523856 Thu May 29 15:56:42 -0700 2008 2 58 Italy 0 3732281 Apologies. I have read the boards and am overwhelmed. My 15 year-old son and I will have 5 nights in each of Florence (Hotel Gallery Art), Rome (Hotel Minerva), and Venice (Bauer Hotel) in late June/early July. This will be our second (or more) vist to each city. Past travels were in August with many closed restaurants. My son will be delighted with pasta every night. I will want memorable, yummy, and fun spots. Think Trattoria Garga! Many thanks for your suggestions. P.S. We need an extra lively place on June 30 in Rome where we will host my older son and his 4 school mates for my son's 18th birthday!! Thu May 29 15:56:43 -0700 2008 156891 respun 1 3739151 Uh oh. I clearly violated a Chowhound protocol or courtesy. Not even one reply. My apologies again. Sun Jun 01 09:36:47 -0700 2008 3732281 156891 respun 2 3740802 I just bought Diane Seed's book for Rome: "The Food Lover's Guide to the Gourmet Secrets of Rome". Many great suggestions for different restaurants and trattorias there. Some trattorias that she recommends in the area round Piazza Della Minerva are: Da Armando Al Pantheon, Myosotis and Vecchia Locanda. For lively place Ne Arte Ne Parte in Testaccio is recommended. A link on the subject here: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/348305 Mon Jun 02 05:18:33 -0700 2008 3739151 190688 jostber