restaurant suggestions in italy

[jjf]

my husband and i are leaving for italy in just under 2 weeks and i thought i would ask people who are as passionate about food as i am for restaurant suggestions. if anyone has come across a wonderful place in either of the following areas - please let me know. we will be going to the amalfi coast (specifically positano, amalfi, & the island of capri - and maybe pompeii), rome and florence.
i expect that it will not be hard to find good places to eat, but recommendations are always a plus - so send them along! thanks.

jen

[KateH]

Drats! We're moving and I've got my notes from Italy boxed up, somewhere. I spent 2 weeks in Florence about 4 years ago, and it was such a wonderful culinary experience. My sister had been living there for a year and she took us around to all her favorite places. We also tried a few new ones, mainly based on how many people were seated and eating. I did not have a single mediocre or bad meal there. Even the simplest deli sandwiches for lunch were delicious -- they have such a way with cheese! I would definitely recommend stopping for an ice cream in Florence -- the italian ice doesn't seem to be as popular there as the thick creamy ice cream. They are very adventurous with flavors, too.

If you wind up picking restaurants by how popular they are, keep in mind that most Italians eat somewhere between 8 and 11 pm, so most places will probably be relatively empty at 6. The first night we got there (after a plane delay) it was 11 before we got to a restaurant, and it was packed with people eating dinner! Also, we went to a few restaurants that had what looked like only a small store front. The seating invariably was in a finished cellar (nice and cool in the summer) or in courtyard out back.

If I find my Italy notes before you go, I will post some recommendations. It sounds like you will be getting to try a real range of regional foods. How fun!

I hope you'll tell us how about the trip when you get back and what you ate!

Kate

[katejames]

Italy is fantastic. I was over there studying for 4 months and had an incredible time. I lived in Florence (Firenze) and I too need to consult my notes. There is a restaurant right by the Duomo that has terrific pizzas (very touristy) but it gives you a spectacular view of the Duomo. I'll try to give you more details later. We would just walk around and stop in wherever. Honestly, I didn't have one bad meal there. I gained 15 pounds while I was over there. But enjoy yourself. The Italians know how to live!! Kate