I can't believe my trip is next week. Finally after 9 months of waiting.

Thanks to Fodorites: The final checklist is printed, the Vatican, Scavi and Borghese tickets are all reserved.

All I want to do now is have the Concierge make my dinner reservations for my Saturday evening meal. Where should I have my first dinner in Rome.

It's our first trip to Europe and I don't think pajata should be on the menu for my first night......We'll work up to that. I want someplace comfortable and good that will handle novice European travelers. I don't think dressy or high priced for the first night. We are staying near the Pantheon.

Armando's, which is extremely close to the Pantheon is really good and affordable.

Hi G,

Since we are coming off a long flight and ar pretty much jet lagged our first evening, I just ask at the hotel for a pleasant nearby place that's not expensive.

You're not likely to appreciate anything beyond that.

No better way to quickly immerse yourself in the Roman way of eating and Rome in general than to have a pizza at one of the outdoor tables at Da Baffetto. Sit and watch the people walk by, workers coming home and parking their scooters before unlocking huge antique wood doors leading into a dark palazzo foyer. Look up and they've turned the lights on four floors above, illuminating an ancient beamed ceiling or stunning fresco. Then your pizza arrives and the fun really starts.

Armando's is certainly a good idea, as is Da Bafetto. You need never get dressy to have great food in Rome so do not worry. And do not worry about the novice part...Romans are used to tourists! Also do not think that pajata is at all weird. If you did not know the part of the animal you were eating you would not think it was anything unusual. I do recommend it!

You can read all the details about our meals at Armando's buried amidst the food minutae in my trip report...

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34931625

I'll cast another vote for Da Baffetto. Went there twice on our trip to Rome, and have recommended it to several friends, and everyone loved it. It is small, and gets crowded, but they will take a reservation. You can have your hotel call for you as we did. Even though there was a long line when we got there, we told them we had a reservation and they quickly created another table for us and sat us right down. It's a great way to start your trip.

We were disappointed with Armando and wished we had gone to Buffetto. Rome was fantastic with lots of great food all over!

GM, you no doubt have a ream of dining recommendations from Fodorites for your trip, but you may like anyway to check out this site: IN ROME NOW
http://www.inromenow.com/site%20temp...rtainMusic.htm

After the Food and Drink section, look over the entertainment and music offerings - always emmorable to take in some of the "lively" side of culture in addition to the museums and architecture (and food).

Buon viaggio ~

Thank you everyone. ekscrunchy, I've already printed out your trip report, especially since we're staying at the Albergo del Senato as well.

Both restaurants I've seen named over again. I imagine I'll eat at both over the first weekend.

I am putting together a list of restaurants from everything I've read. But that first night can set the tone for a vacation.

Thanks for your experiences...

Take a stroll around the Trastevere neighborhood on your first night and stop at a place that looks appealing to you. Your concierge can point you in the right direction from the hotel. I wouldn't try to plan anything too elaborate for your first night since you will be jetlagged and struggling to stay up to a decent bedtime. Dinner reservations may go unused since 8:00 is considered a little on the early side for dinner. When we go to Europe, we are usually struggling to stay up until 8:00pm on our first night. You will have plenty of pleasant eating opportunities in Italy!