609001 Thu Apr 02 12:52:32 -0700 2009 5 58 Italy 0 4561734 Late July into early August I will be taking my son to Italy for the first time. We will start in Venice, followed by Florence and then Rome. My plan would be to have one splurge in each city but to have modestly priced meals otherwise. I speak Italian, so off-the-beaten-track is no problem. I am most familiar with Florence where I am planning on taking my son to Il Latini and Sostanza and probably La Buca de Orafeo. I remember these to all be moderately priced restaurants, but what should be the splurge? (I'm not talking a $300 meal! A modest splurge!) Since I have not been to Italy in about 10 years (more's the pity) I am very out of touch with prices and what a reasonable food budget should be. All ideas and help would be greatly appreciated, and I plan on writing extensively on our adventures! Thu Apr 02 12:52:32 -0700 2009 34558 roxlet 1 4566324 I am surprised at your choice of Il Latini, as the dinner we had there was about the least interesting of all the meals we have ever had in Italy, and we have been to almost the entire country on numerous trips. Aside from that, the noise and communal tables, and the wait to be seated, it was all just too much. I don't think I can be much help for Florence, as we found Tuscany in general to be rather uninteresting in terms of food. I do however have some favorites in Venice. At the lower end, Alla Madonna is a wonerful trattoria where you can have simple dishes beautifully prepared ( the fried sardines are amazing), figure about $100 for two with a bottle of wine. At the higher end there is Al Covo, which is a bit more innovative than the typical Venetian, with a great atmosphere and perfect service. It will probably be in the $200 and up range for 2 but well worth it. The breads and desserts there are far superior to most Venetian restaurants. Fri Apr 03 19:37:50 -0700 2009 4561734 126803 rrems 2 4566775 Thanks for the Venice suggestions. In terms of Il Latini, the last time I was there was probably in the 1990s sometime, and I have nice memories of the place. Bear in mind that I will be traveling with my 13 year-old son, and I thought it would be a fun place for a kid. Sat Apr 04 05:11:42 -0700 2009 4566324 34558 roxlet 3 4567039 Yes, I suppose you are right about it being more fun for your son, and the food isn't bad. Sat Apr 04 08:42:33 -0700 2009 4566775 126803 rrems 2 4567497 Be search to do a "Search this board" search for all 3 cities. They are likely the most commented upon places on this board and you will find dozens and dozens of helpful posts already here for each city. Sat Apr 04 12:02:29 -0700 2009 4566324 23776 DavidT 1 4567398 in florence, you must go to Fratellini. its the best, smallest sandwich shop in the world http://www.frommers.com/destinations/florence/D53840.html also in florence, at trattoria nella i had one of the best dishes ever- ravioli with walnut sauce. its a modest price, maybe 10 euro. the owner, lorenzo is incredibly nice. http://www.trattorianella.com/index.htm i have never had a good experience in rome with food. so, good luck :/ Sat Apr 04 11:16:45 -0700 2009 4561734 280034 cara_anne