265458 Tue Feb 15 12:47:23 -0800 2005 4 26 International 0 1401050 Hi fellow foodies! I'm currently planning my vacation to Rome (4 days), Florence (3 days) and Venice (3 days) from May 20th - May 29. I have scoured this board and found tons of helpful suggestions, but I want to hear about your best and MUST do's. Come on .. we all have one ... that favorite place that you still think about 5 years later. Of course, this includes gelato, pizza, gnocchi, and any other regional specialties that you can suggest. The only planned day trips we have so far are Pisa/Lucca (from Florence) and Ostia Antica (from Rome). However, if there's a phenomenal pastry or food place, I'm more than willing to travel. Price budget it probably moderate with one fine dining or nice restaurant in Venice for our final night out. Grazie in advance! I'll definitely report back. Tue Feb 15 12:47:23 -0800 2005 0 Karen 1 1401054 I'll give you my two favorites in Rome: For pizza, Pizzaria Remo in Testaccio. Take the Metro to Piramide, walk west on Via Marmorata for a few blocks, turn left into the middle of Testaccio and ask anyone for directions. Remo is a local institution. You'll probably wait for an ourtdoor table. 'Gusto is a half dozen blocks northwest of Piazza di Spagna (across the Corso) at the corner of via della Frezza and via del Corea. Everything from draft wine and cheese and salumi plates to a full bore meal in an ultramodern ambiance. The energy of the waitstaff is worth the visit. A happening place in the evening. Tue Feb 15 13:41:15 -0800 2005 1401050 0 Dale 1 1401055 I'll give you my two favorites in Rome: For pizza, Pizzaria Remo in Testaccio. Take the Metro to Piramide, walk west on Via Marmorata for a few blocks, turn left into the middle of Testaccio and ask anyone for directions. Remo is a local institution. You'll probably wait for an ourtdoor table. 'Gusto is a half dozen blocks northwest of Piazza di Spagna (across the Corso) at the corner of via della Frezza and via del Corea. Everything from draft wine and cheese and salumi plates to a full bore meal in an ultramodern ambiance. The energy of the waitstaff is worth the visit. A happening place in the evening. Tue Feb 15 13:42:28 -0800 2005 1401050 0 Dale 1 1401056 These are some of the restaurants we have enjoyed in Rome, Florence and Venice. Sorry, I don't have my restaurant list with addresses with me right now but you probably have most of them on your list by this time. Rome: Myosotis (Ph: 06-205-9343) Maccherone (Ph: 06-6830-7895) - this is near the Pantheon on a small piazza and has outdoor seating. Florence: Beccofino - in the Oltrarno; modern in style and cuisine; very good. Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco - in the Oltrarno; fun restaurant with large portions of typical Tuscan cuisine. La Giostra Il Ritrovo Venice: Alle Testiere - great restaurant, fabulous and innovative seafood, very small with only 2 seatings per night - you must make reservations well in advance. Casin dei Nobili - in Dorsoduro, a fun place. Al Covo - I had the most incredibly light gnocci with red mullet and cauliflower. Tue Feb 15 13:57:28 -0800 2005 1401050 0 mamc 2 1401077 I ate at Beccofino two years and ago and we really enjoyed it, my friend esp. Definitely not old world if that's what you're looking for. Tthey offered various specials like half price wine on Tues., well priced prix fixe on Wed., etc. (found their restaurant card last nite in my Italian for Travelers book). It's a cool place. Wed Feb 16 08:25:01 -0800 2005 1401056 0 Joanie