoria, and just down the block from the latter is Caprici Siciliani, a wonderful Sicilian place, a little fancy but not too upscale. Across Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, is a darling, quiet, Sardinian place, http://www.ildrappo.it/ . The places along via Del Governo Vecchio are, for the most part, avoidable. They look cute but....you can do better. For a very nice romantic dinner, try Osteria 44. A bit out of the historic center, but worth the trip. Sergio will give you personal service and speaks English perfectly.

Venice: Low end, the R.S. recommended NoNo Risorto is one we always visit for pizza. This article from the Telegraph has some winners in it. We loved Ai Artisti, and have enjoyed La Zucca.

Posted by
32405 posts

jo,

A couple of restaurants that I enjoy in Florence are Trattoria I’cchè c’è c’è (located on a small side street) and Trattoria Lo Stracotto (Piazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini).

In Rome I found the food to be good at Trattoria I Leoni d' Abbruzzo (Via Vicenza, not too far from Termini Station). Another restaurant that I like is Trattoria Antica Boheme (Via Napoli 4, also near Termini).

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