265354 Mon Jan 31 09:33:33 -0800 2005 9 26 International 0 1400551 Will be in Florence, and surroundings also, Rome for 2 days. Looking for good fare- not interested in pigeon, rabbit or anything else totally out of the ordinary. Good pasta? veal? chicken? Fun places. Not terribly expensive. Thanks! Mon Jan 31 09:33:33 -0800 2005 0 Eva 1 1400561 Florence - In your case, I would avoid a supposedly chowhoundy place like Cibreo if you're not into strange meats (or the organs derived from said animals). La Giostra on Borgo Pinti 12r is an excellent choice. Prices are not crazy (main plates $12 -$24) and the service is terrific. We always go there when in Florence and it's our true favorite. In Rome, Nino on Via Borgognona 11 is always a good choice near the Spanish Steps, Da Baffetto on Via del Governo Vecchio 114 for the best pizza ever, Agata e Romeo on Via Carlo Alberto 45 for a fancy lunch or dinner (mains about $20), Piperno on Via Monte de'Cenci 9 for a delicious meal in the old Jewish Quarter. For your sweet tooth, Tre Scalini on Pizza Navona 30 has tartufo (a grated bitter chocolate covered ice cream ball lathered in whipped cream) which is fabulous, but absolutely, positively NOT TO BE MISSED is Il Gelato di San Crispino on Via Panetteria 42 for the world's most unbelievably fantastic gelato (drrrrrrrrrroooooooooooooooooooooooollllllllllllllll). Mon Jan 31 15:30:42 -0800 2005 1400551 0 MATSON JONES 2 1401152 Thanks everyone for all of your suggestions. We won't be leaving til the end of march, so any other responses will be appreciated. Thu Feb 17 23:22:06 -0800 2005 1400561 0 Eva 1 1400565 Scroll down to my post of 12/19/04 called Florence Restaurants Report. Plenty to choose from there - 10 or 11 restaurants written about. We are partial to Antico Fattore - it is right around the corner from the main square, so close to the center. Their gnocchi in black truffle sauce is outstanding. Mon Jan 31 17:39:07 -0800 2005 1400551 0 CJ 1 1400578 Il Lattini, go at least half an hour before they open, wait outside, there wil be others, they may bring out wine, you'll have fun, the food if GREAT, The best restaurant in Florence and not expensive. Mon Jan 31 21:47:02 -0800 2005 1400551 0 Tom 1 1400586 In Florence I never fail to eat at Il Ritrovo at via de' Pucci 4/A. Its downstairs and if the door is locked ring the bell. Never fails to please. In Rome I always visit 'Gusto at the corner of via della Frezza and via del Corea, a few blocks northwest of Piazza Spagna. Cool, modern interior where one can enjoy anything from a glass of wine and some cheese or a full meal. Favored by some of Rome's young glitterati. Tue Feb 01 09:07:37 -0800 2005 1400551 0 Dale 1 1400590 Strong second for Il Latini in Florence (although I had the roast rabbit stuffed with rosemary). The Tuscan bean soup is extraordinary. Family style seating. Great food and not expensive. Go at lunch and meet the locals. Then walk 2 blocks to the Loro Piana store and buy a silk/cashmere sweater in a color so interesting only the Italians could have designed it. Have a greta trip. Tue Feb 01 10:18:15 -0800 2005 1400551 0 Michael Florey -- St. paul/MN 1 1400624 3 places we liked and made repeat visits to in Dec. Low to mid-priced. All on the "other side" of the Arno, oltrarno Osteria Santo Spirito, at a corner of the piazza -- run by a group of youngish folks, very small, fun and upbeat. Really good food, especially fish and shellfish (at least on Fridays) and pastas. Some things you won't see on other menus around town. Decent selection of wines by the glass Al Tranvai -- small, very local, family-run, extremely warm and welcoming, traditional Tuscan. Ribollita and papa al pomodoro to die for. Enoteca Fuori Porta, just above the gate -- Great selection of wines by glass or bottle, good menu for lighter meals (lunch or dinner) --- a couple pastas, a few soups, salads, devise-your-own crostoni (huge crostini) from a list of cheeses, meats, veggies. Yummy desserts. Relaxed, convivial, very casual. Tue Feb 01 21:10:27 -0800 2005 1400551 0 foodfirst 1 1400666 pandemonio is a great rest.... been there 3 times in the last 7 or 8 years and it is still as good as the first time.... the new york times found them a couple of years ago.... but the mama of the house is stilll dishing out great meals.... 50r via del leone firenze 055-224-002 closed mon. Thu Feb 03 01:23:20 -0800 2005 1400551 0 josh 1 1400920 May be too late but for future reference: On a recent (and blindingly cold) weekend in Florence (grateful to CJ and others for reccs) the most enjoyable place I ate was Alla Vecchia Bettola (in the Piazzo Tasso on the far side of the Arno from the Duomo etc). It was bustling, communal, atmospheric, traditional (without being faux). You got rough wine paid by the amount you drank and just plates and plates of quality chow - salami; pasta; monster steaks. Vibrant and tasty - a great chowhound haunt. Gareth Thu Feb 10 07:28:36 -0800 2005 1400551 0 Gareth