Hi everyone,

Myself, my husband and our 15 year old picky eater daughter are looking for a restaurant for our last night in Rome. We are hoping for a pasta, seafood or steak restaurant (maybe with a nice view but not necessary). We are hoping for a moderately to the low end of high price range restaurant. We are willing to get somewhat dressed up but we prefer a slightly more casual dress if possible. We don't want a formal stuffy atmosphere. I presume the vaporettos can get you to any part of town. We are splurging and staying at the River Palace hotel the last night so that is the part of town we will be in. Any ideas would be appreciated for this.

If anyone knows any casual bistros or trattorias for other lunches or dinners that would be great to! Thank you very much.

Diane12

Your post is mixing up Rome and Venice. Please clarify.

I'm sorry. We're going to both cities but for this one I meant Rome. Thank you.

Diane12

One that fits your requirements other than a view is Enoteca Cul-de-Sac, located at Piazza di Pasquino 73. That is just around the corner from Piazza Navona. It is a favorite of mine, other fodorites and most importantly, Romans. This is a small place and as the name says, it is a wine bar, but do not let that fool you. Other than a fantastic selection of wines, the typical Roman dishes there are excellent, hence its popularity. It is not fancy inside, but IMO has a great atmosphere with wine bottle lined walls. Because of its popularity with locals, it may be difficult to get a reservation so either get there early or call for a reservation. You will have a true Roman experience. Our waiter spoke English. Not to worry about bringing a teenager -it's OK.

Another place in Rome that you may enjoy is Ristorante Da Meo Patacca located in the Travestere section of Rome on a pretty little Piazza. This place is as different from the Cul-de-Sac as you can get. It is large and popular with tourists. When we were there, there was a large Japanese tour group of about 20 people. So, why go there? Mainly because it has good music and is an attractive place. Inside the decoration is interesting with old musical intruments and such on the wall. Most tables were set up banquet style, but there were some that were more private. When we arrived, the musicians - they are very good - 4 singers, accompanied by accordion were serenading the Japanese party with Japanese songs with the party heartily joining in and showing appreciation. The musicians circulate from table to table taking requests. We asked for some Andrea Bocelli songs and they really did a good job with them. The group was really impressive. The food, not so much, but if you stick to the grilled items, you will be fine, they are generous and done will. The mixed vegetable plate is good too. Stay away from the penne pasta in salmon sauce, usually a good dish it is awful there.

In Venice, I think you would enjoy Taverna San Trovaso tucked away in a little corner on the canal in the Dorsoduro area. The Taverna is very popular with locals and Italian tourists for good reason and we were fortunate to get a table. To find the Taverna, simply with your back to the Acedemia stop, turn right and follow the street around to the San Trovaso canal. Walk a few feet and you will find it.

Al Casin dei Nobili, is another restaurant you would most likely enjoy and again it is in Dorsoduro. It has great ambiance and fine food and good prices. And once again, most of the customers are locals.

BTW, how picky is your teenager. You have a similar post about Paris, and there is, lord help me for saying this, a McDonalds about a block from the Arc de Triumph.

Not far from your hotel (perhaps walk of about 10 minutes) is this casual place which has good Roman food; no view:

http://www.labucadiripetta.com/

..and I've had good meals at this place as well, on the same street at the place I posted above; cuisine is from the Abruzzo area:

http://www.trattoriaalgransasso.com/cucina.html

Hi everyone,

I just want to thank everyone for all of their advice and great suggestions. I can guarantee we won't be doing McDonald's at all on the trip even for our daughter. We are still open to any new suggestions from members but we have plenty to go on here alone so thank you very much to everyone. We really appreciate all of the grat feedback and ideas!!!

Diane12

Basingstoke-I love the Cul de Sac and in fact was just there a couple days ago on my recent Rome layover. I usually go there to share a bottle of wine and a caprese salad with friends before leaving for another place for dinner. The reason I don't eat dinner there is that I am not into game pates,etc. so I am thinking that the 15 year old picky eater might not want dinner there? It is a wonderful spot and has now been designated another Fodors spot.Definitely worth stopping for!

Diane12-Don't knock having a snack and a 2E beer at McDonalds across from the Pantheon in Rome-fabulous views to sit and people watch!!!

My ALL time favorite place in Rome is called ALLE FRATTE di TRASTEVERE in Trastevere and checks all of the boxes for fabulous and authentic food made by "momma"-Maria(Rick's mom),reasonable prices;great house wine bottles for only 10E and the manager(Rick) grew up in NYC part of his life so is most helpful on suggestions in English.
It just got recommended as a Fodor's favorite and now on Lonely Planet which I quess is good for them but broke my heart that the place has been discovered.It is closed on Weds. but opens early in the evening by 530/6PM which is perfect if you are leaving earlier in the morning. I usually get there around 6/6:30PM when I have an early pickup for my trip and have no problems getting a table.
Seriously, their mushroom or olive bruschetta is to die for as an appetizer. I would also highly recommend the ravoli stuffed with ricotta/spinach and sprinkled with an unbelievable sausage all over it.All of their pastas are great though.Their grilled calamari and their grilled seafood platters are legendary. The desserts are all homemade and delightful!
I usually take the number 1 or 8 tram from Largo Argentino(cat sanctuary) to the second stop in Trastevere and walk back a few steps to the street Alle Fratte(pharmacy sign on the corner).Cabs are not that expensive there either from anyplace in Rome. It about 100 yards on the right.I just took some of my fellow flight attendants there this past week on our layover and they absolutely loved it.Now I am sorry I am going to Barcelona tomorrow...

Dutyfree, but the Cul de Sac does offer a nice selection of pasta based dishes. Even vegetarian DW found things there to her liking.

Diane,

about 10 mins from the piazza navona is this place:

http://www.anticatavernamangiabene.it/

full of locals as well as the odd tourist, lots of choice but all excellent, and very reasonable. the owner of our apartment recommended it to us and she was having her birthday party there the day after we left.

there are other good places in the same street as well. only 10 minutes and a universe away from tourist Rome.