Hi,
My husband and I are planning a trip to Rome and Florence in May 2005 (for our anniversary). I am looking for recs. for outstanding, unforgettable, romantic restaurants in both cities...We would like to do one really special meal (not too concerned on price) in each city and then dine locally the other nights.
Would like advise on some specials spots...
Thanks

Camponeschi on the Piazza Farnese comes to mind. We dined there in Sept 2003. If it's a warm night, dining outside on the quiet piazza is very special.

We're going to Florence in May too and plan to return to our favorite restaurant there--LA GIOSTRA. It's reviewed in Fodors restaurant section, so you can check it out there.

Hi, This year in June we were in both cities. Rome: Il convivio di Troani
this was the best restaurant we have ever eaten at. Our traveling partners also said the same. Quite expensive if you wine the meal.We did and truely enjoyed the evening.
Florence: Alle Murate had a supurb meal.
they have two fixed meals we chose "Their meal" and were very surprised and pleased. The guys had different courses than the ladies.
and we had four different deserts which we shared of course. the address is 52R for red and is located in near 68 residence on the street. Restaurants have their own address system in Florence.

Highly recommend both of these restaurants for special dining experiences

If the weather is warm enough to eat outside, the Hotel de Russie in Rome; beautiful garden, great food.
Outside Florence, the Villa San Michele, with a view over Florence. Very romantic.

In Florence, Acqua al Due had a "tasting" menu that was absolutely wonderful, and good for sharing. Make to sure have a reservation ahead. We tried for La Giostra, which was recommended previously, and were unable to get a res. Next time for sure...my daughter raved about it. In Rome, our most memorable meal was at Spiritu Divino in Trastevere...wonderful food, very personal service, and the owner's information about the history of the building his restaurant is in made it even more special.

Hi k,

For "outstanding, unforgettable, romantic", I agree with Tulips about the San Michele.

It is expensive.

We went to Il Convivio in Rome 2 years ago & also had a very good meal - we had the ?? course tasting menu. However it is very formal, so I don't know if that's what you want. I wouldn't really describe it as romantic.

Also liked Aqua al Due in Florence. Reservations needed. Also had a great meal at Da Osvaldo in Florence.

Thanks for all the feedback...Sounds like everyone has a favorite spot. When making reservations...did you all call from the states? or have the concierge from the hotel do it while in the city?

We went to the restaurant at lunch time to make reservations for dinner. This way we knew how to find it in advance (plus we were in the neighborhood).

But if you wanted to, your hotel could make reservations for you in advance. You could probably even e-mail them. Or you could see if the restaurant has a website--I believe La Giostra does.

This is the first I have heard of a "tasting menu" Would someone please elaborate?

With a tasting menu, you get several small courses, instead of the usual starter, main and desert. It gives you the chance to really experience the best of what a particular chef has to offer. Often there will be wines offered to go with each course as well.

Kleinjk:

We just got back from Rome and I second the recommendation of Camponeschi in Piazza Farnese. It was fabulous. They have wonderful complimentary touches such as baby mozzarella cheese at the table. I had a veal dish that was superb and the service is wonderful. We ate outside which was lovely and very romantic. We also enjoyed Da Tuillo near Piazza Barberini (but not as special as Camponeschi although they did have a napoleon cake that was to die for). Our concierge recommended Mirabella in the Splendide Hotel but we tend to not eat in hotels when travelling, preferring local restaurants. However, you can check this restaurant out, I believe, on Fodor's site. We loved Sabatini's in Florence which is near the train station but do not be deterred by that because the restaurant is very pretty and the food and service is wonderful. The staff could not be friendlier and we got a fabulous lesson on the difference betweem white and black truffles (mushrooms). On a less grand note, we also loved Camillo and Mama Gina in Florence (cross the Ponte Vecchio). Enjoy, I really do not think you can have a bad meal - bad service, yes, but not bad food.