I will be in Rome on my own for a couple of days later this year. I would appreciate any advice on eating solo and names of friendly restaurants/cafes, as some travel books say eating establishments are not always friendly towards women on their own.

I was alone in Rome for a week last year, and didn't find any trouble eating on my own. I had evening meals at the Trastevere area and the Jewish Ghetto area where you can get some really cool food like fried artichoke flowers. I also had a really good lunch at Campo di Fiori where the Pizza Blanca is the best (A friend of my even bought home water from that area on his last visit in hope to replicate this bread). Another area to explore is the Centro Storico area where the streets are lined with little antique shops. And there is a little seafood restaurant near Villa Borghese and the Spanish Steps that is a little on the pricey side but well worth it. Overall people are really friendy, but ask me more if you want more specific details. By the way, I don't speak a word of Italian.

Can anyone suggest some really nice restaurants for a woman dining LONE in Florence and Rome? I wouldn't feel comfortable in someplace which is mostly couples but might find places where tables are shared interesting. <BR>I am interested in good quality restaurants where one wouldn't be hurried along or meant to feel uncomfortable. <BR>Tough task? <BR>Please help. <BR>Thanks so much! <BR>Pam <BR>[email protected]

Not a tough task at all, Pam. I didn't encounter what you're looking for--"shared table" restaurants--so I can't point you in that direction, and I don't know how in the world one would find a restaurant where there weren't couples eating. But when I was in Rome this year, a woman traveling alone, I had a great time and felt perfectly comfortable at pretty much all the restaurants I visited. And *never* was I hurried along or made to feel like I needed to leave to vacate a table for others; that's just not the way it's done in Europe in general, and the Romans really let you/want you to linger over your food. <BR> <BR>I can repost a short list of the favorite Rome restaurants I had; I posted it back in Jan./Feb but can't think of a good word combination to search on in order to relocate it now. Let me know if you'd like to see it--I'm running out the door now so won't put it up right at the moment. <BR> <BR>But in general--I'd say don't worry. If I never hit a restaurant in a week in Rome that made me feel "uncomfortable" as a single woman, my guess is that the odds are good you won't either. I'd just recommend that you not go in *expecting* to be made to feel uncomfortable or unwelcome. Every place I went made me feel right at home.

See this similar thread, from just yesterday - - topping it for you. <BR> <BR>"Solo eating in Florence & Rome" <BR> <BR>http://www.fodors.com/forums/crossro...messagesframe& <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Joanna, <BR> <BR>I was in Rome last week, and (although I was travelling with someone) I noticed a lot of single diners (men and women) everywhere we ate. I'm sorry I don't remember the names of the places (near the Pantheon, the Ghetto - "touristy" areas), but don't be worried about not fitting in because you're alone. I wouldn't be surprised if you receive "special attention" simply because you're alone. All of the waitstaff were friendly and accommodating, so go and enjoy yourself! <BR> <BR>Regards, <BR> <BR>cindy

Sharing tables is uncommon if not outright unusual in Rome ... at least we've never noticed a restaurant that does it ... quite unlike other parts of Europe. <BR> <BR>On the other hand we've observed many lone diners over time (mainly men, but occasionally women) and have noted nothing unusual in the way they're treated. I can't imagine you'd have a problem. <BR> <BR>If one were to expect a problem it would more likely be off the tourist track and more in restaurants that get few if any visitors. This may be a situation where, contrary to normal advice, eating at spots frequented by tourists have be better advised, as opposed to finding out of the way places where relatively ancient attitudes toward women are maintained. <BR> <BR>twenj

As someone who's often traveled solo, may I suggest that the most comfortable time for dining alone seems to be lunch. I go to the special places then, and in the evening often eat simply, maybe just shop at a market or go informal. Works perfectly for me.

I agree with "maven" above. I often travel solo and find it more comfortable to eat my main meal at lunchtime and finesse dinner, with a slice of pizza or something similar. Of course, there are always exceptions to this rule--if I find congenial eating places near my hotel (a couple of blocks walking distance), I will often have dinners there. BTW, I have never found an eating establishment in Italy that was not friendly towards me.

Just another word on the friendliness of restaurants--I have found that at very busy times, especially if you don't have a reservation, many places are not willing to seat a single diner, male or female.

I found a wonderful place to eat alone, the Fraterna Domus. It is a restaurant run by nuns. You need to be rung in the door and it is by res. only. One seating <BR>a night. But good, reasonable food, friendly service, near the Piazza Navona. <BR> I have #'s of both locations if you want them. <BR>

There is a Frommer's list available for download from www.frommers.com (I think) titled "hidden gems" or "bargain spots and hidden gems in Rome" We ate at two places on that list: Tre Arches just North of the Piazza Navona, and also in that general area, Orso 80. There were several single women eating in both, and they were treated royally (as was everyone) by the serving staff. The food was also wonderful in both. (Orso 80 also is in the Fodor's listing on the site and has some raves to recommend it). I saw no evidence of single women having service problems dining while in Italy over three weeks.