zenfoodist

From what I've been told, the service at Roscioli is a bit...ahem...lacking. And chilly to boot. I have major issues with this, but since my kid is strongly in favor of the burrata and carbonara there, I might have to suck it up. Let's see.

zenfoodist

Just got off with Armando al Pantheon. Closed for entire month of August

ekc

We had a lovely lunch at La Gensola last year - and we were the only English speakers (not that it matters to me).

Despite the sometimes "aloof" service at Roscioli, I cannot stay away from burrata and tomatoes or the mortadella with aged parm, so we keep returning. Still a favorite for us, but not everyone's cup of tea.

Lexma90

I know you already know, but you'll have a wonderful trip! We have two chowpups (now one is a chowteen, the other a full-fledged chowhound); they're great fun to travel with. And the Italians will love it when your guy orders something other than spaghetti aglio olio.

In Florence, go to the mercato and do a taste-testing of different producers of fresh pecorino (or any other cheese you like).

I'm assuming that you have a list of all the well-known gelaterie in Rome and Florence, Gioliti and Vivoli, etc. In Florence, we also like de 'Neri - I prefer their cafe flavor over Vivoli's.

In Florence, we've been to Del Fagioli several times. The last time there, we had a great conversation with the waiter about how they decided on the just-right variety of potatoes for their gnocchi.

We did not like Pizzarium; we prefer the thinner Neapolitan pizza. So just be advised. Our favorite, most wonderful pizza rustica (by the slice) is La Florida. It is conveniently located next to Largo Argentina and the cat sanctuary there. We make excuses to take a route past here, to get "just another slice."

Don't forget to taste-test pizza bianca in Roma. Some people don't think as much of Il Fornaio, but we still like it. Nothing like sitting in a piazza with a fresh piece of pizza bianca.

I agree, Roscioli is kind of a scene, but their pasta is quite amazing. And from their deli side, I got some of the best mozzarella buffala that I've ever had.

Also in Rome, Le Mani in Pasta. When we went (granted, it was October), I think there weren't any other Americans there. And Renato e Luisa (tagliata and tonarelli cacio e pepe). A little out of the way, but delicious, was L'Arcangelo. You can tell we focus on pasta!

Hmm. Think it's time for another trip to Italy!

tuscanlifeedit

More comments: We had a very nice meal at L'Arcangelo in Rome and I would go back. We were the only obvious tourists the night we were there.

Two things I loved at Del Fagioli in Firenze: the spinach and a veal chop. But I Due G was better.

welltraveledbrit

Nice to see someone mention Renato e Luisa, we are also fans of this place, it's exactly the opposite of a the "cool" service mentioned elsewhere. We went several times over the month we were in Rome and found them very friendly and interested in talking about their food, they also steered us to some excellent reasonably priced wines.

Blueeyedcod

If you're around Via Della Scrofa then call into the bakery Antico Forno for some of their pizza by the slice. It is truly delish. This is a nice foodie neighbourhood, just down the road from San Luigi dei Francesci where Caravaggio's Calling of St. Matthew lives if you plan on going there.