barbmike

I will be in Rome from March 30-April 12th. Natalia, are you going to be in Rome only on the 28th? I definitely love the idea of a fodorite dinner party. I'll wait for your response. AC, I'd love to have a meal with you and your MOM alone or part of the Fodorite party. Let's all keep in touch!!!! Mike

barbmike

Thanks very much for all your thoughtful suggestions as I look forward to a possible Fodorite gathering in Rome during my visit. Mike

UKUKUK

Second the idea of a sushi bar. When I travel on business I generally eat Japanese as much as possible as you can eat at the sushi bar (also you can charge it to the client or one's own firm).

If on holiday by myself I tend to eat a large meal at lunchtime as lunch time menus are normally cheaper and the restaurants less busy which makes eating alone easier. In the evening I will often go for a kebab or something so I get to meet the kebab shop owner and see what recommendations he has for the area.

Must say that I never feel comfortable eating alone in the UK or Europe. I always feel much more comfortable doing it in the US (although I am talking NYC mainly) where loads of people seem to eat solo all the time. Students even go to cafes by themselves to work in NYC! Why not work at home?

barbmike

UKUKUK, since you're the second person to mention sushi bars and heavier meals at lunchtime, I'll probably try both suggestions during my trip. Thanks again for all the responses. Mike

Huitres

There is absolutely nothing wrong with eating alone, I do it all the time. In fact, it is often nicer! You have time to contemplate your day's adventure, plan the next, take a paper, or even chat with your neighbor at the adjoining table(s). Everywhere in Europe accommodates single diners - in fact I think their cafes are a blessing to solo diners. Unlike here in America, one feels awkward sitting alone in a huge booth or at a large table. You will enjoy yourself! Experience Easter in Rome and fulfill your dream!

suze

I travel alone often with no problem eating out alone. Taking something to read is good just in case it makes you feel more comfortable. I choose more casual places, near where I stay, and often go back a few nights in a row. Surprising how quickly you become a regular - oops sorry just read the original post that this is for Rome.

AC

We would love to meet for a meal! Let us know how we can set this up!

barbmike

AC, thanks for the reply. It would be either the 30th or 31st. As of today, I'll arrive in Rome from Switzerland around 2:00pm on the 30th. I may skip Switzerland and go to Venice instead before going to Rome. I was thinking of the restaurant called Orso 80 near the Plazza Navona. The place has gotten some good reviews here as well as "Rant and Rave". Let's keep in touch. My email address is [email protected]. If you'd like, send me your address on that link. Mike

Huitres

Barbmike: Orso 80 is a very good restaurant. My brother and I ate there 4 years ago and enjoyed the family atmosphere. It appeared that they had a distinct "English-speaking" side and a local, Italian speaking side for guests. Fortunately, we were placed in the Italian side and while I speak Italian, my brother opened his mouth and started speaking English which ruffled the waiter a tad. But all in all, it was a nice place to eat. We were staying in the Campo dei Fiori area and walked up there. It was a very, very long walk to say the least!

chardonnay

mike, I just ran across a new walking tour from enjoyrome.com - it is a food and wine tasting tour and should be fun.