We have just came back from a one week trip and have decided to blog about food outside of Tel Aviv and even outside of Israel – this post will be dedicated to our recommendations from Italy.
Florence
Polizia Municipale near the Duomo
Trattoria Mario – Small but famous for its low prices and good food. Definately wins the “Value for Money” badge for the trip (around 12EUR for main course). Get ready to stand in line. http://trattoria-mario.com/
Trattoria Mario
Value for Money Steak
La Giostra – That place was actually too fancy in our opinion and we didn’t really like it. It does have unique dish of Pear Ravioli that we liked and other courses were generally OK. Even though, this place wins the “Not Enough Value for Money” badge (around 20EUR for a main course). http://www.ristorantelagiostra.com/frameset.html
Pear Ravioli
San Lorenzo food market– while walking through San Lorenzo district’s streets one cannot miss the stands selling souvenirs. Nevertheless, you can esily miss the indoor food market located in the heart of the market. The market has a few restaurants in it but the real interesting experience is of course the stands with the fresh goodies.
Porcini
Different Kinds of Lettuce
If you know what this vegetable is – kindly let us know
Trattoria Nerone – Next to our lovely hotel (Hotel Azzi) we found a trattoria that offers large veriaty of food alongside unique atmosphere and indoor design. We had a good steak and the best pizza we ate in Italy (We didn’t eat so much pizza so take it as a limited recommendation). http://www.trattorianerone.it
The Best Pizza
Pisa
“Mama” – As we travelled we felt a passion to find an authentic restaurant. In Pisa, while looking for another restaurant (no success there) we accidentally came across a small place with a real Italian Mama, cooking with her husband the last 40 years while their son is working as the waiter. We don’t know the name of the place (nor does it have a name), but on the door your will see “Degustazione Prodotti tipici Toscani Solo Buongustai” which mean “Tasting, local Products, Tuscany, Only Gourmet”. The place is located in a small alley named Via Tavoleria and if the place is open you’ll probably find it. The food was good but not amazing, yet if you’re looking for the “real” experience you should definately go there.
Tasting, local Products, Tuscan, Only Gourmet
Traditional Pasta
Rome
We were lucky to find a place in the heart of the historical center, next to the Pantheon – Charming Miniflat. From the apartment we were only few minutes away from everything.
The view from the Spanish stairs
Campo dei Fiori – Very touristic market but gives you sneak peek to Italy’s fresh products.
Campo Dei Fiori
Sant’Eustachio Il Caffé – The Best coffee we had in Italy (which probably say the best we had at all). Try their Gran-Caffe. http://www.santeustachioilcaffe.it/en/
The Jewish quarter – A part from the cooking class we took (see next recommendation) we were taken to a tour in the old Jewish ghetto that has an authentic atmosphere. Try the families’ bakery and you will not be disappointed.
Fresh from the Oven
The Jewish Quarter
BA" GHETTO Restaurant (Word Game of "In the Ghetto" and "Baguette"). Not so politically correct
Fabulous Cooking Day – THE best activity we had in Italy. The class started in the morning when we took the tour to the Jewish ghetto and bought goodies in Campo dei Fiori. Then we met Fabio, our chef, in his restaurant near the Spanish steps and walked with him to his amazing apartment nearby. In his kitchen we learned how to make Pasta, Lasagna, Risotto and Chicken. The outcome was simply outstanding and delicious. Bottomless wine supply helped us digest the rewarding lunch. Don’t miss it! http://www.fabiolouscookingday.com/
You will need at least 6 hands to make pasta
Donny & Rob Making Pasta with Fabio
Cooking with Fabio
The result (one of them…)
TAZZA D’ORO – One of the most famous coffee in the world, Lockley our apartment was located just above their main store in Rome. http://www.tazzadorocoffeeshop.com/
The famous coffee
Osteria Dell’Angelo – Good steak on the grill. Pay cash only. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d792990-Reviews-Osteria_dell_Angelo-Rome_Lazio.html
Due Ladroni – Quite different from the “Touristic” veriaty of restaurants (in a good way). Comparing to all the above this one is quite expensive (20-25 EUR for a main course), but definately worth it for celebrating our last day in Italy. http://www.dueladroni.com/
We hope you will enjoy our recommendations and you’re welcome to add yours as well in the comments.
Shahar & Inbar
Tel Aviv Food 