We don’t typically spend time in the cities, but will be in Rome for 2 nights in August. Do any esteemed Fchat travelers have hotel and dining recommendations? Thanks! Joe
If there are pictures on the menu, don't eat there. If there is no menu at all and I guy tells you what you're going to be eating you've probably found a winner. Haven't been to Rome for nearly a decade but my advice to tourists wanting to eat well in major Italian cities is to find where the university or trade college is and eat around there- authenticity and quality is far more assured.
When in Rome I like to stay at the Sofitel Villa Borghese; walking distance to the Spanish Steps, nice rooftop bar restaurant and if you have a car they have a garage. Otherwise there are so many places, locale budget all come into play. Trastevere is a nice place to have a meal, small local places, Da Emilio in the Trieste-Parioli district, behind the Pantheon is Osteria Sostegno. Don't discount street food!! Great stuff
gelato - only get from places that say "artigianale" on the sign (that means made in the shop v brought in). restaurants, look for places that say "fatta in casa" - pasta made in the restaurant. You can find amazing food everywhere in Roma. Best bet is to get 1-2 streets off any main attraction, and you will find the less tourist-centric places and get better food and service. If you dont speak italian - try. Italians really appreciate when you try, even if its really bad. I speak italian and have lived there and have heard many conversations when waiters talk to each other about "good" americans that try and "bad" americans that dont! lol We typically stay in smaller places near Spanish Steps. Really central location and good food, shops and easy metro access. As for Hotels, I find that the 4 star non tourist hotels are often as nice or nicer than the 5 stars (with the exception of the super super nice ones). But I am too cheap to stay in those! lol Was just there a few months back for my 10th time (this time with some family who had never been abroad), you will love it! Feel free to ping me on thread or direct for more detail!
Hi my wife and I will be in Rome 2nd week of October( our 7th time) We really love staying around Campo de Fiori( awesome daily market )and an easy walk to all major attractions. We usually just AirBNB it, but I think this time maybe not. As for restaurants there one in Trastevere that we have been too a couple of times Trattoria di Lucia ( its a little mom and pop place). In Campo de fiori the food is not that great but they have a great bakery there "Forno Campo de 'Fiori". Also one of the places there serves 1 ltr glasses of beer mmmmmmm. Im sure there are others but I just love it there.
