Have a few questions about restaurants in Italy. E speaks Italian, so language is not much of an issue:

Florence: Would like to have an inexpensive dinner on Friday in the Piazza Republica, before heading for drinks at Gubellie Rossa where E will relive his semester abroad. Any suggestions?

Saturday is "date night." We currently have reservations at Garga, but if anyone has other suggestions for a nice dinner for two I'd love to hear them. (Moderately expensive to expensive, preferably a young, somewhat stylish crowd.)

Modena - Thinking of having lunch at Il Cavallino, as E's only requirement this trip was to visit the Ferrari museum (alas, a trip to the factory will have to wait a few years until we can afford a VIN!). Is it worth it, or is this the Planet Hollywood of cars?

Monterosso - I realize that Monterosso is essentially a tourist town, but I hope you can give suggestions as to which tourists traps have the best food.

Thanks so much for any suggestions!

The best dinner we had in Monterosso was at the Porto Roca hotel. Beautiful view, too.

Byrd

Thanks Byrd! Is the restaurant at the PR expensive? (the hotel was not within our budget.) If so, is it possible to go and just enjoy a glass of wine and the view?

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

Try Al Carugio. I wrote about it in my trip report from last year. Less than 40 Euro for 3 courses and wine for one person.

In Florence try Osteria de' Benci. I found it in the Fodors Guide and had a great meal that was around 25euro with wine for 1 person. They have great outdoor seating, and a dining room with big open window. I ate there alone, but it would have been better with company. It had a good mix of residents and tourists.

We ate at Cibreo in Florence because it had been recommended by several people. It was absolutely one of the best!! The secret is to pass the formal restaurant and eat at the trattoria next to it. You may be seated with other Italians which adds to enjoyment- do not miss this one. Also they take no reservations.

ZaZa in Florence is great and inexpensive. The Tuscan tomato soup is to die for!