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leaving in 2 weeks. Husband thinks i have travel o.c.d... have made a list a mile long and would love any feedback, good or bad on my "rough list" and any obvious wonderful spots I am missing for Venice, Rome, Tuscany and Florence. THANK YOU!

Venice-Osteria all Testiere OR Il Ridotto, can't decide. Il Refolo for pizza, Zucca for lunch or dinner.

Florence-Sostanza dinner, Trattoria Garga dinner, Teatro del Sale(lunch or dinner), Nerbonne(lunch).

Tuscany-Pienza-Latte de Luna, montepulciano-La Grotta, Trequanda-Conte Matto, likely Al Gallopappa or Albergaccio di Castellina in Castellina for dinner.

ALSO-we have a car..any homerun wineries to visit in the Montalcino, areas...we are staying in Buonconvento.

Rome-Antico Arco, Il Drappo(how fancy is this?), Armondo al Pantheon for lunch, any other Rome suggestions, especially not too far from the Vatican for dinner after tour there?

I'd really appreciate any suggestions, thoughts, critiques, whatever, thanks.

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  1. il drappo is a small jewel. it's not too fancy. it is "old school". i wear a sports coat to show respect. i rented an apartment around the corner last month.

    maybe the nicest meal deb and i had in march was at il drappo. pleasant, not fancy. make a reservation and let me know how things turn out.

    1 Reply
    1. re: steve h.

      This really brings back memories for me. My partner and I enjoyed a dinner at Il Drappo 16 years ago. We chose it because it is Sardinian and a nice variation from the typical Roman food. I'm happy to hear that it still is good.

    2. I think Colline Emiliane in Rome is really worth a trip for dinner.

      1. Going to Rome and FLorence mid May. Sostanza and Garga are on my list. Still deciding on Teatro del Sale. Rome so far Antico Arco is a must. Al Ceppo as well. Will have to read about Il Drappo.

        6 Replies
        1. re: ms. chow

          Do you know how expensive al ceppo is? Glad ato hear a. arco is must, because just read a discouraging note on trip advisor, only one however though. thanks for the encouragement!

          1. re: matthunt

            Antico Arco is not a MUST. There are really no musts. There are certain food experiences I would consider important (pizza bianca, fave col pecorino in season, certain traditional menu items). But though there are very good restaurants, I wouldn't say one's trip is incomplete without a trip to any single one.

            I started going to Il Drappo when it was newish and I spent more time in that neighborhood, and I loved it, then we sort of drifted away. I seem to remember its ratings dropped and Valentina and Paolo (brother and sister) had split or something, but a few years ago I tried it again and still loved it. I'm glad to have a good report from Steve and will try to go again soon. Unfortunately they're not open for lunch. It's not fancy, but the jewelbox setting encourages a bit of a sartorial effort on the part of the customers. Steve has the right idea.

            1. re: matthunt

              Time Out listed Al Ceppo with 4 euro signs, which means over 50 for 3 courses without wine, etc. Antico Arco is similar as well. For this trip, we are more leaning towards 'modern' restaurants as opposed to 'old school'. Also places we've never been too. Ceppo and Arco fits the bill right now. I would also recommend Ditirambo. There's been mixed reviews here. But one trip, we stayed on Via del Pellegrino, and it is quite the neighborhood gem.

              Ms. Fant, I also recently read that L'Altro Mastai has now opened a new location near the Domus Aurea. Might explain why it seemed like it is closed, or under renovation. I'm still investigating, but if they are now opened. will definitely go there as well.

            2. re: ms. chow

              What's to decide about Teatro del Sale?

              1. re: mbfant

                Nothing particular on Teatro del Sale aside from still trying to finalize our Firenze itinerary. Any thoughts about it?

                1. re: ms. chow

                  The chef is the son of Fabio Picchi (Cibreo) and very good, and the place is charming. I haven't eaten there but I tasted some of his food at a recent lunch at Cibreo and i saw the Teatro.

            3. Having just returned from Venice (see post from a couple of weeks ago) I think I might go with Alle Testiere. But it also depends on what you are looking for as they are both so different. They both are small; Testiere has slightly more crowded tables, no white linens and is a bit dark inside. While the dishes may be a modern interpretation of Venitian cooking they are certainly overall more traditional than at Il Ridotto. At Il Ridotto, the dishes are more fusion style but the chef does include one classic style dish in each category (appetizer, pasta, secondi, and dessert). Il Ridotto's tables are a bit further apart, but not by much, has a much more modern look--light colors, the murano glass tumblers etc. In discussing which we liked better my husband and I agree it is a tie. it might come down to what style of cooking and overall atmosphere that you are looking for. Enjoy, and I look forward to reading your report back!

              1. Sostanza is aweome. I also love 4 Lioni in Florence.

                1 Reply
                1. re: lizreedy

                  I would second lizreedy- loved Sostanza- chicken, beans, meringue cake...and 4 Leoni as well. Would have gone to either more than once.