Hello! We always hear about amazing restaurants and "must-go" ones. What about restaurants we must avoid? I'm talking specifically Rome and Florence. We're getting ready for our 2 week trip (this Friday!!) and want to make sure we don't end up in some awful "tourist trap". Does such a list exist? I appreciate your thoughts and opinions in advance!

I'd recommend staying away from Coco Lezzone. Way too bright, unfriendly service and, most importantly, food that was not hot or overcooked. I heard after our poor experience there that their bistecca fiorentina is fabulous, but that's not what we ordered, and what we did have was one of our worst restaurant meals in Italy.

Stay away from anyplace in the immediate vicinity of a tourist attraction which has menus with translations in 14 languages and/or pictures of the food.

Sorry - we've had almost universally good food in Italy (although Venice can be a challenge no matter what you spend - just too many tourists versus locals).

Oops - forgot one important detail: Coco Lezzone is in Florence.

I agree that you should avoid anything next to a tourist attraction (i.e. right outside Pantheon, Trevi fountain, etc.). We found it to be overpriced and poor quality. The BEST food was in the places where there were only locals dining...there is a language barrier (less of these places translate their menus) but is well worth it!
<we thought the best area for food was Trastevere>

I always try to avoid places with menus posted in English (which is harder and harder to do).

Also avoid any place advertising "menu turistico" (prix fixe)