For all you fans of the Trattoria Etrusca, the former chef has purchased his own (formerly mediocre) restaurant at the other end of town. The menu is virtually identical, the food is fabulous, and the atmosphere a bit more casual than the Etruscan, including outdoor tables.

Our favorites were the Umbrichelli con Tartufo Bianco (pasta in truffle sauce with tons of fresh truffle shaved on top), and the Entrecote al Carciofi (steak with artichokes on top). There was also general agreement that they make the best minestrone soup anyone ever had.

al Pozzo Etrusco
Piazza Ranieri, 1/a
0763 344456

(Piazza Ranieri is the rectangular piazza on which the Palazzo Piccolomini hotel is situated. The restaurant is about 1/2 block on the opposite end.)

Zeppelin is still fantastic: Via Garibaldi, 28. 0763.341447

And we had exceptionally delicious food at Asino D'Oro (The Golden Ass, need to check that spelling). This was never a favorite of mine, but this year I had some of my favorite meals there. In particular, trotta al limone, a filet of trout loaded with lemon (and not a single bone either of the 2 times I had it) and "chiane", the tenderest beef I've ever eater. Also, an appetizer that I simply must describe for you. Called "Budino something something", it was 3 slabs of red pepper flan sitting on a smooth paste of hazelnuts and figs. Wow.

Buon appetito!

Thank you, Marilyn.

Look forward to visiting Orvieto.

Molto grazie ! We will be there in about 10 weeks and will try it.

bobthenavigator, if you haven't been to Orvieto, also be sure to have some of the best gelato in Italy at the far end of the Piazza del Duomo, across from the Duomo. You'll see the crowds in the evening.

topping for LesS

Does anyone have an opinion on the best place to have a good but relatively quick lunch in Orvieto? We will be driving through for a brief stop on our way from Rome to Sinalunga. Thanks.