Upscale Dining in Italy

camille,

That doesn't sound like a very long trip to see all those places. There's only a day or so from the end of January to the beginning of February. Could you clarify?

I don't know of any "upscale" joints in any of the cities you mentioned, but I could suggest a few more "normal" places that I've enjoyed.

We'll be in Italy from January 23 - February 5. All dining recommendations are welcome! Thanks!

In Italy you can eat very well without having to go anywhere fancy.

Camille,

You can go to Buca Mario in Firenze it's upscale. You must have reservations though. It's known for it's Florentine steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina). It's on par with Ruth Chris here in the states, meaning not cheap and the same type of service/food you get there.

Kathi

camille,

Thanks for the clarification. I only dine at fancy joints on rare occasions, but here are a few suggestions of good restaurants (but not necessarily "upscale).....

• Florence - One restaurant that I really enjoyed was http://www.trattoriaicchecece.com/index.asp?id=en (reservations would probably be a good idea - staff at your hotel should be able to help with that).
• Rome - A restaurant I always like to visit and that's close to one of the hotels I stay in (Hotel Sonya) is http://www.anticaboheme.it/Home.aspx (judging by the photos on the walls, quite a few celebrities have dined there). It's a small "hole-in-the-wall" place, but I've never been disappointed in the food.

Buon Appetito!

A terrific, new place in Roma is "Big Al" in Parioli. I know it sounds American and like something out of The Sopranos, but it is really a very good upscale restaurant in an upscale neighborhood. It is a bit north and east of Villa Borghese so you would probably want to take a taxi and make a reservation. I can guarantee you it is very Italian and filled with locals (including us on occasion).

Another option I like for seafood, in particular, is Osteria 44. Not as many Italians, but a nice cross-section of foreign travelers and excellent food and service.

In Venezia we very much enjoyed Enoteca Ai Artisti. Reservations are absolutely essential. In fact, I woudl contact then before you even fly.

It depends on your price bracket. Florence is home to Enoteca Pinchiorri, that is probably the most expensive restaurant in Italy - a dinner for two could end in the euro 500 range plus a couple of hundreds for adequate wine. Probably you are thinking to more moderate forms of splurging. In Florence I would consider Osteria di Giovanni, Antica Trattoria da Tito. My favourite for family occasions is Belcore, probably the best quality/price ratio in town. If you can drive out of town you could try Bibe near Galluzzo or Battibecco just out of Impruneta.

I too am one who doesn't dine in upscale places too often but agrees that one can eat very well without spending much money all over Italy.

But I'll give some general recommendations for places you can enjoy a good meal in Rome:

http://www.pepper.roma.it/
With a simple menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients and truly masterful hands working in the kitchen, this is revamped traditional Roman cuisine. It can't disappoint.

To be honest, I haven't dined here in some time, but have had many excellent lunches and dinners at Il Bacaro as well: http://www.ilbacaroroma.com/

The location is central and perfect, on a quiet street off main squares and FAR superior to the general tourist trap. It's a bit costly, but costs less than others and is definitely a little higher end than the places I frequent.

I will always recommend the San Lorenzo for awesome, low-priced, DELICIOUSLY SUPERIOR local food, but upscale would not be the word I would use at all, and clearly not the atmosphere you're looking for....the TASTE is not to be missed.

Outside Rome I can name some places too, but your time is so limited!