Going to Italy in two weeks.Like to know some good places to eat in Florence & Rome.

Todd,<BR><BR>Biba Caggiano, a wonderful Italian chef in Sacramention, CA, has written a cookbook entitled "Trattoria Cooking". In the back of that book she names all of her favorite osteria and trattoria throughout Italy. We used this source as a "bible" while travelling and were NEVER disappointed. In fact, the food is always fabulous in Italy, but her recommendations really afforded us some lifelong memories as well. One of our favorites in Florence is Osteria del Cinghiale Bianco (White Wild Boar) at 43 Borgo San Jacapo. Please try the Pappa al Pomodoro (tomato bread soup). I've never had better. Il Latini at 6 Via Palchetti in Florence is great for lunch and is patronized by the locals sitting at long "reserved" tables. Bottles of red wine sit on the tables and you help yourself. Try it! <BR><BR>Our friends went on to Rome and used her recommendations there as well. They came back with some incredible gastronomic stories. <BR><BR>The cookbook is really worthwhile if you have any interest in cooking at all.<BR><BR>Ciao!

So, so many listings here on this forum, and on fodors Rants'n'Raves.<BR><BR>Search "Pergola", "Volte", or "Vivendo" for example to find some good threads on Rome restaurants.<BR><BR>Or search "Rome and restaurants" - - Boolean "and" or "or" searching does work here. Even "not" works - - as in "york not new", to find the city of York (England).<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

I highly recommend La Giostra Club at Borgo Pinti 10 Red Via Del Orivolo in Florence. Excellent food, service, and ambience.

In Florence, I heartily recommend Il Coco Lezzone a few streets over from Piazza della Repubblica and the Strozzi Palace Hotel. No reservations taken. I think it's closed on Mondays -- ask your hotel. The staff will certainly know it. Very authentic Tuscan fare; the Maitre d is a bit annoying but the food is superb, authentic atmosphere and most importantly, the Florentines eat there. You may be seated at table close to other people but that's half the fun. This is a good restaurant and you will not be disappointed and the price is moderate, i.e. very reasonable.

In Florence, Buca del Orafo near the Ponte Vecchio. Their artichoke omelette and riboletta inspired our second trip back to Italy.<BR><BR>In Rome, Trattoria Fiametta (sp?) near Piazza Navona. Amazing eggplant parmesean.

Tosca, near Piazza Navona! Very yummy and good prices. Owner is very nice too!