Restaurant in Italy?

Question

I am going to Venice, Milan and Florence during xmas and would like to try some authentic Italian food. Can any1 recommend a few resturnats for these cities? Restaurants that are not so expensive but with authentic Italian food and cozy atmosthpere.

Thank you so much

Answer 1

We visited to Florence whilst on a cruise. On the trip they took us to a restaurant. It was in a fabulous large building that had once been owned by Napoleon's sister. We had quite a good meal there (lasagne, salad, tiamisu). I couldn't tell you what it cost though as it was in with the price of the trip,

Answer 2

In Florence, there are two amazing sandwich shops for lunch -- my favorite was called Il Fratellini, and it's near the Uffizi.  IT's got no atmosphere of its own because it's basically a stand built into the side of a building, but I was thrilled with the place-- you stand in this alley with a DELICIOUS sandwich and a glass of wine they'll sell or share and just look around.  My other rec in Florence is called IlLatini-- it's not a quiet, romantic place, but was warm and kind of joyful (and also kind of loud) when we ate there.  They are exceedingly friendly and serve up course after course of amazing Italian food.  It was one of my favorite restaurants in Italy. Nothing is cheap, and this place is not a "cheap" restaurant, but the amount of food you get makes it almost a value anyway, especially if you skip a meal in anticipation....

In Venice, we did go to a quiet, romantic place well off the beaten path.  It was called Zucca (Italian for pumpkin) and is very small and located on one of the windy narrow streets there in an un-touristy area.  One caveat about that spot is that only some of the food was traditional "Italian", but all of the food we had there was good.    It is really worth it in Venice to get away from where most of the tourists are.  We found another good quiet little trattoria place, the name of which escapes me, by wandering around away from other people, whereas the two meals we ate in the bigger places with people wandering by were not very good.

Answer 3

I can only vouch for Venice out of those you have listed, i would say go around the back streets of the city, not St Marks Square, you will get all the authenticity you want. I tried a number so cannot give you one specific and not too expensive.  Follow the locals if you aren't sure, that's what i have always done. And never been disappointed.

Answer 4

When you are in Florence go to Za Za.  It's a nice mixture of locals and tourists.  Make sure you have the trio of soup and meats.  My mouth is watering right now thinking about it.  I rarely eat meat at home, and didn't ask what I was eating but it was delish!  Nice warm fireplace and outside deck.  Go late at night.

Answer 5

Don't worry! I live in Italy and there are few reasturant where there aren't italian food, like pasta, or carne alla milanese (sizzled meat, typical of Milan), or pappardelle al ragu di cinghiale (try them, they're vert good). I can give you these websites, where there are the resturant in florence, venice, and milan. However, I suggest you to go to a restaurant where there are the cucina Pugliese (typical of Apulia, it's the best!)

Answer 6

In the big city restaurant are expansive.

Venice is a "turist trap" I advice you against goin in any restaurant in Venice!!!

I advice you to go in "trattorie" or "agriturismi"

I advice to ask at local people about find good restaurant.

Avoid restaurant full of tourist, if you want to find real ITALIAN food you have to go were ITALIANS go.

Answer 7

Most of the places out there are cheap anyway,although Milan is more expensive.

Answer 8

hi,

i'm italian and i live in prato, near florence...

i recommend to you this restaurants:

ZA' ZA'  in place Mercato Centrale

SALAMANCA  road Ghibellina

in florence all restaraunt are more expensive... ;(

but you eat very very well!!!

i wish you a good stay in italy... is a spectacular country...

happy xmas and happy new year!!!

bye,

ester

Answer 9

hi

I'm Italian and I live in Milan

in Milan you can go to "Ristorante Da Charlie" via Morosini 25

cap 20135 Milano Italy

in Venice you can go to "Risorante da Giannino" Bassofondo delle Zattere (check it on the internet) Venice Italy

and unfortunately i haven't got idea of Florence...

Answer 10

As mentioned get away from the tourists.  One of my best meals in Florence was in the neighborhood where the auto body shops were located.  It was awesome, CHEAP food.  

Get to some of the little islands or neighborhoods of Venice.  Actually, one of the best meals I've had wasn't in Venice, but in the nearby town of Marghera, http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1... at the Santa Anna.  If you can get out of Venice go to Padua.  It's an awesome city with lots of great University student oriented food places.

Answer 11

they're everywhere! we went to florence for christmas and found a really nice restureant that had a specail menu with different authentic courses but im afraid i don't remember the name..