Amazing restaurant! Highly recommended. The service and rooms are great for groups of 6-8 the food…read moreis typical Roman. Great meats and pastas. Excelente wine selection. Must reserve.

What a gem of a place. This is as local and authentic as you can get. It's a father/son…read moreestablishment that is welcoming and accommodating. We started off with the deep fried sage/zucchini and the bell peppers with chick peas. Both were delicious and like nothing we'd ever eaten before. The sage was crispy and came with a bean dip similar to refried beans. The bell pepper and chickpea dish was flavorful and delicious. We then shared the risotto with pesto, the crab ravioli and their signature dish, tagliatelle with truffles and guanciale. All were delicious, especially the tagliatelle. Portions were adequate and filling. We ended the meal with the white cream and chocolate sauce and the salted caramel with chocolate. The white cream is like panna cotta without the gelatin. It was light and creamy. I suspect it had some marscapone. The salted caramel was like a rich chocolate cake and was served warm. What a lovely meal. Will definitely return if we are ever back in the area. Highly recommend.

We were looking for an authentic Umbrian meal and this place delivered! From the alley to the…read morerestaurant to the welcome Prosecco it was perfect! The service was impeccable and the food was delicious. After dinner a shot of chocolate liquor was offered. Prices were reasonable.

Wow! What an incredible restaurant. I was searching for somewhere truly special to celebrate my…read morebirthday and I'm so grateful I found this gem. Chef Claudio Brugalossi and his staff were absolutely delightful--warm, attentive and genuinely welcoming. The chef personally offered thoughtful recommendations and even shared a bit about his life, which made the experience feel so personal. To top it all off, they surprised me with a delicious chocolate cake and sang happy birthday-such a memorable and heartfelt touch. They made my evening feel truly special. The next time I'm in Italy, I will absolutely be retuning--this time with a reservation.

Il Ridotto was probably one of the biggest busts on our trip to Italy. They seemed to have good…read morebuzz online, so we took a chance on them over a Michelin starred restaurant. Location is not far from St. Mark's square, although you have to be almost right on top of the restaurant before you see it. The dining room is very small, maybe 10 tables total and well decorated. The waitress was a bit rough with her English, so it was slightly challenging although you can pretty much go on auto pilot since the menu descriptions are also in English. We were the first table in, and the service started off pretty well. Calamari amuse-bouche was good. Appetizers were great. Squid stuffed with pear and rosemary along side cuttlefish and shrimp in a savory sauce. Scallops were also good, had a bit of a Thai twist. Other patrons showed up, and then things went unexpectedly down hill. Way down hill. It became fairly obvious that they were profiling the clientele, catering to those they projected to spend the most / tip best. Being young, we were on the suffering end of the spectrum along with a poor Japanese couple that spent most of the night being ignored. They had an hour to savor their Amuse. It was interesting to watch a young local bring a girl he wanted to impress. It took about 15 minutes for him to be as far along in his meal as the Japanese couple who were passing the 1.5 hour mark. From our online research we knew the Chef has a tendency to deliver at least one course to your table and ask how things are. We did not exist as he walked past us multiple times. At this point we were fairly annoyed, but the last course was finally here. At least we can go out on a good note. Unfortunately it was severely bland. Beef cheek was very mediocre, quite a let down. My wife was similarly unimpressed with her final fish course. Curiously, our hit and miss guidebook had the exact same opinion of the food, so I don't think it was just bad luck. Good food is at a premium as it is in Venice, so if you end up here take my (and my guidebook's) recommendation and make yourself a little tapas meal out of appetizers. Try to look old and rich as well. If you live outside Italy, reservations are most easily made by emailing them directly.

Il Ridotto in Venice, Italy is an Absolute Gem…read more Il Ridotto is located just behind the sumptuous St. Mark's Basilica in gorgeous Venice. This trendy spot just received its first vaunted Michelin Star this year and we have a feeling another one is on its way soon. The restaurant's light brick walls imbue a rustic ambiance with a modern chic décor seating 24 inside. The warm, humble and camera-shy Chef Gianni Bonaccorsi greeted us with such an amiable and enchanting smile. Riccardo was our meticulous and handsome sever who kept us wanting for nothing all afternoon. One of our favorite facets of this restaurant is that it is very affordable. They have lunch special where one can eat three tapas, one main and a mineral water for only 28 Euros! That is one of the best deals you will EVER find at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Almost all of the dishes are either 25 or 30 Euros and nothing is more than 35 Euros. There is also a 5-course tasting menu for only 70 Euros. These are insanely reasonable prices for a restaurant of this caliber. The opening bread basket had wonderful toasted bread that was thicker than Texas Toast as well as addictive runway model (long and skinny) bread sticks that were served with sterling Sicilian olive oil, which was perfect for dippage. We started off our feast with the Pea Soup with Mussels, Clams, Langoustine and Bread that was utterly superb. It was so smooth yet bursting with the deep complexity of the diverse seafood flavors. During our whirlwind culinary adventure throughout Italy, we found dishes that were so beautifully crafted, they should have their own exhibit in a museum. The Sardine Sandwich with "Panzanella" Vegetable served with Ricotta cheese and Candied Capers was one of these resplendent masterpieces. This inside-out sardine sandwich with sweet popped rice cake was such a delight to gaze upon and indulge. The multiple colors of pepper purees added a radiant complexion to this stunning dish. All the different textures and seasonings swirled around in our mouths in an enrapturing fashion. The Rabbit Bon-Bon with Potatoes Mille-Feuille and Artichokes was simply divine. The rabbit had a deliciously succulent and uniquely sirenic flavor. It had a dark meat chicken like texture with an enhanced and gratifying taste. The potato mille-feuille was an original, exquisite and trippy composition of very thin potato sheets combined into one potato cube. It had an onion like consistency that was so tasty. The "Caciucco" Fish Soup with Diverse Pastas and Lime Essence was personally brought out by Chef Gianni and he told us it was dedicated to Miami. Twas such a bountiful, delightful and soothing soup; every bite had velvety succulent seafood and pasta in it. The essence of lime flavor in it satiated our palates like few other soups ever had. There were mussels, fish, various types of pastas and even roasted potatoes in it. Chef Gianni told us that the dish is hot, diverse and close to the sea, which is reminiscent of Miami. The Black Spaghetti, Sea-urchins, Cress and Candied Peppers was another exquisite looking plate. It appeared as if the kitchen had an artist on staff, meticulously plating the pasta for the ultimate aesthetic appearance. The candied peppers were a flavorful addition to the seductive pasta. Chef Gianni inventively thin sliced a scallion into both the appearance and texture of pasta. The Lamb Hamburger with Red Curry and Vegetables Mayonnaise was an immaculately juicy diminutive burger that splendidly integrated rosemary with a spicy curry sauce. The purple you see in the photo is a cabbage that the Chef innovatively turned into a delicious and healthy potato chip. For dessert we had the Pistachios with Pistachios Bavarian Cream and Tangerine Gel. The Sicilian orange peel was candied which gave the dish a tantalizing mandarin scent. It was a dessert that deftly combined sweet, salty and tart through a myriad of different textures all into one bite. It was an inventive treat and a great way to cap off a truly stellar meal. Though Chef Gianni is a man of very few words, he mentioned his inspiration always begins with the vegetables, which permeate throughout all of his dishes. Most diners overlook the pertinence of veggies but most of the spices and flavors that we crave actually stem from them. He calls himself not an artist, but a culinary craftsman. When asked how it felt to receive the cherished Michelin Star that most chefs would literally kill for, with a humble and almost embarrassed smile he simply answered, "it felt good." His exalted cuisine combines flavors from all around the globe to create a new interpretation of old school Venetian cuisine making him one of the finest culinary craftsmen we have encountered and we applaud him.

The food is absolutely phenomenal. Everything was good…read more Service was only slightly slow (by New York standards), but average for Italy. Ambiance is very Etruscan, and very traditional. We had medieval soup, prior to western food items like potatoes, tomatoes, and chocolate. Really, really good with spices, imported by Marco Polo. The local wine (Chianti) is awesome, particularly the 2015-2016 year variety.

If you are looking for something other than pizza & pasta, try La Solita Zuppa! Seasonal specials…read moreincluding a variety of soups, vegetable and meat dishes...Charming interior as well as exterior patio seating!

The service from Emiliano was great. We loved his recommendations for the wines chosen with our…read morelunch. The food and atmosphere was a feast for the eyes and sumptuous to taste. Thank you Emiliano!

We ordered two pastas and a salad from the owner who speaks English and verified everything. Get…read moreone wrong pasta and the wrong salad. Been to hundreds of restaurants in Italy and this was a first. The place was empty when we ordered so no excuses. No offer to give us the proper dishes or comp of a drink. Nada.

During our trip to Assisi, we stumbled upon this hidden gem…read more The service was impressively fast--we ordered and received our food within 10 minutes. The ambiance is charming, with a cozy, small-shop feel tucked away in the alleys of Italy. Umbria, the region's cuisine, is known for its bold flavors, local wines, and use of fresh herbs. We tried a few standout dishes: * Tagliolini al tartufo - 5/5 (Rich, earthy truffle flavor, perfectly cooked pasta) * Gnocchi al ragù - 4/5 (Soft gnocchi with a flavorful meat sauce) * Agnello (lamb) with roasted potatoes - 4/5 (Tender and well-seasoned, but could use a bit more crispiness) * Legumi e cereali soup (legume, cereal, and pumpkin soup) - 4/5 (Warm and hearty, great for a chilly day)

I went over there with my mom during the lunch break of a tour in Assisi…read more The place is located in a beautiful plaza and the ambiance is quite nice, we were promptly seated. The service was pretty mediocre, as well as the food. I as expecting greatness, I mean a trattoria in Assisi!? C'mon!! I was definitely disappointed. My mother ordered gnocchi even though the sauce was pretty decent, they were made by flour, not potatoes, meaning no authentic. I had beef with rosemary and it was kinda bland, not what I was expecting. Prices were average, and they charge €2.5 Cover charge per person ( the infamous Cuperto) Not recommended

A hard to find restaurant owned by the chef. Friends of a friend recommended we dine here…read more The menu features some unique dishes created by Carlo and some local specialties found in the area. We weren't very hungry because we had salami, cheese and bread while wine tasting in Montepulciano this afternoon. We split the first course--handmade pasta with a pork cheek ragu lightly seasoned with fennel and dusted with pecorino. I was happy to learn that the traditional pasta of Orvieto is made without egg-- just flour and water. It was very satisfying. For the second course, DH had the braised pork ribs in a ginger sauce. The meat fell off the bones into the luscious sauce. The flavors were strong, yet balanced. I would definitely order it. I had the Chianina beef, thinly sliced and drizzled with olive oil, lemon and pepper. A very flavorful but light beef dish that is served cold. For dessert, DH had the deconstructed tiramisu. He said it was wonderful. We finished with limoncello, a lemon liquor. A nice little cafe that is worth a visit.

Delicious food. Try the pasta with pork cheek! They have plenty of tables in the back as well kind…read moreof hidden.

Amazing food and service! The waiter was super helpful, kind and professional. I highly recommend…read moreit!

The food here was very good. It should be said that we were on a tour and the restaurant had a deal…read morewith the company and fed us all (40+) at the same time and it was delicious! That being said, I would love to come back and order off the menu to see how it is. The atmosphere here is worth the visit alone! Many of these restaurants, shops and hotels are in ancient buildings that are built on top of even older structures. The smart business people of Assisi have figured out any different ways to display these ruins beneath their businesses. This restaurant owner created a see through floor to show off the historic excavation! Wow! So interesting and fun!

Our travel group stopped in Assisi for a walking tour of this cute little town and a visit to the…read moreBasilica of St. Francis. Afterwards we had some free time to grab a bite to eat and explore on our own. My boyfriend and I somehow ended up at Ristorante Minerva, which is actually connected to a hotel. Atmosphere: Cozy, fancy rustic type feel. They had a lot of chickens everywhere. You know those kitchens that have cows, roosters, chickens, and stuff like that as decor? Yeah, that kinda feel but a step up. There were plenty of tables and surprisingly not so smashed together. My boyfriend and I actually had some privacy, although maybe that's because it wasn't crowded. It was very bright and light inside. White table cloths, light burnt orange colored napkins, yellows, light blues... There is a counter/bar up front that has a dessert case with delicious looking goodies. Fresh fruit as well. It was quiet and relaxing after our tour of the city. Service: We were sat right away but there was no one else in the restaurant except one other group who was also on our tour. We were given menus but then had to wait awhile before we were approached (which was a little annoying because we were pressed for time). The waitress didn't say much, just took our order on her pad and walked away. I'm not sure if it was because she didn't speak English? Anyway, I will say that our food did come out pretty quick. They did bring a bread basket (free of charge-a miracle in Italy) prior to our meal arriving. It took forever to get the check. They had to figure it out between multiple people which was not comforting. I had my boyfriend triple check the cost of everything to make sure they weren't over charging. As we left there was a woman standing at the counter and she didn't even say anything....at least our food came out quickly???? Food: I wasn't super hungry so I just got a bowl of the vegetable soup. It was very tasty. Definitely a variety of vegetables with potatoes, and barley I believe. It amazes me how many Italian restaurants have vegetable soup but are all made very differently. The bowl of soup was a descent size and I was able to finish it. My boyfriend got a cheese and spinach filled ravioli dish that had a lemon sauce. He is still talking about it. He says the pasta tasted homemade and was stuffed full of the cheese and spinach. The lemon sauce/oil was super tasty, could maybe use just a smidge more lemon. The portion wasn't huge but he thought it was a nice "light lunch". The bread they served us was not very good. It had zero flavor-not even a sour dough type taste. They also do not provide butter or oil for dipping. I ended up using my soup and my boyfriend used some of the lemon oil/sauce from his pasta. If you're watching your figure-don't bother with the bread-not worth it. Cost: Very reasonable, especially for a tourist city. Our meal was probably around $20 including a bottle of "stilled" water. I scanned the prices of the other entrees and they all seemed average too. I will say the portions aren't quite as big as some of the other Italian restaurants though, but maybe that's because it was lunch? I would go back I suppose. I think if I were back in Assisi I would rather try somewhere new though. If you were looking for a quick, decent bite to eat, this place would satisfy that need but I wouldn't necessarily steer someone visiting Assisi to this restaurant.

As we continued our tour of Italy, our next stop was in the adorable and quaint village of Assisi…read more I loved being able to walk all over and take my time to enjoy the village. The pace here was much slower than Florence. The locals even had a sign up to make sure people would slow down and just enjoy their time in Assisi. We have had such good luck finding culinary treasures on our adventure and Assisi did not disappoint. Minerva Restaurant had Umbrian dishes that totally satisfied us. Here is what we ate: Strangozzi Con Salsa Tartufata (Spaghetti with Black Truffle Sauce) This was delicious. I was quite selfish on this trip because I didn't want to share any of my food. The truffles were perfect and the pasta was so fresh. Lasagna We really loved the lasagna as well. It is worth a try. We highly recommend you visit Assisi at least once in your life. It is the perfect little bite of Italy!